In order to establish a strong internet presence, quality, and pertinent material are crucial. In fact, after reading content about a brand, over 80% of consumers have a more favorable opinion of it. Because of this, companies are constantly searching for new copywriters, bloggers, and technical writers.
There are many chances for new freelance writers since businesses desire to include independent writers in their internal product teams and marketing operations. You might even be excited to seek this means of generating income.
Freelance writing is not always simple, though. You’ll have to overcome obstacles including locating employment possibilities, scheduling your time, and establishing your brand. Fortunately, you have access to tools that can be helpful.
The top 6 resources for every independent author
It might be intimidating to pursue a freelance writing job. You can constantly feel like you’re working hard. Also, you may have a lot to remember and be the only one who can inspire you through the inevitable tough times. Luckily, there are a few tools that can make the issues you’ll encounter easier.
You’ll have an advantage over the competition and have a better chance of obtaining the best clientele if you utilize some of these tools. The six types of writing resources listed below should be at your disposal should you decide to move in the direction of freelancing.
1. Tools for organization
Your success as a freelance writer rests on your capacity to continue finding employment. You are the boss of yourself. So, it’s up to you to keep everything organized and continue to be productive.
Using tools to assist you is a fantastic method to ensure that your goals are being met. You can track your calendar, projects, and productivity with the use of tools like Trello. To keep your client informed of all project-related developments, you can even add them as a collaborator. If the client adds you to virtual workspaces, you may collaborate with other team members on work management tools like Asana.
2. Writing advice sites and online communities
Being successful as a freelance writer isn’t always about your writing. It’s important to know your fellow writers and how the business works. There are plenty of blogs, websites, and communities that can help you find the right clients, pitch articles, or secure content marketing work.
Websites like ProBlogger, The Write Life, and Elna Cain can provide insight into creating, publishing, and selling quality content. Online freelance writing communities like Freelance Writers Den can offer support, or you can look for groups on social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. You can even try posting on message boards on sites like Reddit.
3. Editing Software
Grammar errors are the single most significant factor in making a company think you’re unprofessional. If you want to write for a living, you need to have excellent, if not flawless, grammar. Time is money, though, and it can take a long time to thoroughly edit each piece and check it for grammar and punctuation.
That can be done for you by programs like ProWritingAid and Grammarly. These kinds of tools will spot mistakes in your work and offer fixes, saving you a ton of time. Some, such as Grammarly, even provide suggestions for how to make your writing easier to read.
4. CMS programs and social media advertising equipment
Your portfolio is even more crucial than your CV if you’re a freelancer. Customers want to see written samples that demonstrate your proficiency with their tasks. Your portfolio should be displayed on a visually appealing website. Yet, as a freelancer, you might not have the money to hire a website developer or the coding know-how to build your own.
You may create a professional website without knowing how to code by using a content management system (CMS) platform like Squarespace, WordPress, or Wix. CMS platforms provide a variety of designs and templates that make it simple to attract potential clients with your portfolio.
5. Online education programs
The more abilities you have, the better when it comes to freelancing. Clients are looking for more than just excellent writing. Your chances of finding work can be increased by having skills like SEO and Photoshop. There are several sorts of writing as well, including technical writing, copywriting, and blogging. An excellent freelancer should never stop learning.
Online, there are many affordable or even free options to pick up new skills. There are a ton of videos on YouTube that can instruct you in just about anything. On websites like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare, you may also enroll in courses and tutorials on a variety of topics.
6. Accounting equipment
You’re a writer, not an accountant, therefore you probably aren’t interested in how accounting works. Regrettably, maintaining track of your books is essential to make sure you are paid. For your clients, you’ll need to draft documents including proposals, invoices, and receipts. Also, you’ll need to track which customers have made payments and how much money you need to set aside for taxes.
You can manage all of your accounting with the aid of programs like FreshBooks and QuickBooks. Also, you can effortlessly produce and manage your accounting records using template websites. Using Upwork, which keeps track of all payments and generates invoices, is a simpler alternative that ensures you get paid for your work.
Find content writing opportunities on Upwork
Working as a freelancer can be liberating, but it can also be a lot of work. If you want to be a successful freelance writer, you need to stay on top of every aspect of your small business. Luckily, there are great resources that can make managing your workload easier.
Upwork is another great way to get the ball rolling on your freelance writing career. We help you showcase your skills to clients from all over the world, matching you with the best opportunities for your situation.