I know you may see me as a fitness person, but secretly, I’m a nerd. I like writing and do freelance writing as a side gig.
Man, it feels good to get that off my chest.
If you haven’t read the “About Me” page, then it’s a good way to get to know me. But you’re not here to hear all about me…most likely. Actually, you probably clicked on this article because you were like, “Wait a minute. I like writing and not having a boss. Maybe I could be a freelance writer too.”
Long story short: yes. You can also start freelance pretty much right this second.
To give you a bit more context on my background though; I’m a flight attendant with a degree in English. I started pilot training, but that is kind of pricey. To help pay for my flight school, I started doing freelance writing to supplement my income. I landed on freelance writing because I wanted to be a writer before realizing I loved aviation. I wasn’t using my degree as a flight attendant, but I missed it.
Freelance writing gave me a way to work on writing and still live my dream of aviation.
To some it up, it’s a way to fund adventures. Plus, I can work from anywhere (I’m writing this from Myrtle Beach with a view of the ocean) and I get free travel working for an airline.
Actually, I get paid to travel. Sometimes it’s a bit brutal, but mostly I get to write from the coolest places.
Why Start Freelance Writing
That’s my story, now here’s the thing. I know not everyone wants to work two (or more!) jobs. Some people don’t want to work their butt off at a 9-5 every day either. But also, some people do want to do that. Which is totally fine.
But if you don’t want to work a 9-5, then here is the sign to start pursuing an alternative.
I think the Pandemic taught people a lot. It also amplified a ton of negativity for some people, but I don’t want to talk about that…
I’m focusing on the fact that the Pandemic taught people that working from home was a viable option. Some companies are trying to get people to come back to the office to work, and that is okay for some people. I know plenty of people that work better by going into an actual office to work.
I don’t really think forcing people back in the office is a super great idea, but I’m just a flight attendant.
Seriously though, people don’t have to be in a set location to work. I recommend looking for remote jobs then.
A lot of people like to be able to roll out of bed and work in their pajamas. There are some jobs that you can set up your own hours even! A travel agent doesn’t have to go into the office, but they kind of have to be on call a lot. That might not work for everyone for that reason.
The main reasons I would suggest people get started with freelance writing:
- You want to set your own hours
- You want to set your own rates
- You don’t want to have a boss
- You can work from any location
There are tons of other reasons, and every person will have their own reasons too. A small reason I do freelance writing is that I like to know stuff and when I get to write about something, I get to learn more about it.
Everybody has their own goals and reasons, so maybe ask around and see if it’s right for you.
How Do I Get Started
You might be thinking that you actually kind of like the idea of financial freedom and not being dependent on a single company to keep your job. Plus, being able to work from a beach sounds pretty cool too.
I think really getting started is kind of difficult. I’ll do a more in-depth post about this later, but a shortened version about the actionable things to do is to create free accounts on websites to get yourself hired.
There are a few different websites you can use to get started. First things first, create an account on Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, and Freelancer.com. There are a ton more options for you to sign up to, such as Jooble, but these are the biggest 4.
You can create a FREE profile on these sites and start applying to jobs pretty much immediately. Fiverr is a little different because you create a posting of your offer and the jobs come to you.
Regardless, these are websites that are totally free to use. They offer payment upgrades, but you can start for free. If you don’t do this, then you won’t really ever get started.
Wouldn’t it be terrible to not achieve your goals simply because you’re nervous or scared of what others will say? It boils down to going after your goals full force. I’m talking putting all potatoes in the gravy; all the dressing on the salad; full-tilt boogie; um…I guess a lot of effort… I couldn’t think of anything else funny there.
Building Clientele
Now, that you got started and have your profiles, you have to actually have people pay you. The easiest way is to hope for the best.
That’s far from the most effective though.
Marketing is what some people might call this, but you need to start spreading the word. You should put it on all your social media. Tell your mom, your dad, your mom’s dad, your brother’s friend’s sister’s acquaintance. I mean tell everyone and their dog that you have started freelancing.
On top of that, focus your social media (unless you’re like me and just kind of using social media for funsies) and make that an extra way to spread the word about your work.
Another idea to help is to create a blog and use that as a way to build and host your portfolio. People like things to be easy cause they’re lazy (no judgment, just facts), so having your portfolio and a blog on the same website makes it easier for clients to get a feel for your voice.
To help pad your portfolio, offer work to people you know or businesses you see that have terrible representation of whatever you offer. You can use this and your results to increase your likelihood of getting new clients.
Basically, make yourself good and what you do and you will be marketable and make tons of side cash. I guess you could also make main cash. It’s kind of up in the air.
