Finding your footing as a freelance writer can be daunting, but once you gain momentum, you can make a substantial living. The most significant challenge many new writers encounter is finding clients, and although the pickings may seem slim, the reality is that countless startups and small businesses are seeking talented writers to help them grow their brands.
There are several reasons you’re not earning the money you dreamed of when you became a freelance writer. If you’re willing to make changes, you can watch your monthly income grow. Here’s a deeper look at five reasons why you’re not making money as a freelance writer.
Poor time management
Time management is an overlooked but critical component for freelance writers who are looking to increase their earnings and work opportunities. When you improve your time management, you’ll have more time to market yourself and produce high-quality articles. Focus on changes you can make rather than getting caught up in external factors that can become convenient excuses.
Planning ahead can make a difference and help you get more productivity from your time. Add due dates and deadlines to your calendar and block out time you can use to market yourself or explore new writing opportunities.
Finding ways to limit or eliminate distractions can also help you make the most of your time. Avoid scrolling through social media and checking emails when working on projects and briefs.
Inconsistent quality
As with many things in life, finding your first client as a freelance writer brings excitement. The concept of working where you want and having schedule flexibility holds enormous appeal, but the luster tends to wear off after a couple of months.
As time passes and boredom sets in, quality tends to drop off. The little things that led to success and new opportunities diminish, and it pairs with a lack of sufficient marketing. Ultimately, the money and opportunities begin drying up, and the money goes with it.
Focus on building consistency and health habits to overcome boredom and grow your income. The little things add up and can result in the difference between a lucrative career and missed opportunities.
Reliance on marketing hacks
A common mistake many new freelance writers make when attempting to grow their client list is reliance upon marketing hacks. There is no perfect marketing plan that you can use to increase your clients and income. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment and stagnation when you could use that energy to explore several marketing channels to build visibility for yourself and your skills.
You’ll need to try several avenues to reach potential clients and sell them on your abilities and fit for their projects. Start with one marketing channel you’ve identified and give it a try. If it doesn’t work, move on to the next one and take lessons from each path you try.
Saying no to the wrong opportunities
Instant gratification is real, and it can affect your freelance writing career and cause you not to make money. Many well-paid freelance writers accept lower-paying opportunities because they have reached the heights they’re at by tackling the opportunities in front of them.
If you’re not making money as a freelance writer, reflect on opportunities you’ve passed up. Look at your reasoning for declining the opportunity, whether it was a perceived poor fit, lower pay, or a topic that didn’t appeal to you. The relationships you build from successful work can lead to new and better opportunities, but those doors will never open if you say no to the opportunities in front of you.
Lack of self-belief
You need to believe in your ability if you’re going to make a career out of freelance writing. Freelance writers who think earning higher, consistent pay is impossible will never get there because their mindset will prevent them from taking the steps to overcome obstacles and spur the growth necessary for increased income.
Get in the habit of marketing yourself daily and watch the opportunities grow. Set high standards and goals, and take action to meet them. Your efforts will be rewarded with higher pay, better clients, and sustainable success.
Increase your freelance writer income
Growing your income starts with learning how to market yourself and accepting the opportunities in front of you. Optimize your time management and focus on delivering consistent quality to attract new clients and secure higher-paying opportunities as a freelance writer.