Becoming a freelance writer is an impressive achievement that can open doors to exciting writing experiences, increased pay, and a new lifestyle. Growing your client base starts with creating quality content that appeals to the client and intended audience.
It’s natural to make mistakes when taking your first steps to pursue writing jobs and make money from home. Preventing those mistakes can help you elevate your pay and find more writing opportunities. Continue reading to learn about the six mistakes to avoid when you begin writing from home.
Undervaluing your work
No matter how long you’ve been writing, undervaluing your skills and work is a mistake that can set you back on your growth journey. Talking about pay isn’t easy, but it’s an essential step if you want to become a successful freelance writer.
Ask around to other writers in the industry to get a better idea of a fair rate for the work you’re providing. If you’re writing about a topic that requires intensive research and longer hours, list that in the invoice before accepting the project.
Underwhelming article ideas
Finding your dream opportunity is exciting, but a lackluster pitch can cause the chance to slip through your fingers. Knowing how to make a compelling and articulate pitch can increase your odds of writing for more prominent clients while getting higher pay.
The odds are that you’re not the only person who discovered the job listing and applied. Identifying areas in which you stand out from the pack is vital if you want to earn money from home as a freelance writer.
Develop your pitch and use it to impress potential clients. It is the most effective way to grow your writing portfolio while expanding the number of companies and clients you write for. You can also focus on personalizing your cover letter and include terms from the client’s industry to demonstrate your expertise.
Unoriginal work
Original content is the best content when you’re dipping your toes in the freelance writing waters. Internet content marketing is one of the pillars of a comprehensive marketing strategy for businesses and corporations.
The value of original content is much higher than pieces spun from other published works. Plagiarism is one of the worst mistakes you can make as a freelance writer. Run your content through plagiarism checkers to ensure your pieces are original before passing them on to the client.
Not using bylines
Bylines are a fantastic resource when attempting to take on more writing jobs. You receive a byline when you write a piece published on a client’s website. The byline provides your name and a brief description of your experience and personality for readers and potential clients to read.
Ask the client about a byline when learning about the brief. It is a much more effective way to get your name out in the realm of freelance writing than ghostwriting opportunities. Determine if the opportunity to build your portfolio is worth taking lower pay for the project.
Ignoring proofreading
One of the worst mistakes you can make when writing from home is failing to take the extra time to proofread what you’ve written. Your proofreading can help you catch any mistakes or instances of repetition in the piece before submitting it to editors or your client.
Submitting a piece with several errors can dent your reputation as a professional writer.
Clients expect top-quality work when paying a high price. You risk losing those clients if you neglect to proofread your work.
Not sticking to a schedule
Writers who neglect to set a schedule can quickly find themselves drowning in work with insufficient time to meet deadlines. A schedule can enhance discipline and ensure you have the time necessary to complete each task. Prompt submissions and thorough work are fantastic ways to improve your reputation and help you secure more work for the future.
The schedule may feel restrictive at first, but it can help you reach your full potential as a writer. Avoid working eight hours per day when creating a schedule and leave some time for yourself. It’s one of the advantages of writing from home.
Working as a freelance writer is a privilege, and learning to avoid costly mistakes can help you remain in the industry for a long time. Set a schedule to manage work from clients, and don’t undervalue your work. Most of all, focus on writing original content and take advantage of bylines to build awareness and improve your reputation.