The world of online carers is expanding at a rapid pace, leaving many Canadians wondering how they can tap into this growing market. There’s a variety of ways to do so, and if you enjoy working with words, the writing may be a good fit for you.
What is freelancing anyway?
Simply put, freelancing means that you work for yourself. You can choose which contracts you wish to take on, and they may be anything from ghost writing to preparing content for websites, blogs, product descriptions and other work. You will be in the driver’s seat.
Why should I write?
With so much commerce being done virtually, websites have become a vital piece of most company’s overall marketing packages. This is true for small, “mom and pop” style operations, all the way to Fortune 500’s. If you enjoy writing, you can take advantage of this opportunity, and it may be easier to get started than you might think.
What are some of the perks?
Online writers are often considered independent contractors, applying for and taking on contracts they feel are a good fit for their skill set and knowledge base. In many cases, they can work where and when they want, so long as they can access a WiFi connection. This could be anywhere from a cabin in the Cape Breton Highlands to a beach in British Columbia. As you develop your skills, you may be able to be choosier about which contacts you take on, and you’ll find you can ask for more for your work.
One of the benefits of a career as an online writer is that you can often write about topics you are very interested in and are passionate about. It’s not everyone that can say they have a job they love, and this interest tends to shine though in your words, making them more engaging for the reader of one of your articles.
What can I expect to make?
The career market for online writers is booming, and this may present lots of opportunities to those who are just starting out. As you build your reputation and writing ability, you can begin to command a higher price for your talents. According to PayScale.com, the average hourly rate for a freelance writer is $23.90, and this may be higher or lower, depending on your experience, your client and what you feel is fair.
How do I get started?
The first step getting started as a freelance writer is to take stock of your current skills, talents, and also areas where you need to improve. It’s hard to overemphasize the importance of getting in lots of practice so that your writing comes across as polished and professional. Learning how to craft engaging titles may really pay off, and this is also true when it comes to creating a “hook” that catches the reader’s attention and holds on to it right to the end of an article.
Gather your tools and create your space
The tools of the trade for an online writer can be as simple as a laptop, desktop or other computer and a WiFi connection. Setting up a comfortable workspace that is free of distractions is vital, and what this will look like depends on the individual in question. If you live with family or others, make sure they know that, when you are working, even though it’s at home, it’s “do not disturb”. Ask them to avoid distracting you, and if you find it helpful, play music to drown out background noise.
An important consideration when working online
One of the aspects of working online that is often overlooked is that it may become isolating. No matter how busy you get, it’s important to take some time for yourself to relax and connect with others, even if it’s just going for a walk or enjoying a coffee with a friend. It can be very tempting to take on so much work there’s no time for a break, but this can be a mistake, as it may lead to burnout.
Brush up on your SEO skills
Search engine optimization (SEO) techniques can help your work to rank higher in search engine results. There’s lots of free online tools and learning options for this, and utilizing them can really pay off.
What will you write about?
This is up to you. Some enjoy being able to write about a wide assortment of subjects, while others prefer to socialize on niche topics.
A little help from your friends
Once you feel your writing game is up to par, prepare some pieces on a topic of your choice and have friends, family or someone else you trust to be honest, read them, and give you some honest feedback. At first, this may be hard to hear, but it won’t be long before these critiques will help your writing improve, and you’ll develop a thick skin, which is vital when you write for a living.
Build your portfolio
A portfolio gives potential clients an opportunity to see for themselves what you can do. Many online writers start off with a blog on a subject they are interested in, and they use this as an example of their work they can share. If you choose to do so, keep in mind that the content should be at a professional level, as it will be your first “marketing voice” as you build your client list.
Craft a cold pitch
While it may be daunting at first, cold pitching to business or organizations is how many freelance writers get their feet wet. One idea is to offer to rewrite their web content so it is fresh and current, as this can attract more traffic and potential customers or supporters.
As your portfolio and client list builds, you may find that you no longer have to cold pitch or even bid on contracts. The companies will be coming to you, and you can then reflect this increase in demand by raising your rates.
Find your home
While bidding on contracts may be the bread and butter for a freelancer, it’s not for everyone. Some prefer the stability of a content site. These tend to combine many of the perks of freelancing with the stability of a regular job. There’s lots of options out there, and it can be a good idea to do some research to find one that is a good fit for you.
FAQs
Can I write about generalized topics, or is it better to focus on one subject?
As stated above, the choice is yours. While it may be easier to find work writing about a wide assortment of subject areas, those who are niche writers may be able to command a higher after due to their knowledge level.
Do I need to set up a blog?
While it’s not a requirement per se, this may certainly be helpful. It gives you a place where you can show off your talents, so make it as professional as possible. Include pictures, external links and other SEO elements, as they may help your site to show higher in web search engine rankings.
Where can I find jobs?
When you’re just getting started, it may feel a bit overwhelming to look for work. It can be helpful to set up a profile on career sites like LinkedIn, and these often can also be good sources for work as well as connecting with other writers. ProBlogger, freelancewriting.com, FlexJobs and many others are all in the market for skilled content creators, and there’s lots more out there.
How can I engage my readers?
Learning how to engage readers can help your work to stand apart from the crowd. This can be done in a variety of ways, including engaging them at an emotional level. Make them feel as if a piece is directly speaking to them so that they will want to keep on reading right to the end.
What if I’m not good at promoting myself?
Let’s be honest. Not everyone is good at self-promotion or blowing their own horn, but this can be vital for a freelance writer. It will help you to get jobs, and many choose to prepare a Letter of Introduction (LOI) ahead of time to send out to potential clients. These are not intended to be “salesy”, rather they simply introduce the writer and what they can do and ask the company to consider if they have any opportunities for them.
How hard will it be to land my first client?
At first, you may be discouraged that you have gotten skilled at writing polished pieces, prepared a portfolio and sent out your LOI’s and heard nothing back at all. Don’t give up! A conversion rate for newbie authors sits at about ten percent, but this will go up as your experience and skill set grows.
What’s a good trick for getting my first job?
Without even realizing it, you may already know your first client. Don’t be afraid to ask around to see if any of your friends, family or business contacts are in need of some content creation. Some writers do these first pieces for free so long as the client agrees to serve as a reference, and the article , blog post or other item can then be added to your personal portfolio.
Why does editing make a difference?
A good editor is a writer’s best friend, even if at first, it may not feel that way. It’s smart to develop a thick skin and remember- your editor isn’t editing you or your ideas, they are simply helping your work to be as polished as possible. They want you to succeed.
What about the financial side of the equation?
Even if you’re not writing for a Canadian company, The Canada Revenue Agency will still expect you to file the proper tax forms. These include filing form T2125 and completing line 26000- Statement of Business or Professional Activities on their income tax and benefit return. You can do so yourself, but if you have a lot of contract payments to keep track of, you may want to utilize the services of a tax professional.
What about other financial considerations?
As a freelancer, you will be considered to be part of Canada’s “platform economy”, and as such, you will likely not be covered by Canada Pension. You will need to take care of setting up your own RRSP plan, as well as an extended health insurance plan that covers services and items your provincial health care does not. There’s lots of options available for this, and you are currently working and have one through your employers, you may even be able to transition it to a private plan.
What pitfalls should I watch out for?
There’s some real horror stories out there about the pitfalls online writers can face. These range from not being paid for your work, to being plagiarized or even being asked to write a fake medication review. While some may be easy to spot, others may be well disguised, so take your time and do some research before you bid on or accept a contract. Know what you’re getting into.
Why should I connect with other writers?
Connecting with others who write online can be really helpful. You can network and share best practices as well as tips for avoiding trouble. Some even find that if they get really busy, they can refer clients to one another which may prove invaluable if they find themselves short of work.
If you enjoy working on your own, are good at time management and are skilled when it comes to the written word, online writing may be a good fit for you. Whether you choose to freelance or apply to work with a content creation site like Words of Worth, it’s a career that comes with its own set of rewards. Why not put your talents to work for you and start writing from home today?