Freelance writing means you work for yourself, taking on projects and setting your own schedule. You may be wondering how many pieces to take on each month, and there are a number of factors to take into consideration.
Freelancing doesn’t equate to free time
You may hear the word “freelancing” and think it means you can work when you please. Many experienced writers find that this is not the case, and they end up setting aside blocks of time each day to write. They include breaks in their daily schedule, and even though it may be “gig work”, they treat it as a full-time job.
What number is good for me?
This depends on the type of pieces you write, as well as how much research you need to do to complete each one. Basic copywriting can often be done quite quickly, while a more in-depth, heavily researched piece will take longer. This can be especially true if the process includes personal interviews.
A good first step
One of the ways a new freelancer can get their feet wet is by getting in as much writing practice as they can. This may help them to increase their output of more polished articles that engage and hold the reader’s attention.
Try preparing items written in different voices
This is another area where practice makes perfect. The easier you find it to switch from web copy content to a more professional tone, such as a technical white paper, the more productive you will be.
Getting started
Now that you have got in lots of practice and feel you’re ready to hit the ground running, it’s time to land your first client. Before you do, consider how much time you realistically have to work, and what your rates will be.
Be realistic about what you can do
When you first get started, it can be tempting to take on as many clients as possible, but this may actually backfire. Your work may appear rushed and less engaging to the reader. Most writers stick to between 1,000 and 2,000 words a week, but this may vary.
Consider your clients
If you have a steady gig with a particular client, it can pay off to learn about them and exactly what they are looking for. The end result will be pieces that really fit their needs. This may help you to build a solid working relationship and, hopefully, repeat business that becomes dependable.
Learning to let go
One way to increase your productivity is to learn to let a piece go on to editing when it is finished. Some writers go over and over their words, which tends to result in them second-guessing themselves and taking more time than they should.
Build your client base
Writers who are new to the scene often find it helpful to start out with small projects so they can gain experience. This will stand them in good stead as they move on to more complex pieces. It also allows them to build a portfolio, as well as contacts they can call on.
Choose the right format for a particular project
Knowing how to prepare different styles of work can maximize your output, and many writers follow this tack. Others, especially niche writers, work on articles that require a lot more research, and these tend to be longer and written in a professional, experienced tone.
Consistency counts
While increasing output is important, consistency also matters. If your clients know they can count on you to get the job done right without much oversight, they will turn to you first.
If you’re interested in starting your new career as an online writer, apply to join the team at Words of Worth today. We have projects just for Canadians, and look forward to hearing from you.