10 Simple Steps To Becoming A Pro: Advice From Experienced Freelance Writer

If you are interested in becoming a freelance writer there are ten simple steps that you can follow to become a pro:

• Step 1:

Do your research. Make sure you review multiple freelance platforms before you settle on one. And on that note don’t settle on just one. If you are just starting you may need to search multiple sites before you find one that you really like.

• Step 2:

Create your profile on the websites you have selected.

• Step 3:

Review all of the rules and regulations. Some of the top freelance websites make you take a small test but they also allow the test to be open book so you can easily find the answers in their FAQ areas. But that does not mean that you should take the test and then never look back. Take time to regularly review the rules of the company and what their policies are so that you can stand by their policies and avoid punishment. Make sure that you review the payment structures so that you are not taken by surprise. Review the protection policies for freelance writers and for clients so that you know when they are expected to pay you and how. Do not risk having your profile closed and losing out on all of your money by failing to review their policies. Make sure that you know what constitutes a violation too so that if a client tries to violate the rules you can call them on it.

• Step 4:

Bid on anything that you can. The more you bid the more chances you have.

• Step 5:

If you are new then try to find a job geared toward newcomers. You will get paid poorly but it will help you to achieve positive feedback which is key to success online. Once you have your feedback you can start charging higher fees.

• Step 6:

Review the feedback and profiles of clients before you accept jobs. It is important that you know if they are difficult to work with or regularly cheat their freelancers out of money. Stay away from bad clients.

• Step 7:

Create a portfolio to always have on hand.

• Step 8:

Remember that it will take about one to two years to really cultivate a profile adequate enough to get long term clients and regular work.

• Step 9:

Never give up! There may be times when no one else believes in you or you are working for next to nothing but never give up.

• Step 10:

Repeat step nine.