Do you want to start a freelance blogging business but don't know where to start? Blog post writing on hire can be a great way to make money from home, and it's easier than you think!
In this article, you’ll learn the basics of starting out as a freelance blogger. We’ll cover topics such as finding clients, setting rates, and creating content. You’ll also get tips for getting started quickly and building a successful freelance blogging business for yourself.
Key Takeaways
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Why Freelance Blogging Might Be a Good fit for You
If you're considering freelance blogging as a side hustle or even your main source of income, it's important to first understand what the job entails.
Freelance blogging is not just about writing blog posts. It's about developing relationships with clients, pitching ideas, negotiating payment, and then delivering high-quality content on time and on budget.
That said, if you have a knack for writing, are able to come up with interesting ideas and enjoy working independently, freelance blogging might be a good fit for you.
Just be prepared to put in the hard work upfront to establish yourself as a credible source of information in your niche.
If you're thinking about freelance blogging, here are some reasons why it might be a good fit for you:
- You're passionate about certain topics or niches
- You enjoy writing
- You want to be your own boss
- You're willing to put in the necessary work ahead of time. It takes time and effort to build a reputation as a freelance blogger before you get paid the big bucks!
- You're comfortable working alone for long stretches of time without distractions
How to Get Started As a Freelance Blogger
Determine what niche or niches you want to specialize in
Preferably, focus only on areas where you have a solid amount of expertise. Don’t start out pitching your services in areas where you’re a newbie, even if you find them fascinating. Always develop expertise first!
Create a portfolio of your previous work
Spend a solid amount of time developing a thick portfolio of articles, either posted on your own blog or as a contributor to other sites.
In this business, you’re as valuable as your published work.
Start pitching yourself to potential clients
As a new freelancer, you’ll have to do a lot of cold calling/emailing. At the beginning you’ll have to prove yourself and will likely have to do some work free of charge to establish yourself.
While many think that gig sites like Fiverr and Upwork can be a shortcut, those sites are supercompetitive and being listed is not a guarantee for paid work. You’ll need a lot of testimonials and positive reviews to rank high and be seen.
Establish a routine and stick to it
Freelance blogging takes a lot of discipline and a clear writing routine. This is no different than any type of writing, whether you write short stories or entire nonfiction books.
You need to establish a daily routine where you can write without external or internal interruptions.
Allocate writing blocks throughout the day and make sure to turn off all notifications to reduce distractions when you’re writing.
Keep learning and growing as a blogger
Above all else, you need to be persistent. Like with any other discipline, at the beginning you may hear crickets when you reach out for work.
But over time, gigs will slowly begin to trickle in, and if you stick it out long enough, eventually the trickle will turn into a stream and the stream into a torrent.
Tips for Finding Clients and Building Your Portfolio
Here are some useful tips to get you started on the right path:
- Start by identifying your niche/target market and ideal clients
- Research your competition and find ways to differentiate yourself from them
- Build a strong online presence around your niche. Create a professional website with a blog, and make sure your social media profiles are up-to-date
- Get involved with local organizations and networking events (online and offline)
- Develop a network of people who can refer overflow clients to you
- Make use of online freelancer platforms and job boards on sites like Problogger
- Offer free or discounted services to attract new clients
- Stay up to date on industry trends and news (e.g. the recent development of AI writing assistant tools)
- Keep a positive attitude and be persistent in your efforts
- Always be professional and courteous in all your interactions with potential clients. Just know that some clients will be a lot more demanding than others
What to Charge For Your Services
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount you should charge for your freelance blogging services will vary depending on a variety of factors. Some of the key ones are: your level of experience, your niche, the market demand for your services and the nature of the project.
For example, some gigs pay by the word, some by the hour and some by the post.
The most common fee structure is by the word. Rates may vary between 5 or 6 cents for more general subjects and less experienced writers to 15-25 cents per word for specialized niches and a solid track record.
Sometimes, you’ll be offered a flat rate of, say $150 per post with a minimum length of 1,500 words, but expect to occasionally be commissioned 2,000-2,200 word posts for the same fee.
If you're just starting out, you may want to begin at the low end of the scale to drum up business until you get a sense for what people are willing to pay. You can always raise your rates down the road as your skills develop and demand for your services grows through word of mouth.
How to Stay Productive When Working From Home
Freelance blogging requires a lot of focus and discipline, because you’re your own boss and you need to make a concerted effort to be productive with your time. Here are some tips from the pros:
- Have a designated workspace to develop your writing habit — this could be a corner of your living room or bedroom, a home office, etc. — but don’t switch around places.
- Create a routine and stick to it as closely as possible. Don’t write for a solid 8 hours one day and then skip the next three days. Write for approximately the same amount of hours every day (2-5 hours, depending on whether this is a side hustle or you're blogging full time.)
- Do take occasional breaks, but make sure they're short and sweet so you don't lose momentum
- Make use of word-processing technology to help you stay productive. However, stay away from “tech creep” where you end up spending more time setting up bells and whistles than the time you actually spend writing.
- Stay organized by keeping track of what you need to do each day and week. There are a number of free project-management tools like Trello and Asana you can take advantage of
Wrapping Things Up
If you're looking for a way to start making money from home, freelance blogging might be the perfect option for you.
It's a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world, and with dedication and discipline it can also become a lucrative career option.
Just make sure you invest the necessary effort to develop your blog writing muscle, and take the time to build a strong portfolio that'll attract clients.
Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful freelance blogger. And maybe one day be able to generate enough income to replace your day job!
