Starting my journey as a full-time freelance writer was an exciting venture filled with learning curves. I still remember the buzz of landing my first client and the thrill of watching my rates climb.
Yet, in hindsight, there are a few strategic moves I would’ve made earlier to fast-track my growth and income. These decisions could have better shaped my freelance writing career, and I’m here to share those insights with you.
Key Takeaways
- Actively seek and nurture relationships with core clients early on to secure a steady workload.
- Establish and adjust your rates strategically to maximize income without increasing workload.
- Invest time in creating a personal portfolio website promptly to attract clients directly.
Raise Rates Faster
When I started out freelancing, my initial rate was 1.2 cents per word. I remember crafting a 1,000-word article and earning my first $15 online.
It felt great to get my first online buck that way. But writing that article opened a door because the client loved it and immediately wanted another.
Within two weeks of starting, I began searching for better pay. And quickly, I found a client willing to pay 3 cents per word.
I doubled my rate with hardly any effort. I didn’t rest on those laurels; I actively sought out more clients at this new rate.
Before I knew it, I had clients offering 5 cents per word. My earnings more than tripled in mere weeks, and I was writing part-time.
At 5 cents per word, my annual earnings could exceed $100,000. With that realization, I left my 9-to-5 job.
Rate Increases Over Time:
- Initial Rate: 1.2 cents/word
- First Increase: 3 cents/word
- Subsequent Rate: 5 cents/word (tripling initial rate)
Still, it got even better. A few months later, I confidently pushed my rate to 8 cents per word.
My clients accepted the new rate with little resistance. This experience taught me the importance of not becoming comfortable with lower rates.
I created a schedule for rate increases. This practice ensured I was continually maximizing my earnings.
Schedule for Raising Rates:
- Start: 1.2 cents/word
- 1st Goal (2 weeks): 3 cents/word
- 2nd Goal (2 more weeks): 5 cents/word
- 3rd Goal (subsequent weeks): 8 cents/word
Every increase contributed to my goal to work smarter, not harder. From 5 cents, my rate grew to 8, then 12, and eventually up to 15 and 22 cents per word.
Today, my rates range between 20 to 30 cents per word. Looking back, I could have expedited my financial growth by pushing for higher rates earlier.
If I were starting over, my approach would be aggressive and strategic. In a week, I’d aim for 3 cents, and then keep climbing every two weeks.
I’d calculate the exact per-word rate to ditch my job for freelancing. Based on my six hours of writing a day, I’d figure the words per hour, then divide my desired annual salary by the hours and words to find my target rate.
Target Rate Calculation:
- Determine desired yearly income.
- Divide by number of workdays, then by daily working hours.
- Calculate words written hourly, then find the per-word rate needed.
My strategy is clear: get to the right rate within six months. If you’re embarking on a freelance writing journey, consider pushing for higher rates sooner; it could make all the difference.
Focus on Core Clients
My strategy for sustainable freelance writing rests heavily on securing core clients. Let’s talk about what they mean to me. A core client isn’t just any regular customer; they’re the backbone of my daily workload. These clients provide a steady stream of assignments that can fill a writer’s schedule to the brim.
Why are they so vital? Well, for starters, core clients have a consistent need for content. This means they’ll often send work my way that amounts to 5,000 to 10,000 words daily if I’m up for the task. Having such clients means I can dedicate myself to writing without the stress of hunting down new gigs. This consistency is key to shaping a reliable income stream.
How does this compare to other types of clients? There are what I call ‘filler clients.’ They might only need work occasionally, maybe an article a week or even a month. While they have their place, they’re not your bread and butter.
Speaking of engagement, two of my six clients contribute to about 90% of my daily workload. A stunning statistic that underscores the importance of these relationships. I allocate approximately five and a half out of my six writing hours daily to satisfying these two clients’ needs. The dynamic is simple: they provide the work, and I get to focus all my energy on delivering high-quality content.
Had I understood the value of core clients from the beginning, I would’ve pursued them right off the bat, possibly passing on the filler clients altogether. The benefit is undeniable – less time spent on job searches equals more time writing for pay.
For those keen on scaling the freelance writing ladder, zeroing in on core clients is not just advice—it’s a strategy. These clients give you financial stability and the freedom to say no to less rewarding work. That’s the game-changer I wish I knew when I first started; it’s the corner piece of the puzzle for any freelancer looking to build a solid career.
Create a Portfolio Site Sooner
Starting out, I wouldn’t linger before launching a portfolio site. It’s a pivotal move I’d make early on. A well-crafted site becomes a magnet for clients, pulling them in while I focus on writing. So, here’s what I’d do:
- Establish a clear brand: Whether it’s my name or a creative business title, I’d ensure my brand reflects my writing style and niche.
- Outline my services: Clearly define what I offer. I’d break down the types of writing I excel at and the value I bring to the table.
- Showcase my best work: Select pieces that I’m proud of. They demonstrate the quality and range of my writing capabilities.
A portfolio site, above all, should represent me authentically.
- Keep it updated: As I grow and improve, so would my portfolio. New samples and client testimonials would always be on display.
- Optimize for search engines: By incorporating SEO, I’d make it easier for potential clients to find me.
All of this would help clients come to me, reducing the effort and time I’d spend on job hunting. It’s a strategy I’d implement without hesitation.
Ditch Job Boards Sooner (But Still Use Them)
When I first dove into freelance writing, I latched onto job boards. Think of them as a springboard, not a destination. Initially, job boards are a great spot to land your first gigs and get your feet wet. But they shouldn’t be where you get comfortable setting up shop.
Let’s break it down:
- Use Job Boards to Start: It’s how I nabbed my first client, paying me 1.2 cents per word.
- Look Beyond Sooner: Within two weeks, I scoped out clients beyond job boards and doubled my rate to 3 cents.
Rapid Rate Increases:
- Repeat Rate Raising: It wasn’t long before I jumped to 5 cents per word, then more.
- Focus Matters: Zone in on steadily elevating your rates for the same work amount.
Tracking My Rate Hike:
| Timeframe | Rate Per Word |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | 1.2 cents |
| Two Weeks Later | 3 cents |
| Few Weeks After | 5 cents |
| Subsequent Raise | 8 cents |
It’s about working smart, not hard. I write for about 6 hours a day. My strategy? Regularly schedule rate reviews and push for what I’m worth.
Crucial Moves:
- Set Income Goals: Define what you need to earn. Calculate the rate and work hours needed to hit it.
- Create Schedule: Commit to periodic rate reviews to ensure earnings reflect your growing experience.
Takeaway:
Don’t linger on job boards too long. They’re a stepping stone to higher rates and better clients. Remember to continuously challenge your comfort zone with rate increases.
Make Time For Myself Earlier
Raising my rates was a game-changer. Starting with 1.2 cents per word, I jumped to 3 cents almost immediately. A few weeks in, I found myself comfortable at 5 cents per word. That’s a big leap in just a short amount of time.
My Writing Journey: Rate Progression
| Timeframe | Rate Increase | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | 1.2 cents/word | First client, $15 for a 1,000-word article |
| 2 weeks later | 3 cents/word | Doubled earnings, looking for new clients |
| A few days after | 5 cents/word | More than tripled rates, quit my job |
I waited too long before raising my rates to 8 cents per word. If I had recognized the power of rate increases, I could have reached a six-figure income much faster. Now, I make sure to periodically raise my rates without increasing my workload to create the lifestyle I want.
Benefits of Regular Rate Reassessment:
- Financial milestone: I reached over $100,000/year.
- Freedom: I left a job I disliked.
- Confidence: Negotiated rates up to 8 cents per word with minimal resistance.
Looking back, I’d speed up the process if I could. From that initial client, I would aim to increase my rates every few weeks until I hit my earning goals.
Achieving Financial Goals:
- Working hours: Calculate my needed rate based on working 6 hours a day.
- Earning targets: Set goals to transition to freelancing full-time.
- Strategy: Aim to hit my target rate within 6 months.
Securing core clients was also essential. They provide consistent work, meaning I don’t waste time seeking new clients. Currently, two core clients account for most of my workload.
Focus on Core Clients:
- Balance: They take up 5.5 hours of my 6-hour workday.
- Stability: This allows more consistent earnings and less client hunting.
Last but not least, creating a portfolio site was a crucial step. It attracts clients to me, rather than me scouring job boards. This shift has been vital in establishing a stable freelance career.
Advantages of a Portfolio Site:
- Visibility: Clients find me, saving time on job searches.
- Professionalism: Showcases my work and defines my services.
