Embarking on a career as a freelance writer can be simultaneously exciting and daunting. I’ve spent a fair share of years navigating this space, which has allowed me to distinguish the best from the not-so-great places for securing writing gigs.
Kicking off your journey, Upwork is a platform that I suggest new freelance writers consider first. It’s a hub filled with a diverse range of writing jobs ranging from aerospace to real estate, catering to various interests and expertise levels.
Accessibility is one of Upwork’s strong suits, especially for those just starting out—no matter your experience level, you’ll likely find an opportunity that matches your skills.
Transitioning from beginner to seasoned freelancer entails recognizing when to move on from entry-level sources to more advanced opportunities. While platforms like Upwork offer a straightforward entry into the freelance world without the complexities of contracts or negotiating payment terms, they often involve a trade-off in terms of competition and lower pay rates.
As your experience expands, you’ll want to seek platforms that help you connect with long-term clients and attain better pay.
I’ve discovered that job boards like ProBlogger, for instance, offer higher probabilities of securing ongoing relationships with clients, setting the foundation for a more stable freelance career.
Key Takeaways
- Upwork is a beginner-friendly platform offering a wide range of topics for new writers.
- Transitioning from content mills to better opportunities is crucial for career growth.
- Job boards like ProBlogger increase chances of finding long-term client relationships.
Getting Started as a Freelance Writer
Why Choose Upwork
Ease of Access for Beginners: One of the standout features of Upwork is its accessibility to those just starting out in freelance writing. A significant advantage is that many jobs don’t require previous experience which allows beginners to secure jobs relatively easily.
- Finding Jobs in Any Niche: Upwork offers a multitude of opportunities across various subjects. No matter your expertise or interest—be it aerospace, musical instruments, or real estate—you’ll likely find a relevant writing job.
Payments and Contracts: Another benefit of using Upwork is the straightforward payment process and the lack of complex contracts.
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| No Complex Contracts | When a client hires through Upwork, they and the writer agree to Upwork’s terms, meaning you don’t need to negotiate individual contracts. |
| Direct Payments | Your earnings are paid directly into your bank account by Upwork, circumventing the need for handling payment details with each client. |
Understanding Content Mills
- Content Mills provide a platform where many clients post writing jobs.
- Upwork is an example of a content mill, popular among both website owners seeking to commission content and writers looking for jobs.
Pros and Cons of Upwork
Pros:
- Accessible to entry-level writers.
- A broad spectrum of job opportunities across all niches.
- Simplified contract and payment processes without needing to sift through legalese or hire legal counsel.
Cons:
- Inherent competition can drive down pay rates.
- Jobs typically offer lower compensation, ranging between $0.01 to $0.03 per word.
- Over-saturation of the market as Upwork is a go-to place for many freelance writers.
Personal Experience:
I began with rates as low as $0.01 per word on Upwork and have since progressed to commanding between $0.20 and $0.30 per word. However, this lower pay at the start is part of the transaction for gaining experience in the field, which in my view, is essential for growth.
Strategies for Finding Writing Gigs
Benefits of Beginning with Upwork
Upwork is a fantastic starting point for entry-level writers. It’s a platform where website owners post a variety of writing jobs, making it a hub with something for everyone. Accessibility is a key advantage of Upwork; you can secure jobs even with no prior experience. This ease of entry is a big win for anyone just starting out.
- Variety of Opportunities: There’s a vast array of niches available, from aerospace to home improvement, you’ll find a plethora of writing jobs that cater to your interests or areas of expertise.
- Simplified Payments: No complex contracts to navigate or payments to negotiate. Upwork handles all the terms and banking details, so the financial side is straightforward and secure.
Keep in mind, the competition can drive down rates, making it a race to the bottom. You’ll often find jobs paying between 1 to 3 cents per word, which is quite low. Yet, as a beginner, Upwork is an invaluable stepping stone to gain experience.
Navigating the Job Search
The process of job hunting can be daunting, but strategic approaches make it manageable. Firstly, ensure your profile stands out with a professional photo and a compelling summary of your skills and experience. Tailor your applications to each job by highlighting relevant skills and experiences that resonate with what the client is seeking.
- Effective Applications: Spend time crafting personalized proposals. Avoid generic responses and instead, demonstrate your understanding of the client’s needs.
- Skill Showcase: Be sure to showcase any niche expertise or real-world experience. This helps differentiate you from the competition.
Try to apply to jobs as soon as they’re posted, as being one of the first can give you a competitive edge. Maintain an active presence on the platforms where you seek work, as consistent engagement can lead to more visibility and, ultimately, more job offers.
Transitioning Beyond Content Mills
Once you’ve garnered some experience on platforms like Upwork, it’s time to expand your horizons. Transitioning beyond content mills opens up opportunities for better pay and longer-term relationships with clients.
- Building a Portfolio: Use your best pieces from content mill work as samples to pitch to clients outside of these platforms.
- Networking: Engage with online writing communities, and connect with potential clients through social media, writing groups, or attend industry events.
Remember, shifting from content mills like Upwork to more lucrative platforms is not an instant process. It involves actively marketing your skills and steadily building a base of clients who value and are willing to pay for quality content.
Advancing Your Freelance Writing Career
Moving Up from Low Rates
Beginning my journey on platforms like Upwork, I quickly learned the value of my work. I started at rates as low as 1.2 cents per word, which is common for beginners on these sites. Here’s how I navigated through these rates:
- Assess: Constantly evaluated the market and my skills.
- Negotiate: As I gained experience, I wasn’t shy to negotiate better rates.
- Quality Over Quantity: Focused on delivering high-quality content that justified higher pay.
- Transition: Moved to private clients willing to pay 20 to 30 cents per word or more.
Dealing with Oversaturation
Upwork can feel like a race to the bottom due to fierce competition.
- Specialize: Positioned myself in niches where my expertise stood out.
- Portfolio: Built a robust portfolio showcasing my best work.
- Testimonials: Gathered positive feedback from clients to enhance my credibility.
Setting Yourself Apart
To carve out a unique space for myself amidst the sea of freelancers:
- Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Developed and pitched my USP to potential clients.
- Networking: Used social media and professional networks to connect with clients and other writers.
- Continuous Learning: Kept updating my skills and stayed abreast with industry trends.
By leveraging what I’ve learned, I’ve been able to advance from a beginner to a sought-after freelance writer, securing long-term contracts and better rates.
Exploring Alternative Platforms
Introduction to Pro Blogger
I stumbled upon Pro Blogger as I navigated through the labyrinth of digital platforms offering freelance writing jobs. Pro Blogger distinguishes itself from the usual content mills by serving as a job board where website owners and employers post ads directly. This makes it a bit different, and in some aspects, a more appealing alternative for writers like me who are on the hunt for writing gigs. It’s not as simple as Upwork, but it’s still pretty straightforward to apply.
How Pro Blogger Differs from Upwork
The main difference between Pro Blogger and Upwork is that Pro Blogger is not a content mill but a job board. While Upwork serves as a third-party mediator, on Pro Blogger, you encounter employers posting job ads directly—this has a more personal feel. While Upwork automatically handles contracts and payments, on Pro Blogger, that’s between you and the client, which can be a double-edged sword. It’s crucial to be aware that with Pro Blogger, due diligence is needed when reviewing job offerings and finalizing contracts.
Finding Long-Term Clients on Pro Blogger
On Pro Blogger, my chances of nabbing long-term clients, or what I call “core clients,” seemed much higher than Upwork. It’s not uncommon on Upwork to grab a job that’s a one-off, which can be both a benefit and a setback, depending on one’s career goals. My success on Pro Blogger led to a couple of core clients that contributed to a significant portion of my income, proving its efficacy in securing more lasting relationships than the typical short-term connections found on other platforms.
Concluding Advice for New Writers
Over the years, I’ve discovered a mix of both fruitful and unfruitful places for securing writing gigs online. Let me share some noteworthy insights with you.
Potential Starting Points:
- Upwork: Upwork is a hotspot for finding entry-level writing jobs across diverse topics, from aerospace to home improvement.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accessible to beginners | Race to the bottom on pricing |
| Wide range of opportunities | Low pay rates for most jobs |
| No complex contracts or payments | High competition, oversaturated market |
My Beginner Strategy:
- Initially gravitate towards content mills to break into the field.
- Accept that lower rates are part of the early journey (1-3 cents per word).
- Aim to quickly move on to better-paying opportunities once you’ve gained experience.
Advancing Your Career:
- Pro Blogger: Another platform I recommend, which operates differently from Upwork—it’s more of a job board.
| Upsides | Details |
|---|---|
| Easier to access than Upwork | Still competitive, but workable |
| Higher probability of long-term gigs | Bullseye for securing core clients |
During my stint, two notable clients from Pro Blogger significantly boosted my income. In my experience:
- Be diligent in applying for jobs; consistency is key.
- Seek out long-term relationships rather than one-offs for a more stable workflow.
- Embed yourself in a niche where you can excel and stand out to clients.
Remember, getting your foot in the door requires patience and perseverance, but once inside, it’s worth every effort to build a solid foundation for your freelance writing career.
