Step One: Start Writing

I was fortunate to find a position with Copywriter Today. Prior to that, my writing had been purely creative, with no payment involved. Today, content mills still serve as a viable entry point into the industry.

However, one significant drawback of these mills is their low pay rates. During my six-year stint at CT, I never earned more than 1.5 cents per word. Despite the low pay, the experience was invaluable.

If content mills aren't your preference, consider writing for platforms like Medium or launching your own blog. Keep in mind that this approach may not yield immediate financial returns, making it a risky endeavor.

I strongly suggest starting anywhere (even a content mill) to get accustomed to writing on demand. This entails fulfilling client requests according to their guidelines. My experience at Copywriter Today allowed me to handle a large volume of orders, which significantly increased my writing speed.

Step Two: Hone Your Skills

A common issue with content mills is the dull nature of the assignments. Much of my writing consisted of product reviews (often without direct experience with the products), insurance articles, and other uninspiring topics.

Nevertheless, I learned to meet client specifications and write efficiently. Like any skill, practice leads to improvement. The more you write, the better you become, even if the subject matter isn't particularly engaging. This practice builds discipline.

I also recommend utilizing tools like Grammarly for grammar and spelling checks. The premium version offers a browser plugin that works on various sites, including Medium.

Finding clients who share your interests can be rare. That said, I haven't been very proactive in seeking clients, which is one avenue to explore.

Step Three: Accept Assignments

At Copywriter Today, I enjoyed the benefit of assigned work and a steady stream of orders. Nowadays, I generally wait for clients to contact me, maintaining a mix of ongoing projects with varying deadlines.

However, with AI taking a significant portion of the market, I need to be more proactive in my approach.

Websites like Problogger.com, Flexjobs.com, and WriterAccess.com are excellent resources for finding opportunities. While WriterAccess is also a content mill, it typically offers better compensation, often starting at $0.05 per word.

I tend to avoid bidding platforms like Freelancer.com, Upwork, or Fiverr due to fierce competition, which makes it challenging to stand out and secure consistent work. Although I've acquired a few clients through Freelancer.com, these relationships rarely lasted beyond a few assignments.

The main challenge with bidding sites is the considerable time investment required to find work, making it feel like a second job.

Alternatively, consider reaching out to companies or websites you're interested in working for, even if they're not actively hiring. Sending your portfolio can yield unexpected opportunities.

Step Four: Create a Searchable Portfolio

A limitation of content mills is that much of the work involves "ghostwriting," meaning your name isn't attached to the articles, and you may not know where they're published.

When seeking employment with companies or agencies, an online portfolio is essential. This should include links to your writing. If a piece doesn't have your name on it, you can always provide the original document as proof.

Gaining bylines (having your name on the work) is ideal. Additionally, consider setting up a Gravatar profile, as some sites pull information from it.

Platforms like Contently, ClearVoice, and SkyWord allow you to create an online portfolio featuring selected articles and links. These platforms can also help clients discover you, although this process may take time.

Step Five: Understand Your Limits

One challenge I've faced over the years is taking on too much work. Writing can be mentally taxing, and it's not feasible to churn out articles for extended hours without breaks. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and missed deadlines, resulting in dissatisfied clients and lost income.

As you build your portfolio and take on new clients, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each opportunity. I remained with Copywriter Today longer than necessary, missing the chance to seek better-paying work.

If you're unfamiliar with a topic, be prepared to invest extra time in research. Having authored over 10,000 articles in the past decade, I've learned to absorb information quickly. Many of my clients request topics I'm already knowledgeable about, allowing me to breeze through the research phase.

Lastly, higher pay often equates to taking your time with assignments. I'm still working on resisting the urge to write as quickly as possible. However, when earning $0.10 per word or more, I can afford to slow down, resulting in fewer revisions needed.

The Conclusion: Freelance Writing Demands Persistence and Effort

When I embarked on my freelance writing journey, I began with just a few hours of writing weekly and earned very little. Even after transitioning to full-time writing, I supplemented my income with other side gigs to meet my financial obligations.

While it's certainly feasible to earn money as a freelance writer, don't expect to reach six-figure earnings within a few months. Dedicate yourself, refine your craft, and seize opportunities as they arise.

And remember, never rely on AI to generate your content. The Writer's Alliance will hold you accountable for that.

The first video, How to START FREELANCE WRITING with NO EXPERIENCE [New 2021 Tips!], provides valuable insights for beginners looking to break into freelance writing.

The second video, Freelance Writers This PAYS OFF For DECADES With JUST 4 Simple Steps, outlines essential strategies that can lead to long-term success in freelance writing.