Before we even start with this topic, it is necessary to learn what the concept ‘Freelance’ actually means.
According to the Writer’s Bureau, ‘a freelance writer is a writer who works on a self-employed basis. They can work for just one magazine or, more often, they write for several different publications at a time. The more diverse a writer can be, the more likely they are to be published and paid for their work.
This doesn’t mean that Freelance Writer only writes for magazines or other kinds of publications.
Here are 5 types of freelance writing jobs you can get started on right away:
1. Article/Feature writing
This includes writing for magazines and newspapers, but can also include writing online content for magazines, journals, and news outlets. This can be a more viable and lucrative option than concentrating only on print magazines and newspapers.
There are so many websites that cover every topic under the sun and speak to every kind of audience, that you may be able to get a freelance writing opportunity much easier, writing for the web, than for print articles.
2. Content/ Copywriting
We dealt with the difference between Copywriting and Content marketing previously. It is, however, important to note that content marketing in the business world has become very important as more and more businesses start establishing their own online presence.
The recent bankruptcy of big stores that have not gone with the times and started selling their products online, or at least creating an online presence, is proof of how important online marketing and digital branding have become. Brick and mortar stores are taking a backseat to online stores like Amazon.
This is why there is such a surge in the demand for copywriters and content marketers. Content marketing nowadays is king.
Some of the content you may be creating as a Copywriter or content marketer is:
- Advertising copy
- Website content
- Blog posts
- EDMs
- Press releases
- White papers
- Ebooks
3. Blogging
Although blogging can be considered a subcategory of content writing it can also be a standalone freelance activity.
Starting a blog and writing for yourself means that there’s no middleman between the consumer and your content. Obviously, this means you can make more money selling affiliate products directly on your own blog.
4. Social media content creation
HubSpot summed it up perfectly. ‘To be masters of their trade, social media marketers should be able to build an engaged and enthusiastic community, prove that social media supports the company’s or brand’s goals, balance self-promotion with content marketing, maintain a strong presence on the relevant networks, and incorporate outbound efforts’.
Branding and content creation in social media are part of a digital revolution. Where people used to passively see ads in newspapers and magazines or see an advert on television and not be able to interact with it, everything has changed.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and many more, have made it possible for people to actively engage with your brand and this interactivity has impacted how everyone sees and experiences your brand.
As a content marketer, you can use your skills to encourage greater participation and engagement with your own brand, or you can make your services available to other companies and brands to do their social media content creation for them and to establish their digital brand on the worldwide-web.
The possibilities are endless for a freelance writer like yourself.
5. Editing
As a freelance editor or proofreader, you can make your services available to clients, such as companies who want their content checked or other writers who need an editor for their book.
You can even combine freelance editing with freelance writing and in this way diversify and extend your income stream.
Do you see yourself creating an income as a Freelance Writer with any of the above income streams?
If the answer is yes, congratulations! You have reached a milestone in your life as an independent creative entrepreneur.
