The Top 5 Steps to Becoming a Well Paid Freelancer
By: Rose Marie
Tags: Branding, Bloghersphere, Freelance Writing, Content Marketing, Blogging

Mike Ngo Photography — wocintech — flickr

I think that as writers, we all have had a moment in which our careers felt as though they were at a standstill, moving at a snail’s pace and leaving us scrambling to figure out how we were going to afford an actual meal, let alone pay our rent. The simple idea that we could lend ourselves to our craft fully was a daunting one, so terrifying that we never truly gave ourselves over to our passion for the written word. That is, of course, until we did.

Once I began to get my head out of the grainy sand and wipe those tears of doubt and despair from my eyes, I found that I am actually a fairly decent writer and just needed to push my way through those doors, slowly but surely making my way up the food chain.

Focusing on the writers hierarchy, I found a deeper understanding of the actual demand for high quality content. In fact, just the simple demand for content in general is fairly high as well, assumedly due to the pathways created out of our burgeoning digitally charged lifestyles. There is always someone, somewhere, perusing the annals of the internet and seeking content for the enriching of their minds. With that being said, here is a list of the top 5 ways that I finally got my work noticed, and began to make a full time living from the comfort of my own couch, or bed, or basically anywhere that I feel like being at any given moment.

Developing a Portfolio

This step is something that a lot of writers neglect in their early days just because they don’t know about the value that a ‘Writers Portfolio’ holds. Having a central location that has all of your previous and current work is a great way to showcase your written prowess, as well as your heightened expertise in various niches.

2. Starting a Blog

Blogging has become one of the most prominent ways to get yourself noticed by people that are willing and ready to pay for quality work. Everyone around us spends an immense amount of time on their phones, rather it be for personal communications, work, games, or reading. Having your own blog will help you to get noticed by corporations and/or individuals that are looking to pay writers to blog for them, so it is imperative that you position yourself in the right light.

3. Social Media

Social media has been around for a while and only seems to be becoming more interactive these days. Not only are social media influencers making a ton of money by posting their style, ideas, and adventures, but they are also seamlessly promoting their brands. Social media is a platform that can easily get you recognized by people looking for the types of content you provide and it is a great way to promote your website, blog and/or services to businesses around the globe. Heck, people find their soulmates on social media, I’m sure you can find a gig.

4. Guest Posting

This one can be a bit tricky, only in the sense that you may not always be paid, at first, to act as a guest blogger on another individuals platform. I assure you, the exposure that you will get from connecting with other writers that are a bit more seasoned within this realm, is more beneficial than the small fee you may be missing out on. Guest posting allows you to connect with a wider audience, possibly drawing them over to your blog as well. Moreover, you will be able to build relationships with the primary bloggers that may lead to better gigs in the future.

5. LinkedIn Recommendations

Okay, this one has been one of my favorites because LinkedIn is definitely a social media platform that is aimed at professional connections, advice, recommendations, and things of the like. I would not suggest soliciting your LinkedIn connections for their stamp of approval on your skills and qualifications, instead, go to their page and comment or endorse them for certain skills. Nine times out of ten, they will return the favor and your skills will become more credible to other prospective clients that view your profile.

All-in-all, a career in writing is not something that just anyone has the fortitude for because it does take a bit of strength in waiting for your break, however, if you implement all of the above tactics, while honing your skills, you will be successful in no time.

If you’re interested in more content like this, please follow me on Medium and visit my website @ www.bloghersphere.com.

Rose Marie