6 Steps to Launching a Freelance Writing Career

ProsCons

Freelance writing can be an ideal work-at-home job – all you need is a computer with an internet connection and a word-processing program. And with more and more businesses trying to build relationships with their customers by offering them useful information instead of just sales pitches, there are plenty of markets for original content.

But that doesn’t mean that freelance writing is for everybody or that every freelance job is a good one. Here are six steps you need to take to start a successful freelancing career.

1. Weigh the pros and cons of freelancing from home

It’s hard to beat the perks of freelancing from home. You can do it in your pajamas, you don’t have to shave or put on makeup, and you can do it whenever and wherever you want.

If it’s a gorgeous day and you want to take your kids to the zoo, just don’t claim any articles. There’s a lot of freedom in working by assignment.

On the other hand, it’s hard to make a livable income when you’re just starting out. The higher-paying markets want clips or links.

You get them by writing for the lower-paying content sites. While content sites are a great way to gain experience and polish your skills, they won’t pay the bills. Freelance writing also doesn’t provide a steady income.

There will be months when you make a lot of money and months when your income slows to a trickle. If you need a predictable, steady income that pays the bills right now, freelance writing is probably not the right job for you. If you’re looking for a supplemental income or have the ability to get by while you work up to the higher-paying markets, keep reading.