I’ve been a freelance writer since 1993, I’ve made a lot of mistakes and I could actually write a book about it. Some mistakes are inevitable, but there are definitely some mistakes you don’t have to make to learn your lesson.
Freelance Writer: Have You Ever Made These Mistakes?
Here are the four most common mistakes I see made by many new (and many experienced) freelance writers.
I. Don’t Make a Marketing Plan: I’ve said it countless times, but I still have to repeat it – marketing is the lifeblood of any business. And if you don’t do this consistently, you run the risk of experiencing a feast or famine as a freelance writer.
Do not do this. You deserve better.
Just because you’re a freelancer doesn’t mean you have to have such a volatile income. Sure, it’s never going to be as stable as a nine-to-five job, but if you fail to create a consistent marketing plan and stick to it, your chances of failing as a freelancer will increase exponentially.
Therefore, when you start a freelance writing business, make it a “must do”. Make a marketing plan – it’s best to reach a certain number of contacts every day. And do the first thing in the morning.
This way you get out of trouble and develop the habit of constantly writing job openings and prospects in the pipeline. This is actually one way to make sure you stay busy as a freelancer.
2. Don’t say no: This means not only for the clients who want to belittle you, but also for the friends, family, organizations and anyone who wants you to volunteer because you are a freelancer. .”
As a freelance writer, I get up every day and “check in at the office” just like when I worked for an American company. The only thing that changed was my uniform. Now I work in my bunny slippers and can’t comb my hair until late afternoon (if applicable).
To be a successful freelancer, you have to treat your career the way you would a career, which means respecting your time. Of course, you can make your own schedule or reschedule it at will. But trust me, if you stick to a certain routine, you greatly increase your chances of success.
3. Insufficient Fees: There is no right or wrong free writing fee. In fact they are everywhere; but I can tell you $3 for 500 words is definitely not enough.
I tell all freelance writers to charge the fees you need to make a living, and the best way to solve this problem is to really understand your numbers (i.e., your expenses). This includes self-employment tax, which can be 10% to 35% (or more) of your freelance income.
Learn more about free finance and taxes.
4. Inconsistently increasing rates: Many freelancers set rates at the beginning and then may not come back for a few years or more.
Do not!
Like any business, your costs will increase, such as electricity bills, cell phone bills, office supplies, etc. So just like when you are an employee, remember to “raise” yourself by increasing the rate regularly.
I increase my SEO writing company’s rate every 18 months or so. In my experience, the first year or so of each year is a good time to do this, and the same is true in the summer when things tend to slow down.
Finally
You will make mistakes in your freelance writing career; everyone does that. However, the ones mentioned here do not have to be among them.
About the Author: Yuwanda Black is the head of New Media Words, an SEO writing company she founded in 2008, and the publisher of Inkwell Editorial Commentary, a blog dedicated to helping others launch a successful family writing career. She is also the author of more than 50 e-books, most of which cover some aspects of free writing. They can be found in major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Get everything you need to start a successful freelance home writing business.
Article source: http://EzineArticles.com/7935874