How To Become A Freelance Writer With No Experience?

If you’ve ever dreamed of putting words to paper and crafting stories, becoming a freelance writer might be just the thing for you! Even if you’re starting from scratch, diving into the world of freelance writing is an exciting journey waiting to unfold. You might wonder, “Can I do it with no experience?”

Absolutely! Everyone starts somewhere, and with the right steps and hardwork, you can make a career as a freelance writer. In this guide, we’ll explore simple, step-by-step methods that don’t require any previous writing experience. From discovering your unique voice to finding your first gigs, we’ll walk through the process together. So, if you’re passionate about storytelling, curious about exploring different topics, and eager to express yourself through words, let’s embark on this journey and know how to become a freelance writer with no experience needed!

Some amazing and interesting stats about Freelance

• First of all we will see the impact of covid break out on the freelance writing workforce.The unexpected coronavirus pandemic outbreak had an impact on every single organisation. Similarly, the freelance writing market was also not spared. In this chart we will try to show the impact of Covid-19 on the freelance writing market with the help of insights from freelancers working there. 

• Over the past 10 years, incomes for freelance writers have increased gradually due to a number of factors, like as growing demand for content, the development of the gig economy, and the growing use of online platforms that serve as a channel between clients and freelance writers.Upwork has released a report stating that the average hourly salary for freelance writers in the US increased from $22.13 in 2013 to $30.67 in 2023. This indicates a 38.6% increase over the last ten years. Here is a graph showing growth over the years in salaries of freelance writers.

10 Step Guide: How To Become A Freelance Writer With No Experience?

It may seem difficult to start a freelance writing career with no experience if you have never written for paid or other sites before, but it is totally achievable. This is a 10 steps guide designed for people who have never written freelancing before and are ready to get started. Here they are:

Step 1: Identify Your Niche or Interest Areas

The first step to become a freelance writer with no experience is to identify your niche or interest areas. This means figuring out what topics you’re passionate about, what types of writing projects bring you the most joy, and what areas you have experience or knowledge in. By concentrating on a particular area, you can build expertise and stand out from other writers in the industry. 

Step 2: Start a Blog or Portfolio

The second step in becoming a freelance writer with no experience is to start a blog or create a portfolio. This serves as a platform to showcase your writing skills and build a portfolio that potential clients can review. Here are some key points to consider:

• Decide whether you want to create a blog or a portfolio, or even both. A blog allows you to share your perspective and ideas on a specific topic, while a portfolio focuses on showcasing your writing samples.
• Write engaging, informative, and well-structured content that shows your writing skills and interest in your preferred niche.
• Keep your blog or portfolio updated with new content to show potential clients that you’re actively writing and engaged in your niche.
• Share your content on social media, network with other writers, and reach out to potential clients to increase visibility and attract opportunities.

Step 3: Practise Writing Regularly

Practise writing regularly and consider it as a major step to becoming a freelance writer with no experience, consider the following:

• Write daily to enhance your writing skills.
• Read every day to enhance your writing abilities.
• Sign up for professional development courses to improve your skills further.
• Make a portfolio to showcase your writing samples and abilities.
• Network with other freelancers to gain advice and find opportunities.

Step 4: Read and Learn from Established Writers

As you are a beginner in the industry, make it a habit to read and learn from some established writers. Here are 4 basic points to follow to make a good start of your career as a freelance writer with zero experience:

• Reading: Explore books, articles, and blogs by experienced writers.
• Learning: Pay attention to their writing style and how they craft their stories.
• Understanding: Notice how they engage readers and structure their content.
• Gaining Insights: Learn from their techniques and apply them to your writing practice.

Step 5: Explore Online Writing Platforms

Online writing platforms are websites where you can find writing jobs and show off your skills to people who might hire you. They have lots of writing jobs, especially for beginners. You can use them to build up a collection of your work and get better at writing. Here are few tips:

• Look into websites like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or Contently.
• Check out the writing jobs available and apply for the ones you’re interested in.
• Start with smaller projects to learn and get good reviews.
• Always act professional and do your best work to build a good reputation.
• Use these platforms to meet new people who might become regular clients.

Step 6: Network and Connect with Other Writers

For a freelance writer it is very important to make friends and connections with other writers. It is important because You can learn from others’ experiences and get advice. They might help you find writing opportunities or collaborations. Here are some key considerations:

• Join writing groups or forums online.
• Attend writing events or workshops.
• Engage with writers on social media.
• Be friendly and genuine in your interactions.
• Ask questions and offer help or support.
• Share your own experiences and be open to learning from others.

Step 7: Pitch Your Ideas to Publications or Websites

It is sharing your article ideas with magazines, websites, or blogs to get them published. It helps you get your writing out there and get paid for it and allows you to showcase your unique ideas and writing style. Here are some to do it effectively:

• Research publications or websites that match your interests or expertise.
• Find their submission guidelines.
• Craft a clear and engaging pitch for your article idea.
• Tailor your pitches to the specific publication or website.
• Highlight why your idea is interesting and relevant to their audience.
• Be professional, concise, and respectful of their guidelines.

Step 8: Consider Guest Posting or Volunteering

Guest posting is a promotional method of writing articles for other websites or blogs without payment or for a byline. It helps you gain exposure and build your writing portfolio. Also, it allows you to reach a new audience and showcase your skills. Following are some points for doing guest posting:

• Search for websites or publishers that allow guest posts or volunteers.
• Contact them and propose your article ideas.
• Write quality content following their guidelines.
• Choose platforms relevant to your interests or niche.
• Provide valuable content that fits their audience.
• Use this opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and style.

Step 9: Take Online Writing Courses or Workshops

Learning is a continuous process that ensures you are updated with the latest things. For a freelance writer, it is always advisable to join classes or workshops on the internet that teach you about writing. It is because it helps you improve your writing skills and learn new techniques. Also, it provides structured learning to become a better writer. Here are a few considerable points for joining such a class or workshop:

• Find online platforms offering writing courses (like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare).
• Choose classes that interest you or focus on areas you want to improve.
• Follow the lessons and practise what you learn.
• Check reviews or recommendations to find suitable courses.
• Allocate time regularly to complete the lessons and assignments.
• Apply what you learn in your own writing projects.

Step 10: Seek Feedback and Improve Constantly

Feedback is asking others to give their thoughts on your writing and using that feedback to get better. Seeking feedback is the last but most crucial step because it helps you with suggestions to improve and other critical feedback. It enables continuous growth and improvement in your writing skills. Here are some tips for seeking feedback:

• Share your writing with friends, other writers, or online writing groups.
• Ask them to give honest opinions and suggestions for better work.
• Take their feedback seriously and use it to make your writing stronger.
• Be open to constructive criticism; it helps you grow.
• Look for patterns in your feedback to identify areas to work on.
• Keep practising and revising based on the feedback you get.

What are the options available for a Freelance writer?

A freelance writer’s job is not limited to just as a content writer, it has numerous opportunities. Here we are listing the top 7 opportunities available to a Freelance Writer:

• Copywriting: Crafting compelling ad copy, product descriptions, marketing materials, or promotional content.
• Ghostwriting: Creating content for clients who publish under their name, such as books, speeches, or articles.
• Editing and Proofreading: Reviewing and refining written content for clarity, grammar, and coherence.
• Technical Writing: Producing manuals, guides, or documentation for technical or specialised topics.
• Freelance Journalism: Contributing articles, features, or investigative pieces to newspapers, magazines, or online publications.
• Scriptwriting: Crafting scripts for videos, films, podcasts, or other multimedia platforms.
• Content Marketing: Developing content strategies, email newsletters, or whitepapers for marketing purposes.

Conclusion

In summary, starting as a freelance writer without experience is achievable. This article aims to tie together the steps while highlighting the range of opportunities available in the freelance writing sector. Follow these  steps like exploring online platforms, network with other writers, pitch ideas, consider guest posting, take courses, and seek feedback.

Remember, this journey opens doors to diverse writing opportunities like content creation, blogging, copywriting, and more. With dedication and these steps as your compass, your freelance writing career awaits. Adopt the learning curve, improve your craft, and grab the countless opportunities in this ever-evolving field. Your writing journey starts here.