Do you want to become a successful freelance writer? If yes, you are in the right place. Here in this article, we list down the top qualities of freelance writers who are successful and make good money.
Other than writing skills (a MUST), there are certain qualities of freelance writers that will help ensure your greater success.
If you don’t have these skills and characteristics perfected, there are steps you can take to improve them and we’ve included tips for you below:
Here are the 10 Qualities of Freelance Writers
1. Sticking to Schedule
As a freelancer, it’s tempting to play hooky. When you’re the boss nobody knows if you’re working or playing. In fact, your client doesn’t really care as long as you get your work done and respond to them promptly.
However, as you already know, things happen. If you wait until the very last minute to work on project chances are that’s the day you’re going to be sick. That’s the day your internet is going to go down. It’s very stressful and often puts you in a situation where you have to ask the client for more time. That’s not a good way to earn repeat business or referrals.
Read: Best Types of Writing Jobs That Pays
Sticking to a schedule accomplishes a few things. The first is that it helps you stay relatively stress-free. This is important or you’re going to get burnt out quickly. Your schedule also helps you plan for playtime. Finally, sticking to a schedule helps you remain professional.
Make sure you schedule your work hours and prioritize client work. Figure out which times of day are your most productive and take advantage of that. And most importantly, don’t take on more than you can manage, and make client satisfaction a priority.
2. Successful Freelance Writers Know Their Market
It’s very important for you to know your customer inside and out. What do they need? Why do they need it? How can you offer them the best value possible? When you understand your market, and your customer, then you can offer them exactly what they need. It makes being a freelancer much easier and more profitable.
But more than that, they know how to target their IDEAL CLIENT. The client who is going to be the easiest to work with, value your time, and pay you well. We include detailed training for you in our WriterHelpWanted membership to help you identify the best clients for you.
Check: Top Content Writing Courses
3. Good Marketing Skills
Rather than sitting back and waiting for new clients to come to them, successful freelancer markets their services and seeks customers and projects. Marketing isn’t something everyone loves to do. However, if you want to make money as a freelancer it’s important to market your services. Additionally, if you enjoy your freelance specialty and/or niche then marketing is actually quite fun.
It’s easy to get busy with clients and then forget to continue to market yourself, but marketing is an important part of your business. Make sure you:
- Help your client identify the ongoing needs they have for your service and show them how it will help them grow their business.
- Ask for referrals and actively follow up with those referrals.
- Build relationships with other freelancers.
It can be very rewarding to be a freelancer and if you’re already freelancing, you know it can also be quite challenging. Approach your freelance career as if you were creating a business…because you are creating a business. Plan your business. Create policies and procedures. Establish a system of working that balances work and free time. The more professional your freelance business is, the more successful you’ll be.
4. Maintains a Blog
If you look at the profiles of successful content writers, you will observe all of them have one thing in common. They maintain a blog of their own. They promote their content writing credentials through their blog. Check our complete guide on how to create a blog with minimum cost and with no coding knowledge.
5. Versatility
Acknowledged freelance writers can adapt their writing style and tone to different topics and industries. It gives them a competitive edge. They are extremely versatile. Furthermore, they are comfortable writing in various formats such as articles, blog posts, social media content, and marketing materials.
6. Research Skills
It is observed that good freelance writers have an extraordinary ability of thorough research in collecting accurate and relevant information on a given topic. They are able to find reliable sources, analyze data, and incorporate credible information into their writing.
7. Attention to Detail
Freelance writers pay close attention to detail, ensuring that their work is free of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting problems. They are quite good at proofreading and revising their own work.
8. Creativity
Successful freelance writers use compelling storytelling strategies, vivid descriptions, and distinctive views to grab and hold the interest of their readers.
9. Professional Approach
Professionalism in communication, work ethics, and business dealings is highly valued among freelance writers. They communicate clearly and promptly with clients, meet deadlines, and manage modifications and feedback constructively.
10. Self-Motivated
Self-discipline and self-motivation are required for freelance writing. Successful freelance writers can work independently, set goals, and stay focused and productive even without constant supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my writing skills as a freelance writer?
There is no alternative to practicing writing regularly and reading extensively to become a successful writer. In addition, seek feedback from others, and continuously learn new writing techniques through courses and resources.
How do freelance writers find clients?
Nowadays, there are several ways of finding writing opportunities. You can find clients through online platforms, social media, networking, cold pitching, and referrals from existing clients.
How do freelance writers decide how much to charge?
To determine fair and competitive rates, freelance writers can consider factors such as their experience, expertise, market rates, project complexity, and time required.
How can freelance writers keep a consistent flow of work?
To ensure a steady flow of tasks, freelance writers might construct a plan, set reasonable goals, establish a workflow system, and maintain regular communication with customers.
How do freelance writers deal with writer’s block?
Take breaks, seek inspiration from other sources, discuss ideas, and use writing prompts or activities to promote creativity to overcome writer’s block.
About the Author: 99businessideas.com led by Rupak Chakrabarty is committed to helping beginners, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in starting, managing, and growing their businesses.
