Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media or binge-watching a Netflix show, only to feel a twinge of guilt about wasting time? What if I told you that you could make extra cash with some of that downtime, flex your creative muscles and even pave the way for many of your future career opportunities? Enter the world of freelance content writing- a side hustle that’s perfect for anyone with a knack for words and a bit of spare time.
The Benefits Of Freelance Content Writing
Let’s start with the most obvious benefit- extra money! Whether you’re saving up for that dream vacation, paying off debt, or just want a bit more financial cushion, freelance content writing can be a lucrative side gig. Depending on your skill and your clients, you can make anywhere from £20 to £200 per article! Unlike the struggles of a part-time job that requires you to clock in for specific hours, content freelance writing allows you to work whenever and wherever you want to—got a free hour before bed? Crank out a blog post. You are waiting for your coffee to brew? Draft an article outline!
Writing regularly also sharpens your communication skills, enhances your research abilities, and can even begin to improve your time management. Plus, if you’re writing on diverse topics, you’ll find yourself learning a ton about various different subjects. If you’re considering a career in writing, marketing, or any field that values communication, building a portfolio of published work is invaluable. It’s a tangible way to showcase your expertise and style.
Who Can Benefit From Freelance Content Writing?
Students can definitely benefit from this type of online side hustle if you need some extra cash without committing to a part-time job that clashes with your study schedule. Freelance writing lets you work around your classes and exams. If you already have a 9-5 job but want to boost your income? This side hustle is perfect for evenings and weekends.
Stay at home parents can also benefit greatly from this style of side hustle, if you’re at home looking at the kids and looking for a way to earn money that fits around your schedule, content writing offers the flexibility that you need! Creatives and aspiring writers can also take a lot of pleasure from this side hustle, if you’ve always dreamed of writing but never found the right outlet, freelancing can be a stepping stone to your bigger goals.
A Day In The Life Of A Freelance Content Writer
So what does a typical day look like? We have a glimpse of a freelance content writers day. Part of your morning should consist of checking emails and messages. Respond to any client queries and check for new job postings on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProBlogger. Researching all your topics is also important, drafting articles, or editing pieces that you wrote the previous day can all be ideal tasks to start in the morning.
Make sure when you finish off your day that you’re proofreading, editing, and making sure that everything is polished before sending it off to a client. Of course, your schedule is highly flexible. You might find yourself only working evenings after your day job or during weekends. The key is finding a routine that fits your lifestyle.
Why Freelance Content Writing Is Good For Future Endeavours
The skills that you develop as a freelance writer- research, communication and time management- are highly transferable. They’re valued in many kinds of industries, including marketing PR and even journalism. Freelancing is essentially like running a small business. You’re in charge of marketing, client relations, and finances. This experience can be incredibly valuable if you decide to start your own business or move into a managerial role.
As you write and start to get published, you’re building up a personal brand. A strong online presence can lead to speaking engagements, consulting opportunities, and more.
The connections you make can also open doors to brand new opportunities. Many freelancers eventually transition to full-time roles with companies or start up their own agencies. Having a body of work to show potential employers or clients is a huge advantage and demonstrates your expertise and dedication.
Tips For Aspiring Freelance Writers
Starting with writing articles about topics that interest you is always the best way to begin a content writing gig, these can help you to build up a successful portfolio by publishing them either on personal blogs or platforms like Medium. Joining Freelance platforms is also an excellent way to get started up, sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are great places for you to find your first clients.
Networking is important with any type of side hustle, connecting with other writers and potential different clients on Linkedin and Twitter. Join writing groups on platforms like Facebook and Reddit. Don’t wait for jobs to come to you, always take the upperhand. Reach out to different blogs, websites, and magazines with article ideas. You need to set realistic goals. Don’t expect to make a full-time income right away. Set achievable goals and gradually increase your workload as you gain experience.
Freelance content writing is more than just a way to make extra cash- it’s a flexible, rewarding side hustle that can enhance your skills, expand your network, and open doors to future career opportunities. Whether you happen to be a student, a full-time worker, a stay at home parent, or anyone in between, writing on the side can fit into your life and help you achieve your financial and professional goals.