Online writing has become a key career opportunity, with most people earning their living in writing. Most people want to venture into the business but don’t know where to start or the right professionals to walk them through the process of building their skills and becoming better online writers. In this guide I will guide you on how to start an online writing career.
For one to become an online writer and grow their online writing career, you do not necessarily need a specific educational qualification like a degree. All you need are the skills and knowledge required in the field. You may consider an online job as a full-time job or an in-house writer in the profession. Here are some steps to follow.
1. Educate yourself on online writing
You need to do thorough research and familiarize yourself with writing. Going on the internet and seeing what other writers say is very crucial. Reading their blogs, podcasts, and books can provide valuable information about the freelance writing space. Many writers share very informative writings on some frequently asked questions, like what it takes to be an online writer, the process and procedures to follow when starting online writing, and, to some extent, how to set up rates. These experts generally give you an overview of what online writing is and what to expect.
2. Familiarize yourself with writing skills.
Online writing is a business, and like any other business, it needs to be well organized and have time management skills and writing skills for it to thrive and succeed. Be familiar with the basic concept of writing, the do’s and the don’ts in writing, and how to be a good writer. Know where and when to use a word and the meaning of different types of words used in your writing.
Some of these management skills include
a) Organization and prioritization
Being well organized helps you to know what you want to do and when to complete it. Maintaining an up-to-date calendar, writing more detailed notes, and being in a neat environment may also aid in the retrieval process of documents. You might also have to prioritize your work and decide to start working on the more important, complex, and time-sensitive task first before working on the other tasks. To be successful in your online writing career, you need to have a way in which things follow each other and have a plan on how to do them.
b) Goal setting and communication
For you to become a good manager and be well organized, you need to have clear goals and objectives on what you want to start and accomplish. One may opt to set short- or long-term goals. Good and effective communication skills help you to outline your plans and provide problem-solving ideas to your superiors or even fellow colleagues.
c) Planning and stress management
You should have a clear plan on how to go about your day, attend meetings, and effectively follow your schedule. Include time breaks in your work schedule to help manage stress levels and reduce fatigue for a productive day and output.
3. Tools required for the trade
An online writing career requires a writer to have a laptop or a desktop, which should be equipped with task management and writing programs and photo-editing software. It is also important for you to have a website in which you will showcase your writing samples, a business email account, a video conferencing account, and a phone account. For payment purposes, you need to have a bank account and an online payment service account.
4. Identifying your niche
Choosing both the type of writing and the niche you want to pursue is vital in your online writing career future. This involves choosing the area you feel that you are well specialized in and your passion towards the niche. Write as many samples of your niche as possible and post them to increase your online visibility, which can bring opportunities.
5. Create a work portfolio of your work
A strong portfolio is your ticket to showcasing your skills in writing to potential customers because most of the job ads you will apply to will ask for samples you have worked on and published. You can include articles in specific content on various subjects depending on your own knowledge and preferences.
6. Setting up your online professional presence
Having a professional online presence is key for an online writer. You can start by creating a LinkedIn profile to show your writing skills, and also make sure that you regularly update your profile and add new projects and achievements. You can also follow other writers who match your niche for some insider perspective.
7. Start searching for an online writing job
Look for job opportunities on freelance platforms, job boards, and social media to have an active online writing career. Showcase your credibility with guest posting. You should also be ready to be turned down and rejected and know how to deal with different feedback. Job boards are perfect if you’re looking for a high-profile job. Ask clients for feedback on their encounter while working with you, as this builds trust and also attracts new clients.
8. Be professional and persistence
Communicate clearly and respond promptly to clients in a more professional way. You should also ensure that you deliver high-quality work to clients on time and practice the act of being patient. For a great online writing career, you have to be persistent and take time to learn.
9. Set your ratings pricing and payment
Setting up your freelancing charges as a starter might be a little bit difficult. This will require you to do research on the industry standards and also consider some factors like level of expertise. The more you gain experience in your online writing career, do not hesitate to adjust your ratings. Some of the money transfer platforms include PayPal and M-Pesa.
10. Continue learning
The best thing you can do as an online writer is to keep learning so as to discover new writing ideas. All professionals at some point in time were where you are and have the right experience to guide you through your online writing career. Listen to podcasts and read their blogs for a continuous increase of skills. You can also read social media marketing tips. Read and attend more specialized courses to help you open up new ideas on your online writing career.
Conclusion
As many people venture into online writing, skills and knowledge about the business are essential. Online writing will require patience and more research for a good and successful online writing career. Having this step-by-step guide will help you to know how to go about online writing and the key things to look for. There are many job opportunities that come with online writing, and more companies are looking for potential online writing service providers .
FAQ
Is online writing a good career?
Yes. Crafting social media blogs, online writing is growing in demand.
Are online writing jobs in demand?
Yes. The industry is evolving, and writing takes many forms, like copywriting.
How to find an online writing job?
Use platforms like Fiverr, Truelancer, and Upwork, or use websites like Remote.co and explore for opportunities.