It’s been a tough few years for writers and copywriters, with unemployment reaching record levels and more and more people turning to digital nomads to make a living. Well, it’s better than being out of work, but it can still feel like a grind. Finding that perfect writing job can feel more like a needle in a haystack, especially since many of the roles can be performed remotely.
The good news is that with the right tools, it’s now possible to find a lucrative writing job even if you don’t have a formal education in the subject. With this in mind, let’s take a look at how to find copywriting jobs online, shall we?
Focus On Your Strengths
The first step to securing a copywriting job is to determine what your strengths and weaknesses are as a writer. This is quite difficult to do, of course, because there is no way of knowing until you’ve actually tried. That’s why it’s advisable to pursue a few freelance writing assignments to find out what you’re capable of.
Ideally, you’ll want to have a go at writing a few paragraphs for different blogs or websites before you find one that suits you perfectly. From there, it’s a case of building your portfolio and applying for various writing jobs that you find online.
It’s vital to focus on your strengths as a writer instead of your weaknesses. The former can be harnessed to offer you great opportunities to grow as a professional, whilst the latter may result in you being dismissed from a role. Remember: you can never have enough skills!
Develop A Thick Skin
If you’re new to the field, you’ll undoubtedly be applying for a range of roles, some of which may prove difficult to get hold of. This is where having a thick skin can be of great advantage to you as a freelancer.
Even though you might find a particular role difficult to negotiate, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth having a go at. The more experienced you become, the easier it will be to discern good ideas from bad ones. It’s all about knowing what you’re capable of and what you’re not.
Follow The Money
As a freelance writer, you’ll undoubtedly be receiving a range of offerd from businesses seeking to entice you into contributing content, to brands seeking to establish themselves as thought leaders in your industry.
Whilst it’s great to get involved in a variety of high-quality projects, you must ensure that you’re financially viable in the role. After all, you could end up with a mountain of debt if you’re not careful. This is why it’s worth focusing on the remuneration of a particular role before you commit. Ensure that the hourly rate and the project’s scope appear reasonable to you and that you’re comfortable with the terms of the contract.
Use The Right Keywords
If you’re applying for a specific job, make sure that you’re using the right keywords in your resume and in your cover letter. When a prospective employer comes across your resume, they’ll immediately know whether or not you’re capable of filling the role. Bear in mind the employer’s target audience when you’re designing your resume, and ensure that the qualifications and previous experiences you list are relevant to the role you’re pursuing.
Follow The Legalities
Even though you might be passionate about your work and driven by the desire to succeed, be mindful of the legalities. For example, if you’re applying for a position as a content writer for a business, you’ll probably want to research the entity’s legal status. Similarly, if you’re applying for a position as a Copywriter for a large corporation, you’ll need to research their ethics policies and make sure that you’re aware of what you’re getting into.
Build A Reliable Portfolio
A good freelance writer will regularly check their portfolio to ensure that they’re consistently building on it and driving in the right direction. As a writer, you’ll no doubt want to have a healthy bank balance so that you can look forward to paying your bills as they come in and so that you can invest in more writing-related activities. The more you produce, the more you’ll be able to offer.
A reliable portfolio is important because it allows you to show prospective employers that you’re a serious candidate for the job. It also allows you to highlight past writing projects that you deem successful, as well as projects that you feel could’ve been handled better. Finally, a portfolio allows you to communicate to potential employers your desire to continually improve as a writer.
Join A Society
Another great way of finding freelance writing opportunities is to join a society of writers. With a membership in a reputable freelancing group, you’ll be able to access a variety of content creation roles, as well as get involved in group activities, such as pitch contests and get-togethers to promote your work. It’s important to join a society of writers, as opposed to simply going it alone, because you’ll be able to connect with other freelancers who are also pursuing a similar career path. This can help you find work faster and more efficiently, as well as give you the opportunity to bounce ideas off of other professionals.
Search According To Keywords
If you’re applying for a specific job, make sure you’re using the right keywords in your resume and in your cover letter. When a prospective employer comes across your resume, they’ll immediately know whether or not you’re capable of filling the role. Bear in mind the employer’s target audience when you’re designing your resume, and ensure that the qualifications and previous experiences you list are relevant to the role you’re pursuing.
As we’ve already touched upon, keywords can be used to find content that’s relevant to your profile. For example, if you’re looking for a copywriting job, make sure you’re using words and phrases like copywriting, content strategist, or marketing manager within your resume and in your cover letter. When an employer comes across your resume, they’ll be able to find you in a range of online directories, leading them straight to the content you’ve written that’s most relevant to their needs. This means that even if they don’t have a specific role in mind, they’ll still find content that’s suited to their needs.
Follow The Pro’s
As a freelance writer, it’s essential that you follow the guidelines and suggestions of other professionals in your field. The more you do this, the better your overall chance of hitting the ground running and establishing yourself as an expert in your industry.
You can do this in a variety of ways. First, by going on online forums related to your industry, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Google+. This is a great place to look for advice and guidance, as well as to connect with other industry professionals. Second, find blogs or websites in your niche and read them regularly. This will help you keep abreast of emerging trends and technologies, as well as allow you to show prospective employers that you’re capable of being well-rounded and detailed in your knowledge.
An experienced professional will no doubt have a steady stream of work, so it’s important that you start building a reputation now. As a freelance writer, gaining experience and building a portfolio is essential. Make sure you’re consistently showing improvement, as well as being able to communicate your strengths and skills to prospective employers.