If you’re looking to make some extra cash, how about writing articles online for money? There’s plenty of work to be had and the opportunity to make some great money with a few clicks of a button. All you need is some talented writing ability and a laptop or desktop computer.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started as a freelance writer:
1. Choose Your Niche
A niche is a “small market or segment” within the larger consumer market. For example, “gym wear for women” is a niche within “fitness”. When you choose a niche, you typically narrow your target audience and tailor your content to appeal to a specific group of people. The idea is to choose a topic that you are passionate about, but that is also relatively easy for you to research. When I first chose to become a freelance writer, I wanted to cover the topic of “parenting” as it relates to millennials.
As a parent myself, I was constantly frustrated by the challenges of being a working parent. That is when I knew that I had found my niche. I started by looking for groups of parents who were interested in discussing the trials and tribulations of parenting, and then I used Google Analytics to identify the most popular posts. From there, I was able to choose my topic and develop a plan.
2. Create An Outline
An outline is a “detailed plan of what you are going to say”. It can help you to structure and analyze your ideas. The most important thing is to have an outline. Without one, you’ll likely end up writing and revising your work several times before you’re satisfied with it. The following are some of the things you’ll want to include in your outline:
- A short-term (i.e. six-month) and long-term (i.e. two-year) objectives
- Keywords and phrases that describe your article
- A rough draft of the article
- The byline
- Contact information
- An indication of whether or not the article is for sale (i.e. “Advertisement”, “Product Review”, etc)
Deciding on an outline can help to crystallize your thoughts and ensure that you don’t write in a rush. Take some time to come back to your outline and revisit it often. This will help you to develop ideas and flesh out a plan, and ensure that your writing is of a high quality.
3. Research Your Topic
When you’re developing your plan, it’s important to do your research. Choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that you feel confident enough to write about. One of the best things that can help you along the way is preparation. By preparing yourself for writing, you’ll be able to choose your words more effectively and present your ideas in a cogent manner. The following are some of the things you’ll want to do to ensure that your research is relevant and up-to-date:
- Talk to experts in your niche – Find people who are authorities in your niche and have a breadth of knowledge. When you contact them, ask them for help and advice. They may be able to answer your questions, or may offer you other resources that can assist you in your research
- Look into the competition – Find out what others are writing about your topic and what their approach is. This way, you can determine whether or not you’re going to be effective in gaining traction with your writing. If you decide that this is the case, you can take this as a sign that your topic is currently “in demand” and choose a related, but slightly different niche
- Check the calendar – Each year, there are several big, prominent events that take place in your niche. Be sure to attend these events and take note of what is being said. It is essential to show that you’re an expert in your topic and that you know what’s going on. By doing this, you will differentiate yourself from other writers and hopefully attract some high-quality customers
- Consult with colleagues and peers – It is a great idea to reach out to individuals within your own network for suggestions and advice. You can also ask your colleagues for their opinions and get a chance to interact with them. This can also be helpful for getting feedback and building a reputation as a reliable and talented author.
- Look into the future – This tip is important for all writers, but it’s even more crucial for those who want to become freelance writers. One of the best things that can help you is seeing your work published and gaining credibility. Once you’ve established yourself as an expert in your niche, you can integrate your work into respected outlets and continue to build your portfolio. Seeing your work published will give you a great feeling of pride and will boost your confidence.
- Stay abreast of current affairs – There’s always something new happening in the news and it’s important to stay informed. Be sure to read the newspapers and keep up-to-date with the latest news articles and developments within your niche. By doing this, you will be better positioned to choose your words effectively and provide your readers with the information they need. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get some well-deserved recognition for your work.
- Check the style and format of existing articles – If you’re lucky enough to have found a topic that already has enough content published on it, take a look at what methods of writing and presenting information others have used. You can use this as a guide to help you choose your words and format your articles. By studying the methods of others, you will be able to choose your words and construct your sentences effectively. Moreover, you’ll be able to choose the right tense and format to make your writing more compelling.
Depending on your level of expertise and the nature of your article, you may want to set some goals for yourself. When you do this, make sure to look at both the short and long-term goals. You should also consider whether or not you want to pursue this as a full-fledged writing career. Set aside some time each day to work on your outline and develop ideas. Make sure to take breaks when you need them. Regular exercise can greatly help to increase your productivity and help you to stay focused and on track with your work. Staying motivated is one of the biggest challenges of being a freelance writer. However, if you want to make some extra cash, there are certainly enough opportunities out there to keep you motivated. Just make sure that you’re not taking on too much work and that you’re giving your best effort to each article you write.
4. Create Effective Content
You may have already covered this in detail, but quality is very important when it comes to writing. You want to create content that is both interesting and easy to follow. The following are some of the things you’ll want to do to ensure that your content is of high quality: