It is entirely possible for a freelance copywriter to write for multiple clients while maintaining high quality and standards. However, it’s not always easy to tell when a particular client is worth keeping and which ones should be let go. Sometimes you’ll get a manuscript that’s just not up to snuff, and it would be best to move on rather than sink time and effort into something that’s ultimately not going to pay off.
More Than Meets The Eye
Many clients will ask for rewrites and edits, which is perfectly normal. However, these are often not minor tweaks and fixes. More often than not, the writer is being asked to completely overhaul the piece and rewrite it from scratch. In these cases, it can be hard to say no without risking a bad relationship and losing future work. Fortunately, you can always opt out of taking on these types of projects by saying no upfront.
The Perks Of Multi-Tasking
As the name suggests, a multi-tasker is someone who is capable of doing multiple things at once. Having a bit of a hybrid life means you’ll often get a lot of content to work with, which is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you’ll have tons of raw material to mine for content; on the other, it can be tricky to keep track of what’s going on while also trying to write compelling copy for a diverse range of clients. When you’re a freelancer, you’ll undoubtedly be asked to write content for different blogs, websites, and social media platforms. The more platforms you write for, the more opportunity there is to grow your freelancing portfolio. The more you write, the more you’ll be able to pick up additional tasking. If you’re looking to build a profitable career as a copywriter, multi-taskery may be the key.
The Downsides Of Multi-Tasking
While the perks of being a multi-tasker are numerous, there are also some significant downsides. One of the main downsides is that it can be difficult to keep a constant stream of content coming in, especially if you’re already swamped with work for other clients. Juggling multiple writing projects can also lead to extreme stress, which in turn can cause health issues. Ultimately, having too many irons in the fire can hurt your ability to produce top-notch content rather than just decent content. Be smart about what you tackle next and try to focus on one or two projects at a time.
Get A Few Projects Off The Ground
A good way to decide whether or not to continue with a particular writing project is by getting it published. Even if it’s just for your own reference, proof that you’ve completed this particular piece can give you the boost you need to move forward. Sometimes the most difficult part is simply getting the ball rolling. Once you’ve gotten that out of the way, continuing with the project isn’t as daunting. Just make sure you don’t get too comfortable or ensconced in this mode, as it could hurt you in the long run if you don’t diversify your income sources.
Find Your Niche
Just because you’re a capable writer doesn’t mean you should necessarily focus on copywriting. After all, this is a broad field, and there’s a whole world of writing out there. While it’s important to be able to write in a number of different styles and have a wide general knowledge, you can still specialize in a certain area and become the go-to person for that particular subject matter. For example, if you’ve always been fascinated by the Mafia, you could potentially build a profitable career around that topic. You could even write a book about it!
There are likely many areas in which you’re capable of contributing, so take some time to find your niche. Once you do, you’ll be able to hone your skills and produce compelling content that speaks to your audience. Ultimately, this can lead to more engaging and rewarding experiences as a copywriter, allowing you to build a profitable and sustainable career.
Choosing your own path as a freelancer is both exciting and scary at the same time. As you work towards breaking out of the freelance rut, remember to be smart about what you do. It’s not always easy to tell whether or not a particular client is worth taking on, but finding your niche and sticking to it will put you in a good place to make the right decision for yourself and your own future.