If you have a knack for words, you can make a career out of freelance writing and live comfortably. Alternatively, you might like to offer freelance writing services to diversify your income and earn a little extra cash. The choice is yours.

Whichever way you make freelancing work for you, it’s important to recognise that there are dos and don’ts to freelance writing.

For example, it’s frighteningly easy to bite off more than you can chew and take on too much work. You can also get into a situation where all your time is spent writing and providing a service, rather than growing your income.

Here are the dos and don’ts of freelance writing to keep you on track:

Dos of freelance writing

Value your time properly

How much do you want to be paid per hour? If it takes you an hour to produce 500 words, your price per article should reflect your hourly rate. £30 to £50 is a respectable price if you are experienced and produce high-quality content.

Use tools like Write Manage

Managing your workflow will be impossible without project management software. Tools like Write Manage will ensure all your orders have a deadline and progress updates. You can also add your clients to the tool, so they get automatic updates.

Build direct relations with companies

A lot of freelance writers take on work but neglect to form a relationship with their customer. If this is a company, this is a missed opportunity to get your foot in the door and be the first person they think of when they need content.

Focus on sector expertise

If you can specialise in an area, do it. Specialised content writers are in extremely high demand because they allow companies in technical and niche sectors to outsource without worries about knowledge gaps.

Collect feedback from work

It’s important to collect feedback from work for three reasons:

  1. It allows you to get a review
  2. It shows the client you want to meet their needs
  3. It forces the client to review the quality of your work

3 is the most important point. A lot of content isn’t memorable. By making your client think about your work, you will make it more memorable.

Don’ts of freelance writing

Don’t be too strict and scare customers away

There are so many barriers you have to lift as a freelance writer. These include briefs, payments and ordering process. The more flexible and accommodating you are, the better the chance is of you winning more business.

Don’t play the short game

Lumpy income is the last thing you want as a freelance writer. You want several repeat customers who contribute over 50% if your income per month (at least). This will reduce the pressure on you to win more business.

Don’t take jobs you can’t write about

If you don’t know anything about a topic, don’t take it on. Even the best researchers and ‘think on your feet’ writers can disappoint customers that demand expertise. Instead, you should refer your customer to another writer. This way you will still help them.

Don’t be inconsistent with your research process

As a freelance writer, 30% of your time writing an article will be taken up reading other articles to understand a topic. You need to have reliable sources and dedicate time to this process. Here are some tips:

  • Have a brief format
  • Ask the customer for information
  • Ask the customer to point to sources they like
  • Use Google
  • Double check all facts you intend to use

Don’t make spelling/grammar mistakes

A single grammar mistake is all it takes to destroy your reputation with a customer. It’s important to remember that freelance writing is professional writing. You are a freelancer, not an amateur. Amateur writing has no place.

We recommend using these tools to eliminate grammar mistakes in your work:

These tools can also improve the clarity of your writing. Have a go and see what you think – Grammarly has a free version to get you started.

Overall

Being a freelance writer can pay well but only if you produce a high-quality product and provide a reliable service. Your customers will expect the best from you, which is why it is so important to nail every aspect of your workflow.

Give Write Manage a go for free today to improve your workflow efficiency. It beats using a to-do list app or a spreadsheet because it allows you to collaborate with your customer. You can raise invoices within the dashboard and much more.