I’ve been a freelance writer since 1993 and I’ve made so many mistakes I could write a book about them. Some mistakes are inevitable, but some you don’t have to make to learn from them.
Freelance Writer: Have you ever done any of these wrong things?
Here are four of the most common mistakes I see new and experienced freelance writers make.
1. Don’t Make a Marketing Plan: I’ve said it a million times, but it’s worth saying it again: Marketing is the lifeblood of any business. And if you don’t do it consistently, you risk living a “feast or starvation” lifestyle as a freelance writer.
This is wrong. You deserve better.
You don’t have to earn such a volatile income just because you work for yourself. Even if it’s not as consistent as a 9-to-5 job, if you don’t develop and stick to a consistent marketing plan, your chances of failing as a freelancer skyrocket.
So it is a “must do” when you start a freelance writing business. Make a marketing plan and try to reach a certain number of people every day. And do it as soon as you wake up.
This way you get rid of it and get into the habit of always writing assignments and leads. This way you can be almost certain that you will always be working as a freelancer.
2. Can’t say “no”: This goes for clients who are willing to pay you less than you’re worth, as well as friends, family, groups, and anyone who wants you to volunteer and think it’s because you’re a freelancer you are always “available”.
As a freelance writer, I report in the office every day, just like when I worked in corporate America. My uniform was the only thing that changed. Now I work in bunny slippers and probably won’t comb my hair until late afternoon (if at all).
As a successful freelancer, you need to treat your work like a business, which means respecting your time. Yes, you can create your own plans and change them at any time. But trust me, if you stick to a routine, your chances of success greatly increase.
3. Rates Are Too Low: There is no right or wrong rate for freelance writing. Actually they are everywhere. However, I can tell you one thing: $3 for 500 words is not enough.
I tell freelance writers to ask what they need to earn a living, and the best way to find out what that is is to know their numbers (i.e. your fees) very well. This includes taxing your freelance income, which can range from 10% to 35% or more.
Learn more about taxes and how to pay them as a freelancer.
Four. Raise interest rates erratically: Many freelancers set interest rates at the beginning and they may not change for a few years or more.
Do not!
Just like any other business, your costs will go up. For example, your electricity bill, cell phone bill, office supplies, etc. So just like when you work for someone else, don’t forget to “raise” your rates regularly.
Every 18 months or so I raise prices at the SEO writing company I run. From what I’ve seen, the beginning of the year and summer when it’s less crowded are good times to do that.
Finally
As a freelance writer you make mistakes, everyone does. But they don’t have to be on this list.
