First $1k Freelance Writing: How You Can Earn $1k Writing

Are you wondering what it takes and how to get the first $1k freelance writing? I’ve got the answer for you.
Because...

I hit my first $1k working as a freelance writer.

The exciting thing about this is that the project took me only one week to complete.

I’ve been writing for nine months at the time of writing this blog post, and I enjoy writing.

It isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned a lot in the process. It takes work, determination, and passion for what you do.

I remember telling people that I want to work online as a freelance writer, and they couldn’t believe that I could earn a living writing online.

I even posted on a Facebook group of freelance writers, and not even a single soul commented, haha.

Some people came right to my inbox to tell me that freelance writing is a scam.

But

I ignored them all and followed my gut and passion.

And,
I’m happy I did because it is the best thing that ever happened in my life business-wise.

I’m a stay at home mom to two kids, and I’m happy to be at home for my family and at the same time, run a freelance writing business.

There might be people blocking you from doing what you love.

Or no one is willing to guide you.

Don't pay attention to them and focus on yourself.

What does it take to earn the first $1k as a freelance writer?

I had this question when starting my freelance writing business.

Is it possible to earn $1k writing?

It is possible, and below are the steps I took, and my writing and blogging business keeps growing.

#1-Worked on my mindset.

Your mindset determines how you perceive and run your business.

When I joined freelance writing groups, it looked like everyone took freelance writing as a hobby to make quick cash.

And not a business.

Everyone seems to focus on content mills like Upwork and not establish themselves as business owners and specialists.

At one point, I thought of creating an Upwork account, and I was about to hire someone to create it for me.

And then,
I met Jorden Roper of Creative Revolt, and everything changed.

I love how she helps freelance writers establish themselves as business owners.

So I changed my mindset and treated freelance writing as a business and myself as a business owner.

Do you know what that did to my writing?

I started learning how to find clients without going the content mill way.

I learned how to pitch myself and establish myself as a go-to person for content writing.

Problem-solving skills became part of me.

I have acquired more skills in my area of expertise, which is B2B copywriting.

Niching became my cup of forte.

I learned how to plan my work and how to communicate with my clients.

Your take away.

Develop a business mindset. You will be able to approach your writing business positively and be serious about it.

Additionally, you will be able to handle challenges that come along and crush your ultimate business goals.

You are not an employee when it comes to freelance writing. A serial entrepreneur and an independent contractor are what you are. 

You have valuable writing skills that are in high demand in the business world.

No one should undervalue your worth, and you will be in a possible to choose who to work with and the type of projects you love.

#2-Investing in your writing business is essential.

Just like any other business, freelance writing needs an investment.

Your time, skills, and money will go into growing your online business.

I didn’t have a laptop but found a way to have one even if it meant borrowing.

Additionally,

I invested in a stable internet connection to make my work easier.

Take away.

Invest in an internet connection that is fast and can last you for a month.

This is very important because you don't know when or how you are going to get your first freelance writing gig.

It can be the next day or the next week, and you don’t want to run out of internet connection.

Another critical investment I made was to invest in a website.

Having a website is very important if you want to get the right clients who value your skills as a copywriter.

And no, I’m not talking about a free website.

You need a self-hosted website like my website.

The good news is that you can get hosting for as little as $15/year with local hosting, which is very economical, especially if you are on a tight budget.

#3-I focused on my writing skills.

Being a writer doesn’t mean you have the epic grammar and top-notch vocabulary.

But working on improving your skills is the best thing you can do as a freelance writer trying to hit first $1K writing online.

I learned how to self edit even after running my work through Grammarly.

Invest in a premium Grammarly if you can afford it, but the free version is good to go.

Clients at all times expect you to submit error-free content.

Also, I set time to read other relevant blogs in my service niche.

By doing so, I get to learn how other authors blog and get valuable information.

Another thing is to set time and watch Youtube videos from thought leaders in the industry.

Take away tips.

Always focus on improving your writing skills.

You can do this by posting regularly on your blog or on other people’s blogs in what is called guest posting or guest blogging.

Another thing is to learn how to edit your work before submitting it to your client thoroughly.

Learn to edit even your blog posts before publishing.

You will be able to catch the little mistakes you make while writing.

#4-Learned how to pitch for writing jobs and ended up getting a freelance writing gig worth $1k.

Cold emailing, also known by freelance writers as pitching, is a process of asking for writing gigs from someone who hasn’t asked for writing services.

In other words, you are offering your writing services to someone who is not interested in it.

It is a very tricky and challenging way of finding writing jobs.

And it needs a skill that you can learn quickly.

To pull this hack, I do network with my potential clients first.

I make sure to check on their websites and activities on social media.

Connecting and being on their radar is also another important thing I do.

When I see a potential client, I go through their website to familiarize myself with what they do and identify areas I can help.

I also read through their latest blog posts and write comments.

Additionally, I follow and connect with them on social media and comment on their social media posts.

#5-I embraced the art of networking.

I network as a freelance writer and practically tell anyone who cares that I write for a living.

Okay, jokes aside.

Connecting with people online and creating that human connection has been the game-changer in my freelance writing business.

My clients are human serial entrepreneurs running their businesses, and I love their businesses just as much as they do.

I’ve turned my social media into a networking arena where I meet new people and end up working together.

When I connect with other like-minded, I’m creating opportunities for my business.

It may not be immediately, but I end up getting gigs through networking.

Your take away.

Networking is crucial for any business, including freelance writing.

Make sure to connect yourself with like-minded people online.
It could be entrepreneurs, coaches, bloggers, or even fellow writers.

Network as much as you can and strive at providing more than you take.

I know it can be hard if you are an introvert and barely new into the online writing world.

But remember, all the good things are not in your comfort zone.

Get up, show up, and be there as a business owner.

#6-Established a robust online presence.

When I started writing, I knew for a fact that I needed to get my online presence in order.

Before freelance writing,

I was on social media for fun and to keep up with celebrity updates.

Which to be honest,

I now see it as a waste of time.

I optimized my social media profiles to portray my writing business.

Yaay! I even went ahead and created a Facebook group and my blog’s Facebook page.

And to be honest, it plays a significant role in my writing business.
I’ve had clients contact me through my facebook page.

Another thing is that I used one profile picture across the internet.

My clients can identify and confirm my credibility through my profile picture.

It is the same image on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Medium, Email, and my Gravatar.

I have the same profile picture on Pinterest.

It is imperative to maintain that consistency because it is a part of your business branding.

Another thing is that I started engaging with people online.

I joined Facebook groups that interested me and started providing value.

Your take away.

Start establishing a robust online presence for your freelance writing business.

Make sure that your social media profiles represent the best of you.

Most potential clients will want to check your social media profiles to learn more about you.

Also, watch what you post online.

A slight negative post can cost you a high paying writing gig.

Use your social media accounts to post meaningful content and also to connect with others.

Create a Facebook page for your business.

It is free.

Join Facebook groups to learn and share.

The best way to net jobs in facebook groups is to participate in group discussions and provide value. People will notice your expertise and will come for your services.

That is the smartest way of marketing yourself as a freelance writer.

#7-Started guest blogging.

Guest blogging is also a significant contributor to the growth of both my freelance writing business and my blog.

I’ve been lucky to land high paying guest blogging gigs like being a contributor at self-publishing.com and Inkwell Editorial.

I also guest blog on other websites like freelancer faqs, imperfectly perfect mama, The Affiliate Blog, and Work Space Digital.

Whether it is free or paid guest posting, it is crucial to my writing business.

I get an opportunity to add a portfolio under my belt and to connect with other bloggers who are doing their best.

Your take away.

Guest post as much as you can. You never know who reads your content. It might be the next biggest client you will ever have.

Also, guest blogging establishes you as a thought leader in your field.

You get to leverage on other people’s already established audience.

Get your first $1k freelance writing in 2020.

The above tips were my focus this year, and I plan on doing more come 2020.

I need to focus on creating more content on social media, especially LinkedIn and Twitter. It takes love, commitment, and willingness to work to achieve what you want.

I hope by implementing the above tips, you will be able to see a change in your writing business.

Have other excellent tips that worked for your writing business in 2019? Share them with us in the comments.

Do you want to read this post later? Please pin me.

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