How can you succeed as a freelance web content editor and proofreader?

One thing I've found very helpful is understanding your niche and what you want to focus on. Like the article says, you have to find a niche you want to focus on, build on that niche and become an expert. For those who prefer to diversify their skills and oftentimes will take on a lot of skills and try building them all at the same time. They may find that they have got too much on their plate and none is properly cooked. Just pick up one, build your expertise and sell your skills. You can add others as you go. Just remember to work on any new skill you are adding until you become an expert.

Most experienced writers have more than one niche. Especially in tech B2B, there are "clusters" of niches that work well for a writer. It is also important to define the type of customer a writer is comfortable with. Start-ups, MSBs, or large corporations? To write good content, there must be a "click" with the customer!

My expert niche is international relations and I am the editor of @The Diplomatic Insight Magazine. I am working on creating e-books for countries and clients globally and for the embassies aka diplomatic missions.

I've found that it's important to have a niche, but not to limit yourself to it, especially in web editing. For instance, my niche is managing web directories, but that doesn't stop me promoting the fact I'm also a content writer, a social media manager, an email marketer and a WordPress web designer. Certainly target your niche market but don't let that impede on the opportunity to work with other clients. Especially if you're at the start of your freelance career.

No hay una sola manera de abordar el tema de la especialización y, de hecho, no tiene por qué ser lo primero qué hagas. Puede que no tengas experiencia en un tema o habilidad en concreto y que prefieras explorar antes de especializarte. Conforme vayas teniendo trabajos, te darás cuenta de qué se te da mejor. También tienes que enfocarlo en función de tus habilidades actuales. Si tu formación no es de copywriting, quizás hacer landing de ventas no es la mejor idea aún, pero puede serlo con el tiempo si te formas. La especialización desde el inicio de un emprendimiento en redacción no es siempre el camino ni lo primero que has de hacer, cómo ves. ?Medítalo bien!

?Y qué ocurre con aquellos redactores que aún no han trabajado con clientes o en proyectos reales? Pues pueden conformar un portafolio con proyectos propios, ejemplos de diferentes tipos de contenidos que pueden crear e incluso monetizar. De igual forma, pueden demostrar sus conocimientos creando contenido en redes sociales con el fin de ganar visibilidad y captar leads.

Having a portfolio is definitely a must. Prospective clients always ask for at least 3 examples "ideally in our line of business/sector/market niche". However, you have to make sure that the content of the examples you sent are not under NDA. (This especially an issue with examples of business plans and in the cybersecurity sector).

Building a portfolio is THE most important thing that anyone can do without having a voice about yourself, no one will and can hire you. It's like what we say in Urdu if a peacock danced in the jungle who saw that.

Building a portfolio is the best advice that can be given to any freelancer, either the freelancer is a Writer, Graphic designer, Website developer, e.t.c. Your portfolio is the only way your potential clients can be convinced you know exactly what you're doing. Your portfolio is your proof and what put you ahead whenever you're applying for a gig. For instance, imagine you need a writer to write an ebook for you on any topic of your choice, how do you expect them to convince you that they're the best person to pick amongst many others? It's as simple as whatever you're thinking rightnow. A portfolio! A sample! That is the only way to showcase your skills to convince them you're the best person for their job.

You definitely need a portfolio. Even 3 examples to start with can showcase your talents. And if you don't have them or need more, create opportunities for yourself. Build your own website, edit your own content, let people see your skills and talent.

There is a price dumping by specialists from countries where $500 is a good salary. In addition, it's difficult to evaluate a service with 100% added value. On top of the time you spent on the execution of the order, how much is your knowledge and skills worth? But we can look at money as a currency of energy exchange between people. When you believe in what you're offering and charge your customers the relevant price, you attract customers who are willing to pay that price. When you're decreasing your value out of fear that you won't have any customers, you make others think the same. Setting a too-cheap price makes the work burdensome, and you may forget about the quality. You've reached a balance if the price is enough to satisfy you.

Well, setting your rates according to your own honest opinion about yourself is possible. You know your value, and that is how you can set your rate, but I suggest staying humble at the beginning and even working for free. I worked for free for my supervisor for three long years before I landed to my dream job in a think tank, and those three years have taught me what 30 years were unfolding before my eyes. So yes, at a young age work for free, build a portfolio, and then begin charging that can help you grow gradually and steadily. AND do not scam your clients.

Set the rates that you believe are right and fair for both your clients and yourself. Keep in mind that you're freelancing because you're an expert in your field of work. Don't try to undercut your competition or yourself - if you're worth it, you should be paid what you're worth. Remember, it's not just about the work you're doing but also the personal service you're offering a business. It's about your time, your skills and your experience. Show that you value yourself by setting appropriate rates.

Sitting and waiting for a client is like fishing - requires patience and time. It could take months. Addressing the client directly is like hunting - you need not only patience but also courage. Besides, sending emails is tedious. What you cannot think of to brighten up the process: competition with yourself, studying potential customers, etc. Personalizing letters is another problem. The more personal the message, the fewer letters you send out. Quantity and quality here have an inverse proportion. Finally, it's hard to get your letter to the right place at the right time. You cannot guarantee that you've captured the prospect's thoughts and aspirations. And yet, this is the best way to find and expand clientele.

To find clients, use social media, freelancing platforms, and cold emailing and messaging. Again do not scam them. Be as natural and communicative as possible. Always go the extra mile in delivering your work and changes. Tailor your message to their needs and tell them that you have a solution to their problems.

Listen to the client and do it your way. In your work, you should proceed from the goals of the client, and not from how to achieve them. If the client knows your work better, they are superior to you in your profession. Forget the word "edits" when working with a client, better use the word "remarks." "Edits" are what you undertake to correct. The client asked for a larger logo and a different title - the performer makes these changes. "Remarks" are what the performer discusses with the client. The discussion should be in the world of the client. Ask the client until you get to the bottom of what is wrong from their point of view. A good editor never accepts "edits" and always negotiates "remarks."

Successful editing is a balance between being the expert and satisfying the client. Always remember, your client came to you because you're the expert. Consider their comments, give your opinion, and make the changes. If you disagree with the editing asked of you, don't have an argument. Instead, provide evidence to back your opinions and show the client what approach would be beneficial for their content. At the end, you and your client are creating a piece that your audience will read. A healthy discussion will help you cater to your client's concerns and eventually find the common ground that will help you both deliver the best content.

Well this is the most imporatnt aspect. Quality work. Constanly communicate with your client. Like, keep asking questions and help them feel at ease while you work and write for them. As much as you will be communicative and helpful, you will land a long-term retainer client to help you build. Do your best possible job and let the universe conspire for you. Always work way before the deadlines. Deliver extra to your client.

One thing I've found helpful when working as a freelancer is a good reputation and maintaining good relationships with both clients and peers. These two have helped me through my career as a freelancer. A good reputation can really help sell your skills. When you are known for delivering quality service both by your clients and peers, you are sure to get recommendations. And don't forget a good relationship. Connect with others especially people within your field. No man is an island, and that is also true when you are trying to build a successful career.

Use AI tools to help your productivity. The extent of use, the type of tool and your honesty / transparency in using them are completely up to you, but I suggest trying a few out to familiarise yourself with the benefits and drawbacks. This is because our industry, regardless of niche, is up for disruption by tech, and to stay ahead, you need to know what the "hype" is about, and how to differentiate yourself and upskill.

Sea cuando definas tu servicios en tu página web, salgas a vender o te promociones en redes sociales, ten siempre en mente los puntos de dolor de tus potenciales clientes. Tu comunicación, y también tus servicios, tienen que reflejar las soluciones a los problemas que tienen tus clientes con lo que haces. Por ejemplo: tus clientes necesitan artículos de blog y es lo que tú ofreces. Pero, ?por qué lo ofreces y por qué ellos lo necesitan? Piensa: falta de tiempo, desconocimiento de técnicas para optimizar los textos, no saben sobre qué escribir ni a quién dirigirse... También es útil incluir en tus mensajes qué es lo que ganarán contratándote. ?Todo esto también es parte de tu éxito!