Freelance Writers, You HAVE to Master these Skills!

Hey there,

Guess who's back for another round of musings? Yep, it's yours truly. Last week, I may have ruffled a few feathers with my unfiltered opinions. This time around, let's ease into something subtle.

When I started my freelance writing journey, I was a lone ranger, navigating the vast space with little knowledge of community support. I stumbled, I made mistakes, and boy, did I learn a thing or two along the way. But here's the thing – you don't have to go it alone like I did.

In the spirit of shared wisdom, let's talk about the crucial skills every freelance writer should have in their arsenal:

1. Writing and Editing Skills: Sure, anyone can write, but trust me when I say that not every writer can truly wield the power of words. It's about more than just stringing sentences together – it's about crafting compelling narratives that captivate your audience. And don't even get me started on editing – polishing your pieces till they shine like diamonds is an art form in itself. Together, these skills ensure that your content stands head and shoulders above the rest.
2. Research: As a freelance writer, you'll often find yourself diving headfirst into topics you know nothing about (especially when you have not chosen a niche). That's where research comes in. But we're not talking about a quick Google search here; we're talking about deep dives into the seas of information, surfacing with knowledge that will elevate your writing to new heights.
3. SEO Knowledge: Nowadays, it's not enough to be a writer– you've also got to be a master of the digital space. That's where SEO comes into play. Understanding the ins and outs of search engine optimization will ensure that your content doesn't just sit there gathering dust – it gets noticed, it gets shared, and most importantly, it gets results.
4. Time Management and Organization: Ah, the joys of being your own boss. While it's great to have the freedom to work on your own terms, it also comes with its own set of challenges – namely, staying on top of deadlines and juggling multiple projects at once. That's where time management and organization skills will help. Trust me, if you need to utilize calendars, to-do lists, and tidy filing systems – both digital and physical. Stay efficient, organized, and on-task to meet deadlines and accomplish your goals.
5. Accounting and Business Management: Last but certainly not least, let's talk about the not-so-glamorous side of freelancing – the business stuff. Yes, I'm talking about invoicing, record-keeping, and taxes. It may not be the most exciting part of the job, but it's absolutely crucial if you want to turn your passion for writing into a sustainable business.

So there you have it – five skills that will take your freelance writing game to the next level. Share this with anyone who's thinking about taking the plunge into the world of freelance writing. After all, why go it alone when you can learn from the mistakes of those who've been there, and done that?

Happy writing!

Yours truly,

Joyce from the 'write' way.