In a tough economy with so many people out of work, finding a job can be a mind-numbing process, and finding a freelance writing job is no different. The problem, though, does not lay in the job-finding part; any website you browse will list hundreds of open positions. These common websites are flooded daily with overqualified applicants that are hired before you even click the posting. Because of this, you may need to consider finding an alternative way to job search in this job market. The key: networking.
5 LinkedIn Profile Tips for Freelance Writers to Land More Clients
Do you want to hear a secret? You can get your next big freelance writing gig on LinkedIn.
About 95% of recruiters are using LinkedIn to find talent. More and more people, including freelance writers, have been landing jobs after jobs using the professional networking site.
Just about six months ago, four people were hired every minute via LinkedIn. But today, that stat has increased to 6 people hired every minute. That’s 360 new hires every hour via LinkedIn, or 8,640 new hires per day.
You can become a part of those stats. However, you stand a chance only if you craft a LinkedIn profile that attracts clients and proves that you’ll be a good hire.
Don’t know how to do this? Don’t worry. In this article, we’ll give you some of the best LinkedIn profile writing tips for freelance writers. At the end of this article, you’ll be able to create a killer LinkedIn profile that will help you land more clients.
Building Your Freelance Portfolio with WordPress: Essential Plugin Pack
There are many reasons why many freelancers choose WordPress for building their portfolio of websites: It’s easy, reliable and flexible (thanks, of course, to plugins). Okay, maybe you will occasionally be told that Tumblr or Blogger is the better choice especially for those looking for a more casual blogging experience. But for the professionals, WordPress always comes out on top — and for good reason, considering the number of features, tools and free plugins you can access to customize and monetize your content. [Read more…]
What Does it Take to be a Freelance Writer?
I’ve been a (more than) full-time writer for ten years. It takes talent, ambition and the ability to manage your time and money to be successful. Contrary to popular belief, you can be a successful freelance writer without starting your own business. However, if you have a habit of slacking or procrastinating, this probably isn’t the path for you.
My typical day includes writing for up to ten clients at a time. This includes everything from SEO-rich web content to brochures for international hotel chains. I scour job boards for new openings and apply daily, even if I have a full workload for the next few months. I’m also updating my resume, website and LinkedIn while learning new skills like SES qualifications as I accept new projects. [Read more…]
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Picking the Best Freelance Job
(Photo credit: kogakure)
I usually have about seven projects at a time, and they’re not all created equal. As a successful freelance writer, I’ve been on the wrong end of a bad job. However, there are some warning signs that are easy to miss. If a job posting requires numerous, generic forms, you’ll be drowning in paperwork and red tape for the entire project.
Trust your gut during a phone interview. If the client doesn’t know what they want, they’re not going to be happy with anything you produce. The most lucrative jobs are from either well-established corporations or start-ups with solid investors. Tread carefully if a job posting seems too broad or it requires you to sign up for an account. [Read more…]
