Once again, I am pleased to host writer Jessica Brody on Finding the Better Way. The past few years have been fraught with finding new ways to do things, finding different methods for accomplishing our goals and employment has been a difficult path for many. While Jessica’s latest piece for us is canted toward students, it is also a path that many, who have finished their formal studies, may want to take. Enjoy Jessica’s writing and feel free to pass this on to others who might be interested in this path.
Best, Dan
How Students Can Explore Freelance Writing to Help Make Ends Meet
Many college students need to find some form of work to make ends meet. While a traditional full- or part-time job is an option, freelance writing might be a better fit. As a freelancer, you get more control over your work and significantly more flexibility. That could make it easier to earn an income while continuing your studies.
While it may seem like getting started as a freelance writer is challenging, it isn’t always as difficult as it initially appears. If you want to explore freelance writing to make ends meet while in school, Finding the Better Way: An Outsider’s Viewshares what you need to know.
Boosting Your Writing Skills
As an undergraduate or post-grad college student, there’s a decent chance that your writing skills are reasonably strong. However, you may want to boost them a bit, particularly if you’re going to get into specific freelance writing niches.
Consider taking college courses in journalism, professional writing, technical writing, business writing, medical writing, or any other specialty that aligns with your preferred freelancing work. You could also explore free online classes or resources, as well as read guides about launching a freelance writing career.
Once you start learning new techniques, spend time creating writing samples. That way, you can put what you’ve learned to work and build a portfolio to show prospective clients.
Landing Freelance Jobs
After honing your writing skills, it’s time to seek out freelance jobs. Usually, the easiest way to begin is with online freelancer platforms. There, you can create a profile and brand discussing your capabilities and the services you’ll offer. Plus, you can upload your writing samples, set your pricing, and outline your availability.
Once you have a profile, you can find opportunities in one of two ways. First, you can search job listings to find potential matches and submit your profile for consideration. If the client reaches out, you can discuss the project, set expectations, agree on pricing, and otherwise determine if the work is the right fit.
Second, you may get approached by clients directly. Many freelancer platforms let clients search for professionals who could meet their needs and invite them to look at their job ad or start a conversation about a project.
While the second option may seem preferable if you’re a busy student, do keep in mind that you may not get much work this way when you’re first starting out on a platform. You won’t have an established work history or reviews clients can check out on the site yet, which could make your profile less appealing. However, as you complete projects and gather reviews, you may get more work this way with greater ease.
Taking Your Career to the Next Level
Once you’ve spent some time working as a freelance writer, you may want to make it your long-term career. While you can certainly operate as a sole proprietorship, forming an LLCfor your writing business could be a better choice. You’ll reduce your liability, have less paperwork, and maintain flexibility. Plus, there can be tax advantages that could be worth capturing.
When you’re starting a business, for example, check out the state’s laws specifically, as the regulations vary by state. However, if you’d prefer not to do all of the legwork, you can avoid the hefty cost of a lawyer – which usually runs between $200 and $400 per hour – by using a formation service instead. Keep in mind that states have different rules, so it’s important to do plenty of research before jumping in. If you need help getting the process started, using an online guide on how to start a company can give you a breakdown of what you need to know..
Freelance writing is often a perfect fit for college students looking to make money. Not only can they use the skill’s they’re learning in college and gain experience along the way, but they can also work around their class schedule. Who knows? Becoming a part-time freelance writer might inspire you to take this profession full-time during college — and beyond.
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