The digital domain seems to be flooded with freelance scribes. There seem to be SEO copywriting professionals on every website corner, but how many of them are successful freelance writers? There are a few common traits shared among some of the high-flying freelancers that separate them from the pack. Here are five qualities of successful freelance writers. Let us know if any of these apply to you.
Practiced Self-Discipline
As a freelancer, you are effectively running your own business. In order to be successful, you need to display a number of positive personal traits, including self-discipline. No one else will be the fire under your butt to get you going, you need to do all of that yourself. You need to implement your own processes, project management, and work hours in order to deliver on everything that’s required of you. It’s so easy to think you have complete freedom – and you do! You simply have to weigh it up with more concrete responsibilities to balance it all out.
Decent Communication Skills
When you’re a freelance writer, you are your brand and a representation of your business and services. Ultimately, you decide how your brand is perceived. If you want to go from a freelance writer to a successful freelance writer, you need to maintain good communication with clients and potential clients. Good communication is simple and it revolves around professional etiquette.
- When addressing your clients, ask how they are and show them you have time to check in with them
- Always reply, even if it’s just to say that you’ve received a mail or message
- Keep your clients updated when a progress report is due or if you’ve been out of comms for a while
Resilience
You are going to come across some tough contenders. I do believe that you can choose your clients, but initially, to gain experience, you will need to take all the opportunities that come your way. Not every client is cool and not all of them will appreciate what you do. Some of them are even just plain rude. Negative feedback is going to come your way in some shape or form. What you choose to do with that feedback is up to you. You can grow from it, or you can let it break you down. I believe that part of becoming a successful freelance writer is understanding that you cannot control anything except your actions and emotions. Focus on that and you’ll be golden.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Your business is not going to grow if you don’t. As a freelancer, you are also an entrepreneur, so you should think and act like one too. Find ways to diversify and maximise on your time and resources. Make time to up-skill and improve your service offering. Think big and go for gold! You are only limited by your mindset and your actions.
Know Your Worth
As a freelancer, you need to be resolute in what you stand for. Agencies and businesses can easily take advantage of you if you don’t know your worth. There is a preconception that freelancers are “lackeys”, which means you will follow orders from a superior without any regard for the truth. Your clients are not your superiors. They are human beings, just like you.
- Don’t negotiate on your rate if you think it’s unfair
- Don’t negotiate on timelines if they are unreasonable
- Remember to always check in with yourself. If it feels wrong, you are well within your rights to say no
Next Steps To Becoming A Successful Freelance Writer
Don’t ever compromise on who you are and where you are headed. You are responsible for paving the way to your own greatness, so get going! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more insightful tips on becoming a successful freelance writer. I’m here to support your journey!
Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash.
