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The 5 Most Common Types of Freelance Writing Jobs

            

If you're just getting started with freelance writing, you might feel a little overwhelmed. When it comes to freelancing, there is a lot to think about, especially what type (or types) of job you want to accomplish.

These days, there are numerous types of freelance writing employment available. For a freelance writer looking for work, anything from a standard magazine article to an email newsletter to a Facebook post is fair game.

We've put up a guide to the most frequent forms of freelance writing gigs, replete with recommendations on how to get them!

1. Feature/article writing:

This is probably the most popular form of writing that people think of when they think of freelancing. Many freelancers work on a piece-by-piece basis, whether for print, internet, or a combination of the two.

As an article or feature writer, you can write on topics that interest you, on which you are an expert, and on which you are enthusiastic. You can pursue the stories you want to write and build out a place for yourself if you so wish.

However, if you decide to follow this route, you will almost certainly need to diversify your income to augment the money you make from article and feature writing.

Yes, there are established feature writers who make a living solely from freelance writing. However, most freelance writers will need to take on other writing projects in addition to feature writing. (Continue reading to learn about the many other job opportunities available!)

"{With a number of diverse revenue streams accessible, you can build a portfolio of jobs - some will excite you more than others." Some will be paid more than others.}"

Be aware that freelancing article or feature writing job will not appear out of nowhere. More on that later, but first, let's look at the two primary forms of article and feature writing.

~ Magazines/Newspapers:

Contributing pieces to print publications such as magazines or newspapers is possibly the most conventional sort of freelance writing.

If you're wondering if this is still a viable freelance option in the digital age, rest assured that it is! Don't be deterred by the idea that print journalism is on its way out. While it isn't as common as it once was, there is still a role for freelance writers in the world of print magazines.

However, as previously noted, it is a good idea to diversify and grow your income stream to ensure that you can make a living as a freelance writer. Do not rely solely on magazine and newspaper employment, at least at initially, or you may become disappointed and desperate for work.

So, what exactly does it take to work as a freelance writer for a magazine or newspaper?

Magazines are typically aimed towards a specific or specialist demographic. There are various varieties, including:

Consumer/popular publications - published for the general public; you can find these at your local newsstand or supermarket.

Industry/trade periodicals - created for members of specific industries or professions that subscribe.

Custom publications - periodicals created for firms' customers/clients as part of a marketing strategy.

Many of these journals rely on contributions from freelance writers. Articles must be well-researched and written to a specific brief; if writing for a trade journal, you must obviously be quite knowledgeable about that business or topic.

In contrast, newspapers are less inclined to use freelance writers for general news pieces. Many newspapers, however, feature columns or supplemental sections, such as an entertainment or lifestyle lift out, that frequently include material from freelance writers.

~ Websites:

Nowadays, the majority of periodicals, journals, and news organisations have an online presence where they produce information in addition to their print equivalents. There are also numerous 'online magazine'-style websites that live wholly online and offer articles, features, and news articles.

Writing for websites is a more realistic and lucrative alternative for many freelance writers than focusing entirely on print periodicals or newspapers. There are tens of thousands of websites covering every topic and audience type, making it a little easier to locate freelance writing job online.

How do I obtain a job writing like this?

Articles for periodicals, newspapers, or websites can generally be written on commission or by pitching directly to editors.

Although more experienced writers may obtain commissions for articles, most independent writers must pitch for work. As previously stated, do not expect this type of work to come to you; instead, go out there and actively seek it!

Stay tuned to Writer's Edit for more tips on how to pitch magazine, newspaper, and internet editors.

2. Copy/Content Creation:

Content marketing reigns supreme in business today. Fortunately for freelancers, this has resulted in an increase in demand for services like copywriting and article creation.

As a freelance copywriter or content writer, you'll write for companies to help them create and promote their brand, engage customers and clients, and market their products and services.

"{Content writers use compelling material to inform or entertain an audience. A content writer's role for a company selling a service is to develop reputation and authority while building trust. A content writer's goal for websites and publications that are not selling a service is to entertain.

A copywriter's goal is to persuade audience members to do a specified action. The most common action is to buy a product or service.}"

As a copywriter or content writer, you may develop the following types of material:

•Advertising copy 

•Website content 

•Blog posts

•EDMS

•Press releases

Internal publications (such as ebooks, or the custom magazine publications we mentioned above)

How do I obtain a job writing like this?

Getting content and copywriting employment is not the same as getting article writing jobs. You won't be proposing ideas to firms; instead, you'll be applying for positions that are offered online.

You can also approach businesses and offer your services, but don't rely only on cold calling to maintain a constant stream of income.

You can also start with this style of writing by contacting content agencies. Firms will engage freelancers to execute content projects for their clients (but be aware that you may be underpaid or mistreated if you deal with untrustworthy agencies).

As with any freelancing service, word-of-mouth will help you here as well. Make every effort to network and maintain a strong internet presence so that people can find you and your services.

3. Writing a blog:

When developing blog entries for businesses as part of a content marketing plan, blogging can be regarded a sub-category of content writing. It can, however, be a stand-alone freelance activity.

The type of blogging we're discussing here is an individual blog and/or a guest blogging technique used by a freelancer to earn money.

Once you've established your own blog and built a readership, there are several methods to monetize it, including producing pieces for other websites (and getting paid for it!).

Guest blogging is an important part of this business, and when combined with your other income streams, it may be a lucrative method to make money as a freelance writer.

How do I obtain a job writing like this?

To be a successful freelance blogger, you must first identify your specific niche - your point of differentiation from the myriad other bloggers out there.

It is much easier to establish yourself as a successful freelance blogger if you specialize in writing about a specific topic. Creating great material for a specific audience of readers is the best approach to ensure the success of your blog.

Once your own blog is created, you can sell yourself as a guest or regular blogger to other blogs or websites. You might even get approached through your own blog.

4. Creating social media content:

We live in the era of social media. Nowadays, every business has (or should have) a social media presence, and as a freelance writer, you can take use of this!

While many companies maintain their social media presence in-house, many prefer to outsource content development to freelancers. Planning, producing, and scheduling social media posts across several platforms can be a difficult and time-consuming task - ideal for freelance writers.

How do I obtain a job writing like this?

To be truly successful in finding freelance social media employment, you must be a bit of an all-arounder. There is more to it than just writing.

Because social media is primarily a visual medium, a social media gig will almost certainly include some design elements, such as photographs and videos, in addition to written content.

You'll also need to grasp how different social media platforms work, as well as how consumers respond to and interact with social material.

Again, we advocate browsing online job boards and reaching out to local firms that may need social media management to find social media jobs.

It's also a good idea to publicise and promote the fact that you create social media material as part of your freelance portfolio. This way, people know they may approach you for these kind of positions with confidence.

5. Editing:

We understand that this isn't technically a freelance writing job! However, if you're a writer, there's a strong chance you're also interested in editing.

Freelance editors and proofreaders serve a wide range of clientele, from organisations looking to have their content verified to individuals looking for an editor for their book.

If you work hard enough, you can combine freelance editing and freelance writing to diversify and expand your revenue.

How do I acquire a job like this?

First and foremost, we strongly advise getting the proper training before looking for freelance editing work. You don't automatically know what you're doing when it comes to editing because you're a writer! If you're serious about getting into editing, you must first lay the basis.

Take a course that covers the ins and outs of all the different sorts of editing if you haven't already. Not only will you need this to be a good editor, but clients will have more faith in your talents if they know you've received editing-specific education and training.

It's therefore a matter of putting oneself out there online to obtain freelance editing gigs. But before, there are a few things you should do! For more information, see our suggestions on how to get started as a freelance editor.

We hope this essay has been helpful to individuals who are just starting out as freelance writers...