Getting Started as a Freelance Web Content Writer

Starting any new career can be intimidating and overwhelming.  It’s even more difficult to know where to start when you want to be self-employed and work from home, such as freelance web content writers do.  There is no company or boss to give you feedback, work doesn’t just appear on your desk, and your paycheck doesn’t automatically appear every two weeks either.  Just as with any home business, starting a business writing web content can be difficult if one doesn’t know where to start.  However, by doing some searching online, it is easy to find excellent resources to aid you in getting started.

Use search engines: Doing a simple search in engines such as Google or Yahoo will bring up many sites with useful information and job opportunities.  If you search phrases such as “freelance writing jobs,” “web content writers,” or “freelance writers wanted,” you will bring up plenty of website results; many of them being job boards where you can search for suitable opportunities.  A search for “writer’s guidelines” or “submission guidelines” may take you directly to sites that accept work from freelance writers, such as online or print magazines.  

Bid for a job:  In viewing your search engine results, you may come across sites such as Elance.com or RentACoder.com, which are sites where people bid for job opportunities.  Scriptlance.com is another popular one.  These sites are legitimate; however, be aware that most of them do take a portion (usually a small percentage) of the fee you get from your client.  In addition, there are many writers bidding on the same opportunities.  That means the likelihood of being underbid is high, though bidding more often may increase your chances of winning a bid.  Just be sure to read all contractual obligations closely, and review the sites’ rules regarding bidding prior to participating.

Writers’ communities:  Many forums and communities offer a wide variety of resources and opportunities for aspiring writers.  Reading any busy message board for a week will give you enough ideas as to where to get started.   Such sites include WAHM.com and WritingForums.com.  These sites are a wealth of information, as you can read about job opportunities, writing scams, clients who don’t pay, as well as other writing tips and resources.  You will also find referrals to writers’ blogs that offer freelance writing job leads and other information.

Freelancing job sites: These are sites frequently visited by freelance writers for market listings and job leads, the latest writing news, tips on helpful writing products and programs, and more.  A few good sites include WritersWeekly.com and AbsoluteWrite.com.  One of the most frequented sites by new writers is the popular WritersDigest.com, where you can subscribe to their monthly magazine that is a must-read for new and established writers of all genres.  These sites are a great source of
information and market updates that will keep you in the freelance writing loop.

When getting started as a freelance web content writer, it can be tempting to apply for, or sign up for, any offers or programs you may come across in an effort to get your resume built up quickly.  Just remember that the internet is full of scammers and businesses ready and willing to make a profit off your eagerness.  Never pay a fee for a writing job, even if the company makes it sound like it’s for a legitimate reason.  There is never a good reason to pay someone for the privilege to work for them. 

The biggest thing is to remember not to sell yourself and your abilities short.  You may think your lack of experience warrants a meager pay scale, but you should only sell your work for what you think it is worth.  Consider the time and effort you put into it, and price your work accordingly.  Never underestimate what you and your writing are worth, and for that, clients will never underestimate your abilities.

About the Author:
Wendy Betterini is a freelance writer, web designer and owner of http://www.CreativeWorkAtHome.com, a resource center for home business owners and telecommuters. Visit today for information on how to make your work at home experience successful.

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