Finding clients to work with as a freelance writer in Africa can be daunting. It becomes even harder when you are a beginner and need experience.
Whatever the case may be, don’t give up yet. There are multiple ways you can get freelance writing jobs. Also, you should be proactive and learn to reach out. Reaching out to potential is the best skill to master if you would quickly find the right freelance writing job.
I have provided easy steps to finding your dream freelance writing job in this article.
How to Find Freelance Writing Jobs
Finding the right freelance writing job is sometimes tricky; however, if you prepare for any unforeseen events, you should not have problems managing the negative emotions of rejection. To set yourself up for success, you should;
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Have the right mindset
Like every other endeavor, you must build the right mindset as a freelance writer. In the freelancing space, you’ll experience a lot of rejection. So you must be mentally prepared to handle the “no” coming. Persevere through it, and never for once relent in your job-hunting endeavor.
Read Also: Content Writing: A Simple Guide for Beginners
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Pick a niche
To succeed, you need to stand out from the crowd. The easiest way to do that is to specialize in a particular niche. A niche is an aspect of freelance writing devoted to a specific topic or product.
Initially, it’s always better to pick a niche you are interested in or knowledgeable in. You can start by writing about various topics, but as you go, make sure to niche down so clients can trust you to deliver.
Here are some niches you can venture into:
- Website content writing
- Email writing
- Blog article writing
- Academic writing
- Course contents writing, etc.
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Build your skills
You must equip yourself with the right skills to be a profitable writer. Learning the right skill does not permit procrastination, so don’t be afraid to start.
It would be best if you considered adding the following to your freelance writing skillsets:
- Marketing skills
- Communication skills
- Language Proficiency
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Be visible online
Online visibility means you should put yourself in places where your potential client can see you. If you can’t build a website, don’t stress; you can use what you have. You can post articles on your social media writing groups (on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) or use your personal social media account. If you don’t want this, you can create Google Docs containing your writing samples and share them with interested people. All you have to do is start, and as you go, you build.
Read Also: Top 10 Online Jobs for Freelancers in Africa
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Work for free
If you’re someone with no experience at all, this might be your best bet. Giving services for free will help build your competence and expertise. Besides, those you’ve offered free writing services could help you connect with other business owners needing writers.
You could try working for free by:
- Volunteering to work for companies.
- Guest posting on sites for free. Some of these sites are Insight.ng, Business World Africa, Hackernoon, etc.
- Helping other growing writers or writing agencies with their work.
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Ask for testimonials
Testimonials are statements given by customers to tell how good your services are. Testimonials may only apply to people who have worked for other business owners or companies. It would help if you did not fake testimonials; it’ll catch up to you later.
When you have rendered your services to someone, either for free or paid, ask for testimonials from them. Testimonials make potential clients trust you better and more willing to offer you a job. Testimonials also make it easier when cold pitching clients, you know; it assures them that you can handle the job.
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Cold pitching
A great way to get freelance writing jobs is through cold pitching. Cold pitching means reaching out to clients and businesses so you can sell them your services. When using this method, you must show how you can help grow their business instead of telling them what you can do.
Another tip is to make your emails or messages more personal. Know more about these clients before you pitch them. You may want to wait for results, but persistence will lead you to your next big offer.
Potential clients to pitch could be:
- Companies you know and love.
- Dormant websites and blogs.
- Small business owners that are just starting.
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Pitch people you already know
As cliché as this may sound, pitching people you know is helpful. Reach out to family members or friends and tell them you’re a freelance writer. Who knows, they could introduce you to someone looking for a writer.
Read Also: 18 Best Writing Niches for Bloggers and Freelance Writers
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Use freelance job websites
Using websites like Fiverr, Upwork, PeoplePerHour, etc., can benefit the beginner writer. These websites are where you can find jobs posted by companies or businesses. It reduces the bridge between you and the client. Also, clients post their budgets for the kind of service they want, making it easier for them to find suitable jobs. Remember that these sites are competitive, so you’ll wait a long time before landing your first job.
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Partner with other writers
Collaborate with other writers; when they get job offers, you can participate and get paid. Collaboration helps you sharpen your writing skills and opens you up to opportunities you would not have gotten if you were a lone writer.
Conclusion
To excel in freelance writing, you need to be proactive. Keep up with the latest trends and tactics, and know the proper writing tools for your chosen niche.
With the steps highlighted in this article, you should be set to take your next freelance writing job.
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