Freelance Writing is a great way to earn extra cash and become an expert at writing. There are a number of different areas to specialize in such as Magazines, Newspaper Articles, Copywriter, Ghostwriter, Customer Contact Manager, and more. If you are interested in freelance writing, here are some tips to help you get started.
Customer contact manager
A customer contact manager for freelancers is a software solution that helps you keep track of your clients’ contacts, interactions, and sales. It automates a lot of repetitive tasks and simplifies communication with clients. This can help you to increase productivity.
One of the best things about these contact management tools is that they are inexpensive. They offer great features and an easy interface that is geared towards freelancers.
You can create custom email templates, add custom fields for clients, and monitor your communication. Several of the CRMs also have email marketing and billing capabilities. These tools can help you get your sales pipelines off the ground.
Another important feature of a good CRM is task management. Having a tool that can track and automate to-do lists and invoices can save you hours of time every week.
CRMs also give you a visual overview of your sales pipeline. Many of them also integrate with other software to simplify your daily business activities. Some even let you communicate with clients over the phone.
The best CRM for freelancers should have an affordable pricing plan and essential tools. To find the right one, compare the top providers and look for specific features that fit your needs.
HubSpot CRM is one of the most popular CRMs out there. However, its free plan lacks advanced features and customer support.
Zoho CRM is a CRM designed to help freelancers manage their client profiles, log and document processes, generate leads, and send professional-looking marketing emails. There are free and paid plans, and each plan includes unlimited users.
Capsule CRM is another lightweight application that can help you track clients and opportunities. It includes basic sales pipeline reports, and it also integrates with FreeAgent, MailChimp, Wufo, and FreshBooks.
Copywriter
The freelance copywriter is an individual who is hired to write copy on an ongoing basis. They write content marketing, web pages, advertising copy and other types of content.
Copywriting is a learned skill that requires years of practice. However, it is also a great way to earn money. If you are able to beat the competition and find great clients, you can make a lot of money.
Many companies are looking for copywriters to help them create their websites, landing pages, blogs, advertisements, and other digital media. A freelance copywriter can work independently or as part of a team.
When you’re working as a freelance copywriter, you’re able to set your own hours and work from home. This helps you get a better work-life balance. In addition, you can work from anywhere in the world.
Copywriting is a versatile field that allows you to explore virtually any topic you want. You can write for print, digital, or video media.
Most copywriters work with advertisers or advertising agencies. These businesses hire copywriters to fill in gaps in their work schedules.
Other copywriters work for startups. These organizations often have a small budget and can’t afford to hire full-time writers. Startups need copywriters to write blogs and other marketing materials.
The ideal copywriter should have a solid writing style, a broad vocabulary, and the ability to connect thoughts and ideas. It’s also important to be self-motivated and maintain a consistent tone and voice.
Freelance copywriters can get involved in online communities to network with other freelancers and learn more about new opportunities. Be sure to follow relevant blogs and Twitter accounts and participate in discussions.
Ghostwriter
If you’re looking to get into ghostwriting, you’ll need to be self-motivated and knowledgeable about your craft. Ghostwriting can be a lucrative venture. But you’ll need to be able to deliver content that matches your client’s needs. In addition, you should know how to write compelling headlines.
Whether you are pitching to authors or businesses, you should have an understanding of how to make a successful connection. Some examples of how to do this include pitching your services to thought leaders and industry insiders, and following up on leads.
Besides being self-motivated, you should be able to handle changes in your schedule. It’s a good idea to give your client a sample of your work. You should also ask for feedback.
Ghostwriters can help their clients create compelling content. For example, they can develop a book or blog post, or write a press release. They can also promote products and services.
Ghostwriters can help companies meet the marketing challenges of the modern day. Ghostwriting is a great way to improve your search engine rankings and tell a story about your brand.
When hiring a ghostwriter, be sure to choose someone with experience. This can be a great advantage because a well-established writer has credibility in their field.
Ghostwriters need to be able to handle revisions and changes in scope. You should specify a set of revisions you can expect in the beginning and then one more per milestone.
In addition to being a great writer, you should have strong research skills. You should have the ability to conduct thorough interviews and gather factual information from a variety of sources.
Ghostwriting is a unique form of writing. You’ll be able to take your talents and apply them to a wide range of subjects, including novels, memoirs, popular contemporary literature, and popular short stories.
Magazines and newspaper articles
If you’re a writer and you’re considering getting a bit of exposure, writing magazine and newspaper articles is a good place to start. You can get paid to do it, and if you’re willing to put in the work, you might find that this is a fun side gig or a career.
There’s a lot of competition for writing in magazines and newspapers, but you can still earn money while doing it. However, you need to know what to write about. It might be a personal essay, a how-to article, or a news report.
In general, a magazine or newspaper article is longer than a local paper article. An archetypal magazine article is typically a full page, but it can be anything from a rant to a profile of an important person. Newspapers are usually published once a day or once a week.
A small newspaper might pay you pennies a word, whereas a full page article in a national magazine may pay you up to a few hundred dollars. Some publications even pay you a flat rate per piece, which can be a great way to build your portfolio.
The best way to get started writing magazine and newspaper articles is to learn how to network. Most editors are willing to talk to you, so don’t be afraid to contact them. They’re also always on the lookout for new writers.
Another trick is to read everything that hits your desk. This can be a little daunting at first, but it’s a good idea to know what your target audience is looking for.
While you’re at it, you might also want to check out some of the most popular stories on social networking sites. These can be great sources of inspiration.
Insurance and retirement benefits
The main concern for freelancers is healthcare coverage. While there are many options, it’s important to find the plan that’s right for you.
Freelancers can find health coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace. It’s also a good idea to look into group plans offered by professional unions.
Another option for health care is dental insurance. These policies aren’t as expensive as medical plans, but they’re still important.
Freelancers should also think about disability income insurance. This type of policy can be essential for self-employed people who depend heavily on their income. If you’re unable to work, your income could quickly drop, leaving you with a severe financial bind.
Some freelancers choose to take out supplementary life insurance policies. This can be a great way to protect your family. Depending on the policy, you can get coverage for your spouse and children.
Retirement savings accounts are another option. Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are funded with pre-tax dollars. In 2018, individuals can contribute up to $5,500 per year to their IRA. For those over 50, the limit rises to $6,500.
There are also private pension plans. They’re different from state pension insurance plans, which are mandatory for most workers. Typically, a business will contribute to an employer-sponsored plan.
Self-employed individuals can also choose to make their own contributions to a SEP IRA. Self-employed individuals can contribute up to 25% of their net earnings to a SEP IRA.
When creating a benefits package, freelancers should consider health and retirement accounts. Many freelancers have spouses who are full-time employees, so they can take advantage of their employer’s healthcare. However, if you don’t have an employer, you’ll have to pay for your own.