Writing is an activity that can be performed from almost any location. As long as you have computer access, you can use your skills as a writer to earn a living. Working as a remote freelance writer will afford you multiple benefits.
For example, you will not need to commute to work. You will also be able to set your own work hours. If such options appeal to you, the first thing you must do is determine the freelance writing jobs you feel will suit you best. You can base that decision on your qualifications, as well as your personal preferences.
Each remote freelance writing opportunity is distinct. In fact, they can be quite diverse in nature. For example, you can choose between fiction and non-fiction writing work. Some writing jobs will also require more research than others. Additionally, some will require you to work closely with editors or publishers. Others will allow you to work independently. Below is information about some of the most popular types of remote freelance writing jobs.
Website Content Writing and Copywriting
Content writing is one of the most popular remote freelance writing categories. If you choose to be a content writer, developing your research skills will be essential. You will typically be assigned topics to research. You must then compile current, relevant data on the assigned subjects. Many content writing jobs you will find will be for online content to be posted on websites.
The terms “content writing” and “copywriting” are often used interchangeably. However, copywriting is a specific form of content writing. As a copywriter, you will typically be required to write landing pages and ad copy for websites. Copywriting for online sales purposes will require you to understand the preferences and interests of visitors to the website in question. Using that information, you must write content that will attract the attention of website visitors and prompt them to take desired actions, such as buying the products being sold by your clients. You may also be required to understand how to optimize the content you are writing for search engines.
Content writing and copywriting will require you to be flexible and easily adapt to each new project. To be a successful content writer or copywriter, you must also possess many skills. Some of them include:
- Knowledge of how to use word processing programs.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Flexibility and patience.
- Organization and self-motivation.
Freelance Journalism
Freelance journalism is a type of freelance writing that offers several options. You may choose to write for magazines, newspapers or online publications based on your experience, knowledge and skills. Typically, you must begin by writing appropriate news stories for your target publications and then attempting to sell your completed works to those publications. However, becoming an expert in your chosen journalistic field will help you advance as a freelance journalist. After you have proven your expertise, you may receive requests for your work. For example, you may be asked to write a monthly column for a newspaper or magazine in a field in which you specialize.
As a freelance journalist, you must also be prepared to become a salesperson. You must sell your own abilities to potential clients. Therefore, having educational backgrounds in both journalism and marketing may be beneficial to you. You must also take the time necessary to network with potential employment contacts. Additionally, you must understand certain types of journalism may require field work. The topics you can research and effectively write about will be more limited when you choose to work exclusively from home.
Technical Writing
Technical writing is a type of remote freelance writing often requiring knowledge of a specific industry or technical concept. It is a form of writing that will require you to organize technical information in terms readers of all knowledge levels can understand. As a technical writer, you may be called upon to compose such documents as:
- Frequently asked question (FAQ) pages for websites
- Instruction manuals
- How-to guides
- Articles for technical journals
Computer and technology-based technical articles are quite common. You may also be required to write technical documents relating to engineering-based topics. In order to qualify for such positions, you must demonstrate a working knowledge of the subjects about which you will be writing. You may also be required to have a college education in a related field, depending on the project requirements.
Blogging
Blogs have become essential components of online marketing in recent years. Personal blogs act as online diaries. Professional blogs are often used as essential sales tools. Many business owners use their blogs to directly interact with their clients and potential clients. As a freelance blogger, you may be required to maintain the blog for a single company on an ongoing basis. Alternatively, you may be asked to write occasional guest blog posts for several websites. To be hired to maintain blogs for businesses, you must demonstrate several skills, including:
- Excellent grammar, spelling and punctuation skills
- Ability to be punctual when delivering blog content
- Knowledge of the target industry that will allow you to consistently create new and interesting blog content
- Ability to communicate with blog readers using language appropriate for the target audience
Creative Writing
Creative writing projects are often more difficult to find than projects in the above categories. Since creative works are often the most enjoyable to write, you may also encounter more competition for the projects that are available. However, creative writing projects can provide you with the opportunity to exercise your imagination, often with few guidelines or rules. Examples of creative writing jobs include:
- Wedding vows
- Poems
- Song lyrics
- Novels
- Short stories
- Greeting cards
Some freelance creative writing jobs may require you to collaborate with the individuals who hire you and build on the concepts they have developed. Others may allow you to work completely independently. However, they may present additional challenges, such as the need to do research when writing historical fiction in order to create believable characters and settings. Therefore, you must read job descriptions carefully before applying for specific remote freelance creative writing jobs.
By Admin –
