Recession-Proof Freelance Writers
The Dangers of Working in an Unstable Market
Working as a freelance writer can be rewarding and prosperous, but in the current economic climate, finding good paying projects is becoming more and more difficult. Here, Dulcie talks about the pitfalls of freelance work and how to come up trumps in a dubious market.
How would you now approach the freelance market?
‘I approached writing on Elance as a way to make instant money, probably because I was still so amazed that anyone would pay me to write. I went for one off jobs which paid well. This was great for getting quick and good money but then the credit crunch hit and the freelance work on Elance hit a bit of a slump (which still seems to be continuing).
‘In hindsight I should have gone for smaller, lower paying jobs which looked like they could result in me getting long term private clients outside of freelance. This hasn't bothered me much as I freelance for a second income but had I been aiming to do it full time then this would have been a better approach.
‘Bidding sites are great and some people make a good income from those sites alone but the people who seem to make the best freelance living are those who build up their own private client list and starting off on a bidding site is one way to do this.’
What advice would you give to other aspiring freelancers?
‘Decide what you want from a freelancing career before you start. Make a business plan to focus on what you want and how you are going to get it. If you just want money as a second income or as and when you fancy it, then try places such as Elance. If you want to make a long lasting freelance career with an aim to it being your main income then be prepared to put in the leg work to get there.
‘When freelancing there are two approaches to the type of work you take on. You can either have a broad range of skills and experience or you can specialize. If you specialize then you can charge a lot more for your expert services whereas you may have to work for less if you have a more general wider range of topics that you write for.
‘Be realistic in your expectations. Freelancing can be a good way to make a quick buck but do not let that lull you into a false sense of security. You made a fortune this month with one great gig but you may make almost nothing for the next two months. This is no get rich quick scheme…it is hard work.
Check out the Freelance Writing Jobs Network. There you can find a lot of freelance advice and job listings.
‘Spend time creating a resume and portfolio as potential clients will often put a lot of store by these and in today's global internet world it will usually be all they ever see of you and will form their entire decision as to whether to hire you or not.’
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