How to Get Your First Freelance Writing Project

Your success as a freelance copywriter will depend on many different things. Accurate estimation skills, negotiation techniques and copywriting experience are essential to land a freelance writer job. So, how to you develop and improve these skills? Without the necessary experience, how would you get your first project?

When you are actively searching for freelance copywriting work, you'll gain some hands-on knowledge about your competition and how to outdo them. But, to be out on the field and looking for a freelance writer job isn't easy. Many clients will ask for your resume, and ask you to state your qualifications and experience to demonstrate your ability to handle the freelance writer job effectively.

As a newbie freelancer, this creates a problem. If your potential first client asks for your experience, how do you respond? This is why you need to think in advance and be prepared. Unlike regular jobs, a freelance writer job can lead you to success quite quickly. All you need to present to your client is an acceptable portfolio. Your portfolio doesn't have to be a collection of top-notch clientèle you've worked for - it can be just a collection of good, clear and informative articles published online. There are many article directories online and you can easily get a free basic membership and publish your work in these sites.

Keep in mind that as a beginning freelancer, you don't have the privilege of asking for high fees. Start low, accept only what you know you can do, meet the deadlines and build up a good reputation. Freelance ghostwriting is an excellent place to start. There are many successful copywriters who have work overflows and they often outsource some projects to new writers. Freelance ghostwriting is not a lucrative opportunity, but you can easily earn around $30-$50 per day, if you are dedicated and finish the work on time.

Before you accept a freelance ghostwriting project (or any other freelance writer job), do your research and find out the normal fee range for different freelance copywriting projects. Overpricing is a common mistake done by many new freelancers. If a client asks you for a negotiated rate, never refuse. There are many buyers who are looking for long-term business relationships and your rates can make all the difference between getting a contracted freelance writer job and simply being overlooked. If you don't already have a relevant degree, study for one. If a degree is too expensive, search for an acclaimed copywriting course and do it. For around $300, it's worth it.

Shanki de Silva is a professional freelance copywriter specializing in web content, articles, blogs, brochures and PR material. Visit NetProductsReview, a review site for work-at-home and freelancing products and services, for more information and resources.

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