Working as freelance content writers may seem to be a lucrative opportunity to many. Making money while working from any corner of the globe is indeed a great business option. But this does not mean that freelance content writing is an easy task. They have to face multiple roadblocks and challenges, especially in the initial phase of their career.
This blog discusses the various hurdles that freelance content writers need to overcome. So, if you are a newbie and someone has been sugar-coating the job for you, then you take 5 minutes out of your busy schedule to know the truth for yourself.
5 biggest challenges that every freelance content writer comes across!
Convincing parents and relatives that you are ACTUALLY working
Most freelance writers are showered by questions and statements like- “Do something real!”, “Go help your mother/father/brother, you are sitting idle at home,” “Are you even earning something?” It gets really hard to convince your parents, relatives and even neighbours that freelancing can fetch you a handsome amount of money. Just because you can operate from anywhere, they consider you to be absolutely free and idle all the time.
In this case, you should sit down and talk with your parents and discuss your earnings and work hours. Once they are convinced, ignore your nosy neighbours and relatives.
Managing perfect personal and professional life balance
Freelancing is not about working 2 hours and earning 6 figure income every month. Of course, you can reach this stage as well. But it may take months or even years. The struggling phase will require you to work as long as 8, 10 or 12 hours in a day. A freelance content writer manages every task on his own – research, writing, proofreading, editing, revisions, attending client calls, sending out emails, billing and whatnot. It gets extremely hard to take time out for oneself.
To avoid this mess, you must fix your work hours and adhere to them at all costs. Neither procrastinate nor work overtime. Only this can help you strike the right balance between work and personal life.
Maintaining continuous inflow of writing gigs
Getting work leads on a regular basis is a real task! You need to put your sincere efforts into client acquisition. Otherwise, there will be dry months when you do not have work at all. And then there will be months when you cannot leave your work desk at all.
Cold pitching, networking and regular content creation on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram can help you with high-quality convertible leads.
Tackling price negotiations
Prospects can be really good in price negotiations. Freelancers, especially the newbies, find it extremely hard to charge according to their own terms. For instance, the average rate for freelance content writing in India ranges from INR 2 to INR 5 per word. But the reality is that there is still a multitude of writers who are working for literally peanuts (0.25 paise per word!).
If you have enough experience as a professional content writer, then create a portfolio and start working on it. Share the portfolio and the results that your write-ups have fetched for your previous clients. All these actions will portray you as an authoritative figure, and you can charge more eventually.
Entertaining clients who ask for endless revisions
There will be clients who simply would never get satisfied with your work. They will keep asking for countless edits and revisions. It gets overwhelming to work on the same draft multiple times, that too at short notice. This further keeps delaying the payment.
The best way to avoid this scenario is to create a contract and mention the maximum number of edits you are ready to offer. You should also mention that the client should provide all the details in one go before you start with the research and writing process.
Wrapping Up
If you follow a proper system at every step, then freelance content writing will definitely bring the desired results. It is necessary that you focus on the solution rather than the problem. Try the tips mentioned in the blog and make your freelancing journey smooth and fruitful.
