I have an insightful interview to share that will guide you on how to kickstart a successful freelance writing career.
Today, I want to introduce you to my friend Catherine Alford, a full-time blogger, freelance writer, and creator of the course “Get Paid To Write For Blogs.” Catherine has been featured in prestigious publications like U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Time, Lifehacker, AOL, and more. She has also appeared on Good Morning America, Fox News, and Huffington Post Live.
Catherine’s successful freelance writing career allowed her to quit her full-time job and work from home, spending more time with her two-year-old twins. She started with $10 per post and now earns several hundred dollars per blog post, making a great living from freelance writing.
In our interview, she shares how you can also pursue this as a career or side hustle. Check out the interview below for more information and explore Cat’s course, “Get Paid To Write For Blogs,” to learn how to become a successful freelance writer.
—
**Background on Catherine Alford and Her Freelance Writing Journey:**
Hi! I’m Catherine Alford. I’m a full-time blogger and freelance writer. In 2010, I started a blog called “Budget Blonde” while in graduate school, discussing budget living and enjoying life without overspending. What began as a creative outlet turned into a full-time career.
When my husband got into medical school, we moved abroad. To earn money, I started applying for freelance blogging jobs online, either through job boards or by directly emailing websites. Over time, my site and client list grew.
In the past six years, my freelance writing career has led to publications on major websites and appearances on TV shows. I never imagined that a small blog could lead to such an exciting career.
**What is a Freelance Writer?**
A freelance writer writes for various clients rather than being employed by one company. They work for themselves, contracting out their writing services. Freelance writers can write for magazines, blogs, and online publications. Personally, I write for a mix of blogs and corporate clients, including large financial companies and smaller blogs.
**Earnings for Beginner Freelance Writers:**
When I started, I earned $10 per post. Over time, I increased my rates and now get paid several hundred dollars per post. Earnings depend on your hustle. Beginners can grow to make $100 per post within a year, potentially earning $500-$1,000 extra per month. Some of my students have even made several thousand dollars a month and quit their day jobs.
**What I Love About Freelance Writing:**
Writing has been my passion since childhood. I love that freelance writing allows me to work from anywhere, anytime, and earn a great income. I enjoy storytelling and educating others through writing.
**Finding Your First Freelance Writing Job:**
There are many ways to find your first job. One straightforward method is using online job boards like Problogger.com. It’s essential to have a website or blog with samples showcasing your skills and a “Hire Me” page. Sometimes, just letting friends, family, and your online network know that you’re a freelance writer can land you your first job.
**Is Freelance Writing a Good Fit?**
I always say, give it a try. If writing interests you, sit down and write something. Create a portfolio and see how you feel about writing for others and meeting deadlines. If you don’t like it, you can stop. As a freelance writer, you decide how much or little you write.
**Steps to Make Money Freelance Writing:**
First, build a solid portfolio. Create a professional website or blog with writing samples. Guest post on friends’ blogs to show your writing is valued by others. Then, aggressively apply to writing jobs until you land your first paying gig.
**Cost to Start Freelance Writing:**
Starting this side hustle can cost nothing initially.
**Benefits of Freelance Writing:**
Freelance writing has changed my life. I quit my full-time job to write every day, earning a full-time income doing what I love. I work from home and spend time with my children. I make more than double what I made teaching at a university and enjoy incredible opportunities, like appearing on TV and working with large companies.
**Tips for Aspiring Freelance Writers:**
Successful freelance writers have a strong work ethic. They write when others are asleep or watching TV. They have a drive to succeed. Anyone can start freelance writing if they love to write and can meet deadlines, but to make it a full-time career with a six-figure income, you need hustle and determination.
**What You Can Learn from Cat’s Course:**
My course teaches you how to become a successful full-time writer online. It includes 29 videos covering everything from developing your portfolio and finding clients to setting up a business and getting paid. I share all my knowledge and mistakes from six years of blogging to help you start making money immediately.
Past students have found great success, landing paid writing jobs and growing their freelance businesses significantly. For example, Kara from The Daily Whisk got a paid job within a month, and Kassandra Dasent grew from one to ten clients.
Are you interested in starting a freelance writing career?