Hey there! Today, I’ve got a great article from Karen to share with you. If you’re a regular reader of Making Sense of Cents, you probably know how Michelle transitioned from making money on the side to becoming a full-time freelance blogger. If you’re thinking about starting your own freelance business but aren’t sure if blogging is the right path, this post might help you decide.
For those who already write, moving from a hobby to an online business can be easier. But if you’re a beginner, you might have more doubts.
### You Love Writing
Let’s start with the basics. Forget about boring office reports. Think about creative writing. If you love telling stories and sharing information, you’re already halfway there.
### You Read A Lot Of Blogs
You probably already read personal finance blogs or other topics like DIY projects or new tech. The more you read, the better you’ll understand the blogging world. Look at your favorite blogs—they likely have ads, affiliate marketing, or sell their own products. As a freelance blogger, your job is to help your clients succeed by writing content that engages their readers and builds trust, eventually leading to sales.
### You Like Meeting New People Online
Most online business owners don’t meet clients face-to-face often. Your biggest asset will be your online community. If you’re uncomfortable interacting with new people online, this might not be for you.
### You Are Willing To Reach Out To Clients
Many creatives think their only job is to create. But like musicians who need to sell albums and do interviews, bloggers also need to wear many hats. You’ll have to make cold calls, send proposals, write guest posts, and build your online presence. It’s part of the job to ensure you have enough work to eventually become a full-time blogger.
### You Are Excited To Learn HTML And CSS Coding
You’ll be in charge of your blog’s security, backups, anti-spam measures, and more. You’ll manage your mailing list, blog theme, and make code modifications. You’ll also need to understand statistics and SEO. While you can hire a web designer eventually, you’ll need to do the dirty work yourself at first.
### You Want To Run Your Own Business
Many of us dream of not working for someone else. If you want to run your own business, you’ll need to manage your time, set fair prices, and increase productivity to meet your income goals. Remember, you’ll also spend non-billable hours on tasks like invoicing and answering emails.
### You Have Self-Discipline
Working on your own is tough, especially if you have a day job. After your daily commute, you’ll need to find the energy to pitch to prospects, write blog posts, and network with other bloggers. Unlike an office job, no one will force you to do this but yourself.
### You’re Motivated
Motivation is as important as self-discipline. Building a freelance career isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme; it requires hard work and commitment. If you’ve reached out to potential clients and written many blog posts but aren’t making enough money yet, remember that the hardest moment is often right before your first success. Don’t give up too easily.
### You’re OK With Controllable Risks
Quitting a day job to become a freelancer is scary. Most freelancers start slowly, building a reputation and client base before quitting their 9-to-5 jobs. Trusting yourself is crucial because freelancing means no more bi-weekly paychecks. You’ll have good and bad days, but you can minimize risks by creating client agreements and marketing yourself.
### You Like Working On Your Own
As a freelance blogger, you’ll likely work from home, a library, or a coffee shop. You can rent shared office space to stay connected with other entrepreneurs, but most of your work will be done solo. It’s up to you to maintain social connections outside of work.
### You Are Good At Setting Up Your Schedule
One of the perks of blogging is that you can plan your day. Unlike unpredictable IT jobs, blogging allows you to schedule your tasks with fewer last-minute surprises.
### You Believe In Meaningful Projects And Creating A Purpose
If your only goal is to quit your job, freelance blogging might not be for you. But if you want to share your thoughts and useful information on topics you love, and help clients build their online presence, then this could be an exciting path.
### Where To Start?
#### Test The Waters
– **Pick A Topic**: Choose a subject you’re passionate about.
– **Begin Your Own Blog**: Experiment with blog design, writing style, and show your personality.
– **Do Guest Posts**: Network with other bloggers and write for related blogs.
#### Freelance
– **Reach Out To Prospects**: Use job boards or contact clients directly to offer your services.
– **Write**: Deliver excellent content for your clients and engage with their readers.
– **Get Paid**: Use online payment systems like PayPal to make transactions easier.
– **Repeat**: Ask for feedback to improve your services and look professional.
Do you want to blog? Why or why not? If you’re interested in freelancing online, check out these articles:
– How To Start A Blog – Steps For Creating Your Blog
– Blogger or WordPress – Tips on How to Move
– How To Make Money Blogging