Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners

 

With the economy getting rougher every day, more and more people are looking for ways to supplement their family's income from home. Some have lost their jobs, while others are simply feeling the pinch as gas prices and grocery prices rise. If you're new to the freelance writing game, but are interested in learning about freelance writing and how writing online works, you've come to the right place. Let's talk about freelance writing jobs for beginners and how to get started.

Online content writing is very different from fiction writing, traditional journalism, or academic writing. Online freelance writing jobs are generally focused on creating commercial content to drive advertising traffic to websites. This means that you'll be researching and writing about a wide variety of topics – some of them interesting, some of them not as interesting. You'll need to learn a little bit about Search Engine Optimization – the art of putting keywords in the right places throughout the content that you write. Think of this type of content as a big word game – you're putting the correct words in the correct spots in the content, while saying something interesting that readers actually want to read. 

Freelance writing jobs for beginners aren't extremely difficult to find online, but you do need to know where to look. There are multiple sites that regularly hire freelancers on a large scale. These sites are commonly known as "content mills", and if you don't have time to market yourself, maintain a web presence, and look for private clients at higher rates, they're a good way to break into the world of working online. They pay regularly by Paypal, direct deposit, or check, and can provide you with a steady to semi – steady income from home. 

My favorite places to send new writers are:

Textbroker - This site requires you to submit basic profile information and a writing sample. Once you've done this, you'll be given a ranking that determines your per word rate. You can then claim jobs, write them, and submit them to and editor. Quick, simple, and an effective way to work from home. Pay is twice monthly by Paypal.

oDesk - This site allows you to submit a profile, take skills tests, and then apply for jobs. A year ago, I'd have told you to stay far, far away, as most of the jobs listed were for overseas workers and paid extremely low rates. Now, however, I'm seeing more and more jobs listed for $13-25 per hour and up as businesses attempt to outsource to freelancers to cut costs. I've picked up several clients here recently, and it seems to be turning into a decent online job site. 

eCopywriters - Requires a sample and application. Pays twice monthly. The topics are frequently insurance and health based, and pay .02 per word and up.

CM Copywriting - CM has a rigourous application process, which is passed by less than 2% of applicants. The test involves three sample briefs, each taking around one hour to complete. Those lucky enough to pass will write for clients such as BMW and Oracle. CM pays rates that are dependent on experience. You can apply by visiting CM's application page 

So, what are you waiting for? Work up a few samples, dust off that resume, and startputting yourself out there. Worst case scenario, you make $8-10 per hour as supplemental income. Best case scenario, you earn far, far more and are able to make a full time living working from home. Either way, you've done something positive for your financial situation, and you've done it from the comfort of your own home. 

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