Is Freelance Writing Worth It? Here Are 5 Reasons Why (Guest Post)

If you ever wanted to get into freelance writing but somehow had doubts...

Let me assure you it’s worth it.

In this article, I will answer that lingering thought "is freelance writing worth it?".

The answer is yes, and here are 5 reasons why.

1. Make a Living From Your Passion

It might just be your hobby, but why not get paid doing what you love?

To many, writing might just be...well, writing. But you know for a fact that is not true.

Having dedicated countless hours to your craft, you know it takes considerable time, effort, and commitment.

The marketplace is flooded with average freelance writers who simply want to make a quick buck.

They abuse various AI writing software and lack the passion for producing professional articles that most clients desire.

That's where you come in and give them what they want. 

Simple demand and supply.

2. Be Your Own Boss

Let's get one thing clear. 

I know that many freelancers unconsciously feel that they are still "employees" when working with a client.

You are, without a doubt, the boss of your own business.

This means having the freedom to take charge of everything from setting your own deadlines to deciding how much you will charge for your services.

It also allows you to dive deep into understanding the inner workings of running a service business which can eventually turn into a larger-scale operation with your employees.

But you will also need to know how to track your income properly and know how to give yourself a raise appropriately.

The best part?

You get to choose which projects you want to take on. Nobody can tell you otherwise.

3. Work From Home, Forever

This is my favorite perk.

Freelance writing is an excellent way to not only make money, but you can do it from the comfort of your own home or on a beach in the Bahamas.

All you need is a laptop and an internet connection.

You take back ownership of your own time, improve your mental health and rebuild relationships with your loved ones.

The flexibility of deciding your own routine is unrivaled, which is why many people choose to become freelance writers.

You work where and when you want.

Not to mention, it gives you the opportunity to further develop new skills and expand your current knowledge base.

4. Supplement Your Existing Income

One of the top benefits has to be boosting your current income.

Freelance writing entails managing your own business, but that doesn't mean you have to quit your current job (if you have one).

In fact, many freelance writers I know offer their services while still working full-time.

Myself included.

Back when I was the marketing manager of various E-commerce, NFTs, Crypto, Finance, and E-sports companies, I was also offering freelance content marketing services on the side.

Writing content for blogs and other platforms was part of it.

Rather than wasting countless hours after your 9-5 on Netflix, why not cut that down and earn some extra money?

That will bring you one step close to flipping the switch and actually turning your freelance writing into your full-time job.

5. Challenge Yourself to Write SEO Content

I know that doesn't exactly sound very enticing, but hear me out.

If you are trying to write a novel, this doesn't apply to you. But most freelancers are being hired to write content that is SEO-optimized.

And so will you.

Companies aren't looking for the next J.K Rowling.

They need writers who are not only proficient at the skill but know how to create text that can convert into customers.

So if you are used to writing flamboyantly, this might be a huge change but worth investing time to master.

You will be exposed to the world of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Content Marketing, and Copywriting, which are all highly sought-after skills in a modern freelance writer.

This will open up more opportunities for you to write for various other types of content that require highly converting copy.

What is Freelance Writing?

Freelance writing is the act of providing independent paid writing services to a client that is not part of an organization's offering.

Freelance writers can produce text in the form of articles, blog posts, web copy, press releases, and more from remote working locations like their homes.

Many companies prefer this method of outsourcing as it's cheaper than having in-house writers either for themselves or their own clients.

How Much Do Freelance Writers Get Paid?

Freelancer writers typically charge clients on a per-word or per-article basis. This can range between $0.06-$0.12 per word or $25-$100 for a 500-word article.

Although, the rate of pay varies greatly depending on the complexity of the project and the writer's experience level.

With its massive amount of historical freelance data, Upwork has written a comprehensive article on freelance writing rates which you can check out.

How Hard Is It To Get Freelance Writing Work?

Honestly? It’s not easy.

Finding freelance writing work can be challenging with a large amount of competition out there. 

That's why it's mission-critical to learn how to market yourself as a freelancer.

You need to be proactive in your search for work and know how to pitch your services to potential clients.

Many websites like Upwork and Fiverr give you a good starting point to promote your services. It may take some time and effort, but with the right attitude and willingness to put in the work, any freelancer can find work.

Is Freelance Writing Worth It (FAQs)

Is There a Demand for Freelance Writers?

Yes, the demand for freelance writers as the need for high-quality content has increased significantly in this digital age.

The content marketing market expecting to grow to $417.85 billion by 2025.

And every company with a competent team knows the value of having well-optimized web content to capture more leads and conversions for their business.

Couple with the number of bloggers and marketing agencies who also frequently outsource work to freelance writers, you are definitely in a good position if you choose this profession. 

Skilled writers who can create engaging content for websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and marketing materials will always be needed, and that demand isn't going anywhere soon.

However, competition is also increasing. 

Make sure you’re continually improving your writing skills and staying up-to-date with industry trends to stay relevant.

Will AI Replace Freelance Writers?

This is a common fear, especially after the rise of ChatGPT and other AI writing tools built on top of it.

I strongly believe that AI will not replace freelance writers who embrace the technology and do not completely oppose it. These tools can significantly cut down the time and money spent on hiring freelancers. Because why would anyone hire a human when they can get more optimized content for less cost from a robot?

Simple. Output from these tools lacks personality, emotion, and creativity, which only humans can infuse into the content.

A quick scan through an AI content detector is all it takes to figure out how likely a piece of content is AI or not.

The key is to accept this technology as a supplementary tool and focus on being a master content optimizer. That is how you make yourself indispensable. 

As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.

How Many Hours Do Freelance Writers Work?

That's the best part. It's all up to you. 

As a freelance writer, you choose your hours and manage your schedule.

It all depends on the number of ongoing projects you have and their deadlines.

It's both a blessing and a curse because you get all the freedom you want, but it can go downhill if you take on more than you chew.

To Summarize

That's a wrap.

I hope these five reasons were able to clear any doubts and convince you that freelance writing is an excellent profession to be in.

All the best and happy writing!