Did you notice the title of this post? How I added an additional piece of information to substantiate the heading–it is one of the tricks to increase the Click-Through-Rate (CTR) of your content.
Well, if you are reading this post, it means at least something did click, right?
Okay, so, here is the piece of advice that I carry as a successful freelance copy or content writer (I hope you understand the difference between the two, though!)
There are two types of writers I find on various freelance job portals and also on professional social media channels: One of them belong to the native category while the others belong to the bilingual category–people who have a commendable hold on the English language, though their native language is not English.
So, this advice is majorly for writers who fall into the bilingual category, mostly because I myself am a bilingual writer–I am looking to share what I went through and became successful. Native English writers usually have their stuff together though if they are new to this occupation, they can still benefit from the tips.
- Use Grammarly
I personally hated the usage of Grammarly a couple of years back. In fact, I remember I used to refuse to work with clients who used Grammarly or wanted me to check my work before I send it to them. This was until I started finding a potential gap between the ratings, prices, and even the preference buyers and clients have when they hire native or bilingual English writers.
I had been in the business for a long time and wanted to increase my hourly rate or general price for writing an article. So, I noticed that my writing may have few chinks of inconsistency as compared to a native English writer’s copy. I unwillingly started using Grammarly and found that actually, it was a great tool to weed out the little errors in your writing and make it more consistent and accurate.
I feel more confident, secure and bold in my approach when I pitch to new clients, and no doubt that my rates and the frequency of projects have increased since then.
- Use Copyscape Premium
Digital writing or online writing is all about unique content–anything copied or spun does not have that much value when it comes to search engine optimization, user engagement, and even reducing the bounce rate of your content–whether it is a landing page or not. To avoid any issue, and also to make your bid more substantial, use Copyscape Premium account to check your written word. Tell your clients that you use it before sending the content, which will make them believe you more.
- Always Proofread
I remember losing a very big client in the early days of my freelancing career because I sent articles that were not proofread. It was a big shock. I relayed a message to the client that I will work for free to make up for the issue but he didn’t relent. It was a hard lesson but all worth it.
While typing on a computer, it is natural that some typos or misspellings may occur–always proofread your copy and content before you send it across.
Ideally, take some time before writing and proofreading, as it often makes your eyes and perspective fresh. (!)
- Keep a Portfolio
This may come in the category of “How to win more bids” but it is still crucial to becoming a successful freelance copywriter or content writer.
Whether you are writing articles, blogs, web pages, ad copy, social media copy, press releases, landing pages, or any type of work, try making a portfolio or at least keep a record of what you have done. Almost all major freelance job portals or marketplaces provide the space to have a profile and also have some portfolio items–this helps in showing your potential clients what you have done. Majority of prospective clients rely on these portfolio items, feedbacks, and reviews while they make up their mind of hiring you.
Do not ignore this part!
- Work on Multiple Channels
I had a very good profile on vWorker.com (Earlier RentACoder), but when it was sold to Freelancer.com, my clients dwindled as it had a totally different business model. A similar thing happened when UpWork (Earlier oDesk) acquired Elance.com.
The point is that you have to keep working on multiple channels because the dynamics of the industry may change any day and you may lose a potential source of income. Do not even ignore prospecting clients on social media channels. Of course, it depends on the bandwidth that you have to spare, but still, it is one of the most crucial aspects if you are depending your livelihood solely on freelance work.
In the end
I would like to hear more such tips and suggestions if you have been in the field and industry, and have made a successful place for you. Share your thoughts. Also, if you have any queries, feel free to ask.
