The economy today is very unforgiving but also very rewarding for those who work hard. No wonder everyone is becoming an entrepreneur. I know that the thought of opening up your own business might have crossed your mind at least once.

This is almost becoming inborn and imprinted in the human DNA. Talking of businesses, freelancing businesses is quickly catching on like wildfire. One survey shows that many people have turned this way since it is the only industry that does not ask for much to get you started.

Now that everyone aspires to become his or her bosses, freelancing will not only give you this freedom but will also grant you the chance to choose your working hours. Like any other business, the beginning phase is usually hectic but with a little perseverance, you will get the hang of it.

For those who did not know, freelancing is the type of work where one is given a task and the chance to work on it from anywhere they please so long as they meet their deadlines. I mean who would not want to have such liberty.

Unlike any other job opportunity out there that demands long work experience and high levels of academic accomplishments, freelancing is quite the opposite. It requires no such prerequisites unless you are specializing in your services.

Here are some of the general requirements to help you get started in this new career:

• A computer – this is very essential since it creates a basic medium for working and networking. For your beginning phase, it is okay to start with a laptop computer but we recommend that you upgrade to a desktop computer as soon as possible due to the large screen as well as the convenience it brings.
• MS Office – I know many of you are already familiar with this computer package. There are very many variations but for your freelancing endeavors, you will probably need MS Word and Excel the most.
• Good English – of course, this is the main medium of communication. Therefore, you need to have a very good grasp of it for you to succeed. However, this will depend on the type of job description because some usually involve plenty of translations to other languages too.
• Some specialized knowledge – well, this isn’t particularly mandatory because you don’t have to have any specialized skills to begin per se. However, having specialized knowledge such as a certification in SEO or just basic SEO knowledge can be a great plus in securing high paying freelancing gigs from the start.

In conclusion, it isn’t difficult to get started in a freelancing career. All you need to have is confidence in yourself as well as the skills that you already have. You will keep on perfecting as well as learn more along the way.

Well, freelancing entails the ability to perform specialized tasks from literally anywhere in the world. Call them remote workers if you like.

Like any other industry, the freelancing world includes a whole set of varied “niches” and the most widely recognized specialty is freelance writing.

Given the minimal number of prior requirements or experience needed to get started in this field, almost everyone is using it as a part-time gig or side hustle.

So, I know that many of you who are already interested in trying this out are already wondering how much a typical freelance writer earns.

Well, this article is designed to not only provide you with a quick answer but also provide you with relevant examples as well as details from freelancing surveys.

First, let’s look at why this industry is quickly becoming popular.

The internet is widely informative. We all use it to gather all the necessary information that we need. It is filled with reports, informative blogs (I know you might be a fan of those eye-catching mum’s blogs), and oh let’s not forget the wide database for homework.

Apart from being informative, the internet is an important entertainment platform. It has numerous social media networks where most of us use to cool off as well as to pass time.

If you think about it, online content is equivalent to fuel for the internet, don’t you think?

Ranging from startups to fully-fledged companies, they all need the right content to highlight their businesses online. This is a great magnet for new leads as well as marketing.

That said, you could already relate the increasingly high demand for freelance writers. But before you leave your day job for this sector, let’s delve into how much money you could make if you decided to become a freelance writer today.

If you have done some research already, you might have realized that the vast majority of freelance writers out there get paid per word. Other forms of that some prefer include payment per article and hour.

Despite the latter being less uncommon, many use it to get lucrative deals as well as high paying gigs.

Figuring out your most preferred method of payment should be your starting point. Take your time and think critically about this because it could help make or break your freelancing business. If you are just starting, we advise that you begin with rates per article.

One important note that most beginners usually ignore, is the decision to either find their clients or use content mills. This should be a personal decision but I know that many would argue that finding direct clients is the best way to go.

To wrap this up, the 2020 freelancing survey report suggests that newbies can start earning at least $20 per 500-word article. Not a bad start, right?

Get trained

Any job category needs one to know it. Get education or training for you to give quality work from the start. You may not need a degree in it but having a degree is an added advantage. If you can’t afford a degree, then get in touch with the top-rated freelancers to get you in the field at an agreeable fee. They are cheap compared to getting training in communication or journalism. You may also opt for the free online courses that are being offered. Most of them are cheap, thus manageable by many. All you need is time and dedication for them. Check your schedule and decide which best training fits you well and go for it.

Start as an employee

It may not be an easy process, but if you get a chance to work with editors, you will get the on-job training. Getting employed by a firm then working with staff will allow you to learn. You will know new trends and tricks to use in online work. You will develop skills like Search Engine Optimization and how to get clients. It will be a great move to establish your own business.

Publish your work

Write your articles and publish them online. They will showcase your skills, and clients who need the services of skills that you have will come to you. Most clients don’t care about your level, whether you are an expert of a beginner. They get concerned with the quality of work you will give. Having a sample on your online portfolio will make them understand what you are capable of doing. Ensure that the article you publish is a killer one.

You may also start blogging about any blog topic. You will get the experience and also market you to various clients. Clients are always online looking for employees. Starting a blog will lead you to own a website. Here you will earn.

Networking and social skills

These two skills are important for starting online writing. You may have the capacity of providing good articles but getting clients becomes another hustle. Whether an introvert or not, you have to network. You find most clients through connections and networks that you have. Use all the media platforms that you have to create connections and get clients.

Be flexible

Keep in mind that it’s not an easy thing to do. You will work even at odd hours of the day. After all, you work from the comfort of your home. Expect payments to delay at times and source out the best method to get paid after you have submitted your job. As a starter, don’t only concentrate on high paying gigs. Go for the small gigs that have low competition. High paying gigs attract experts who have been in the field for a long time. Targeting them may not always guarantee you winning them.

Like any other field, becoming an online writer is a process that needs your whole input and patience. You will succeed.