Getting article writing jobs is a great way to build your portfolio and make money. But it can be difficult to get started, especially if you don’t have any writing experience. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Start by finding publications or websites that offer serious money for article topics. This can be done through social media, search engines, and other methods.
Once you’ve found a few publications that seem promising, do some research to find out what kind of articles they’re looking for. Look for the type of stories that have already been published, what bylines they use and how they’re credited. This will give you a good idea of how much they pay and whether or not they’re willing to work with a freelance writer.
Next, write a short email pitching your skills to the editor or owner of that publication. Make sure you include your contact information, include some sample content if possible, and explain why you think they should hire you.
It’s always a good idea to read articles in major newspapers and magazines to see what’s already been written about the topic you’re pitching. This will help you decide if your ideas are unique enough to stand out from the competition.
Talk to a few sources and conduct some interviews. This will be an important step for any article you’re planning to write, but it’s even more crucial if you want to write about a topic that’s new or hasn’t been covered much previously.
When interviewing sources, be sure to ask open-ended questions and don’t hesitate to ask for their quotes if they have them available. This will show the editor that you’re a good listener and that you’re prepared to do your research before you write.
This will also make it easier for you to get your sources to agree to your proposed story and will save you a lot of time.
Another way to get freelance writing jobs is to build relationships with established writers. Some of them are happy to refer you to other clients if they like your work.
A great way to do this is by regularly answering Quora questions related to your writing niche. This can be an effective way to build your audience, gain valuable experience and get referrals from clients who see your Quora responses.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for job ads on LinkedIn that are seeking content producers and marketers. These ads usually indicate that a company is investing in a new content strategy and is increasing its content production.
The best thing about these job ads is that you can often get a feel for the type of work the company will be asking you to do. This will help you decide whether you’re a good fit and what type of writing you enjoy doing.
Getting article writing jobs can be a challenge, but it’s worth it if you love writing and have a good grasp of what editors and clients are looking for.