What a world of color and information you can enter as a content writer! It may not seem glamorous from the outside; often your name isn’t even published on your work, but there is a lot to be said about the ever-changing content requests and the constant opportunity to grow as a writer. You might find your interests cover more than you ever would’ve anticipated!
Every Topic Under the Sun
You might be shocked at the wide number and variety of articles that need to be written on a daily basis. From shoes and fashion to movie reviews, there are just as many article types as there are businesses and websites. As a content writer, you really begin to expand your horizons and discover the things you have knowledge or interest in. I graduated with a major in art and advertising, but I’ve found a real love in many topics, including marketing, women’s articles, cooking articles and more.
Taking a Moment to Grow
As a freelance writer, there are so many opportunities to grow in your writing. Not only do you get feedback from clients and move up levels in your business, but you can attend webinars, find writing groups and participate in online training to become stronger in your writing.
You also will grow in the topics that interest you. I have a broad grasp of what’s going on in the marketing realm after writing over a hundred articles on various aspects of the topic—far beyond what my college classes taught me. I love to pick up articles on topics that I’ve already wanted to know more about—getting paid to write about research I already wanted to do.
What’s Better Than a Free Education?
Getting paid. You know it, and I’m going to say it: getting paid to research is a great way to learn. No college loans and grades come in forms of accepted articles and interested clients. I’m not saying this should replace a college education—I have a B.A. and I think it’s really helped me in the business world—but this is a great supplement to your education. It’s a job, but it’s a job where you are constantly developing new skills.
Reality as a Content Writer
If you focus on getting better and faster at writing, the pay is good. Like, good enough to live off of. The key is seeing this whole experience as an education. Starting off things will be a little slow. You may put in a lot of time for very little pay at first, but if you are dedicated and smart about your process, then business will quickly pick up.
I knew coming in that I had a lot to learn if I was going to make this work. I checked out what other people were saying and tips they gave. In the end, your career in writing depends on you. Unlike most jobs, freelance writing is flexible and gives you plenty of room to develop your skills.
Alethea M is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
