For some time now, I’ve done web content writing for savvy website and online business owners, and I must say I’m glad of my accomplishments as I only started offering website content services 8 months ago!

Becoming a freelance website content writer is not as easy as some people think.

It ‘s real hard work. In fact, if you’re not ready to put in your effort then don’t bother starting a website content service because, it just won’t work.

Some people think running an online business is fun and easy.

They believe blogging is a get rich-quick-scheme. If you’ve always thought that running an online business is like Bread and Butter, then you better erase those thoughts and take up your plunge of hard work.

Like I said earlier, becoming a freelance web content writer takes hard work; but it’s profitable, and very rewarding.

Before I continue with this post, let’s talk about what it takes to become a freelance website content writer.

To write a good content, you have to make some research first (which normally takes me about 45 minutes) and write (it takes me 2 to 3 hours to write my best content).

Although, web content writing is real hard work but it’s more rewarding than a 9 to 5 day hob.

The beautiful thing about being a freelance web content writer is that, you can work from anywhere around the world at anytime, anyday!  It could be your lunch hour, dinner hour, or just about anytime!

You can decide your workdays, hours, et al!  You’re at a free will to decide whether you’re going to work on a certain day or not.

Wow! The benefits that web content writing brings are too amazing!  I’m glad to be a freelance web content writer; It’s really worth it!

Back to the main subject of this post: how do you start a website content service?

How do you go about becoming a freelance web content writer?

Don’t worry, I’ll explain all it takes to become a website content writer, and I’ll also be giving you some hints on how you can run your website content writing service effectively.

 Start Part Time–Don’t Quit your Day Job yet

Never leave your day job to start a web content service. Don’t quit your day job yet! It’s risky.

Think about the expenses and financial responsibilities. If you quit your job now, how would you pay for your internet connection, laptop maintenance, feeding, and some other basic needs?

If you’ve always dreamt of becoming a full-time web content writer, don’t quit your day job. Start up part time and if your income surpasses that of your day job–call it a ’’QUIT’’. ‘

Pro tip: I suggest you practice web content writing for 6-9 months (if you’re complete newbie).

Get better. Read journalistic materials and look up to the Dictionary for new English words. Get better at your grammar. Improve yourself and develop relationships with other professional website content writers.

Start Up a Blog

Every content writer should have a blog.  I don’t know what to say or do to grow your business if you don’t have a platform (blog) online.

You have to display your professionalism and the only way to do that is to start a blog.

Let me tell you something you don’t know:

A blog gives you the platform to position yourself to potential clients who’d pay you what you deserve.

Don’t join the bulk of writers on content mills chasing for jobs. You’re still a newbie so why join the bulk of professional website content writers  on content mills?

It doesn’t make any sense to apply for web content writing jobs with top journalists and website content services on the web.

Single out yourself by starting a blog and write quality and eye-catchy contents that’ll ‘’WOW’’ potential clients.

Position Yourself

No one will read your blog at first. In fact, don’t expect traffic to come immediately.

Work on your contents! Write heart-provoking headlines and submit to social news sites like Digg and Reddit. Do these regularly until you start getting viewers

Pro tip: who knows, your headline might just make it to the home page of Digg?

If this by any means happen, it’d make other freelance web content writers respect you and it’d position your blog for ”holy grail” traffic.

Market your Business–Guest Blog

I love this part.

If you’re  thinking of starting a website content service or becoming a freelance web content writer then  be ready to market your business with guest blogging.

Though, I’m a content writer, I still practice guest blogging.

In fact, guest blogging is a core part of my marketing strategy. It’s how I drive traffic, generate leads, convert readers into subscribers and build quality back-links to my blog pages.

In fact, I’m one of the few bloggers who’ve written over 140 unique guest posts within the space of 5 months! And I’ve also been featured on top B2B blogs like Socialmediatoday and real estate blog: Nichereport

Note: a great way to be noticed as a content writer is by guest posting on other blogs.

Here’s how it works:

Make research of your target blog, pitch them your guest post Idea; write your guest post and submit.

Take note: No blogger will publish a ‘‘half-baked guest post’’,–you have to create unique content quality content to get published.

The beautiful thing about guest blogging is that it helps you build relationships quickly.  To know more on how to go about guest blogging as a freelance web content writer, check out this detailed post.

Give Your Best at the Very First Shot!

Remember, first time impression matters.

If you were given a trial post or assignment, give it your best shot!

Submit your best content and they’d beg to retain you.

The beauty about freelance web content writing is that, it gives you the opportunity to know how top companies and firms online, operate their websites; and it helps you upgrade your web content writing skills regularly.

Don’t Miss Deadlines (Please)

If you want to sustain your website content service, or run a profitable web content writing service, you must learn to meet deadlines.

Put yourself in your client shoes: would you like to wait for 5 days before receiving a complete assignment? None of us wants delays–we all want quick things.

Missing deadlines will make you look unprofessional and may cost you a lot in the end.

For instance, if I’m a website owner, with the choice of hiring a native web content writer who never meets deadline and another web content writer who though, has great skills but meets deadlines; guess whom I’m going to hire?

Don’t give unnecessary excuses. Don’t treat your website content service like a hobby, treat it like a REAL BUSINESS!

Respect your clients and meet their deadlines.

Take Writing Projects You Know of

Don’t accept an health writing project when you’re only skilled in internet marketing related topics.

Don’t take jobs you don’t have experience in. Accept projects you love and know about.

Pro tip: but if you only know a little about a topic, research it like crazy and write as if you were talking to your Mum.

Be Smart–Insist On a Contract

As a professional website content writer,  insist on a contract before starting a project.

Know the details of the job, payment rate, payment procedure, length of post, deadline.

Pro tip: This is very important.

Things you need to become a Successful Freelance web Content Writer

Persistence

It takes grace and determination to start a content writing business and it takes great persistence to continue. Don’t close down your content writing service because you’re not getting clients. No, don’t do that.

Keep working hard and keep marketing your business and with time, you’ll smile.

Be Prayerful

Yeah. I don’t know about you, I’m a spiritual web content writer.

I love prayer and I believe it’s what you need to become a successful content writer.

Prayer will make you survive in the ”wilderness” and will keep you going even when it seems like there’s no hope.

It’d make potential clients locate you and will give you great insights on how to grow and manage your website content service.

Pro tip: be spiritually minded!

Your turn to ‘’WOW’’ me

Were you inspired reading this content? What did you learn? Please, take a few seconds and share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.