Embarking on my ghostwriting journey wasn't just a career move for me—it was a lifeline. As a single mother striving to make ends meet, I turned to freelance writing to supplement my income. Little did I know my decision would make me a successful ghostwriter, now consistently earning about $10K per month.
My journey into ghostwriting began when I joined Upwork in 2015. I had a background in fiction writing. So, I eagerly accepted my first gig, which involved writing a romance novella for Amazon. From those early days of uncertainty, I learned valuable lessons and strategies that paved the way for my success. I still have my Upwork account, which I use not only for additional opportunities but also as a proof of what I once did.
Join me as I share the insights from my journey. I’ll be offering tips and tactics to kickstart or enhance your own ghostwriting venture.
How I Went from $500 to $10K
Freelance writing often requires one to have a solid portfolio. This is usually the first hurdle aspiring writers face. In 2018, I also had a limited portfolio and relied on a handful of Upwork testimonials—I didn’t have enough tangible work to showcase to potential clients yet. So, I started offering ghostwriting services to small businesses and startups in exchange for testimonials.Testimonials serve as social proof, assuring prospective clients of your capabilities and reliability. I provided quality work in exchange for testimonials and gradually built a portfolio that proved my expertise.
But having a portfolio alone wasn't enough to attract clients. Therefore, I decided to establish a credible online presence on social media to showcase my writing skills and engage with potential clients. I consistently shared valuable content and interacted with my followers to demonstrate my writing prowess and expand my network.
I Cross-Promoted My Services Across Social Media Platforms
Managing my social media presence was difficult at first. The first mistake I made was being present on multiple platforms. However, I quickly learned the importance of focus and realized that consistency was key. Therefore, I started with Instagram and transitioned to other platforms strategically after getting a significant following.To effectively cross-promote services across diverse social media platforms, I utilized various strategies. I made sure that I shared insightful tips and niche-related resources on my profiles, which helped attract and engage audiences. I also retweeted pertinent articles, which amplified engagement. Fostering connections with fellow professionals in the industry also enhanced visibility and credibility.
I Network with Career Professionals in Different Industries
Marketing is the heartbeat of startups across different industries. It serves as the compass guiding them towards converting curious followers into steadfast customers or clients. With that in mind, I keep a keen eye on emerging trends and market shifts on things like cryptocurrency and AI such as ChatGPT to stay ahead. This is because many brands rely on ghostwriters to share valuable insights with the public.I Guest-Blog for Exposure and Credibility
While blogging has evolved since 2008, it remains a goldmine for writers looking to build exposure. Contributing high-quality content as a guest blogger allows you to:- Showcase your writing skills to a wider audience.
- Establish yourself as an expert in your niche.
- Build valuable backlinks to your own website or portfolio.
So, don't underestimate the power of strategic guest blogging. Even unpaid guest blogging, can ultimately lead to attracting paying clients for your writing services.
I Support and Network with Other Freelance Writers in the Community
Freelancing often appears as solitary work, but the reality is far from it. Despite market competitiveness, the freelance community thrives on cooperation. Freelancers often collaborate among themselves, leading to valuable friendships and referrals.Personally, networking has been a game-changer for me. I have had a significant portion of clientele come through referrals from fellow freelancers. By actively engaging in online forums, social media groups, and attending industry events, I've cultivated relationships that have opened doors to new opportunities.
To succeed in networking, perseverance is key. Don't be discouraged by initial setbacks; keep reaching out, offering help, and participating in conversations. Remember, every connection made could potentially lead to a rewarding collaboration or referral.
Embrace networking as a vital tool in your freelance arsenal, and watch how the supportive freelance community can propel your career forward.