Freelance Writing for Students by Emily Graham

Being a Student and a Freelancer at the Same TimeBeing a student and working toward a degree can be a stressful and time-consuming task, and you may find it difficult to balance schoolwork with a full-time schedule. Freelancing can be an excellent way to make money, and it offers much more time flexibility than a traditional part-time job. You can do freelance writing from the comfort of your home or dorm room, and you can improve your skills along the way. Today’s blog post on JPLinde.com takes a look at how you can balance studying and freelancing.
Starting a Freelance Writing BusinessBefore you start writing and taking on clients, it’s a good idea to officially start your business by applying for a business license and an EIN number (employer identification number). Your freelancing income comes with state and federal tax obligations, so make sure you’re registered with your state and the IRS to avoid monetary and legal headaches. Creating an official LLC for your business also makes you appear more legitimate in the eyes of potential clients, which can make it easier to attract new business.
Set Up Your WorkspaceHaving a dedicated space where you can work will go a long way toward helping you remain productive and focused throughout the day. This area can be a corner of a room with a desk and chair or a spare bedroom you’ve turned into an office — whatever works for you. However, make sure this space is free of distractions that could disrupt your workflow. Also, keep everything well-organized; clutter can make things feel chaotic, which increases stress and anxiety levels. What’s more, a tidy space just feels better!
Finding Your First ClientsIt can be challenging to figure out who to write for and where to write for them when you first start your business. Start by considering what your potential niches may be because those are the easiest topics for you to write about. If you like arts and crafts, sports, or science, for example, you can start off looking for websites or publications that may be able to use your services. Some companies connect you with potential clients. Also, consider expanding your horizons to topics you may not have previously considered. This can increase your earning potential as long as you do quality work.
Grow Your KnowledgeIt’s a good idea to increase your knowledge of writing mechanics and learn more about the topics you’re interested in writing about. You can take online or in-person classes to brush up on your grammatical skills or learn more about the freelance writing business in general. You may also consider working for a writing company to get your feet wet before officially heading off to be a freelancer. That arrangement may be more suitable if you’ve already finished school.
Getting Clients Interested in YouProspective clients want to know they can depend on you to provide quality material, and they want to trust in you and your abilities before hiring you for a gig. It’s a good idea to set up an online profile where they can find you and read about your qualifications and areas of experience as well as your special niches. Consider engaging with your ideal clients directly by sending them introductory emails or other materials, and think about attending events where those interested in your services may gather.
Make a Great Living Doing What You LoveIf you’re willing to expand your knowledge of the freelance writing industry and gain experience working for clients in your niche, you can make great money writing part-time or even full-time once you’re finished with school. Don’t be discouraged by the difficulty of breaking in. With practice and dedication, you can become a favorite of your ideal clients.

Emily Graham is the creator of Mighty Moms. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms -- from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.

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