How I Quit My 9-to-5 Job to Become a Freelance Content Writer on Fiverr
This article shares the experience of Georgia Austin — a content writer, strategist, and founder & CEO of Wizeo, a content creation platform for businesses.
Budget cuts and layoffs mean that many companies are turning to freelance workers to fill the gaps. This creates a significant opportunity for freelancers like me.
I quit my 9-to-5 job to become a freelance content writer on Fiverr and moved to Brazil just before the pandemic hit. With nothing but a laptop, I generated $1.7 million (approximately 40 billion VND) in revenue within 17 months. My personal experience taught me that freelancers shouldn’t fear an unpredictable economy.
Here’s what I did to increase revenue, attract new clients, and grow my business:
1. Choose a Niche
Laid-off workers are flooding the freelance market, increasing competition. Specialization helps you target clients more effectively, command higher fees, and create a competitive edge.
I leveraged my background and expertise in content creation to write advertising copy for brands. My advice is to experiment with different freelance services and focus on areas where you excel. Roles like virtual assistants, social media managers, mobile app developers, web designers, copywriters, and accountants are in high demand.
2. Build Your Brand
Once you’ve identified your niche, position yourself as an expert in that area. I started by building my brand on Fiverr — accepting as many contracts as possible to climb the platform’s rankings.
Every service I provided was polished and reasonably priced. Positive client reviews grew steadily, helping me establish my brand. Within two years, I became one of Fiverr’s top 1% earners and began outsourcing work to other writers.
Social media also played a role in building my brand, allowing potential clients to understand who I am and what I can offer. Regular updates on work insights and useful tips attract more clients.
3. Build Relationships
Networking takes time, but the rewards are worth it. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are great for finding direct clients. Look for brands where you believe you can add real value, and proactively share how your services can meet their needs.
Maintaining relationships is equally important. LinkedIn is my primary networking tool, and I post updates 2-3 times a week. This helps me stay connected with former collaborators, gain visibility among industry leaders, and enhance my credibility.
4. Know Your Worth
Many freelancers underprice their services to secure their first contract. Don’t undervalue yourself.
With inflation rising, pricing needs to be carefully considered. Even experienced professionals struggle to maintain the same rates they offered five years ago. Research competitors, set your rates confidently, and ensure your pricing reflects your value.
If you deliver quality work and create positive experiences, clients will see your rates as justified.
Source: cafebiz.vn
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