If you’ve got writing and editing skills, SEO knowledge, research prowess, and the ability to put it all together in a persuasive and entertaining way, becoming a freelance content marketing writer is the logical next step. (In fact, why aren’t you already one?)
Whether you’re interested in becoming a full-time freelance content marketing writer or prefer a side hustle to generate extra income, keep reading to learn more about the content marketing industry and how you can start getting clients today.
What is content marketing?
Content marketing is “the process of publishing written and visual material online with the purpose of attracting more leads to your business.
These can include blog posts, pages, ebooks, infographics, videos, and more,” according to Hubspot. But a crucial component of content marketing is tailoring what you write to each client’s target audience in an informative and engaging way.
For example, let’s say your kid gets stung by a bee. You search “how to treat a bee sting” and click on what looks like a reputable blog post from page one of the search results.
It contains comprehensive, reliable, and non-advertorial information you can use to make treatment decisions —including suggestion number seven, “treat it with calamine lotion.”
You know where you found that article? The blog of Acme Calamine Inc., makers of calamine lotion. Their blog is full of solid advice for a range of skin ailments; it contains no overt marketing messages, and you can trust the content.
So in two months’ time, when the same kid tramples through a patch of poison ivy, you go back to their blog for advice — and, Acme execs hope, you reach for the Acme brand on the drugstore shelf. Bam. Brand loyalty is born.
This is exactly what you’ll be doing for clients as a freelance content marketing writer. You’ll craft blog posts that address customer pain points in the client’s brand voice and tone, all while seamlessly integrating keywords — it’s all in a day’s work for a content writer.
Freelance content marketing writers are in demand
By 2023, the projected gross volume of the gig economy is supposed to reach $455.2 billion, according to Statista.
If you’re ready to get a piece of that pie (while working from the comfort of your home or favorite coffee shop), you’ll want to brush up on your SEO content skills, fine-tune your research and sourcing skills, and build up a portfolio of samples.
Modern companies across all industries need writers to create relevant and valuable content that develops brand trust with consumers and influences their purchasing decisions without selling to them.
So whether you want to work in a niche like travel or tech, or prefer to be a generalist who can skillfully tackle any topic, you can turn this dream into reality.
How much do freelance content writers make?
How much each freelance content marketing writer makes will depend on their rates, ability to find clients, work quality, and availability. However, Glassdoor reports that $53,594 is the average annual salary.
Of course, there’s always the freelancers who make over $100,000, but others prefer the flexibility of only taking on assignments when they have time or to help pay for upcoming expenses.
Get to work
From crafting catchy headlines to writing data-backed infographic copy, freelance content marketing writers have varied skill sets that allow them to use both their creative and analytical sides. Sound like you?
Get started by creating a CV on ClearVoice (it’s free!), where you can feature your work and get new writing clients. You’ll be able to set your own rate, secure better jobs, and build your dream career all in one place.
