A freelance writer can pretty much work from anywhere, as long as they have something to write on, a cell phone and an internet connection. In fact, the flexibility of being a freelancer is such that you might not even need all three, some writers have laptops and need nothing else. BKA Content calls it the “perfect work from home job,” but there are those lucky enough to be able to complete assignments on beaches, in coffee shops and other desirable remote locations far away from home.
Can I Work From Anywhere?
With the right kind of setup, you may be able to complete your work in ridiculous comfort. These days, there are many more options for this than there used to be. Of course, you still need to be disciplined and produce quality work that is submitted on time. And unless you hire someone else to market your services and do the billing, you’ll need to master these tasks in addition to being able to write well.
Depending on the kind of writing you do, you will likely need to start with a base office which could be in your home. Freelancer FAQs suggest having a computer, a laptop, a whiteboard for jotting down ideas, pens and sticky notes. If you'll be working on any sort of podcasts or videos, you'll also need a good microphone. The Internet connection should be fast and strong, too. Once you are set up you may be able to take the laptop and complete your assignments wherever you like, as long as there is Wi-Fi.
Comfort is key when it comes to freelance writing. You’ll need an ergonomic chair and anything else you require to write in a relaxed position. Some people find that it’s harder to write outdoors because of the glare, but you may be able to figure that out with the right kind of screen and eyewear.
How Freelance Writers Stay Organized
The flexibility of being a freelancer is balanced by the need to stay organized and ahead of your workload. According to a post on Freelance Writers Online, not being chained to a nine-to-five workday and long commute makes it easier to work more efficiently, which definitely helps. Experienced freelancers also use tools like Google Calendar and Google Drive to keep on top of their assignments, and meet with clients on Zoom and other virtual meeting apps or chat via Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Using cloud-based applications ensures that your work won’t get lost, and you can also keep your invoices, payment receipts and other information in these places. Most freelancer writers stay in contact with their clients through email and use content management systems like Word Press and Asana to receive and submit their assignments. These allow them to manage and track their work and see the overall project progress.
Having a website or a blog is a great way to get new clients, but just like your email inbox, it needs to be checked each and every day. You might want to hire someone to design it but as a creative being, this might come easily to you. Potential customers like to see writing portfolios before hiring new talent and a unique, personalized website is the best place to organize and showcase your work.
More Benefits of Freelancing
Besides being able to work from anywhere, freelance writers can pick and choose who they want to work for, within reason. When first starting out, it can be hard to determine your niche unless you already have considerable experience. Once you know what kind of writing you want to pursue (like technical writing, content writing, or copywriting), you can narrow down a target market for potential clients and find ones that you connect with.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of freelancing is being able to set your own hours. Instead of waking up at 6 a.m. to be at a desk by 8:30, you can have a leisurely breakfast, work out and start work at 11. Again, the flexibility of being a freelancer means that you still need to finish your work on time, so you might have to keep writing until 8 p.m. or work on weekends.