If you’re wondering how to become a content creator, there are some specifics to consider. Among those specifics are the characteristics the most successful freelance writers have in their arsenals.
You’re probably expecting to hear things like “get up early every day,” and “take al the certification courses you can get your hands on.”
Those aren’t necessarily bad ideas, but the concept that you have to be an early riser and hyper-educated to become a good content creator is (thankfully!) an outdated one, at best.
You can be a great freelancer without having 10 certifications after your name and, if you like to sleep in late, that’s fine! Here’s what you really need to know about what makes a successful freelance writer.
You Need to Have a Purpose (Spoiler: It Doesn’t Have to be Writing!)
It’s great if you love to write, because it can make being successful at freelance writing feel like you’re getting away with something. The “I’m getting paid for this?” can be exciting, for sure. But even if you don’t love writing for a living, you can still be really successful at it.
You just need a reason to dedicate yourself to your craft. Having something to keep you moving throughout the day, for example, can keep you enthusiastic and passionate.
Maybe you want to remodel your house, or your cat needs new toys. You might be eyeballing your neighbor’s new motorcycle with some envy. Or it could be that you just don’t like the look of those credit card bills every month.
Having a purpose can keep you focused on a goal, and dedicated to something that matters to you. Then you can use your skills to become a strong content creator and a successful freelance writer. Those skills will pay the bills, and you’ll reach goals that matter to you.
You Want to Vet Your Sources, Always (Because Readers Just Might)
Focusing on how to become a content creator is much more than just putting together great strings of words. Those words matter, but where did they come from? Whose words did you read to decide what you wanted to say?
In short, don’t get sucked into the fake news bubble. You want to be sure you know your sources (and trust them to give you accurate information). If you pick a source that’s not reputable, and your readers check it out, you’re going to lose a lot of your street cred with readers.
Naturally, that’s not a good thing. It’s also a bad thing for anyone who hired you to freelance for them, because what you say affects how readers see them, too. If you want to be successful as a freelancer, you need to make sure the people who hire you like your work, and that your readers do, too.
Vetting sources comes with practice, and it’s not always easy to tell at first glance whether a source is valuable or a dud. Some sources look great, but further investigation shows differently.
Pro Tip: Follow your source’s sources back to the original, and see what it says. Then link to or cite that source, if possible. Not only does that stop your readers from having to follow the information back to the beginning, but it can be easier to show your reader that the source you used is good quality.
Being Trendy is Overrated (At Least as a Full-Time Game Plan)
You don’t need to be trendy to be successful. Sure, it might get you a few clicks when it’s first posted. But those clicks are going to be short-lived, and then the article you worked so hard on, and so carefully filled with buzzwords, will fade into oblivion. Trendsetting is where otherwise good articles go to die.
There’s nothing wrong with those quick, easy pieces about the latest Kardashian drama. People read them, for sure. When you want to become a content creator people rely on, though, you need to offer more than soap opera scandals. Being versatile, timely, and timeless is the way to go.
By showing companies and individuals that hire you that you can write about nearly anything, you can make yourself an indispensible part of the team. Specialists certainly have their place, but they aren’t required for most content creation. Good generalists who know how to research their topic can be just as effective, and their versatility keeps them working.
If you haven’t branched out too much in your freelance content career, there’s no time like the present. Show your current clients and any prospective future clients what you can do, and get outside your comfort zone. Not only does that increase your value as a freelance content writer, but it can help you learn more about the world and grow as a person, too. Neat.
People Crave an Honest Connection
When people read what you write, you want them to be nodding their heads in agreement. You need them to feel something from your words. Whether they’re laughing over an outrageous adventure, or crying over rescued puppies, emotion matters. Even during journalistic, “just the facts, ma’am” kinds of articles, helping people feel connected can be extremely valuable.
It’s important for your writing to help people feel seen. When they get emotional over your portrayal of an event, or they feel a sense of belonging as they learn about other people through you, it can improve how they see themselves and the world.
It might not be possible to put that much feeling into every single piece of writing you ever create, but developing that connection can help you be a more successful freelance writer. Your passion for other people and the world around you will shine through in your writing, and make creating that connection easier.
So, What’s the Bottom Line for Becoming a Successful Content Creator?
Understanding how to become a content creator is more than just the basics, or the common thoughts about perseverance and networking. Sure, those things matter. But there’s a lot more to being a successful freelancer than the information typically touted in every “how to” guide available.
You want to have a purpose for the work you’re doing, vet your sources carefully, and only focus on trends when the writing you’re hired for requires it. Helping people get an honest connection with one another also helps, if you can convey that in your articles and other works, too.
Of course, there’s one more thing you need, and it really goes without saying. You have to be a good writer. There are lots of freelance writers out there, and some are more successful than others. Hone your craft, follow the tips here, and you’ll have a better chance to be the one who’s in demand.
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