How You Can Become a Full-Time Freelance Writer
Laura Gariepy is the owner of Every Day by the Lake, LLC, a written content creation company that helps busy entrepreneurs stay top of mind with their target market. She is also the creator of Before You Go Freelance, a 12-week private coaching program that helps aspiring freelancers make the transition from employee to self-employed. Laura is a freelance writer, freelancing coach, and writing coach. After going full-time as a freelance writer, she had made it her goal to show you how you can do the same.
Resource Links For This Episode
- Laura’s Website: www.beforeyougofreelance.com
- Laura’s LinkedIn: Laura Gariepy
- Laura’s Twitter: @EverydayLake
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Show Notes & Episode Guide
- [00:00 – 1:50] — We introduce Laura to the show to talk about making money as a freelance writer. Laura talks about how she quit her job to become a full-time freelance writer. She opens up by talking about how she built her sustainable long-term business.
- [1:51 – 3:30] — The conversation turns to networking and building contacts as an aspiring freelance writer. Laura talks about casting a wide net and building connections across multiple platforms. We talk about cold emails and approaching strangers online about paid work. Does it work? What does Laura think about cold pitches?
- [3:31 – 6:00] — Does a slow approach work? When do you eventually ask for money? How do you start getting paid? We dig into asking for money and how to get to the point where you feel comfortable. Laura talks about what she would’ve done sooner and how she would start today.
- [6:01 – 7:39] — How do you network on social media? Laura talks about DM’s and making friends on social media in a crowded market.
- [7:40 – 9:15] — How did Laura brand herself? What did she do to get better at branding her work? When did she know it was time to invest in herself. Laura talks about her start in this space and what it took to get to this level.
- [9:16 – 11:35] — How do you get noticed as a writer? Laura talks about a guest post that changed things for her in a major way. We then dive into niches and finding something to write about so that you’re focused.
- [11:36 – 13:15] — What’s a typical day for a freelance writer? Laura shares what it took to get her to this current level and how to build a baseline of clients to survive in this space.
- [13:16 – 15:50] — “You’re better off trying to get unadvertised jobs.” Laura drops wisdom on how to find clients without using job boards. Then she talks about other ways that she makes money and how to pivot when things don’t go your way.
- [15:51 – 18:50] — We look at social media ads and trying to find freelance work online. How does the current global pandemic impact freelance work? What does Laura think about this? How has she pivoted to work a freelance writer during this confusing time in the world?
- [18:51 – 20:00] — How do you handle a no? Do you lower your rates? How do you handle this situation?
- [20:01 – 23:24] — What happens when you’re not a good writer? How do you get good as a writer? Laura talks about what helps her stay consistent as a writer so that her skills remain sharp. We also dive into writing routines and editing. We even look at the idea of writer’s block and what to do when you’re stuck.
- [23:25 – 24:25] — What kind of articles do you post online to get noticed? How do you build up a portfolio?
- [24: 26 – Close] — We wrap up the show by talking about where you can find Laura and what she specializes in.
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