So, if you're looking at everything that's happening in the world and thinking it's time for a change in your own life. The time to make your move is now! But if you're not sure where to start, or you tend to hesitate. Let me simplify it all with a quick guide to getting your start as a paid writer. Really, all it takes is five steps:
Step 1: Pick an area of interest and research it.
It can be something you enjoy doing like a hobby, something you're learning about, or something you have experience in from your current or past career. Don't overthink it … you can always change your mind!
Join communities in that niche and immerse yourself in the content and conversations. Observe, participate, and get curious.
You can also sign up for e-letters. Read through websites. And gather any free content you can find.
Looking to go big? Buy something! You'll get loads more pieces of copy and content to study aimed at a different audience (i.e. buyers!).
Step 2: Next, choose a writing specialty.
The fastest way to make money as a writer is to choose something you already consume on a regular basis AND something that's easy to learn. So, you can start offering your services fast. Projects like blogs, emails, and newsletters are good examples.
Step 3: Start learning. And writing!
As legendary copywriter Bob Bly would say, for the pro, school is never out. Commit to learning, every single day. This blog is jam packed with articles on how to write almost anything. You can continue to read for free.
Read what others in your space are writing. Look at copy that interests you … try to figure out why you like it, and copy it. Literally! Write it down, word-for-word. Not to pass off as your own, of course, but as a simple and powerful learning exercise. And then write something new yourself, each and every day. Don't know what to write?
Start a blog on a topic you're passionate about and make it part of your daily routine.
Do the assignments given in each AWAI program, and keep reworking them.
Compare what you write to what's out there and see how you can make it better.
If you're in Circle of Success or taking a Certification, participate in the bonus labs and work on creating strong samples for your portfolio.
Remember, your writing WILL get better — and you will get faster! You just have to keep flexing and fine tuning.
Step 4: Invest in yourself.
No professional ever made it anywhere without investing in an education. Accountants, lawyers, doctors — they spend hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Fortunately, you don't have to invest that much (and you can get paid while you learn!).
This self-study blog where others start at a few hundred dollars, and give you skills, experience, confidence, and help getting clients.
Step 5: Reach out to clients.
This is the final step, When you feel ready, approach one of the companies or clients you started following in step one.
Use the "I have an idea/suggestion" strategy "Company, I love how your (blog/newsletter/email/etc.) does A, B, and C. But I have three ideas that I think would improve the response."
This site has free articles, training programs, and challenges like Ilise Benun's Guaranteed LinkedIn System that will make this often-feared step painless … and, dare I say it, FUN!
We show you what clients expect, the right ways to make contact, how to deal with them, what to charge for your work — even how to get your first client with zero experience.
That's pretty much it! You have everything you need at your fingertips to have a full-fledged, six- or even seven-figure writing business. Our resources, our experts, our access — it's all you need.
