Why are the freelance writing standards so high in 2024? Is it worth it to be a freelance writer?

Summary

The video script addresses the evolving demands on freelance writers in 2024, highlighting the need to diversify skills beyond writing. It discusses the challenges faced by writers, such as rejections due to a lack of SEO and analytics knowledge, and the industry's shift towards a 'bro marketing' approach. The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-marketing, understanding SEO, and maintaining a consistent online presence across various social media platforms. The script also touches on the necessity of adapting to new trends and the value of building a writer's platform to stand out in a competitive freelance landscape.

Takeaways

• 📈 The freelance writing industry has become increasingly competitive due to the influx of freelancers since the pandemic.
• 🔍 Freelance writers are often expected to have a diverse skill set beyond just writing, including SEO and Google Analytics.
• 🚫 Some writers are facing rejection for not possessing certain skills, reflecting a shift in job requirements for writing positions.
• 💼 The job market, particularly for entry-level positions, often demands extensive experience and skills, affecting freelancers as well.
• 📝 The speaker emphasizes that being a good marketer is as important as being a good writer to succeed in freelancing.
• 🌐 Building a strong online presence and a writer platform is crucial for attracting clients and showcasing one's capabilities.
• 📚 Learning SEO is essential for writers as businesses increasingly require content that aligns with search engine optimization practices.
• 📱 Social media presence is vital for freelancers, with platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram being key for networking and marketing.
• 📈 Consistent content creation and posting on social media can help establish a writer's credibility and attract potential clients.
• 📝 Having a blog can serve as a portfolio piece, demonstrating a writer's ability to produce content and understand online writing.
• 💡 Freelancers should focus on developing a small but engaged audience and showcasing their processes and strategies to market their business effectively.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed by Adika in the LinkedIn post mentioned in the transcript?

Adika expressed frustration over being rejected for copywriting jobs due to a lack of SEO and Google Analytics skills, despite being a qualified copywriter. She feels the standards for writers are too high and that the industry is becoming increasingly demanding for new skills beyond just writing.

What does the speaker suggest is a growing trend in the freelance writing industry?

The speaker suggests that the freelance writing industry is becoming more competitive, with an increasing number of people entering the field since the pandemic. This has led to higher standards and expectations for writers, including the need for a wider range of skills beyond just writing.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of being a good marketer in addition to being a good writer for freelance writers?

The speaker emphasizes that being a good marketer is crucial for freelance writers. They argue that businesses often hire writers who can effectively market themselves and their skills, rather than just those who are excellent writers.

How does the speaker describe the impact of the increase in freelancers on the industry?

The speaker describes the impact as making the industry more cutthroat, with more people competing for the same jobs and clients expecting a broader skill set from freelancers.

What is the speaker's advice for new freelance writers regarding their online presence?

The speaker advises new freelance writers to build a solid online presence, including having a strong writer platform, to effectively market their business and attract clients.

Why does the speaker believe that understanding SEO is important for freelance writers, even if they are not SEO specialists?

The speaker believes that understanding SEO is important because more businesses are hiring writers for SEO-related content, such as sales pages, white papers, and landing pages. Having knowledge of SEO can help writers create content that appeals to clients.

What is the speaker's opinion on the necessity of having an Instagram account for freelance writers?

The speaker suggests that having an Instagram account is beneficial for freelance writers, as it can be another platform to showcase their work, engage with potential clients, and build an audience.

What role does social media play in a freelance writer's career according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, social media plays a significant role in a freelance writer's career by providing a platform to market their skills, engage with potential clients, and build a personal brand.

How does the speaker define the modern freelance writer's role in terms of writing and marketing?

The speaker defines the modern freelance writer's role as being 60% writer and 40% content marketer, emphasizing the need for writers to also have marketing skills to succeed in the digital space.

What is the speaker's view on the necessity of having a blog for freelance writers?

The speaker views a blog as a helpful tool for freelance writers, not a necessity, but it can improve writing skills, help learn SEO, and serve as a portfolio item to show potential clients.

What strategies does the speaker recommend for freelance writers to stand out and succeed in the competitive industry?

The speaker recommends developing an audience, creating consistent content, understanding SEO, and leveraging social media platforms to market their skills and services effectively.