There is no freelance lancer in the world that didn't face challenges when they were starting. Every freelancer has their own start-up story, and they all face challenges as they grow.

Certain challenges pop up more than others when you start, but you shouldn't get discouraged.

If you want to position yourself up for success, it is important to understand these challenges.

In this article, I will be detailing four challenges every freelance writer faces at the start of their journey and ways to overcome them.

1: Not Having/Finding Work

Starting as a freelance writer, one of the biggest challenges is not finding work to earn a living.

It is difficult to find work and convince people to hire you when you don't have referrals or any experience to fall on. Still, it will also be difficult to find decent-paying work or job opportunities when navigating the world of freelance writing.

Solution

Securing freelance writing assignments takes energy and work, so it is better to embrace your new work as a freelance writer isn't to write; first, it is to look for work.

Work on crafting the ideal cold pitch, gathering a list of possible options, and sending emails to editors and businesses.

You should also regularly apply to "writing jobs" on job boards and reach out to your professional network and private contacts to ask about writing prospects.

Getting constant work requires determination, so make sure you follow up with the people you contact and continue putting yourself out there.

2: Writing without a Portfolio

Most beginner freelance writers may not have much experience, not to talk about a portfolio of work to show past and potential clients.

Trying to obtain writing jobs without a portfolio is like applying for a job without a resume; unprofessional and challenging.

Prospective editors and clients will not take you seriously if you don't have at least a few decent samples that showcase your skills.

Solution

Try establishing some credibility before you even start contacting editors or applying for jobs.

The good part about this is you don't need a long list of outstanding samples- you only need a few substantial samples of your writing.

You should consider the type of writing and the field (writing) you are interested in. If you don't have any writing samples that demonstrate your skill, then it is time you create some, even if it means laboring for free.

3: Not Understanding Marketing

Some beginners think all you have to do is write articles well, but that isn't the truth. Becoming a freelance writer means running your writing business, so you should treat it as one.

Marketing yourself to potential clients and editors is key to long-term success as a freelance writer. A reliable marketing plan will help you bring in stable work and score referrals from clients.

Solution:

Educating yourself on the basics of marketing will go a long way, and you can learn by reading articles online; Hubspot and Copyblogger are great sites you can learn from.

Work on developing weekly and monthly marketing strategies structured around based goals, like contacting 40-50 prospects a week or applying to five writing jobs a day.

Always record your tasks and track your outcome as you go.

After some time has passed (a month or two), try doubling down on a singular marketing strategy or experimenting with a new one if you aren't getting the desired results.

4: Maintaining Clients

You landed a client or two- good Job!- but never heard from them again. 

Even if you find a client, it doesn't mean they can't leave you and find another writer. 

Maintaining professional connections can be difficult, but if you don't take the time to create a relationship with your clients, you will start from scratch.

If that happens, it would be depressing, so try your best to build a relationship with them.

Solution

Establishing a connection with your clients can bring consistent work and help bring other clients through referrals which means more money.

The first step to creating a relationship with your client is submitting exceptional work, whether your first or fourth time working with them.

It would aid if you consistently tried to produce high-quality articles, take feedback, and speak with empathy.

Conclusion

When you start freelance writing, you will face many challenges, but none should ever take you out of the game.

By knowing what you should expect, taking strides to condition yourself, and staying unyielding, you will overcome the challenges and grow your business and writing skills.