What kind of experience are people looking for with a freelance writer?
It’s a changing landscape out there for writers, isn't it? Feels a bit like the ground is shifting with all this AI talk. But from my perspective, what clients truly value hasn't fundamentally changed, though how it looks might be adapting.
They're searching for someone who's not just a word machine, but a reliable partner who gets their goals.
Getting Your Bike Road-Ready: The Core Skills
Think of these as the non-negotiables, the basics you need before you even hit the road.
- Knowing the Roads (SEO & Tech): You gotta understand how things work online. That means knowing how to make content visible (SEO stuff) and being comfortable with the tools of the trade, like basic website stuff (CMS, maybe a little HTML) and editing tools. It's like knowing the traffic rules and how your bike handles.
- Mapping the Route (Research & Fact-Checking): Clients need accuracy. Anyone can do a quick search, but digging deeper, maybe even talking to people, finding solid sources – that’s different. It shows you’re serious about getting the lay of the land right.
- Handling Different Weather (Adaptability): Being able to shift your writing style to match a client's voice, whether they're in tech or healthcare, is key. You need to be able to ride smoothly, rain or shine.
- Clear Signals (Communication & Time Management): This is huge. Talk clearly, listen to feedback, and please, hit your deadlines. It builds trust, simple as that. Think of it as signaling your turns clearly and showing up when you say you will. Reliability goes a long way.
- Navigating Detours (Problem-Solving): Things change. Clients shift direction, timelines get crunched. Being able to handle those bumps without getting rattled is a skill clients appreciate.
Choosing Your Lane: Specialization Matters
I've seen this time and again: clients often prefer a specialist over a generalist. It's like needing a mechanic – if you have a specific bike issue, you want someone who knows that bike, not just any bike.
- Finding Your Niche: Whether it's B2B tech, email marketing, or something else, focusing helps you build deep knowledge. You can offer insights that someone just skimming the surface can't. I remember trying to be everything to everyone early in my career – it just spread me too thin. Focusing helped me deliver better results.
- Show, Don't Just Tell: Your portfolio is your proof. Show examples that are relevant to the clients you want. Case studies demonstrating results? Even better.
The Long Haul: Professionalism and Being Reliable
This is about building relationships, not just completing tasks.
- Consistent Performance: Delivering clean, error-free work on time, every time, is how you build a reputation. It’s the foundation.
- Clear Map and Price: Be upfront about what you'll deliver, when, and for how much. No one likes surprises when it comes to scope or cost. Transparency prevents headaches down the road.
- Keeping Them Updated: A quick reply, an update on progress – it reassures clients and shows you're on top of things.
Riding Alongside AI: Adapting to the Shift
AI is here, no doubt about it. But think of it less like a replacement and more like a new tool in the garage. Clients are figuring this out too, and many are realizing they still need that human touch.
- Your Unique Perspective: AI can string words together, but it can't replicate your experiences, your unique way of seeing things, or your ability to tell a compelling story. That’s where you shine. Focus on what you bring – the strategy, the deep insights, the authentic voice AI struggles with.
- High-Value Gear: This means leaning into things like in-depth analysis, thought leadership, case studies – content that requires critical thinking and a genuine understanding that goes beyond pattern matching.
Ultimately, it's about combining solid skills with reliability and that irreplaceable human element.
Be the writer who doesn't just deliver words, but delivers value and understanding. That's something clients will always need, AI or no AI.