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What does a Freelance Article Writer do?

Freelance article writers create content for journalistic organizations, internal and external business publications, organizational publications, nonprofits, specialty websites and more. Freelance writers tend to gravitate toward one discipline, such as journalistic writing or content marketing. Either line of content can entail creating articles for print and digital formats.

A freelancer is contracted to compose enticing, easy-to-read content that tells a story, breaks down complex information, explains a process, or provides exploration of an activity with a specific business or product connection. It’s important when freelancing to understand the voice and target audience of the client’s publication or business. Long-form content can be tailored either for general audiences, larger interest groups or very specific niches. Your freelance writing work may or may have a byline, though writing for informational publications often includes one.

Meeting clients’ specific target needs are critical to becoming a successful freelance writer. Perhaps you don’t want to quit your day job and are just looking to add some part-time income. But if you develop enough writing clients, you can develop freelance long-form writing into a full-time job, a freelance writing career, or even your own freelance writing business.

What skills do I need to become an Article Writer?

Researching, understanding and distilling complex topics are high-value freelance writing skills. Successful freelance writers need to explain difficult subjects in language that is clear, accurate and easy-to-read for either a general audience or a specifically targeted group.

These skills and traits will help make you a good writer of long-form freelance articles.

• Excellent writing, planning, organizational and structuring skills
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to simplify complex subjects
• Strong personal organization and time-management skills, sometimes working on tight deadlines
• Good communication skills for interviewing expert subjects in the research process, and to clarify assignments and identify precisely what the client is seeking in terms of approach and audience. Then follow up as difficulties occur that necessitate adjustments
• Able to learn quickly and adapt to changes as they arise
• General familiarity with AP style guide and adherence to business client style guides when applicable
• Computer literacy, working knowledge of Microsoft Word
• Bachelor’s degree in English, media and communications, creative writing or a related field is preferred. Freelance article writers may also benefit from seeking out marketing and sales industry certifications, such as HubSpot Inbound Marketing or Salesforce certifications. Expert article writers may have a background in their target industry. Foreign language skills can be a valuable capability as some businesses need content in multiple languages.
• Develop a digital writing portfolio of article samples and client testimonials to highlight your work experience for prospective clients; post them on social media sites like LinkedIn, or to your own blog or personal professional website

What are a Freelance Article Writer’s responsibilities?

As a freelance writer, you should expect readers to rely on your content for education, entertainment, and/or guidance. Many audiences choose to read informational publications/websites to understand the world around them, or they read product reviews and niche publications as part of their product selection and purchasing process. You might also work with subject-matter experts to create high-quality content that informs a specific group of industry professionals.

• Research and produce engaging, easy-to-read content on general interest, special interest, or industry-specific topics and products for internal and external publications and digital platforms
• Write to satisfy the client’s target audience, whether wide or narrow, and desired tone
• Interview subject matter experts to glean information and insights
• Fact-check all information used and proofread work for readability, grammar and spelling
• Optimize articles using best search engine optimization practices when required
• Meet deadlines