When the need for online content began to edge out the need for print media content, freelance writers had to adopt a whole new set of rules, like working for free. The trends in 2017 might not be that dramatic, but freelance writers have to keep up with all trends because they affect how freelancers do business. Learning more about them will help you keep ahead of competitors and have your best year yet.
Writers and Creative Professionals Won't Work for Free
It’s a tale as old as freelancing itself: a client expects the writer, artist, or other freelancer to work for free in exchange for “exposure” or the promise of paid work. Unscrupulous clients prey on inexperienced freelancers hoping to get free or inexpensive content.
One of the biggest and most important trends today is the decrease in the number of professional writers willing to work for less-than-professional rates. Because of freelancers’ unions and the added weight placed on quality content by Google and other search engines, brands are increasingly willing to pay creators for their work.
Multi-talented Professionals Are in Demand
The ability to write well will always be an asset. But both large and small brands are looking for writers who bring other skills in areas that naturally complement writing:
- Inbound marketing
- Social media, writing and strategy
- Marketing strategy
- WordPress skills, from design to creating and scheduling posts
- Case studies and white papers
- Web design skills
Having skills in some or all of these areas, freelance writers can offer more comprehensive services and value to their clients. Writers targeting small and mid-sized businesses see the most benefit from offering these additional services, because smaller clients often can’t afford to hire professionals in-house, but they need someone to do a variety of writing-related work.
