Are you a beginning freelance writer? There are huge opportunities for writers at the moment. If you’re not making a great income with your writing within six months there’s something wrong with your strategy. Here are three tips which will help you to kick start your career.

Firstly, you need to develop a professional writer’s mindset. A professional is solely concerned with his buyers. Look at the services you offer from their point of view, rather than your own.

Here are three questions your buyers are asking themselves. Answer these questions, and you’ll build a fantastic freelance writing career.

1. Who Are You? Create a Winning Profile and Bio

Getting freelance writing jobs is easy when you promote your services. Start by telling people who you are. You’re not working at a job, so you don’t need a resume or CV. You do need a profile and bio. Your profile and bio lets buyers of your writing estimate whether you’re the right fit for the writing jobs they have in mind.

The first time you write a profile, it’s intimidating. Most writers are by nature shy, and hate talking about themselves. So, pretend you’re talking about somebody else; just get that profile and bio written.

2. Tell Me Why I Should Trust You: Create a Friendly, Professional Web Site

You writer’s website isn’t optional. It’s essential. I’ve never been able to understand why some writers are lazy about creating a website, but are quite prepared to spend hours every week searching for low-paying writing jobs.

As with your profile and bio, your website establishes you. It tells buyers why they should trust you. It’s professional; you’ll attract buyers of writing who are looking for professional writers, rather than cheap “content producers”.

3. How Much Do You Cost? Get Comfortable Setting Your Rates

Top writers charge more because they provide more value, so they’re in demand. The ability to add value to a project comes from experience. You can’t buy experience, you can only earn it.

When you’re a beginner, don’t worry too much about your rates. You don’t have any bargaining power, so take any writing jobs you can get. This is all part of paying your dues as a writer — remember, you earn experience, it doesn’t magically descend on you.

As you become more experienced, you will become more comfortable at both setting, and raising, your rates.