How I Earned My First $1K in Ghostwriting Without Using Upwork
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Chapter 1: My Start in Ghostwriting
In 2015, I established a profile on Upwork with the intention of boosting my income while job hunting. Initially, I managed to earn a few hundred dollars for each client project, which I found enjoyable. However, I felt uneasy about sharing my earnings with a platform. By 2018, I decided to stop treating my ghostwriting as a side gig and aimed to create a sustainable income.
Today, I generate over $10K from each ghostwriting client. You might wonder how I made my first $1K and transitioned from Upwork to attracting clients online. I’m here to share my journey, which is not a criticism of Upwork; rather, I believe it's a fantastic way to establish a steady client base and explore additional income streams.
Section 1.1: The Importance of a Diverse Portfolio
When I first joined Upwork, I gravitated towards creative writing projects due to my background in fiction. As I prepared to move away from Upwork, I developed writing samples that highlighted various industries. For instance, I wrote about the coffee sector, which many people are familiar with but often lack knowledge about its health benefits.
Clients appreciate a diverse writing style, so it's crucial to present a portfolio that showcases your range as a ghostwriter.
Section 1.2: Engaging on Social Media
In 2018, I enrolled in a social media marketing course. Over six weeks, I acquired vital skills for managing my online business. Many of us have experienced the frustration of posting and waiting for engagement. Learning to interact with my audience transformed my approach to social media.
I successfully grew my Instagram following to 13.5K before being hacked. Nevertheless, I had built a strong reputation as a ghostwriter. Many followers became clients or referred my services to their networks.
Consistent posting on social media is key. Authenticity attracts people, and sharing personal stories helps followers connect with you. Engage with your audience and don’t shy away from interaction; the right clients will come your way.
The video titled "How to Get More LinkedIn Views to Your Profile to Gain More Jobs" provides insights into maximizing your online presence to attract job opportunities.
Section 1.3: Understand Your Rates and Stand Firm
Transitioning away from Upwork left me anxious about securing clients without leads. Thankfully, the social media course allowed me to practice my business strategies in a private Facebook group. Early in my ghostwriting career, I learned that clients are willing to pay for quality if you're approachable and communicative. I would gather project specifics before quoting a price, never charging by the hour, as clients often don’t account for research time.
For instance, if a client needed a 10,000-word ebook on taxes due in two weeks, I would break down the project details and request a $500 upfront payment. After satisfying the client, I would collect the remaining fee. Typically, I dedicated 20-25 hours weekly to complete projects, which included research and drafting.
While $1K might not seem significant, it covers my monthly expenses. As a rule, never charge less than your monthly financial needs.
Section 1.4: Define Your Non-Negotiables
Clients often attempt to undervalue my ghostwriting services. For example, if someone wanted an ebook as a lead magnet for their audience, they might offer me $200. While that’s a decent sum, it doesn’t reflect the time and effort involved in delivering quality work.
I’ve learned to counter low offers effectively. Clients may underestimate the complexity of the job. Instead of accepting a subpar offer, I negotiate for a fairer rate. If they can't meet my budget, I refer them to others.
I also believe in not publicly listing rates on my website, as it can restrict earning potential. Different projects require distinct skill sets, so I prefer to tailor my offers based on project needs.
By being flexible but firm about your worth, you can find work in various places if you stay vigilant.