This week we interview writer and blogger Alina Bradford. Alina talks about how she used her writing skills to build a six-figure business and shares her best advice for aspiring freelance writers. Her work has been featured on websites such as CBS, USA Today, MTC, eBay and Angie’s List.
How did you start your freelance writing career?
When I was a teen, someone told me that I should make a career out of a skill that I find easy.
One day I realized that I really enjoyed writing and it came easily to me.
So, I decided to become a writer.
A lot of people told me that it was a dream and that I wouldn’t make any money at writing, but here I am making around 6-figures at it.
What’s your top marketing strategy for freelance writers to secure high ticket clients?
Don’t sell yourself short.
My biggest problem in my early days was feeling like I didn’t deserve to get paid much money for my time. Everybody can write, so why should I get paid the big bucks?
The truth is, very few people can write well. If you’re a good writer you’re way better than most of your clients could ever dream of being.
Also, if you charge on the low side of the scale, clients will think you’re crap. The more you charge, the more your status rises.
Who are your biggest inspirations in the freelance writing world?
I really adore Jon Morrow. He doesn’t let anything get in his way of being successful. If you haven’t read his story, go and do it right now.
What resources (i.e. books, blog posts or courses) can you recommend for freelance writers?
One of the first books I read as a new writer was Stephen King’s On Writing. I still recommend it to anyone who writes because it is just so straight-forward and raw.
Well, there’s also my book. Of course, I highly recommend it. ? It’s called The Fluff-Free Freelance Writing Master Course and I wrote it because it’s the book I wish I had when I was just starting out.
It gives beginning, and even advanced writers, step-by-step instructions on how to become a freelance writer.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give an aspiring freelance writer?
Write! Write about everything and anything until you find what you like writing most of all.
I’m a published children’s author with a traditional publishing house, I’m self-published, I’ve written copy for emails, articles for magazines, sales copy, blog posts and articles for big companies like CBS, MTV, Angie’s List, eBay and many more.
Like the saying goes, “You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.”
What do you think is the mindset every freelance writer should embrace to become successful?
You are worthy! So many writers have imposter syndrome, where they feel like they’re just pretending to be a writer.
If you’ve written something, you’re a writer. If you’ve written something and someone bought it, then you’re a professional writer. Own it!
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you started your freelance writing journey?
Never delete anything you write. No matter how bad you think it is, there’s a kernel of brilliance in it. Save it. Eventually, you’ll figure it out and turn those words into something great…and a paycheck.
What projects or businesses are you involved in other than freelancing?
I am a freelance writing coach, if that counts. Lol. I also run a Facebook group for aspiring writers called The No-Fluff Freelance Writing Group.
Here are my social media links:
Hi Yassir,
Thanks for this thoughtful post.I particularly love the mind-blowing statement:”Never delete anything you write. No matter how bad you think it is, there’s a kernel of brilliance in it”.
Cheers,
Peter.
Hey Peter,
Thanks for passing by.
I also loved that statement. The first article I have written as a freelance writer was not published. A year later, I sold it for $150 after making a few changes in it.
Cheers,
Yassir