As I mentioned in my last article about performing computer work from home, I work from home for free as a writer, using nothing more than my computer, my Internet access and a download of the free word processor Open Office. I work around my two children and my part-time job outside the home, and I always have enough extra work lined up.
If you’d like to try something similar, here are my five steps to becoming a web writer without spending a dime.
1. Write some articles that you can use as a portfolio to demonstrate your writing ability and style. Choose a range of topics to show that you can write on any subject area. Make sure your spelling and grammar are perfect; if you’re not sure, ask a more experienced friend or family member to proof read them for you.
2. My favorite website for finding work is Elance.com. It costs nothing to register there, and you have a certain number of free bids per month. If you want to use more than your free allowance, you can pay a monthly subscription to upgrade your membership, but at this point we’re concentrating on how to work from home for free, so start with the no cost option.
3. When you’re looking on Elance, look to the left where it says “what can you Elance?”. Click on “writing and translation” then on “jobs”. There are hundreds of jobs you can choose from, so take your time and browse the listings. For your first bid, choose a project that you’re confident you can do well.
4. The key to winning a job is all in your bid. Present yourself confidently, and tell the client why you are the best person to work on their writing project. Attach your portfolio, and name your price. When you work from home for free, it doesn’t mean you’ll work for nothing, however many new writers make their first few bids quite cheap, so they can get some feedback.
5. If you are awarded the project, do it well, and make sure you meet your deadline. It won’t look good for future buyers if your first few projects are late, or not up to the client’s standard. If you miss out on the job, don’t worry, there are others. Keep looking and keep bidding, and you’ll eventually get your first client.
If you do want to work from home for free it won’t be easy and you’ll have to make an effort to become established as a writer. However, it’s worth it to have the freedom to work when you want, and not have to worry about the family budget.
