Is it hard to get into freelance writing in the UK?
Freelance writing can be a challenging field to break into, but it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling career for those writers who are able to establish themselves, especially within a specific industry or niche.
There is a wide a variety of writing opportunities available for content writers in the UK, and these cover all manner of businesses and disciplines. From supplying blog posts and creating articles to writing fully-fledged scripts and novels, the demand for good quality UK writers is high.
However, even though writing as a career in the UK can be easy to get into, it can be difficult to find steady work, particularly for those just starting out.
Knowing where to look is half the battle, and sites like GigLeads can be useful for finding paid gigs and writing jobs.
Popular Topics in UK Freelance Writing
Freelance writers in the UK write about a huge range of topics.
Almost every business needs a writer of some description, whether it is to maintain the company blog, write press releases, or provide persuasive ad copy.
Some of the most popular topics covered by freelance and full-time UK writers include:
Technology and business
Technology and business writers prepare content that covers a range of topics related to technology and its impact on various industries. Some of the specific areas that technology and business writers in the UK might cover include:
Emerging technologies
Articles about new innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, and how they are likely to affect different industries.
Industry-specific technologies
A focus on how technology is impacting specific industries, such as healthcare, finance, or manufacturing. Writers may describe how new technologies are being used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or open up new business opportunities.
Business trends and strategies
How companies and organizations are using technology to achieve their business goals. This might include articles about new business models, and strategies for digital transformation. Writers may even prepare case studies of companies that have successfully adopted new technologies.
Policy and regulation
Writers in this field often discuss government policies and regulations affecting the technology industry, for example, data privacy, internet censorship, and intellectual property rights. This can be quite a specialised area and UK writers with skills and knowledge in this area can usually command high rates.
Cybersecurity
Technology and business writers also write about the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity, as well as how organizations can protect themselves from cyber threats.
Lifestyle and travel
Articles and blog posts about travel and lifestyle are also in high demand, travel blogs and websites that provide destination insights and travel tips are one some of the most prolific blogs on the internet.
UK writers in this field typically write about a wide range of topics related to travel, leisure, and the overall lifestyle. Some of the specific topics that travel and lifestyle writers might cover include:
Travel destinations
Content describing popular tourist spots, hidden gems, or off-the-beaten-path locations. Writers might even craft articles that share information with travellers such as where to stay, what to see and do, and how to get around.
Travel reviews
Reviews of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other travel-related businesses can be extremely helpful for tourists and most well-known travel sites include written guides. Reviews can help readers make informed decisions about where to stay and eat while they’re on vacation and UK writers in this industry typically have a steady stream of work.
Culture and history
UK travel writers share information about the culture and history of places. They might write about the customs, traditions, and local art and architecture of a particular place to show travellers what to expect when they visit.
Outdoor activities
Many lifestyle writers write about outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. They might review outdoor gear, give tips on planning a camping trip, or share stories about their own outdoor adventures.
Food and drink
Topics may include details about local cuisine and restaurants, giving readers recommendations for places to eat, or local favourites to try. They may also write about wine, beer, and cocktail culture.
Wellness and spa
Lifestyle and travel writers will frequently write articles that cover wellness and spa topics, providing insights into different types of retreats and spa locations, describing different treatments and facilities available, and sharing the latest wellness trends.
Home and design
Home and design topics, such as home renovation and decorating, trends in home design, DIY projects, and other home-related topics.
Travel and lifestyle writers may also write about other related topics such as personal finance, fashion, beauty, and parenting.
Health and wellness
The health and wellness industry is a rapidly growing field with interest in areas like natural and alternative medicine growing steadily.
There is a need for writers in the UK who can produce content on topics such as nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
Some of the specific topics that health and wellness writers might cover include:
Disease and condition information
Health writers often write about different diseases and medical conditions, providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information about symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention.
Nutrition and diet
Nutrition and diet, covering topics such as healthy eating, meal planning, and food choices. Might also include content around dietary supplements, vitamins, and minerals.
Fitness and exercise
Providing readers with tips on how to get in shape and stay active. Could cover about different types of workouts, exercise equipment, and training programs.
Mental Health
Topics that raise awareness of mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, their impact on physical health, and ways to cope with them.
Alternative medicine
Health and wellness writers in the UK often cover alternative medicine topics such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and other holistic approaches to health and wellness.
Wellness trends
The latest trends and research in wellness, such as mindfulness, biohacking, and self-care.
Healthy living
Health and wellness writers will research and write articles about healthy living practices, and how to improve overall health and well-being through lifestyle changes and habits.
They might also write about other related topics such as personal development, self-improvement, and spirituality.
Questions about Freelance Writing in UK
Starting a career as a freelance writer in the UK typically requires a combination of writing skills, determination, and a willingness to be flexible and accommodating, as well as keeping up with things like the latest industry trends and the newest software.
Questions from new writers can circle around finding work as well as being able to have the right skills to attract clients. Writers in the UK are typically concerned with –
- -How to find writing jobs?
- -What are the qualifications needed to start a career in writing?
- -How much can I expect to earn as a freelance writer?
- -How can I improve my writing skills?
Here are some of the key considerations and common touchpoints for those embarking on their UK writing career.
Writing Skills
The most important thing a freelance writer needs is the ability to write clearly and effectively. Freelance writers need to be able to write in a variety of styles and formats, and should be able to research and organize written information effectively.
Education
While formal education in writing is not always required, having a degree in English, journalism, or a related field can be beneficial. A degree can demonstrate a commitment to writing and provide a solid foundation in the basics of writing, research, and grammar. That said, there are many writers who have successfully launched a career without any writing education or background at all.
Portfolio
Freelance writers will need to have a portfolio of work to show potential clients. This can include samples of articles, blog posts, and other types of writing. A portfolio could be online or offline, but it is important to have a good selection of your best work.
Networking
Building a network of contacts in the industry is crucial. Networking can help writers find clients, learn about new opportunities, and gain access to resources and information to help them succeed.
Determination and Entrepreneurial mindset
Freelance writers often have to pitch themselves and their work to potential clients, which can be difficult and time-consuming. An entrepreneurial mindset can help writers find creative solutions to these challenges, and it is important to be able to stay motivated even when work is slow.
Professionalism and Business Skills
As a freelance writer in the UK, you are running your own business and therefore it is important to possess business skills such as managing finances, understanding contracts, and ensuring invoicing and payments are handled promptly.
While no specific certifications are needed to start a career as a freelance writer in the UK, having a strong will, resilience, and a professional attitude can help set you apart from others in the field.
Opportunities for UK writers
Writers in the UK can elect to be blog writers, content writers, or copywriters, and writing jobs can range from press releases to white papers and everything in between.
If you are a UK writer that’s just starting out you may decide to be a general writer that prepares content across multiple industries or business sectors.
However, if you have gained experience and knowledge of a specific field or area of business then you might decide to specialise.
Types of UK writing opportunities could come in the form of –
Content writing
Content writing involves creating written material for websites and blogs. These can be articles, blog posts, product descriptions, and more.
Copywriting
Copywriting is a form of writing that is focused on persuading people to take a particular action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service. This writing is often used for advertising and marketing purposes.
Technical writing
Technical writing involves creating clear and concise instructions and documentation for technical products and systems. This type of writing is seen in industries such as technology and engineering.
Creative writing
Creative writing includes forms of writing such as poetry, fiction, and drama. This writing can be more challenging to monetize, but it can lead to future opportunities such as book deals and screenplays.
Career Trajectory
It can take time to build a writing portfolio and find steady work.
Many new UK writers begin by taking on small jobs or writing for free to build a portfolio of work that they can show to potential clients.
As experience is gained and a reputation is established, higher rates can be negotiated for work.
In-demand writers with a high level of skills and experience can be very valuable to clients, as they will be able to produce high-quality work quickly and efficiently.
Writers with a history of successful collaboration under their belt may find they are offered larger, more complex projects and more challenging assignments.
Successful UK writers might take advantage of related income streams and publish their own books, and articles, or write columns for magazines.
Opportunities for public speaking, teaching writing classes, or workshops may also be available for UK writers who want to broaden their scope.
Final Words
Freelance writing in the UK can be challenging to begin with and there are some writers who become frustrated and simply give up.
But for those writers who are passionate and willing to put in the time and effort to build solid skills and a quality portfolio, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Hallmarks of the most successful UK writers include the ability to find and pursue writing opportunities, build a strong business network, and successfully connect with other UK writers and business professionals in the industry.
To find quality writing and content creation jobs go to www.gigleads.uk
