Elna Cain

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

When I started using LinkedIn as a freelance writer, I thought of it as a resume platform. Fill in your information, where you worked, and there you go – freelance jobs would come to me. I soon learned there was more to optimizing your profile than just listing your past work. If I switched up my LinkedIn profile to align with my new career as a freelance writer, I would be getting leads on tap.

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Freelance Writer Copywriter Copywriting 239

Elna Cain

DECEMBER 11, 2023

For most freelance writers, December means beginning year-end tasks. It means wrapping up any loose ends in their business and preparing for a new year and plan. December typically means something other than landing new writing jobs since many companies slow down the hiring process during this time. But landing writing work is happening to me now and it’s a new thing.

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Writing Freelance Content Digital Marketing 225

Elna Cain

OCTOBER 19, 2023

Over on my Youtube channel, I posted a couple of videos on different websites that pay you to write. The websites I showed were paying two hundred dollars to three hundred dollars and upwards of five hundred dollars to guest post. For a brand new freelance writer, these websites can be the big break to make this dream a reality. If you want to be able to work from home as a freelance writer, then a way to get started is to snag paid guest posting websites.

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Website Portfolio Retail Writing 224

Elna Cain

AUGUST 13, 2023

I’m sorry to tell you but – If you don’t have access to a computer or laptop you can’t do writing online. And I’ll go as far as saying you should own a laptop or computer if you want to make a living as a writer. No matter what type of writing you’re doing, such as writing your next (or first) magazine article, writing blogs for yourself or others, or working on essays for college, a writer needs to have a reliable laptop to work with.

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Writer Writing Blog Blogging 182

Elna Cain

JULY 16, 2023

A popular question I get from new freelancers and copywriters is: “How do you find copywriting clients?” This is a HUGE question but a very important one. I mean, getting freelance copywriting clients isn’t complicated…but if you are a brand new copywriter or freelancer, this can be a major roadblock, stopping you from ever trying.

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Copywriter Copywriting Freelance Copywriting Freelance 177

Elna Cain

JUNE 3, 2023

I’m currently dealing with a difficult client. And this is a high-paying freelance writing project too. It’s not fun since I’ve been freelance writing since 2014, and you would think I wouldn’t be dealing with difficult clients! But here I am, trying NOT to pull my hair out since I want to work with this client, and they are a popular SaaS company too.

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Freelance Writer Portfolio Projects 196

Elna Cain

MAY 8, 2023

Picture this: You finally landed a freelance writing client, and you’re ecstatic. You go through the onboarding process with your new client, and they give you a content brief in the next few days. So you get to work. You write the content and source examples and use Grammarly to check for errors. You go the extra mile and get your friend to proofread it over and finalize your article.

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Freelance Writer Content Proofreader 261

Elna Cain

APRIL 5, 2023

Writing is a form of creativity, and as freelance writers, it’s our job to write compelling blog posts, white papers, case studies, or any content a client wants. And because we write, this job can take a toll on us whether we like it or not. I never understood this idea of: even though you have the TIME to do the work, you may not have the ENERGY to do it.

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Freelance Writer Creativity Copywriter 187

Elna Cain

MARCH 19, 2023

I recently checked out my online writing portfolio, and guess what I found? A dead link! Ouch. Since I’ve been freelance writing for almost a decade, for some reason I wasn’t paying too much attention to my portfolio. But, not anymore. I’m still actively landing writing jobs, and I need my writing portfolio online to act as a tool to help me land amazing jobs.

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Portfolio Writing Freelance Digital Marketing 243

Elna Cain

MARCH 3, 2023

Right now, you’re probably feeling threatened. Maybe you want to give up freelance writing before you even start. Why this feeling? It’s all about generative AI, and you are worried if freelance writing is safe from AI now and in the future. I hear ya! The impact of the new technological advancement is a central focus for many new freelance writers and copywriters – and it should be.

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Freelance Writing Copywriter Copywriting 188

Elna Cain

FEBRUARY 25, 2023

This is shocking! I discovered that the true answer to how much new freelance writers make remains low – $10/hour. Writers are struggling financially, and I think I know why. And even though the report was done a few years ago, I suspect the low rate remains today. It’s not as easy as saying it’s because of AI taking over or that, collectively, businesses just don’t want to pay for writing.

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Freelance Writer Landing Page Consulting 209

Elna Cain

FEBRUARY 12, 2023

Look – What’s the fastest way to build your freelance writing business when people are losing their jobs everywhere you look? The tech and media industries are laying off thousands of workers. All over Twitter, I’m seeing posts from writers sharing about the latest layoffs. In the past few weeks, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, laid off 12,000 workers, representing 12% of its workforce.

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Freelance Finance Writing Social Media 197

Elna Cain

JANUARY 28, 2023

If you are one of the 63% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, then budgeting is a must. Fortunately, adding a side hustle like freelance writing, can help you live more freely (travel around the world) and sustainably. One of the best reasons I love about being a freelance writer is you can make up your own salary and rates. But in the beginning, when you’re learning the ropes, getting consistent (high-quality, paying) writing jobs can be a little more difficult to come by.

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Freelance Writer Banking Projects 183

Elna Cain

JANUARY 13, 2023

Have you been hearing a lot about AI and AI writing tools? ChatGPT is here, and everyone is going bonkers on Twitter. Wherever you look, it’s on Youtube, Medium, and Google! The age of an AI writing tool is here, and as freelance writers, we need to EMBRACE this new way of writing. I know many writers are thinking this is the end of freelance writing, but it’s not.

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Freelance Writer Script Writing 284

Elna Cain

JANUARY 12, 2023

Are you trying to figure out how to become a content writer? Content writing is a fantastic way to work for yourself and make money at home! Content writers are basically freelance writers that create written content for various industries. While most content writers write for businesses to boost their online presence, other sectors, such as the medical and legal industries , will also hire content writers.

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Content Writer Writer Medical Copywriter 162

Elna Cain

JANUARY 7, 2023

As a freelance writer, you are probably always looking for ways to improve your skills. Have you ever thought about reading? Reading is an amazing way to develop the skills you need to make you a better writer. It gives you the opportunity to observe successful writers and helps you learn more about writing. Just as musicians listen to music and artists attend art shows, writers need to read in order to evolve their skills!

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Freelance Writer Writing Style Portfolio 130

Elna Cain

JANUARY 4, 2023

Let me guess: Every new freelance writer wants a legit writing job, right? If that’s you, don’t count your chickens before they hatch, because what if you land three clients? Or five clients? That would be THE DREAM, right? Or would it? Maybe it’s A NIGHTMARE! You finally have paid writing work, but now you have to balance multiple clients.

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Freelance Writer Portfolio Projects 173

Elna Cain

JANUARY 1, 2023

What a 2022 it has been for the world and for my business! Was it just as wild as mine? From being interviewed for a Business Insider article to sharing my thoughts in the Globe and Mail on hand pain, I am amazed by all the opportunities I’ve had lately. Another accomplishment I’ve had because of my writing is landing some high-paying and notable clients this year.

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Freelance Writer Portfolio Copywriter 182

Elna Cain

DECEMBER 23, 2022

Right now, 82% of the total number of working freelancers are freelance writers. With this recent explosion of freelancers in the workforce, 24% of those freelance writers are making $50,000/year from their writing niche service. Is that mind-blowing for you? Did you think that writers could truly make that much money? With this information, maybe you are NOW thinking about whether or not freelance writing is the best online business to start with.

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Freelance Portfolio Writing Writer 162

Elna Cain

DECEMBER 20, 2022

“If my chair suddenly changes position, I end up in pain.” This is what I told the Globe and Mail back when they interviewed me about the pain I experienced while working from home. My pain and discomfort started in my neck and back and eventually made their way through my arms to my hands. I had to start pacing myself and taking time off from work to allow the pain to subside.

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Medical Consulting Management IT 147

Elna Cain

DECEMBER 19, 2022

Look – I’ve done this type of post before on how to land your first client as a new freelance writer. But that was years ago, and things have changed. I’ve been a freelance writer since 2014, and over the years, I have seen the content landscape change and, only recently, dramatically shift in content production. If you are interested in getting paid to write online, then what you may be hearing from other places might be outdated information.

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Freelance Writer Portfolio Writing 130

Elna Cain

DECEMBER 7, 2022

Do you have a passion for the environment? Are you dedicated to helping our planet? Then you can become an environmental writer! There are many environmental jobs out there that pay well and can allow you to follow your passion while earning money from home. Plus, the environmental niche covers a wide variety of topics such as green living, conservation, outdoor experiences, travel, culture, and more.

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Writing Post Government Freelance 130

Elna Cain

DECEMBER 3, 2022

Making money by doing what you love sounds great, doesn’t it? I know I got into freelance writing because I absolutely love it. It’s an opportunity for me to follow my passion, earn an income, and work from home. But part of being a successful freelance writer is not how well we write or how many clients we have – we also have to understand the money aspect of our business.

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Finance Freelance Writer Entertainment 208

Elna Cain

NOVEMBER 22, 2022

With so many freelance writing terms floating around out there, you may have stumbled upon the term “on-spec writing.” I know how confusing everything can be when you’re a beginner freelance writer, so I’m here to make things easier for you! On-spec writing is a type of writing you can do to attract more clients and make more money – which is great for new freelance writers!

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Freelance Writer Portfolio Writing 147

Elna Cain

NOVEMBER 12, 2022

This year is the year I’m going to take a break , you tell yourself. As a freelance writer, taking a break seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? I mean if we don’t work, we don’t get paid. Time is money for freelance writers. So, how can you feasibly take a break during the holiday or have a vacation if you’re a freelance writer?

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Freelance Writer Portfolio Entertainment 130

Elna Cain

NOVEMBER 8, 2022

“Man, that came out of nowhere!” One of your oldest clients suddenly tells you via email that they are pivoting to more videos and podcasting and doesn’t need your services anymore. Of course you fight for your job and let them know you are more than happy to transcribe videos and podcasts, but they don’t budge. $1,500/month gone like that.

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Freelance Writing Social Media Writer 200

Elna Cain

SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

Whether you’ve always been good with money or just enjoy learning about finances and investing, financial writing jobs can pay big bucks. Money touches every aspect of our lives, from how we negotiate our career positions to the cost of groceries. Oftentimes, when we think of financial writers we think about Wall Street gurus talking about the latest and greatest in cryptocurrency or stock market investing.

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Finance Portfolio Writing Freelance 130

Elna Cain

OCTOBER 6, 2022

Back in the day, when I first started out as a freelance writer , I was excited to tell my audience all about where I was writing. It sort of started as a mini-series: Where I’m Writing and How I’m Doing It. Where I’m Writing: 10 Months as a Freelance Writer. It’s been years since I last wrote a where I’m writing blog post in this series.

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IT Writing Freelance Copywriter 130

Elna Cain

OCTOBER 7, 2022

Let me guess – You just started freelance writing and have no clue what you’re doing. And when you think of all the freelance writer responsibilities you need to know, you suddenly have analysis paralysis and don’t know where to begin. What if a job description mentions tools you never used, or you must continually develop blog post topics ?

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Freelance Writer Portfolio Contractor 156

Elna Cain

OCTOBER 8, 2022

When I first started freelance writing in 2014, I knew nothing. I just wanted to get paid and make money writing. And guess what? I found content mill jobs! And these content mills treated writers like robots in a way. Supply the client with 50 short posts and repeat the process…again…and again…and again. So, why did I recently try even more content mill writing jobs when I can regularly land high paying freelance writing jobs that pay $900+ a post?

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Content Freelance Copywriter Copywriting 169

Elna Cain

OCTOBER 9, 2022

So, I’ve been a freelance writer since 2014 and over the years I’ve had different work spaces. First, it was in my main bedroom halfway into the closet. Then I had to work in the living room for a while. Next came my own bedroom, but I had to share it as it was also a craft room and where my daughter kept her clothes. Now? I have my own space (mostly) and I am loving my workspace at home!

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Writing Freelance Writer IT 130

Elna Cain

OCTOBER 13, 2022

When it comes to being a freelance writer, you’ve probably come across many freelance writing terms being thrown around to describe different aspects of the job. One common term that you should definitely know about is a byline. But what is a byline? When you’re getting paid to write articles for clients that feature your name as the author, or you are guest posting on other sites, a well-written byline is key to adding legitimacy to the article to show you are an expert!

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Portfolio IT Freelance Storytelling 154

Elna Cain

OCTOBER 18, 2022

Did you know that I’m only doing this part-time after eight years of being a freelance writer? While it’s not technically a side hustle writing gig, I have more than freelance writing as a business (i.e., other sites and products, and I’m also a stay-at-home mom ). For you, though, you may have a full-time job or you might be going to school full-time.

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Writing Freelance Portfolio Digital Marketing 130

Elna Cain

OCTOBER 29, 2022

Do you love writing? Do you love food? I mean, most of us freelance writers do love our food – but if you have a passion for it, you can make money writing about it! Do you love visiting different restaurants? Does sampling new cuisine excite you? Do you spend hours in your kitchen coming up with new recipes? Did you know you can find some fun foodie writer gifts too !

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Food Writer Portfolio Freelance 130

Elna Cain

OCTOBER 30, 2022

How many people do you know work from home? Probably quite a few! Especially compared to just a few years ago. That’s because many jobs that once had to be done in an office can now be done from home – and many jobs can be done by freelancers on a flexible schedule. And the best part? A ton of them can be done with no experience! Can you imagine?

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Proofreader Social Media Freelance Education 147

Elna Cain

OCTOBER 31, 2022

Guess what I’ve been hearing a lot? Freelance script writing has become popular over the past few years! More and more content creators and studios are tapping into a larger talent pool by seeking remote scriptwriters to get the job done. And this means that there are a ton of different writing niches you can write in – as long as you know how to tell a story.

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Script Writing Freelance Entertainment 130

Elna Cain

NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Interested in learning how to start a business? Did you know you can start a blog and turn that into a business? I’ve been blogging since 2014. I have two blogs – Elna Cain to help with freelance writers and Twins Mommy to help moms make money blogging. I get emails all the time asking for help on how to start a blog for their freelance business or as a way to earn an income and grow their brand.

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Finance Freelance Blog Blogging 147