Freelancing writing is an increasingly common pursuit in our modern day gig economy. Thousands of people freelance as writers – creating blog content and ads, ghost writing articles, creating ebooks – and most indicate that they are highly satisfied writing for a living. Innovative sites like Upwork make it even easier for you to connect with a clients and excel as a self-employed freelance writer. If you are one of the many proud freelance writers out there looking to maximize your earning potential, here are three simple hacks to boost your productivity and keep the paragraphs coming.
1. Optimize Your Workspace
It is hard enough to write on a deadline; don’t make it worse by slaving away hunched over a completely uncomfortable workspace. If your desk or table leaves you straining, you are more likely than not going to lose focus and productivity. At that point, every single word you write is going to come slower, and you will start losing potential profits. When you have the funds, invest in a good comfortable workspace. Have a good desk, invest in a good chair and proper lighting. You may want to experiment with innovative new workspaces as well; one of the particularly popular trends right now is the adjustable upright desk. You may find that writing while standing increases your productivity. Plus, it is healthy; sitting is the new cancer, after all. You may also opt to sit on a ball to improve your posture or even get a treadmill desk.
2. “Go to” Inspiration
Even with a great workstation, writing in the same space, day after day, can be tedious. Writing page after page in the same place may drive you into a rut, and sink your productivity. Don’t let this happen. Find a “go to” place you can escape to, computer in hand, to recharge your creative process and start writing again. For some, it may be a favorite coffee shop where they serve a mean chai latte and leave you alone to work; for others, it might be an old study carrel at the public library. Whatever it takes, find a change of venue that fires up your desire to write, and get those words flowing steadily on to the screen again.
3. Love Your Hardware
A great computer won’t make you a better writer. But if your laptop is old and outdated, it could frustrate you, distract you, and slow you down. It is hard to generate content if you’re always waiting for your machine to get with the program. Like your workspace, it is worth investing in a computer that can keep up with your creativity. You should also make sure that your computer is customized to make you most productive. Ensure that all of your computer’s settings, like screen display and brightness, are optimized for your comfort. Make certain that the keyboard and mouse facilitate ease of use for you as well. If you write a great deal while traveling, think about long battery life when computer shopping. Better yet, invest in a backup power source so a low power warning doesn’t stress you out and distract you from hammering away at the keyboard. Read more about finding the perfect freelancer’s laptop.
Final Thoughts
Freelance writing is an exciting, creative way to make a living. Taking a little time to tweak your environment can increase your job satisfaction, boost your productivity, and help you avoid boredom and burnout. If you are comfortable in your workspace and confident with your equipment, you may be able to get to the last paragraph faster and happier, and make the time you spend writing worth more than ever before.
