SEO may seem complex at first glance, and that’s why many writers never give it a try. Sure, there are many hurdles to cross before you can build a successful SEO freelance writing career, yet it’s far more rewarding than most people realize.
As more businesses recognize the impact of search engines on their company’s growth, they prefer to invest heavily rather than miss out on content that drives conversions. Even if you’ve been earning as a writer, adding SEO to your portfolio instantly increases your value.
The good news is that you don’t need years of experience to start earning with this skill. With the right guidance, you can grow from a hesitant beginner to a confident SEO freelance writer.
So, this is more than a crash course; it’s a step-by-step guide to help you make a name in the field. You will receive proven strategies that you can apply today to support your transition.
Before we sprint, first, let’s address the basics.
What is SEO freelance writing?
Freelance writing simply means offering writing services to multiple clients for a fee. Think of it as lending your pen on demand without any permanent contract tying you to any employer.
In other words, nobody dictates your rates, location, or schedule. You’re your own boss and manager.
You are responsible for finding gigs and managing clients independently. That freedom is freelancing in its purest form.
A freelance writer can work across different niches, from articles, blog posts, eBooks, scripts, and product descriptions. For example, today you’re writing a feature for a local bakery, next week, it could be a script for a YouTuber.
However, with SEO skills, the real magic happens. You don’t just create written content; your writing serves as a medium of visibility for companies and brands.
You implement search engine optimization strategies to position them to attract traffic on search engines like Google. When you put on your SEO writer’s hat, your role expands beyond local publications; you aim to reach a broader audience.
This is the essence of SEO: creating visibility.
Is there a demand for SEO freelance writers in Nigeria?
It’s very okay to wonder if there are demands in this writing niche, so my answer is, Yes! SEO freelance writers are in hotter demand even in Nigeria, and here’s why.
Business owners now understand that an online presence translates to traffic, so they are willing to invest top dollar in content marketing to increase their discoverability.
In addition, they don’t mind the cost of getting human-written content that their potential customers can relate to. If you can create content that ranks and drives results, there will always be opportunities for you in today’s digital world.
Simply put, your writing skills make you valuable, but complementing your skills with a sound knowledge of SEO makes you indispensable. So, demand is real and high, but first, you need to establish your credibility and prove your worth to clients.
How do I start SEO freelance writing with no experience in Nigeria?
Success starts by taking the preparatory stage seriously. This includes checking off the following steps.
Learn the basics of SEO
Commit to learning the basics by all means necessary. As a new writer, I read tons of books by professionals, including Matthew Capala’s ‘SEO Like I’m Five’ and Peter Kent’s ‘SEO for Dummies.’
Both are the ultimate guides for newbies looking to understand the fundamentals of SEO writing. I recommend taking advantage of the free courses from Google, Ahrefs, HubSpot, and Moz while they are available.
These courses simplify essential SEO elements and all things in between. Upon completing some of these courses, you will earn a certificate that you can highlight on your resume.
If you need guidance through the intricacies of SEO content writing and blogging, Venus Writingstyles Academy excels in training SEO writers.
Now, understand that clients won’t trust you without proof that you can apply the skills on display, which is where your portfolio comes in.
Create a portfolio
You’ll need your best SEO freelance writing work to create a convincing portfolio. The goal is to create a lasting first impression on clients.
Keep in mind that clients value results over titles and qualifications. Therefore, your portfolio should highlight your writing-related strengths and achievements.
As a beginner, you can create your portfolio from the ground up. To do this, you must learn how to play the pretence game.
Pretend you’re working for some clients, and develop various optimized content from your random ideas related to your writing niche. Then, upload each sample to your personal website.
I assume you are a beginner without a personal website, but don’t worry. You can create an account on Medium.com, LinkedIn, or blogspot.com.
Alternatively, save them on Google Docs. Beyond personal blogging, another smart move is guest posting.
You can find suitable blogs on Google. Just type your writing niche + write for us.
Pitch your work to multiple blogs. If you are accepted, you’ll have credible publications to add to your portfolio.
Lastly, testimonials have a way of boosting your chances. Don’t worry if you have none yet; you can write optimized content for startups or small businesses in exchange for testimonials instead of money.
Once you have the essentials, compile them into a PDF for easy access.
Join a vibrant writing community
Reports show that networking is the most profitable freelancing skill. That said, new writers should learn from industry experts, read their blogs, and take lessons from them.
Meanwhile, you can join their writing communities and get a one-on-one class. Joining multiple communities can help expand your network and increase your opportunities.
However, be careful of information overload. Learn how to prioritize your social media effectively.
Whether it’s on X, Facebook, or LinkedIn, develop an online presence and frequently discuss your work. Utilize these media to establish and maintain relationships. It will ultimately benefit your career in the long run.
Networking helps you understand your worth when it’s time to fix your rate.
Set your SEO freelance writing rates
As a beginner, it’s better to fix your rates before pitching clients. There are a few mistakes to avoid at this stage.
First is underpricing yourself just to get hired. Desperate price slashing is bad for business because clients will see you as inexperienced.
You already know that your writing skills, combined with your knowledge of SEO, make you a valuable asset. Therefore, if you’re confident in the value you provide, then charge what you think you’re worth.
Another trick is to check the average rates of SEO freelancers in your community before you set your rates. Similarly, overcharging can damage your reputation.
To determine the best pricing model, consider industry benchmarks. With your rates in place, you can proceed to finding jobs.
Use freelancing platforms to find beginner-friendly gigs
The best part about independent writing is access to high-paying opportunities from any location. When you finally decide on the freelancing platform to use, create a killer profile. It does not matter that you are in Nigeria.
Creating a profile on a job website is a smart move if you are serious about consistently landing jobs. Reliable freelancing websites provide access to a vast pool of jobs once your profile is well-optimized and attractive enough.
Before we explore the best freelance writing platforms for beginners, let’s discuss the specific skills you need to build a solid profile.
What skills do I need for SEO freelance writing?
You need specific skill sets quite different from your writing skills to build and sustain this business. As an SEO expert, your reputation depends on the results you deliver.
Therefore, good results depend on your mastery of some essential skills.
SEO knowledge
Only writers who can create high-impact content can make a living from SEO freelance writing. Your knowledge of content is not complete unless you master optimization, keyword research, on-page and off-page SEO, content marketing, and SEO software skills. You can start with an SEO checklist to build your momentum.
Let me break these skills down further.
Keyword research: This involves identifying the right words or phrases that people search for in your niche and incorporating them naturally into your content.
It is also vital that you understand how often people search for these words or phrases, how difficult they are, and the geographical area you wish to attract. Doing this correctly will attract the right people to your client’s website.
On-page SEO: Utilizing on-page elements such as unique content, well-researched keywords, optimized images, and internal linking to enhance the ranking of blogs and web pages on Google.
Content marketing: Content marketing requires creating high-visibility content. After that, you must post on multiple social media platforms to reach your target audience.
SEO software skills: Mastery of SEO tools is essential if you must scale as a freelance writer in the SEO niche. Familiarity with tools like Google Search Console, SEMrush, and Google Analytics will give you a competitive edge.
Excellent writing skills
Your writing is the engine that drives your entire freelance SEO writing business. If you just string words together, the smartest optimization tactics won’t stand.
Readers won’t linger, and your efforts will be futile. You must sharpen your writing until information is passed with clarity and strength.
Your content starts to turn out right when you understand content structuring, write in simple, error-free grammar, and remain audience-focused.
Research and fact-checking
When it comes to SEO freelance writing, research skills are non-negotiable. Down the line, clients will pay you to write about unfamiliar topics.
Regardless of topics, there is something called ‘content that meets Google’s standards’. To achieve this standard, you must hone your research skills to perfection.
Lazy research yields shallow information, while thorough research produces original, helpful, and credible content. Your clients must be sure that you can help them build trust with their audience.
Attention to detail
Lack of attention to detail equals sloppy work. So, if you value your reputation, you must pay attention to detail.
After writing, double-check your work to eliminate even the most minute errors. Clients don’t enjoy endless rounds of revisions, and readers won’t waste time on blogs that ruin their reading experience.
Ultimately, attention to detail determines the extent to which you can achieve success in business. To make editing easier, I recommend editing tools like Grammarly and Quillbot.
Time management
In freelancing, time is your greatest asset. Managing it well allows you to set goals and achieve them without unnecessary stress.
You get to stay organized and focused while on the job. Another truth is that, as a freelancer, effective time management helps you accommodate multiple clients while still delivering on time.
Clients appreciate writers who respect their time and attention. It will make them stick with you, and they may even refer you to others.
Communication
Different clients bring their unique personalities to the table. It takes effective communication skills to manage their requests without confusion.
More importantly, clients appreciate writers who can communicate clearly and handle feedback effectively.
Organization
Juggling multiple clients and projects can lead to confusion, project mix-up, and immense burnout if you are not organized. It becomes even more challenging if you also need to incorporate multiple SEO elements into your writing.
That said, organizational skills are a game-changer. It’s one of the essential skills you need to keep your writing and freelance business sailing smoothly. Moreover, staying organized helps you meet deadlines and be reliable, as it is one trait that draws clients back. After you’ve developed these skills, you’ll need some essential tools to ease your work process.
What tools help SEO freelance writers succeed?
The right tools can simplify your workflow, polish your writing, and make freelancing less stressful.
Here are some essential SEO Freelance writing tools you can keep handy
Productivity tools: Asana, Trello, or Google Calendar.
Editing and proofreading tools: Google Docs, ProWritingAid, Grammarly, Quillbot
Keyword research tools: Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, SEMrush, Ahrefs.
SEO optimization tools: Yoast SEO, Rank Math, SurferSEO, Google Analytics, Etc.
How much can I earn as a freelance writer per project?
Despite the field’s high profitability, there is no fixed price tag for a project. Meaning that your earnings depend on the type of writing, your region, and the level of experience you bring to the table.
For example, the price for an in-depth article is considerably higher than a casual blog post. Word count also matters when pricing.
Naturally, a 3,000-word article won’t fetch the same rate as a 500-word write-up. Your experience plays a huge role in how much you can earn per project.
An expert will obviously command a higher rate than an entry-level writer in the same field.
It’s also important to factor in the hidden costs before setting a price. Consider the time and resources put into a project and charge accordingly.
Here’s a breakdown of industry rates
Blog posts and articles: $25 to $150 for 500-800 words.
Copywriting and sales pages: $100 to $1,000 per project.
In-depth articles and guides: range from $150 to $1,000 per project.
Technical writing: $200 to $2,500 per project.
Hourly rates: $20 to $1,000 per hour.
Based on industry standards, writers can earn anywhere from $5 to $5,000 per project, depending on the client’s budget and project requirements.
What is the best freelance writing platform for beginners?
You’ve done the hard part, acquiring knowledge and relevant skills. Now, it’s time to earn some cool money. To achieve this, you need to make contact with clients, which is where freelance writing platforms come into play.
They serve as your entry gate into the market. Freelance writing websites act as marketplaces, collating several job openings from around the world and bringing them right to your screen.
Rest assured, they never run out of gigs. A wide range of beginner-friendly platforms where you can land the best writing jobs includes:
Freelancer: A competitive bidding platform where you pitch for projects
Writer’s Work: A Beginner-friendly and affordable hub tailored for new writers
Robert Half: A Staffing agency that links skilled writers to reputable companies
Fiverr: Offers verified writing jobs across industries
Remote.co: A remote-only job platform focused on writing and content gigs
LinkedIn: Doubles as a portfolio, job board, and client hunting ground where you can cold email, connect with clients, and receive direct offers.
Upwork: Ideal for all skill levels but highly competitive.
Conclusion
As more businesses invest in content marketing and seek visibility, it becomes clear that all roads lead to SEO freelancing.
This is the best time to take a leap and build a solid career that promises bountiful rewards.
Refer to this guide often for all the tools and insight you need to shine as an SEO freelance writer.
