Opportunities that Exist for Freelance Writers in Africa

Becoming a freelance writer can be one of the best ways to augment your income. I can vividly remember the very first time I was paid to write a blog post (while still working a full-time job).

It was exhilarating. Mostly because of the amazing possibilities this first freelance writing client represented to me.

The amount of writing jobs available in the world is way bigger than people realise. As a writer, you can pursue any kind of commercial writing opportunity to supplement your income as a freelancer in Africa.

I can assure you that the ability to “write well” guarantees you job security for the rest of your life. It’s such a valuable skill (and no matter how much technology evolves, as long as a message needs to be shared with an audience, a writer has a job).

Here are 7 helpful indicators of the kind of opportunities that exist for you as a freelance writer in Africa;

1. Copywriting: This can be anything from newsletters to writing advertising copy for the client’s social media Ads and Gooogle AdWords.
2. Technical Writing: For example, user manuals, annual reports, whitepapers, instructional manuals, proposals, e-books etc
3. Content Writing: This includes blogging and can be very rewarding. You can blog for yourself in your own chosen niche and monetize your blog or you can write blog articles for clients.
4. Crowdfunding: Many entrepreneurs need funds to start-up their business or to cover the expenses of a project. You can be the expert campaign page writer they need.
5. Direct Marketing: Many businesses still choose to make direct mail and other copy to sell their products or services by mail. You can be their copywriter of choice.
6. Social Media: You can be the writer a company chooses to write it’s articles for their social media platforms or other kinds of promotional materials for PR purposes.
7. Website Copy: If you come across a website with poorly written copy, then take it upon yourself to send them an email. Include some suggestions you have. Show them how you would do things differently.