My Mid-Year Freelance Writing Goals for 2015

Half the year is gone and I can say it’s been one huge ride!

In the first six months of this year my freelance writing has exploded. I doubled my rate from $50 per 500 words to $100 per 500 words.

I took on another blog, FreelancerFAQs, and am responsible for gathering guest contributors and managing the site.

My Mid-Year Freelance Writing Goals for 2015

I’ve also hired other writers, helping me scale my business to the level it is now.

But, I’ve been sitting on some big goals I want to accomplish for the latter half of this year. I haven’t mentioned my business goals on this blog, but I thought it be a good idea to start now so that I can be held accountable.

Because, you see, these are big goals I’ve had for a while and I’m excited to start tackling them.

So, to keep the motivation high I think it’s a good idea to share what I have planned for my freelance writing business. I can asses my goals at the end of the year and if I fall short on some of them, I know I’m much further along than before.

Here are my top four mid-year goals for 2015.

1. Write Shorter Content, But Highly Niched

If you’ve noticed lately, my blog posts are long. Like uber long, and while I enjoy writing and can write on this subject forever, I need to focus my time on other important things.

So, for now, I plan to phase out my in-depth posts and opt to write shorter – but more focused – posts targeting a single idea. This is similar to what Tom Ewer is doing over on Leaving Work Behind.

I’m also going to post more of the behind the scenes of my business. These will be more transparent and personal.

I will still post weekly, but my posts will be condensed (I hope! I always aim to write short posts, but they always end up being over 1,000 words).

2. Include Copywriting Services

I’m a blog writer. A pretty damn good one.

I easily picked up on how to make posts more readable and even write about it on other blogs.

My entire freelance writing business rests on my blog writing skills. So, even though my business is taking off in a big way, I’m always looking for ways to grow my business – plus, I want to try something different.

I asked my freelance writer pal, Ariel Rule, about copywriting.

I’ve always had an interest in the psychology of selling. I have a background in Psychology, so I’m naturally   drawn to sites like Social Triggers.

I also find it fascinating when changing one word in your copy can lead to more conversions and more traffic for a business. And I’m always trying to improve my headlines to make it more clickable.

So, I started reading Neville Medhora’s blog on Kopywriting Kourse and I’m going to purchase his course. It’s a video course with short and easy to digest videos. So far, I’m enjoying the videos he has posted on his blog and I am learning some valuable tips.

I’m also interested in purchasing the AWAI course. It’s super expensive but I hear it’s life-changing.

I plan on creating a new website to market my copywriting services. I’m excited to learn a new skill and I know it will help improve my copy by 312% or more.

3. Offer Coaching

Ever since I started freelance writing and landed my first gig, I wanted to coach others to do the same. I think that’s why a lot of my blog posts are about teaching what I learned and passing it on to you.

Lately, I’ve been getting emails from newbies asking questions about freelancing. I’m all for helping each other out, but I feel I could offer a more comprehensive and in-depth approach to helping others. That’s why I want to start coaching.

I’ve proved I’m a successful mom with twins who can start freelance writing from scratch. So, now I want to help other SAHMs, WAHMs looking for something new and anyone else interested in freelance writing by offering coaching services.

I don’t have anything up and running, but am going to set up in the near future.

4. Start a Big Project

Something exciting is finally happening and I’m excited to tell you. I’m going to write a course on how to become a freelance writer and earn your first $1k in under 60 days..

I’ve always wanted to write a course, but found I have no time to spare.

So, I thought I could write it in December when business is slow, but I decided to push it ahead a full six months sooner. This course is only the beginning. I envision a community of freelance writers, similar to what Carol Tice is doing with the Freelance Writer’s Den.

It’s a few years in the making, but it’s something I definitely want to do. For now, my course will be the first in my plan. My target audience are other moms like me or anyone else interested in freelance writing.

I don’t know how long it will take for me to whip through the eBook, but I want to launch it close to back-to-school time.

My goal is to make this more of a training guide for freelance writers and I would offer my guidance as part of the package. I’m looking into how to deliver this eBook so that a person taking this course will automatically succeed.

Wish me luck!

Go Big or Go Home

These are the goals I’ve set for myself right now. Some of them are big goals that will take time to mature and develop, but I feel they are all attainable and actionable.

Even having quarterly goals are great to have!

I will have to work longer and better, but I know I can do it. I’ve come so far in such a short time, I can only image what the next six months will hold for my business.

Now it’s your turn – what are your goals for 2015? Let’s root each other on and end 2015 with a bang!

P.S. Are you itching to find out how I doubled my freelance writing rate? I’m planning on spilling the beans in a later blog post so be on the look out for that!

Hi I'm Elna and I'm a freelance writer and mom blogger. I help people just like you become a profitable freelance writer. Within 6 months of starting my freelance writing business from scratch I was able to earn a full-time living as a part-time freelance writer while taking care of my twin toddlers. Check out my free email course Get Paid to Write Online and learn the steps you need to take to be a freelance writer.

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26 Comments

I’m on Day 4 of the course and LOVING it! I’m learning so much and linking to so many other great resources too. Thank you so much for doing the course and guiding anyone who wants to become a freelancer on their journey.Reply to Dawn
Dawn! A Gravatar! Can we do the happy dance now! I’m like flying over the moon now that I can see you! Take your Gravatar out on a spin and comment on blogs! Super happy you love my course! Thanks for your feedback. I’m hearing people are loving it.Reply to Elna
It’s almost September already, so half the year of well over. My goals for the rest of 2015 are to finish taking your 6 day email course (which I just started receiving) and learn and implement the best way to become a freelance writer. I also want to be earning a consistent income from writing before the year ends. After reading the introduction letter to your 6 day course, I’ve already disabled my accounts on the freelance writing sites that I had joined but had never written anything on.Reply to Dawn
Hi Dawn. Thanks for joining 6 day email course. I hope you find it totally useful and just the ticket to get you started! I’m so glad you stopped looking for work on those freelance writing sites. They don’t lead to anything profitable or long-term. Good for you for setting your goals and working towards them! If you ever need help you know where to find me!Reply to Elna
Congratulations on your achievements so far! I’m saving some of these tips! 🙂Reply to Aishwarya
Thanks! I’m super excited at the what the future holds for me. I’m working hard on developing a comprehensive guide for new freelance writers and can’t wait for it to happen!Reply to Elna
Thanks for sharing your great goals, Elna! I have no doubt you’ll reach all of them 🙂 As for me, I’ve been wanting to write an ebook for a LONG time now… It’s just finding the time (and motivation) to do so!Reply to Lizzie
Hi Lizzie, I think every writer aspires to write an eBook, but life just gets in the way! I finally have a small chunk of time that I can devote to writing this eBook and i just have to up my game and get it done! I’m super excited and have loads to write, so I just have to organize it and plan it so it doesn’t become this one big “vomit” of useful tips and suggestions 🙂Reply to Elna
Hi Elna, Goals are always inspiring especially when they are for professional and personal achievement . Even though I have been ghostwriting for the past 2.5 years it has been focused on writing on marketing case studies and research papers for a company. Going solo has always been on the back of my mind to test myself and see where I go. Though I’m confident of making it, I was looking for directions when I came across your blog. The Freelance Writer’s Den has also become an invaluable part of my learning towards this path. Loved your ambitious goals of starting something similar. Sure you’ll achieve this and all the other goals. Best of luck and looking forward for more such inspiring posts. PatriciaReply to Patricia
Patricia! Let’s root each other on okay? I know you can do it. Oftentimes fear gets to the best of us and we want to avoid, dismiss and delay as much as possible. But, trust me, once you take the leap into freelance writing for yourself, it’s the best feeling. Since you have a proven track record you would have no problem landing clients! Email me if you need encouragement, directions or just to vent! [email protected]Reply to Elna
Thanks for sharing! I wish you the best of luck with these. I definitely want to get into writing an e-book, and I’m looking into coaching. I believe I have a lot of valuable tips to offer, especially when it comes to writers who want to write about things they love and/or writers who also write fiction. As for copywriting, I’m still resisting. I love psychology, and I am a regular reader of Copyblogger. But so far, I’ve just implemented the tips on how to write better pages for my own website. I think the aversion also comes from my background in Advertising. Some copy can be terrific, especially if you’re interested in the niche. But if you’re not, it’s a nightmare. So we’ll see. 🙂Reply to Pinar
Thanks Pinar! I’ve been wanting to write an eBook ever since starting! But, I knew I had to “live it” before I could teach it. Your angle to fiction writing would be good. I am not focusing on that, so that would be something the market could use! I’ve been resisting copywriting too because I feel I’m not good at it. But, it just takes practice and a willingness to learn. Good luck on expanding your business!Reply to Elna
Congratulations on all of your success! It sounds like when you decide to do something you attack it with fervor. My goals for the remainder of the year are to continue building my Encouraging Words for Writers blog, finish my fourth writing curriculum and bring it to publication, and freelance.Reply to Bonita
Hi Bonita! Thanks for coming by! Good for you for having goals for your writing business. Your goals are action oriented and measurable! That’s great. I’m excited about telling everyone my goals and working hard to complete them! Working hard on my eBook as well as client work and of course taking care of my little ones! One busy mama here. I’ll be sure to read your post about editing.Reply to Elna
I would totally buy that book, Elna! Looking forward to the next “spill the beans” blog post about your business.Reply to Mickey
Aww thanks Mickey! It’s targeting moms who want to start freelancing and be a WAHM. Of course someone other than a mom can benefit. A parent or blogger. Glad to know I have support! I’ll post updates on my book progression (as a motivator). I want this to be big and inspiring and helpful!Reply to Elna
Awesome goals, Elna! I love that all of these are focused on investing in yourself and your business — something that can be so hard to set aside time for, and that I know I personally struggle with. It’s inspiring to see other freelancers making their own business a priority!Reply to Katharine
Hi Katharine! Thanks so much. I know what you mean. Setting goals for my business was hard. When I first started I didn’t have many goals and they weren’t really focused. But, now, since my business has taken off, I can really sit down and try to think down the road. I also have a couple gals that I hash it up here and there and they totally inspire me (yes I’m talking about Gina and Ariel here). We are all moms trying to make a living while still raising our children. I’ll be sure to read your post! Looks interesting.Reply to Elna
Hi Elna, It’s great to see your success. Your journey is much inspirational to newbie writers. I hope you’ll meet your goals in a great way. Best wishes for you. Regards SajibReply to Sajib
Hi Sajib, Thanks so much. I’m super excited to imbark on my new goals for the year. I feel that 2016 will be a pivotal year for my business. I’m looking forward to seeing it through. You know, when I first started freelance writing, I didn’t have many goals. I just wanted to try it out, see if I liked it and if I made money, all the better. But then, something changed. I was making money, I was making a name for myself and I was actually making a business out of this. So I started to make goals and changing them as needed. And one big goal was to add a more personal touch to my blog posts. I hope my audience appreciates how I will be opening up. Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment!Reply to Elna
Hi Elna, Congrats on how your life is shaping big. I am so glad you are scaling your business and I am sure you will rock the copywriting business like a rockstar. Being a writer myself, I admire you and you inspire me so much that I sent you a thank yo email last month. Just wanted to know if you missed it or what me to send it over? 🙂 Thank you. -SwadhinReply to Swadhin
Hi Swadhin, Thank you so much. I did find your thank you and just responded. It must have slipped. I’m excited for the last half of this year and hope to make it one great year both personally and professionally. Thanks!Reply to Elna
Thanks for sharing your goals Elna! Good luck as your pursue them all:-) My goals for the end of the year are to continue to build my email list and launch my second product – a Masterclass for Freelance Writers. Now I need to get writing it… 😉Reply to Gina
That’s great Gina. I’m really inspired by you and that’s why I’ve decided to go ahead of schedule and write this dang book/course. I want it to target moms mostly as I feel there’s a lot of moms out there wanting to be a WAHM, but don’t know how to do it or what options they have. I’m super excited!Reply to Elna
Great goals, Elna! Thanks for sharing. 🙂Reply to Alicia
Hi Alicia, Thanks! I’m excited about these goals and hoping that having them public will give me the extra motivation I need to accomplish them!Reply to Elna