If you are beginning your career as a writer, it may feel like the odds are stacked against you. You are sharing a space with many skilled competitors, and it's easy to think that nobody will take the time to notice you. The first step toward becoming discoverable is to take advantage of writing resources like The Writer’s Workout that will help you improve your craft. Next, you must develop a strategy for raising awareness of your work. Once you know a few ways to attract the eyes of potential clients, you will be on your way to a successful career.

1. Build a Portfolio

Experts explain that creating a portfolio helps you stand out from the countless other applicants who only provide a resume. Your portfolio showcases your talents and helps hiring managers to remember you for your quality, even if you are not the right writer for them at the moment.

An ideal writer's portfolio will highlight the various styles that you can provide. If you have a history of published work, be sure to include relevant links front-and-center. When you are ready to present your portfolio, you might choose to do so via a shared drive or your own website.

2. Utilize Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for networking with businesses, potential clients, and other writers. Every individual and entity within your niche could serve as a source of work for you as a writer. However, it is important to form genuine connections while trying to promote your skills and not come across as "salesy."

If you have already created a portfolio site, your social media presence could also be a valuable tool for drawing attention to it. Consider starting a blog on your website and using social media to attract people by sharing well-written content.

3. Find Guest Posting Opportunities

Many would-be clients judge writers by the quality of their existing published content. If you have yet to see any of your work published online, you might search for guest posting opportunities.

There are a number of credible websites that are open to up-and-coming writers who simply want to share their opinions and expose the world to their work. When you seek out paid writing gigs in the future, you will be able to point to your guest posts as examples of content that received a respectable number of views.

4. Start a Business

Becoming a freelance writer is an accessible line of work that many people can, and do, pursue. When your role has a low barrier to entry, it can be difficult to prove that you are capable of standing above the crowd. Structuring your writing service as a formal business will encourage potential clients to take you more seriously.

Many writers choose to form a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company. If you decide to structure as an LLC, you can enjoy benefits such as tax advantages, less paperwork, and certain flexibilities that will appeal to your inner freelancer. Forming an LLC often implies hefty lawyer fees, but you can avoid costly expenses by comparing reputable formation services (such as Legalzoom vs Zenbusiness) instead.

As with most creative endeavors, success as a writer often comes down to the number of eyes that see your work. Your passion for writing will ultimately require you to master the art of raising awareness of yourself as a professional. When you do add that skill to your repertoire, you can feel secure in your ability to make a living exactly as you choose.

About the Author: Emma Grace Brown lives her life by her rules; and it works! When she's not snuggling puppies, Emma promotes female empowerment through her website. Her mission is to help those who live with self-doubt to realize they don't have to mold themselves to conventionality.