It’s often frustrating to be a freelance writer without steady writing agency jobs or job offers, especially when you’re a new or upcoming writer. It seems like no potential client (whether individuals or companies) will ever take you seriously until you prove yourself to be a competent writer through your writing skills and this is usually cumbersome as these individuals or companies would prefer to hire a more experienced writer over a newbie.
However, dear writer, all hope is not lost as digital marketing agencies, especially the legitimate ones are searching for and work with freelancers all the time; and there’s a lot of them. Some agencies work with a broad range of clients in different industries, while other specialize in specific niches such as Healthcare, Finance, Technology, Food and Nutrition, Sports, etc.
According to industry data, companies spend an estimate of $400 billion a year on content marketing and the hire digital marketing agencies to do the job. These writing agencies in turn, hire freelance writers to write content such as website content, block posts, articles, white papers, annual reports, case studies, video scripts, press releases, etc.
Writing agency jobs can be a great way to make money, gain experience and have a stable job as a freelance writer.
So, if you’re skeptical and not sure that chasing writing agency jobs is worth your time and effort or if you’re confused on what path to take as a freelancer, this article is for you.
What Are Writing Agency Jobs?
In simple terms, Writing Agency Jobs are jobs that involve providing diverse writing services to clients such as technical writing, content creation, copywriting, editing, proofreading, etc. through companies known as Writing Agencies (Service providers that have hired a team or outsourced their work to freelance writers to produce high quality content).
These clients usually range from individuals and businesses to organizations (both public and private); and these jobs often include a variety of writing tasks which these agencies specialize in such as website content, creative writing, academic writing, marketing materials, journalism, to mention but a few, depending on the needs of the clients.
Types Of Writing Agency Jobs
As a freelance writer, you not only have access to a wide range of writing opportunities, but also have the freedom to choose which ones to actively engage in.
The popular types of writing agency jobs you can pursue as a freelancer include:
Content writing
Content writers produce informative, engaging and SEO- optimized content to help businesses attract and retain customers. As a content writer, your major objective is to create content that informs, educates, engages, entertains or inspires your target audience.
Technical writing
Technical writers are highly skilled professionals who make technical information accessible and user friendly. Their goal is to simplify complex information and transform it into a clear, easily understood copy that is engaging and educative to the intended audience. To do this, they create detailed and clear documentations, manuals or guides, specifically in fields like Engineering, IT, Manufacturing, Healthcare, etc. to help users understand complex products or services.
Copywriting
Copywriters specialize in writing persuasive text for advertising, marketing and sales campaigns. Their aim is to drive action, such as encouraging customers to buy a product or sign up for a service through crafting compelling content that tells a story and drives sales.
Ghost writing
Ghost writers are skilled writers who write content, usually articles, books or speeches on behalf of someone else and their works are published in that person’s name .i.e. under the name of the person they are writing for.
Script\Screen Writing
Their job involves creating written scripts for films, television, video games and other forms of Visual Media. Script\Screen Writers write scripts for TV shows, radio, films or online content, usually in collaboration with producers, directors and other creative officers.
Editing and Proofreading
They edit and polish written materials to ensure they are error free, clear and well structured. Although editing is distinct from writing, it requires many similar abilities. Editors and Proofreaders often work alongside writers to improve the quality of content by focusing on grammar, style and tone.
Others include:
- SEO Writing
- Grant Writing
- Travel Writing
- Translating
- Resume Writing
- Business Writing
- Journalism
- Product Description Writing
Where Can You Find Writing Agency Jobs?
Depending on the type of work you’re looking for and your level of experience, you can find writing agency jobs through several platforms and these platforms include:
Writing Agencies’ Websites
These are online platforms that connect clients with professional writers and offer a variety of writing services. Some writing agencies directly list job openings on their own websites and all you have to do is go to the “Careers” or “Jobs” sections in the website.
Freelance Platforms
These are online marketplaces where individuals or companies connect with freelancers who offer various services. These platforms facilitate the hiring process by providing the necessary tools needed for communication, payments, etc.
Many Writing Agencies hire freelance writers or contractors through popular freelance job sites such as Upwork, Fiverr, People Per Hour, Freelancer.com, etc.
Job Boards
These are online platforms where employers post job openings which job seekers search and apply for. Job Boards usually serve as a bridge between employers and applicants by helping companies find qualified and talented job seekers.
Popular Job Boards include: LinkedIn, Indeed, Simply Hired, etc.
Cold Pitching
This is the process of reaching out directly to potential clients, employers or collaborators without prior contact or any form of relationship, to offer your services or ideas.
Reaching out directly to writing agencies with a portfolio and pitching your skills can sometimes result in job opportunities. This works particularly well if you’re targeting a specific type of writing.
How Can You Apply For Writing Agency Jobs?
The approach to take when applying for writing agency jobs more often than not determines your success rate i.e. your chance of getting your desired job.
Effectively applying for writing agency jobs involves several key steps, which helps in making your application stand out and they include:
Research the Agency
Before applying for a job in any agency, you need to find out what the agency is all about. This includes the agency’s vision, it’s mission, it’s niche, is portfolio or client base and it’s reputation. These information are vital if you want to secure a writing agency job that is not only suitable to you and tallies with your goal, but will also aid in your growth and development as a writer.
For example, if you apply for and get a job at an agency that’s infamous (has a negative reputation) for rendering substandard services, your reputation will not only take a nose dive but your growth and development will be affected as well.
Craft a Tailored Resume and Cover Letter
Your Resume should not be overloaded with too much information, which are often irrelevant to the employer. Instead, highlight your relevant experience (i.e. the projects or writing jobs that are directly related to the agency’s work or services). For example, Copywriting is a valuable skill that is needed when applying for a job at a Marketing Agency.
Use keywords as well, if the job listing mentions specific skills, e.g. SEO Writing, Creative Writing, Technical Writing, etc., they should be included in your Resume.
In addition, always personalize your Cover Letter. Address the Hiring Manager if you know his or her name, mention why you want to work for the agency, highlight you relevant skills and experience and tell them the benefits the agency stands to gain from hiring you.
Prepare a Strong Portfolio
Your Portfolio should contain samples of your work that are in sync with the type of writing the agency specializes in .e.g. Drama scripts, Anecdotes, Prose, Poetry, etc. samples for an agency specializing in Creative Writing; How-tos and Technical guides for agencies specializing in Technical Writing, etc.
In addition, show a range of writing styles such as blog posts, Social Media Content, Case Studies, White Papers, etc. and showcase your writing platforms on your website if you have one or on platforms like Clippings.me, Contently, etc.
Search and Apply via Platforms
As mentioned earlier, there are several platforms where you can find writing agency jobs. Make use of these platforms consistently as this increases your chances of getting the job than when applying through random sites.
Prepare for Interviews
Interviews vary depending on the agency concerned but certain key points should be noted namely:
Be ready to discuss your writing process
Some agencies may want to know how you carry out your research, how you write, how you deal with writer’s block, what inspires you, so on and so forth.
Show an understanding of the agency’s business:
This is where researching the agency comes in. Mention specific aspects of their work or clientele that interests you.
Ask Relevant Questions
Ask questions based on the agency’s work ethics, work culture, current projects and expectations for the future.
Conclusion
Despite the high level of competition out there, getting and securing writing agency jobs is not as difficult as we’ve been led to believe. When a digital marketing agency is in need of a freelance writer, it usually starts with its existing network of writers or asks for referrals. A lot of them don’t usually actively post job listings or recruit writers, but content directors and client managers are always searching and on the lookout for talented writers to help their clients shine.
So, Reach out: Send an email, introduce yourself, send your portfolio and let your work speak for you. You’ll definitely get that writing job you’ve been searching for.
