How I Earned a Six-Figure Income Freelancing Through the Recession

I've been a freelance writer for web and print clients since 2006 but it wasn't until two years ago that I reached my goal of earning a six-figure income. While many people were losing their jobs or being demoted during the recession, freelancers like me were picking up high-paying projects and maintaining their freelancing lifestyle. I left the 9 to 5 world years ago and don't think I could go back. Dedicating my time and energy towards building a freelance writing career has allowed me to earn a six-figure income, even during the recession. Here's how I did it:

Proactively Seeking Out Opportunities

During the peak of the recession, many companies were outsourcing their content writing and publishing projects because of budget cuts. In order for me to build a solid client base, I had to take the initiative to seek out these opportunities. Checking freelance job boards for projects, sending inquiry letters to publishers and agencies, creating project proposals for small businesses and asking for referrals from satisfied clients are a few ways I kept work flowing in throughout the economic downturn.

Acquiring In-Demand Skills

Demand for skilled and talented web content writers, as well as for online copywriters, has increased significantly in the past few years. Clients are willing to pay top dollar for services from experienced writers with a strong skill set. I learned many of the key principles of web and print writing early in my career but have still been fine-tuning my skills along the way. Having marketable skills, adopting the writing styles clients are looking for, staying on top of industry trends and delivering quality work consistently are strategies that have helped me stay afloat during the recession.

Delivering Exceptional Customer Service

The customer comes first, even in the freelancing world. In this industry, you have to leave your ego at the door and focus on what you can provide to your client. The recession left many companies fearful about spending and some were only comfortable working with a small budget -- I had to prove I could deliver more than a staff writer would have on the job, and be prepared to negotiate rates and fees. Making sure copy is perfect before delivery, delivering well before deadlines and following up with each client with great customer service have helped to earn a client's business for the long-term, and also earn referrals. I treat my clients well and they do the same in return.

Being Self-Disciplined about Work

When you work for someone else, you get paid to show up and fulfill your job duties. Freelancers are only paid when they perform. However, being self-employed means you have an unlimited income potential -- the harder (and smarter) you work, the more you can earn, even during a recession. This "pay-per-performance" concept has both pros and cons. Benefits include being able to work my own schedule and having the freedom to take on as much work as I can handle. The downside is that I don't get paid until the work gets done. I don't have a boss pushing me to work on deadline -- I have to stay motivated and on task. I also have to find and secure the work myself. Developing a sense of self-accountability and a strong work ethic are essential for any freelancing career, and are even more important when the economy takes a nose dive.

Meeting a Production Quota

I schedule work as it comes in and have a daily production quota to fulfill, which means I have to be incredibly organized. Some clients request work at a moment's notice, while others have contracted out work for months ahead so it's important to be flexible with my time. Still, I set goals and create a production schedule to keep myself on track.

Creating Multiple Streams of Income

While I have various work orders and requests to manage from different clients, I've also created other streams of income. Content sites where I earn residuals on published articles, and blogs I own and manage generate a passive income. I also earn a side income through the sale of eBooks, or information products I've created.

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