THE JOURNEY OF LITTLE KNOWS
The journey from unrecognized to Published Writer.
I never imagined that my journey would take me from posting casual thoughts and pictures on social media to becoming a copywriter who would make a mark and build a community of 15k on LinkedIn. It all began as a simple desire to share my thoughts, a digital journal of sorts. Little did I know that this casual pursuit would evolve into a fulfilling career filled with highs, lows, and a myriad of emotions. The turning point came when I stumbled upon a post by Mona Ganatra. Her story of dropping out of college and achieving great heights through “ghostwriting” intrigued me. The idea of making money by writing on LinkedIn seemed like a distant dream, but it sparked a flame within me. Inspired, I embarked on a journey to test my resilience, creativity, and determination.
Before finding my niche, I went through the grind of unpaid internships, a common rite of passage for many aspiring writers. During this period, I encountered a harsh reality – writing over 10k words as an “unpaid sample,” only to see my work used without my consent. The experience was disheartening, but it fueled my determination to find a path where my skills would be recognised and valued. I explored various writing platforms, each attempt bringing its own set of challenges. Despite the setbacks, I was determined to achieve a modest goal – earning enough to cover my phone bill, a symbol of independence for me. It started with making my first ₹150 for a 1k word article. That modest sum marked the beginning of my journey as a paid writer.
As I delved deeper into the writing world, I connected with incredible individuals who recognised and appreciated my worth. The journey was far from smooth. After reaching a milestone of ₹10k, I took a job that paid me 15k. However, disillusionment set in after just 30 days as I realised the work was undervalued. A No turning back moment It was a tough decision, but I left, determined to forge my path. Within 15 to 20 days, my earnings surpassed ₹50k, and dream deals for personal branding and copywriting began to materialise. With each accomplishment, my confidence soared. In May, I achieved a milestone I had never thought possible – crossing the ₹1 lac mark. This was a testament to my progress and a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and countless hours invested in honing my craft.
My portfolio began to boast compelling articles for Forbes, impactful quotes for Zee Business, and engaging emailer copies for Amazon campaigns.
I penned AV scripts for Infosys and crafted insightful social media posts for CXOs. My tagline became a promise: “Let me elevate your brand’s voice and captivate your audience.” One of my significant achievements was collaborating with Jcurve to write email copies that boosted conversions by an impressive 12%. I also ghostwrote editorials for the Indian budget published in Zee Business, reaching an audience of over 1 million readers. The journey wasn’t just about personal achievements. I immersed myself in helping others grow. Additionally, I assisted over 10 Pridile accounts on LinkedIn in growing their audience, generating over 8 million impressions in just five months.
The emotions that accompanied this journey were as diverse as the projects I took on. From the initial thrill of earning my first ₹150 to the joy of crossing the ₹1 lac mark, every step brought its own set of emotions. The struggles and setbacks were integral to the narrative, shaping me into a resilient and tenacious copywriter. Building a community of 15k on LinkedIn was a testament to the relationships I had cultivated and the value I provided to my audience. Each follower represented a number and a connection, a testament to the impact of authentic storytelling and engaging content. The journey from making ₹1 lac at 19 to building a 15k LinkedIn community has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. It has taught me the importance of perseverance, the value of my worth, and the joy of connecting with a community that appreciates my work. As I continue to evolve as a copywriter, I am excited about the projects that lie ahead, knowing that each one is an opportunity to tell a unique story and make a meaningful impact. The emotions that accompanied this journey were as diverse as the projects I took on. From the initial thrill of earning my first ₹150 to the delight of crossing the ₹1 lakh mark, every step brought its own set of emotions. The struggles and setbacks were integral to the narrative, shaping me into a resilient and tenacious copywriter. In the ever-evolving landscape of my career, the story continues, promising new chapters filled with creativity, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Each project, each connection, and each milestone is a brushstroke on the canvas of my professional journey, creating a masterpiece that reflects not only my growth but also the collective triumphs of a community bound by the love for storytelling. Reflecting on my journey from a novice freelancer to an established copywriter with a thriving LinkedIn community, I’ve gleaned invaluable lessons from which every aspiring freelancer or copywriter can benefit. Mistakes I would never do again! Embarking on a freelancing journey has been a rewarding experience over the past 3+ years, especially in the last 1+ year of being paid for my work. However, this road was not without its fair share of pitfalls and valuable lessons. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified some critical mistakes that aspiring freelancers should be mindful of:
→Trusting People Quickly: One of the initial mistakes I made was placing too much trust in others without thorough vetting. It’s crucial to assess collaborators and clients carefully to avoid potential pitfalls.
→Undervaluing Work: Underestimating the value of my work was a common pitfall. As a freelancer, it’s essential to recognise and assert the worth of your skills and time, ensuring fair compensation for your efforts.
→Cliché PAW Model: Relying on a cliché “Pay After Work” (PAW) model, where payment is expected after completion, proved risky. Setting clear payment terms and securing agreements upfront is vital for a smooth and fair working relationship.
→Not Standing Up for Work and Self: Failing to assert myself when needed was a significant oversight. Freelancers must advocate for the quality of their work and stand up for their rights to ensure a mutually beneficial collaboration.
→Limited Mindset on Payment: Adopting a limited mindset about payment constrained my earning potential. Freelancers should avoid setting artificial limits on their rates and be open to negotiating fair compensation based on the value they provide.
→Asking for Less Than Actual Worth: Requesting less than the actual worth of my work was a mistake that impacted my income and the perceived value of my skills. Establishing fair pricing is crucial for a sustainable freelancing career.
→Not Delegating When Needed: As a freelancer, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do everything alone. Recognising when to delegate tasks and collaborate with others is essential for efficiency and growth.
→Relying Solely on Word of Mouth: While word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, relying solely on it for acquiring clients can limit opportunities. Actively promoting oneself through various channels is key to expanding reach and client base.
→Not Using Invoices: Overlooking the importance of professional invoicing was a misstep. Using clear and detailed invoices helps maintain transparency and ensures timely payments.
→Not Relying on SOP (Standard Operating Procedures): Failing to establish and follow Standard Operating Procedures can lead to inconsistencies in work processes. Having clear guidelines and procedures in place contributes to professionalism and client satisfaction.
In conclusion, freelancers should approach their journey cautiously, learning from the mistakes of those who have gone before them. Freelancers can build a strong foundation for a successful and sustainable career by avoiding these common pitfalls. A note to aspiring freelancers and copywriters First and foremost, starting with a genuine passion for your craft is crucial, as my journey began with a simple desire to share thoughts and evolve into a fulfilling career. The importance of resilience cannot be overstated, especially during the initial phase of unpaid internships and encountering setbacks. Learning from these experiences, I discovered the significance of recognising and valuing my worth. This led to setting modest goals, like covering a phone bill, which eventually snowballed into significant milestones. Moreover, the journey taught me the importance of diversifying my skills and exploring different writing platforms, even facing challenges. The story underscores the need to be discerning about opportunities, as taking a job that undervalued my work became a pivotal lesson in self-worth. It’s a reminder to stay true to your path and not settle for less than what you deserve.
Furthermore, networking and connecting with individuals who appreciate and recognise your skills are essential. Collaborating and helping others grow became a two-way street, contributing to both personal and professional development. Embracing setbacks, acknowledging emotions, and learning from mistakes were integral to my growth as a resilient and tenacious copywriter. The story underscores the transformative power of perseverance, self-belief, and the joy of connecting with a community that appreciates authentic storytelling. Building relationships, understanding one’s worth, and continually evolving are not just elements of a personal narrative but universal principles for success in the ever-evolving landscape of freelancing and copywriting. Aspiring freelancers and copywriters, take note: your journey will be unique, filled with challenges and triumphs, but each step is a brushstroke on the canvas of your professional journey, creating a masterpiece that reflects your growth and the collective triumphs of a community bound by the love for storytelling.
Warm Regards
Sneha
Email: tsneha736@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sneha-tyagi182003/