I’m a Freelance Writer – Of Course, I have A WordPress Website

Starting a small WordPress.com company website for a freelance writer in 2024 involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure the site not only reflects the writer’s personal brand but also effectively attracts and retains the target audience. WordPress.com offers a versatile platform for building and managing websites, catering to a wide range of needs from personal blogs to professional portfolios and small business websites.

In this article, I’ll explore key considerations for freelance writers looking to establish or enhance their online presence through WordPress.com, including site structure, theme selection, content strategy, and choosing the appropriate WordPress price plan.

Understanding WordPress.com as a Freelance Writer

WordPress.com is a hosted platform that enables users to create websites and blogs without dealing with the technicalities of self-hosting. For freelance writers, this platform provides an intuitive way to showcase their work, share their expertise, and connect with potential clients. Before diving into the specifics of building a website, it’s important to understand the distinction between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, as this influences the choice of themes, plugins, and customization options available.

Planning Your WordPress.com Website

Defining Your Goals and Audience

Start by defining the primary goal of your website. Whether it’s to attract new clients, showcase your portfolio, or establish thought leadership in your niche, having a clear objective will guide your content and design decisions. Next, consider your target audience. Understanding who you are trying to reach will influence your site’s tone, style, and structure.

Choosing a Domain Name

Your domain name is your digital address and a critical part of your brand identity. Select a domain name that is memorable, easy to spell, and reflects your business. WordPress.com offers a free subdomain (e.g., yourname.wordpress.com) on all plans, but upgrading to a paid plan allows you to use a custom domain, enhancing your professional image.

Selecting the Right WordPress.com Plan

WordPress.com offers several pricing plans, ranging from free to eCommerce. For freelance writers, the choice depends on your specific needs:

• Personal Plan: Ideal for starting out, offering custom domain support, and removing WordPress.com ads.
• Premium Plan: Best for freelance writers looking to actively promote their services, with advanced design customization, and the ability to earn revenue through ads.
• Business Plan: Suitable for those requiring advanced features like SEO tools, plugin installations, and Google Analytics integration.
• eCommerce Plan: While more oriented towards online stores, it’s an option if you plan to sell digital products or services directly from your site.

Given the scope of a freelance writer’s needs, the Premium or Business plan is often the sweet spot, offering a balance between functionality, customization options, and cost.

Designing Your Website

Selecting a Theme

Choose a theme that aligns with your brand and your goals for the site. WordPress.com themes are designed to be responsive, ensuring your site looks great on any device. For writers, clean and minimal themes often work best, as they keep the focus on your content. Themes like ”Independent Publisher 2” or ”Write” are popular among writers for their simplicity and readability. Roineland is built on Independent Publisher 2.

Structuring Your Site

A well-organized site structure enhances user experience and helps with SEO. Essential pages for a freelance writer might include:

• Home: A welcoming introduction and a brief overview of your services.
• About: Share your story, experience, and what sets you apart.
• Portfolio: Showcase your best work, categorized by type, industry, or client.
• Services: Detail the services you offer, such as content writing, copywriting, or editing.
• Blog: Share insights, tips, or stories to demonstrate your expertise and attract organic traffic.
• Contact: Make it easy for potential clients to reach out with questions or project proposals.

Content Strategy

Content is at the heart of your website. Beyond showcasing your writing skills, your site’s content should provide value to your audience and reflect your expertise. A blog is a powerful tool for building your brand, improving SEO, and engaging with your audience. Regularly publish high-quality, relevant articles that answer your audience’s questions or solve their problems.

Implementing SEO Best Practices

SEO is crucial for increasing your site’s visibility in search engine results. WordPress.com’s SEO tools (available on the Business plan and above) can help optimize your site. Focus on keyword research, quality content, and metadata optimization to improve your rankings.

Marketing Your Website

Leverage social media, email newsletters, and networking opportunities to promote your website and services. Engaging with your audience through comments and social media can also help build relationships and drive traffic to your site.

Get it Up and Running

Building a WordPress.com website for a freelance writer in 2024 is an exciting opportunity to showcase your work and connect with potential clients. By clearly defining your goals, choosing the right plan and theme, organizing your site structure thoughtfully, and implementing a solid content and SEO strategy, you can create a professional and effective online presence. For me, it’s like a little safe haven. Even though I don’t post on here every day, I’m still on the site and checking things.