nDash’s Managing Editor, Jenn Greenleaf, talks to Lilian Muliti about her journey toward becoming a freelance writer and more!
Background: The Highlights
Lilian Muliti is an experienced digital marketer and content creator who specializes in creating various types of digital content, including blog posts, articles, white papers, website copies, and social media posts. She is proficient in SEO and has the ability to write original, purposeful, insightful, intelligent, engaging, and quality content that ranks well.
She’s deadline-driven and places all her energy and ability into tasks to ensure she delivers on time and as per the client’s expectations. She constantly learns everything she can to keep up with Google’s latest algorithm changes and focuses on creating high-quality content for her clients. In addition to content creation, she offers various digital marketing services, including web optimization, conversion optimization, brand management, content management, copywriting, and more.
Becoming a Full-Time Freelance Writer: Lilian’s Journey
Jenn: Thank you for your interest in participating in this series! To kick things off, can you tell me about your background and how you became a freelance writer?
Lilian: I have always had a passion for writing, and I used to write monthly blogs for a local website while in college. But I did not know if writing would be a viable career for me, so I pursued a bachelor’s degree in commerce because, back in the day, I was led to believe that decent pay could only be achieved through traditional employment.
After completing my university degree and finding no fulfilling job opportunities, I decided to take a risk and pursue my passion. I remember signing up for one of the famous content mills. Upon completing my first assignment and receiving the payment, I was so happy and surprised that I could work and earn from the comfort of my home. Determined to advance my career in this field, I embarked on this path, and the rest is history. 😊
Jenn: How did you know freelance writing was the best career for you?
Lilian: As I mentioned earlier, I’ve always had a passion for writing. Upon completing my college education, I wanted to work in an environment that provides flexibility and freedom. I realized only freelance opportunities could offer the kind of flexibility I was looking for.
As life unfolded and I embraced the role of motherhood, my priorities changed. I knew I needed a better work-life balance that would allow me to prioritize my personal life and spend quality time with my loved ones while still pursuing a fulfilling career. I loved the idea that I could only work when I wanted to and that I could spend as much time with my family as possible. Freelance writing ticked all the boxes.
Jenn: How did nDash become part of your journey as a freelance writer?
Lilian: When I decided to start freelancing full-time, I signed up for several content mills. But what I thought was a source of freedom for me turned into frustration. I found myself working so hard for very little pay.
I was so disappointed, and I wanted to find a company that valued the contributions of freelance writers and fostered a mutually beneficial relationship. Through a Google search, I came across nDash. I did some research and realized that nDash prioritized fair compensation and recognized the value of quality content. I took the plunge and never looked back.
Jenn: We featured you in a Wednesday Writer Roundup soon after you signed up for nDash. You mention Writers Horizon. Can you tell me about that?
Lilian: When I started my freelance writing journey, many graduates approached me seeking guidance on how and where to secure writing jobs. Despite their enthusiasm and talent, many exhausted their efforts by applying to various writing platforms without success. I saw their potential and felt compelled to assist them, but my abilities were limited then.
After three years, I connected with several clients through LinkedIn, which sparked an idea. I realized that by establishing my own platform and reaching out to these clients, I could provide mentorship and offer job opportunities to aspiring graduates in our country. I also realized a gap in our country’s business landscape; content marketing was underappreciated, and freelance writers were undervalued.
So, this was a great opportunity to address this gap. I approached some local companies, proposing partnerships that would mutually benefit both parties. I also introduced a training program to equip these graduates with writing skills while the platform provided a means for them to secure local writing jobs. To cut a long story short, that’s how Writers Horizon was born.
I assumed the role of a senior copywriter at Writers Horizon while assigning simple writing tasks to our team of writers. However, I must admit that this initiative is still a work in progress. Although my success in finding international clients has not met my initial projections, I appreciate the impact I’ve made on the lives of those I’ve touched. To date, Writers Horizon has successfully trained at least 20 freelance writers and helped them secure well-paying writing jobs.
Jenn: I see your background also includes digital marketing. How does that tie into your work as a freelance writer?
Lilian: My expertise in digital marketing has improved my freelance writing in several ways. One of the key digital marketing principles that have been invaluable in my freelance writing journey is understanding search engine optimization.
My knowledge of SEO techniques helps me optimize the content I write to improve its visibility and ranking in search engine results. By incorporating relevant keywords, creating credible and engaging content, and following SEO best practices, I help my clients achieve better organic search rankings and drive more traffic to their websites.
Digital marketing also involves creating content strategies. Sometimes I meet clients who want to invest in content marketing but don’t know where to start. My expertise in digital marketing principles helps me create content that aligns with their overall marketing goals and brand presence.
The Rest of nDash’s Conversation With Freelance Writer: Lilian Muliti
Lilian has over six years of experience in digital marketing, content writing, and editing and has created digital content in various fields like health and wellness, real estate, technology, business, and more. She is passionate about researching and coming up with unique content ideas and creating high-quality content that differentiates her clients from the online clutter.
Jenn: What advice would you give other freelance writers about digital marketing or other skills they should embrace to enhance their careers?
Lilian: Every day is a chance to learn something new. Focus on self-improvement and professional growth. While freelance writing might be the best career for you, expanding your skill sets beyond writing can significantly improve your career prospects.
Strive to learn other skills such as email marketing, social media advertising, or search engine advertising (SEM). Take advantage of platforms that offer free online courses, such as HubSpot Academy, Google Digital Garage, and SEMrush Academy, among others. Acquiring these complementary skills will make you a more seasoned professional, allowing you to offer clients a broader range of services, thus improving your chances of securing higher-paying projects.
Also, always stay updated. The digital marketing landscape keeps on evolving. Keep up with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in the field. Follow reputable blogs and thought leaders in the industry, attend webinars or industry events, and invest in continuous learning. Adapting to new technologies and strategies will help you stay competitive and provide better value to your clients.
Jenn: Your LinkedIn profile highlights several types of content you can help clients with. Are there certain types of content you like working with the most?
Lilian: While I’m confident in my ability to research and write about all topics mentioned on my LinkedIn profile, I must admit that technology and digital marketing hold a special place in my heart. These two fields require a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts clearly and engagingly. This dynamic nature keeps me motivated and constantly seeking new knowledge to improve my skills.
Technology is a rapidly evolving field, and being able to delve into its intricacies and explore emerging trends excites me. From writing about the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning to discussing the impact of blockchain technology on various industries, I find great joy in staying up to date with the ever-changing tech world.
Digital marketing is another area that provides endless opportunities for businesses to connect with their audiences. I enjoy helping clients navigate various strategies and techniques available to them. Whether it’s creating captivating social media campaigns, optimizing websites for search engines, or exploring innovative content marketing approaches, I find great satisfaction in assisting clients in achieving their marketing goals.
Jenn: When evaluating the work you’d like to complete, what elements of an assignment make you say, “Yes, please!”? And conversely, what elements make you say, “No, thank you, I have to pass.”?
Lilian: As the adage says, “Experience is the best teacher.” When I was starting as a freelance writer, I accepted so many assignments that I should have passed just because I was desperate for work and lacked confidence in my work.
After learning the hard way, I now know my value, and I don’t waste time in a one-way kind of work relationship. Before I decide to partner with any client, I ensure that the relationship will add value to me and the client.
Some of the elements of an assignment that make me say, “Yes, please!” include:
- The assignment aligns with my expertise and interests: I hate to spend several hours or days researching a topic I have no interest in. I will always say YES to assignments that fall within my areas of expertise or align with my interests so I can use my knowledge and passion for the topic to produce quality work.
- Clear scope of work: I’ll always say YES to assignments with well-defined objectives and guidelines. I need to understand what the client expects from me to determine if I can meet their needs effectively.
- Fair and reasonable compensation: Quality pay equals quality work. I will always say YES to clients who appreciate the value of my writing and are willing to appreciate my efforts through fair compensation.
- Reasonable deadlines: I’ll always say YES to assignments with realistic timelines. A reasonable deadline should allow time for research, writing, and editing.
Some of the elements of an assignment that make me say, “No, thank you, I have to pass.” Include:
- Alignment: If the assignment falls outside my areas of expertise or doesn’t align with my interests, I might pass on it.
- Compensation: If the offered compensation is too low for the amount of work required or doesn’t align with industry standards, I’ll run.
- Unrealistic deadline: If the deadline for completing the assignment is too tight or unreasonable, I’ll have to pass.
- Ineffective communication: I may decline the assignment if the client fails to communicate effectively and on time, especially regarding project requirements.
Jenn: What tools do you use to support your career as a freelance writer?
Lilian: I use Microsoft Word and Google Docs for writing. Grammarly and Hemingway Editor help me identify and correct grammatical and spelling errors. I like using Google Drive and Dropbox for easy file sharing and document collaboration when collaborating with clients remotely. For communication, I use Gmail, Google Meet, and Skype. I also use various SEO tools such as Google Analytics, Ahref, and Moz based on the project requirements.
Jenn: What’s the best advice you’ve received as a freelance writer?
Lilian: Prioritize “quality over quantity.” It’s better to write one well-crafted piece than ten poorly-written ones.
In today’s competitive market, where millions of freelance writers create tons of content daily, the key to success lies in the ability to produce high-quality content. Instead of putting so much energy into creating large volumes of content with the assumption that you’ll earn more, first ask yourself; Is my content valuable?
Even the latest Google Algorithms place more emphasis on prioritizing quality content. Google has continuously worked towards enhancing search results by rewarding websites that offer valuable content. This is the kind of content clients expect from you. Additionally, when you consistently deliver high-quality work, clients will recognize your expertise, and this will build more trust, which can lead to long-term work relationships.
Thank you for talking to me about your background as a freelance writer!
Work with Lilian Muliti on nDash Today!
Do you have a project that aligns with Lilian’s background and expertise? Check out her freelance writer profile to see how her experience can level up your content strategy: Lilian Muliti.
