Shreya Pattar is a sought-after freelance content writer and copywriter, and a student of English Literature and Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin. Commonly known as the “LinkedIn Girl,” Shreya has built a community of over 75,000 followers on LinkedIn.
Shreya is also super-active on Instagram and YouTube, where she helps freelancers build their career through her content. This post is an interview of Shreya Pattar‘s experience as a freelance writer, and tips she has for other freelancers. Read on to learn from her experiences!
What do you freelance as?
I am a freelance content writer and copywriter. I write multiple forms of content, including, social media copy, web copy, LinkedIn posts, articles, press releases, video scripts, and ebooks. I also offer complete social media management for Instagram and LinkedIn.
What influenced you to become a freelancer in this area?
I have been writing since I was 8 years old. This personal writing turned into professional experience during my work internships after high school. I knew I would get into freelancing eventually, I just didn’t know when.
Then, in 2018, I met the (present) Executive Chairman of LinkedIn, Jeff Weiner, at an event in my college. I wrote a short post about our meeting and posted it on LinkedIn. This post hit over 1.5 million views in 3 days, bringing me a lot of queries regarding my writing services. That’s how I started freelancing!
Are you a full time or part-time freelancer?
Along with being a freelancer, I am a student of English Literature and Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin.
How long have you been freelancing?
Over 2 years.
Do you think it’s important to have a niche?
In my 2 years of freelancing, I have written for over 40 niches. Initially, when I spoke to my prospects, I showed them my previous work and told them that I had not written in their niche before. Most of them agreed to work with me, purely on basis of my work they’d seen so far. I took up any opportunities that I was truly excited about, irrespective of the niche… and this just became my way of working. I still have a few niches that are my “favourite,” yet I enjoy exploring for now!
What would you describe your niche as?
Let’s just say I ask my prospects, “I would love to write for you! What niche do you need the content for?”
What resources have you found useful as a freelancer?
As a freelancer, my best learning resource has been my experience. No book or blog or video or podcast or mentor could have ever helped me become a better freelancer, as my own experiences, mistakes, successes and lessons have.
What method do you find most useful in finding clients?
Inbound leads. I create and share my content online, usually on LinkedIn and Instagram, which helps my potential clients see my work and experience first-hand. Those who like my work reach out to me, and we discuss how I can help them!
What do you like most about freelancing?
I like the unpredictability. It’s what makes freelancing truly exciting and worth chasing.
What challenges have you found with freelancing, and how do you battle through them?
A significant challenge is also the unpredictability. As a freelancer, I may have work today, no work tomorrow, and then lots more work the day after. The unpredictability has been a big hurdle since day one, and I have now been working on my mindset and consistency to make freelancing as predictable as I can for myself.
What tips do you have for those wanting to do freelancing or build their own business?
Get into freelancing because you really want to; not just because you see it as a way of “being your own boss”.
What 3 words would you describe your freelance work as?
Narrative, Hooking, Mind-boggling
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I really enjoy working out, and watching Netflix before bed!
How do you find the work/ life balance being a freelancer? Do you have any tips for this area?
My routine really helps me get everything done on time. I also take the weekends off from work, which allows me time to sleep-in, go out, complete my college assignments, and binge-watch my favourite shows.
What key characteristics are needed to become a freelancer?
I think every freelancer should strengthen these 3 skills: Communication, resilience, and self-promotion.
What is the proudest project you have worked on?
I have been lucky enough to work with many wonderful clients over the past 2 years, each bringing me a really unique work experience. I am grateful for all of them, and am glad that I had the opportunity work with them.
Anything you’d like to add?
Freelancing requires a lot of hard work and long-term commitment. More than anything, it requires you to continually work on yourself. Keep doing that, and you’ll make freelancing easier for yourself 🙂
