Do you need a website to get paid to write?

I used to get this question a lot more often from people who wanted to learn how to get paid to write a few years ago. Back then the answer was a definite “no”.

Now it’s a more qualified “no… ” (note the ellipses )

You don’t absolutely need a website for your business when you’re just starting out. Most of the freelance job boards have room for you to post your portfolio. If you go after local businesses as clients, they may never ask to see samples or a website. If you sub-contract for other freelance writers, they’ll want to see your samples, but probably won’t even ask to see your site.

But…

It definitely doesn’t hurt to have one. Your website is a great place to house your writing samples, to pre-qualify clients a bit, and to establish your terms of service. In pre-qualifying your clients, you can make it clear the type of clients and niches you prefer to write for as well as what types of projects you are willing to write.

Your freelance writing website can help you shorten the sales cycle and eliminate wasted time with tire kickers who otherwise nearly have a coronary when you quote their project. They can get lots of questions answered before you spend time on the phone together. They’ll also get an idea of the flow of working with you (when is payment required, what information is needed, do you offer rush services, etc.) which makes it easier for everyone.