Name: Annabelle Baugh
Job title: SEO Copywriter
Location: Walsall, UK
Annabelle Baugh, an accomplished SEO copywriter based in Walsall, UK, has carved a niche for herself in the freelancing world. With a background deeply influenced by her father, Professor John Grenville, a prolific author, Annabelle's passion for writing ignited at the tender age of six. Reflecting on her early start in writing, Annabelle shares, "My love for writing started at age 6 when my father encouraged me to start a journal." This early exposure laid the foundation for a career that would see her self-publishing a novel under a pseudonym inspired by her father’s middle names.
Annabelle’s professional journey began at Graffiti4Hire, where she initially served as an account manager but quickly embraced copywriting duties to enhance the company's online presence. Her role expanded to developing web content and blog posts, significantly boosting site traffic and bookings. Her knack for impactful writing continued at Medinet, where she was involved in email marketing campaigns and website content rewording.
Transition to Freelancing: A Natural Progression
The transition to freelancing seemed a natural progression for Annabelle. After establishing her LinkedIn profile, she explored Worksome, a decision she credits with significantly advancing her freelance career. She recalls, “I decided it was worth going on the site and offering my services as a freelancer.” Within a month of joining, she secured a position with Doctify, assisting in creating medical content for their website—a project that paved the way for more opportunities.
The Freedom and Challenges of Freelancing
Discussing the dual-edged nature of freelancing, Annabelle notes, “Freelancing gives me freedom to work when I choose, however, there is always the concern that there might not be work available.” Her experience on Worksome has been largely positive, highlighting the platform's ability to connect her with genuine opportunities. She praises the platform, saying, “The best thing [about Worksome] are the opportunities are genuine and I haven't come across any time wasters.”
Advice for Aspiring Freelancers
Annabelle recommends that those new to freelancing maintain a part-time job with a steady income while building a client base. She advises fellow freelancers to establish a robust online presence, suggesting platforms like Vocal for publishing articles and showcasing work samples.
Looking ahead, Annabelle is optimistic about the role of freelancing in the economy, predicting that by 2025 it will be an integrated and significant part of the UK's economic landscape. She reflects on the personal freedoms afforded by freelancing, such as reduced work hours, which have enriched her life significantly, and states, “I would have to work more hours in my current role which would give me less freedom.”
For Annabelle, the journey from being inspired by her father's literary career to establishing herself as a sought-after freelance SEO copywriter illustrates the dynamic and evolving nature of freelance work, underpinned by platforms like Worksome, that facilitate these opportunities.