Fiza Tahir is a content and copywriter, founder and CEO of SEO Typist an SEO content writing agency and a leading SEO content writing service provider. She is living in the small village of Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, Pakistan. Fiza have completed “Master of Philosophy in Physics” from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Having leadership qualities from start, she wanted to make her name based on her hard work, passion, and success achieved by innovative work. Fiza always learns to be a winner and it was the thing that motivated her to do something creative. So, she decided to make her identity in the field of Freelancing. In addition to this, Fiza was an exceptional student in her formal education which helps her a lot in her success journey.
You are a web content writer and you worked as a trainer assistant in the content marketing and advertising program. Which of these jobs is more demanding?
Fortunately, I got a chance to work as a trainer assistant of my own mentor and it was nothing less than a blessing for me. The work was related to my freelancing career and I enjoyed serving as an assistant. Everything gives us a unique experience, so yeah, I also enjoyed my journey as a trainer assistant. Summing it up, I love to work as a web content writer and I also found it delightful to serve as a trainer assistant.
What attracted you to the job of a content writer?
I always wanted to do something unique since my Childhood, and Freelancing attracted me. I have learned multiple skills in freelancing but due to my formal education, I was unable to focus on all the skills at a time. So, I preferred content writing as I was proficient in English and have passion to play with words since my school time.
Did your knowledge of content marketing and advertising help you promote your writing job?
Yes, my knowledge of Content Marketing and Advertising has proven beneficial for me to promote my writing job. I strongly believe that nothing can be achieved overnight. We have to work hard and the same was in my case. Firstly I learned things properly in order. After learning a complete skill set, I was able to implement it in my writing career by playing with words.
You have worked in PITB as a Trainer Assistant in the Content Marketing and Advertising Program. How did it start?
I started my freelancing career at PITB back in 2019. I was a student of this program and it was my hard work and consistency that leads me to a new level of success, “A trainer assistant”. My mentor Sir “Inaam-ul-Haq Mansoor” also praised me and he was aware of my capabilities and the success that I made in a short span of time. He decided to add me to his team and I served as my own mentor assistant. It was my dream that comes true.
What are your experiences from that job, was it hard, or did you enjoy it?
As it was relevant to my field, I got a lot of experience from that job. After completing my duties as a trainer assistant, I started my own course and I have successfully completed 5 batches. My success ratio is 80% and my students are earning successfully from the online marketplaces.
What is the most important thing you learned during that job?
Overall, it was an excellent experience for me. I learned many new things from that job, but one thing that was ideal for me is it polished my communication and mentorship skills. Both of these abilities are helping me in training my students in an effective and creative manner.
What skills must a content writer learn to be successful?
To be a successful content writer, there are several skills you need to master. Content writers should have exceptional writing skills to create compelling and engaging content that captures readers’ attention. The writers should have the ability to conduct extensive research on various topics, including industry trends, best practices, and news. Additionally, content writers should have a good understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) and how it works. Content writers should have a good understanding of social media platforms, how they work, and how to create content that performs well on these platforms. As a creative content writer, you should have excellent communication skills to work effectively with clients, editors, and other team members. Content writers should have excellent time management skills to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality content on time. Last, but not least, content writers should have a creative mindset to develop unique and engaging content ideas that stand out in a crowded marketplace.
How important is constant learning and improvement of skills in the job of a content writer?
Constant learning and improvement of skills are extremely important in the job of a content writer. As a content writer, you are responsible for creating content that is engaging, informative, and effective in achieving the desired goals of your clients or audience. To do this successfully, you need to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in your industry and continuously hone your writing skills.
You have been nominated in the list of Extraordinary Freelancers of Pakistan. Tell us a little more about it.
In the extraordinary freelancer list, there are top freelancers of Pakistan having a huge name in the field. Some of them are “Hisham Sarwar”, “Tanveer Nandla”, and “Inaam-ul-Haq Mansoor” and all have experience of more than 20 years. This book was published by the Pakistan Software Export Board and they gave me the unique recognition of being one of the top 100 freelancers in Pakistan. I am lucky to be in the list of the renowned mentors in Pakistan.
You also have a very nice website – https://fizatahir.com. How important is it for a freelance writer to have a website?
Having a website can be very important for a freelance writer. Here are a few reasons why:
Professionalism: A website gives you a platform to showcase your work and present yourself as a professional writer. It also allows you to have a professional email address that is linked to your website.
Visibility: A website can help you reach a wider audience and increase your visibility in the online world. You can use your website to promote your work and services, and also to share your writing on social media platforms.
Credibility: A well-designed and professional-looking website can give you credibility and help establish you as a serious writer. It shows potential clients that you are committed to your work and take your writing seriously.
Portfolio: Your website can serve as a portfolio of your writing, showcasing your best work and providing potential clients with examples of your writing style and abilities.
Contact: A website can provide a simple way for potential clients to get in touch with you, making it easier for you to network and find new work opportunities.
How do you get clients, through freelance platforms, your website, direct contacts, or some other way?
I have not limited myself to a single platform. That’s why I don’t rely on one earning platform. LinkedIn has proven a very beneficial source of income for me to make my Name in the virtual world of Freelancing. But, overall, I am getting clients from my website, and also from freelance platforms.
What do you think is crucial in getting clients, communication, portfolio, experience, or something else?
When it comes to getting clients, there are several factors that can contribute to success, and the importance of each may vary depending on the industry and target audience. However, some essential elements that can help in getting clients are:
- Effective communication is key to building relationships with clients. Clear and concise communication, active listening, and prompt responses to inquiries can help establish trust and confidence.
- A well-curated portfolio that showcases your skills and experience can be an excellent tool for attracting clients.
- Having relevant experience in your field can help you establish credibility and demonstrate your ability to meet client needs. Highlighting your experience in your portfolio, resume, and cover letter can help attract potential clients.
- Building a strong professional network can be beneficial in getting clients. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other professionals in your field can help you expand your reach and gain exposure.
- Maintaining a positive reputation is critical in attracting clients. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients can be a powerful tool in growing your client base.
Many freelancers want to have regular clients. How do you manage to motivate the client to come back and order new content?
As an experienced content writer, I never compromise on the quality of the content. That is the reason, the return ratio of my client is 100%. I always try to assist my clients in an exceptional way. Also, when I find something missing in the website’s SEO requirements, I offered them free content strategy plan along with tips to rank in search results. All these little things and efforts can make anyone able to get returning clients.
What do you think writers shouldn’t do if they don’t want to lose a client?
Writers should ensure that they meet the deadlines agreed upon with their clients. It is important to maintain open and clear communication with clients, providing regular updates and addressing their concerns promptly. Providing subpar work can disappoint clients and cause them to look for other writers. Clients often provide feedback on the work submitted. Maintaining professionalism is crucial when working with clients. Writers should treat their clients with respect, maintain ethical standards, and avoid any behavior that could be considered unprofessional.
Do you have a favorite topic that you love to write about?
Having the expertise to write on any topic, I am not bound to a specific niche. I can write on every topic, and I have wide knowledge and skills in writing website copies and blog articles.
What was the best advice you got at the beginning of your freelance career?
In the world of freelancing, you need to be consistent and hard-working. My mentors always motivated me to do something creative and advise me to be consistent. This was the best advice that is still helping me in achieving a new level of success.
What are the biggest benefits of freelance life for you?
There are several benefits to the freelance life, including:
Freedom: Freelancers have the freedom to set their own schedules, choose their own clients, and work from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows for a better work-life balance and the ability to work around personal obligations.
Variety: Freelancers have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects for different clients, which can help them develop new skills and broaden their knowledge.
Control: Freelancers have more control over their work, which can lead to greater job satisfaction. They can choose the type of work they want to do, the clients they want to work with, and the amount they want to charge for their services.
Increased earning potential: Freelancers often have the ability to set their own rates, and they can take on as much or as little work as they want. This can lead to higher earning potential than a traditional 9-to-5 job.
Creativity: Freelancers have the freedom to be more creative in their work, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.
Does it have any downside?
Yes, the freelancing does have some potential downsides:
- Freelancing income can be unpredictable and vary from month to month.
- Freelancers typically do not receive employee benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans.
- As a freelancer, you do not have the same job security as traditional employees. They are not guaranteed work and can be let go by clients at any time.
- Freelancers often work alone and may feel isolated without the social interaction of an office environment.
What is the best way to organize multiple jobs and private life?
Organizing multiple jobs and private life can be challenging, but there are some strategies you can use to make it easier. You should use a physical or digital planner to schedule your work and personal commitments. It’s important to establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Always, determine which tasks are most important and prioritize them accordingly. If possible, delegate tasks to others. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. This will help you stay focused and productive.
If you had to single out one characteristic that is most important for the success of a freelancer, what would it be?
There are several important factors that contribute to the success of a freelancer, but perhaps the most important one is to have a strong and diverse set of skills that are in high demand within the industry or market they are targeting. Successful freelancers also need to have good time management and organizational skills to balance their work with their personal life as well as the ability to communicate effectively with clients and manage their expectations. By staying on top of industry trends and continuously improving their skills, successful freelancers can continue to grow their client base and build a successful career as a freelancer.
You have trained 500+ students to learn and earn online. How did it happen?
Yes, I have trained 500+ students and my success ratio is 80% in all 5 batches. I believe in paying back to the community as I got training from one of the biggest freelancing platforms in Pakistan. It urges me to give skills to people and make them able to learn and earn online. When my students share with me that they are earning because of me, it makes me proud.
More and more people are starting to work as freelancers. What would you say to those who are starting out?
Here are a few things I want to say to the newbies:
- Identify your niche and target market
- Build a strong online presence
- Set your rates and terms
- Network and market yourself
- Develop strong communication and time-management skills
- Stay organized and professional
What are you most grateful for in your life?
Nothing would be a more beautiful thing in life other than making your parents proud. Being the youngest daughter of my parent, I made them happy and proud. As I have no brother, it was my wish to make my parents “proud parents”. I always wish to have my own name and identity and, in the future, “Fiza Tahir” will be the name of a brand. I am grateful because the almighty helped me in achieving my targets and goals. I have plans to run multiple agencies and software houses across Pakistan with the support and will of Almighty.
