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Writer's pictureAlexandria Nyembwe

Where to Spend Your Money As a New Nurse Writer

Updated: Dec 1

Starting a freelance writing career as a nurse can be exciting, but like any business venture, it requires some upfront investment. As a new nurse writer, you may wonder where to allocate your money to set yourself up for success without overspending. With so many options out there, it's easy to get overwhelmed by tools, courses, and services that promise to help grow your business. In this blog, I'll break down some areas where you should invest your money as a new nurse writer and where you can hold off to save.


Invest in a Professional Website

A professional website is the cornerstone of your freelance writing business. It's where potential clients will find your portfolio, learn about your services, and get in touch with you. As a nurse writer, your website should showcase your expertise in healthcare and writing or whatever space you intend to niche down and write in. This should make it clear that you are both knowledgeable and credible.

Here’s where to spend:

  • Domain and Hosting: Purchase a custom domain and choose reliable website hosting. Platforms like Wix or GoDaddy are options, but be sure to pick a platform that best meets your needs and your budget.

  • Website Design: If you have the budget, hiring a web designer can ensure that your site looks polished and professional. However, if you’re on a tight budget, platforms like WordPress or Squarespace offer user-friendly templates that allow you to build your website yourself.


Purchase Writing Tools

Having the right tools will make your writing process smoother and more efficient. As a nurse writer, you may need to produce content that requires research, editing, and formatting, so it's essential to have the right software to get the job done.


Here’s where to spend:

  • Google Drive: Although this is a free service, you should definitely spend some of your time looking through Google Suite and services you can use regularly. Google Docs and Google Sheets, for example, are great tools to use for notes, articles, and keeping track of client leads.

  • Grammarly: This tool helps ensure your writing is error-free and professional. There is a free version that works well. The premium version offers advanced grammar checks, style suggestions, and plagiarism detection, which can be a worthwhile investment in the long run.


Accounting and Legal Services

Starting a freelance writing business also means managing the financial and legal aspects. While you can manage some of these tasks on your own, it may be worth investing in tools or services to ensure your business runs smoothly and is legally protected.


Here’s where to spend:

  • Accounting Software: Tools like QuickBooks or FreshBooks help you manage invoices, track expenses, and stay on top of your finances. As a business owner, it’s vital to stay organized, especially when tax season rolls around. You may also consider getting an accountant who can guide you through taxes as a business owner.

  • Legal Services: If you’re working with clients, you may need contracts reviewed to protect yourself or have general questions about properly setting up your business. Services like LegalShield offer access to attorneys who specialize in business law may be an option.


Invest in Professional Development

While you may already have a solid foundation in writing, investing in professional development can help you stay ahead of trends, refine your skills, and expand your services. Healthcare writing often requires specialized knowledge of both medical concepts and writing techniques, so it's important to continue learning.


Here’s where to spend (when your money allows):

  • Online Writing Courses: Platforms like Coursera or specialized sites for medical writing offer affordable courses on writing for the web, SEO, and even freelance business management. You can also take some time to research nurses providing professional services. LinkedIn and National Nurses in Business are great starting points for this. 

  • Workshops and Webinars: Attending writing workshops or healthcare-specific webinars is another excellent way to develop your skills. Many offer tips on growing your freelance business, improving your writing, and landing high-paying clients. Organizations like the Institute for Independent Journalists is a great resource for low-cost online workshops and conferences.


Where to Save

While there are plenty of opportunities to invest, there are also areas where you can save as a new nurse writer. For example, avoid purchasing expensive design software if you’re just starting out—free or affordable alternatives like Canva can help you create visuals for blog posts or social media. Similarly, don’t overinvest in premium memberships for every freelance job board when you can start with free options like Upwork or Freelancer until you build a steady client base.



Money


In Summary

As a new nurse writer, knowing where to spend your money is necessary for setting up a successful freelance business. Prioritize investments in a professional website, writing tools, professional development, and legal services, as these will likely have the biggest impact on your credibility and workflow. While it may be tempting to invest in every tool or course, focusing on essential areas will help you build a strong foundation without overspending. Remember, you don’t need to buy everything at once—start with the basics and expand your investments as your freelance business grows.


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