If you’ve been wondering how to start freelance writing, you’ve come to the right place. Freelance writing is a great opportunity for anyone looking to use their writing skills to earn good money and create their own freelance business. The good news? You don’t need a ton of experience or a full-time job to get started. With the right approach, you can build a successful freelance writing career that gives you the freedom to set your own hours and pursue topics that interest you.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about starting a freelance writing business, from finding your first client to building a freelance writing portfolio that will attract high-paying clients.
What Is Freelance Writing?
Freelance writing is simply writing on a contract basis for various clients across different industries. It could mean creating blog posts, social media posts, press releases, white papers, or case studies. Some freelance writers even specialize in technical writing or content marketing. You’re not tied to one company, which means you have the freedom to work for various industries and prospective clients at the same time.
Why Freelance Writing is a Great Career Path
One of the best ways to take control of your career is by becoming a freelance writer. It’s a great way to turn your passion for writing into an interesting side hustle or even a full-time career. You get to be your own boss, which means you choose the type of content you create and set your own hours.
The good news is that the world of freelance writing is vast. Businesses in different industries are always looking for talented writers to help them connect with their target audience. You could find yourself writing anything from web content for small businesses to guest articles for large online publications.
The first year may be tough, but with some hard work and persistence, you can start making good money from writing.
Is There Still A Need For Freelance Writers With The Increase Of AI?
Yes, there is still a strong need for freelance writers, even with the rise of AI. While AI writing tools can assist with tasks like content generation, editing, and brainstorming, they have limitations when it comes to creativity, nuance, and understanding complex human emotions and cultural contexts.
Here are some reasons why freelance writers remain valuable in the AI age:
1. Human Touch and Creativity
AI-generated content often lacks the depth, empathy, and personal experience that human writers bring. Freelance writers can craft stories, weave in personal anecdotes, and inject a unique voice that AI simply cannot replicate.
2. Tailored Content for Specific Audiences
While AI can generate general content, freelance writers excel at tailoring content for specific target audiences. Writers can understand niche markets and communicate ideas that resonate deeply with readers.
3. Complex or Specialized Topics
Some industries, such as healthcare, law, and finance, require expertise and precise understanding of regulations and best practices. Freelance writers with specialized knowledge in these areas are crucial for creating content that is both accurate and insightful.
4. Brand Identity and Tone
Many businesses rely on content that aligns with their brand's voice and identity. Writers are skilled at maintaining a consistent tone and style, ensuring that content feels cohesive across various platforms and mediums—something AI often struggles to achieve consistently.
5. Editing and Refining AI Content
AI can produce drafts, but freelance writers are needed to refine, fact-check, and polish the content. This includes improving the flow, adding a unique perspective, and ensuring the content is coherent and engaging for human readers.
6. Original Thought Leadership and Strategy
Freelance writers don’t just create content; they also help businesses with content strategy. They can develop thought leadership pieces, white papers, and case studies that require in-depth research, original insights, and strategic planning—areas where AI tools fall short.
7. Ethics and Sensitivity
Writing about sensitive topics like mental health, social justice, or cultural issues requires nuance, sensitivity, and ethical considerations. Freelancers have the ability to approach these subjects with the care and thoughtfulness they demand, while AI can generate content that feels detached or even inappropriate.
8. Collaborative Storytelling
Many projects require collaboration, whether it's between writers, editors, designers, or marketing teams. Freelancers can adapt to different work environments, offer suggestions, and work closely with clients to ensure the content aligns with overall goals—a level of teamwork that AI cannot provide.
In short, while AI tools are helpful in automating routine writing tasks, they are not a replacement for the human insight, creativity, and adaptability that freelance writers offer.
As long as businesses and individuals seek content that connects with audiences on a deeper level, there will always be a need for skilled freelance writers.
7 Steps to Start Your Freelance Writing Career
1. Research the Freelance Writing Industry
Before diving into freelance writing, take some time to explore the world of freelance writing. Check out other freelance writers’ websites and read online communities for writers. This will give you insight into what’s expected and where the best work comes from. Job boards like ProBlogger and Contena are great places to see what types of freelance writing jobs are available and how much they pay.
2. Develop Your Business Skills
Freelance writing isn’t just about writing—it’s about running a business. You’ll need to manage your time effectively, track invoices, and handle client communications. Setting up systems for time management and keeping track of freelance writing work will help you stay organized as your client base grows.
You’ll also need to understand how to budget and manage your bank account, as keeping track of income and expenses is crucial to being a business owner. Setting up a sole proprietorship or an LLC might be a good idea once you’ve landed a few good clients.
3. Get the Right Tools
To work effectively as a freelance writer, you’ll need more than just a strong background in writing. You’ll need a reliable internet connection, a laptop, and tools like Google Docs, Grammarly, and task management apps. Also, make sure to set up a business email account and a professional LinkedIn profile to connect with prospective clients.
Investing in a professional website is essential for showcasing your writing portfolio. This is where you’ll display writing samples that can help you land new clients and higher rates. Your website acts as your digital storefront, so make sure it’s polished and easy to navigate.
4. Improve Your Writing Skills
Even if you’re already a good writer, there’s always room to improve. A successful freelance writer is always working on becoming a better writer. Read widely—whether it’s the New York Times, blogs, or books in your niche. Practice writing every day and keep refining your voice. Online courses can also help sharpen your skills and expose you to new writing niches.
5. Choose Your Niche
While it’s tempting to write about different things, focusing on a specific niche is often the best way to stand out. Whether it's personal finance, health, or technical writing, choosing a niche helps you attract high-paying clients who need specialized content.
But don’t worry—you can always expand into new freelance writing niches later on. The most important part is to first start with something you know or are passionate about. Once you’ve developed expertise in a particular niche, you’ll be able to command higher rates.
6. Build a Writing Portfolio
A well-curated freelance writing portfolio is your ticket to landing new clients. If you’re a new freelance writer without much professional experience, you can create writing samples by writing for your own blog or contributing to online publications.
Don’t underestimate the power of having your own personal blog. Not only does it showcase your writing, but it also gives potential clients a chance to see your style and personality. This is key in turning prospective clients into good clients.
7. Market Your Freelance Writing Services
Marketing is one of the most important things you can do to grow your freelance career. You’ll need to actively promote your freelance writing services to ensure you have enough work lined up.
Use social media, your LinkedIn profile, and even business cards to get your name out there. Cold pitching is another good idea—send personalized emails to potential clients to offer your services.
You can also join freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find freelance writing jobs. These platforms are great places for new freelancers to build their client base and gain professional experience.
Where to Find Freelance Writing Jobs
The internet is filled with opportunities to find freelance writing work. Check out job boards such as:
- ProBlogger
- Contena
- Upwork
- Freelance Writing Gigs
You can also pitch directly to companies by researching businesses in your niche and sending them an email. Make sure to customize your pitch and include a link to your writing portfolio.
What To Include In Your Writing Portfolio
A well-crafted freelance writing portfolio is essential for attracting potential clients and showcasing your skills as a writer. Here's what you should include to make it stand out:
1. Diverse Writing Samples
Your portfolio should include a variety of writing samples to demonstrate your versatility. These samples should reflect the types of freelance writing work you want to do.
Some examples to include are:
- Blog posts
- Articles (published or personal)
- Web content
- Social media posts
- Case studies
- Press releases
- White papers
- Technical writing samples (if applicable)
- Content marketing pieces
If you’re a new freelance writer and don’t have much professional experience, create samples based on hypothetical client projects, or contribute guest posts to online publications to start building your portfolio.
2. Niche-Specific Samples
If you’re specializing in a specific niche (e.g., personal finance, health, or tech), make sure to include niche-related samples. This helps you demonstrate expertise and attract high-paying clients in that field. Clients are more likely to hire writers who have experience writing for their industry.
3. Your Best Work
Only showcase your best work in your portfolio. Quality is more important than quantity. If you’ve done some standout work that has been published on high-profile platforms, make sure it’s front and center.
4. Writing for Different Audiences
Show that you can adapt your writing style for different audiences by including pieces that target varied demographics or industries. This demonstrates that you can switch between formal and conversational tones, and that you understand the needs of different client bases.
5. Link to Published Work
If you have content published on well-known websites, blogs, or online publications, link directly to these. This shows clients that your work is valued by other professionals and adds credibility to your portfolio.
6. Client Testimonials or Case Studies
Including testimonials from past clients or a detailed case study about a successful project adds social proof to your portfolio. If possible, include stats or outcomes, such as how your writing helped increase traffic or engagement for a client’s website.
7. A Personal Bio
Your portfolio should include a short, engaging bio that tells prospective clients who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you. Highlight your writing experience, key skills, and the types of projects you're most passionate about. This is also a great place to mention any specializations or industry knowledge.
8. Contact Information
Make it easy for potential clients to reach out by providing clear contact details. Include your email, social media profiles, and a link to your LinkedIn profile.
9. Service Overview
Briefly outline the types of freelance writing services you offer, such as blog writing, copywriting, SEO content, or technical writing. This will help clients understand if you're a good fit for their project before they even contact you.
10. Call to Action
End your portfolio with a strong call to action. Encourage clients to get in touch for their next project or to request a quote. A simple “Let's work together!” can go a long way in prompting action.
Bonus Tips:
- Keep your portfolio clean and easy to navigate. Avoid overwhelming clients with too much information.
- Regularly update your portfolio with fresh work, especially as you land more freelance clients and higher-profile projects.
A professional portfolio that showcases a range of work and highlights your strengths will help you stand out in the competitive freelance writing market.
FAQs for New Freelancers
How do I start without experience?
Start by creating writing samples and improving your skills. Write for your own blog or contribute guest posts to get your name out there.
Can I write in multiple niches?
Yes, but it’s a good start to focus on one or two niches at first to build authority. You can expand into new niches as your career grows.
How much money can I make?
This varies, but many freelance writers make good money. Rates depend on your niche, experience, and the types of clients you work with. On average, freelance writers can earn $23.19 per hour, though some high-paying clients may offer more.
What skills do I need?
Beyond being a good writer, you’ll need strong research abilities, time management, and business skills.
Top Tips for Starting Your Freelance Writing Business
Here are some valuable resources and tips to help you on your journey to building a successful freelance writing career:
1. Start with Smaller, Low-Paying Gigs
While it might not sound appealing, taking smaller jobs from content mills or platforms like Upwork can give you experience and build your portfolio. Once you’ve built up writing samples and a few client testimonials, you can start charging higher rates.
2. Set Clear Boundaries with Clients
As a business owner, it's important to establish clear terms with freelance clients from the start. This means discussing deadlines, revisions, and payment terms upfront. Have a simple contract ready for each project—it protects both you and the client.
3. Track Your Income and Expenses
Treat your freelance writing as a business from day one. Set up a bank account for your earnings and use apps like QuickBooks to track income and expenses. This is crucial for managing your personal finance and paying taxes at the end of the year.
4. Keep Learning
Take online courses in areas like SEO, content marketing, or copywriting. This will help you broaden your skill set, making you more valuable to prospective clients. It’s also a good idea to stay updated on industry trends to keep your writing skills sharp.
5. Pitch, Pitch, Pitch
Consistent cold pitching is one of the most important things you can do to find freelance writing work. Even when you have enough projects, it's a good idea to keep pitching new clients to maintain a steady flow of work. Aim to send out a few pitches each week.
6. Join Online Communities
Connect with other writers and business owners in online communities. Sites like Freelance Writers Den, Reddit writing groups, and LinkedIn writing groups are great places to find advice, support, and even job leads. Networking in these spaces can open doors to new opportunities.
7. Focus on Building Long-Term Relationships
One-time gigs are great, but building relationships with recurring clients is better. Deliver your best work consistently and communicate well to turn first clients into repeat business. Long-term clients can provide steady income and reduce the need to hunt for freelance writing jobs all the time.
The Only Way is Up
Starting a freelance writing career takes dedication, but it’s absolutely worth it. The first thing you need to do is get organized, work on your writing portfolio, and start pitching. With persistence and hard work, you’ll land your first client and be on your way to a successful freelance writing career. The possibilities in the world of freelance writing are endless—so dive in!
