What's the best way to break into freelance writing? - I'm a writer blog (2023)


Asked by: Dilaho Monteith

7 Great Ways to Break into Freelance Writing

  1. Win writing contests. …
  2. Write for the alternative press. …
  3. Write for daily papers. …
  4. Write for small, regional papers and magazines. …
  5. Write for local nonprofits or small businesses. …
  6. Write online content. …
  7. Write a couple free samples. …
  8. Take a class.

Can you become a freelance writer with no experience?



The great thing about starting freelance writing is that you don’t need any experience! I was able to start as a new mom to twins and with no experience blogging, and I was able to land my first profitable gig in just a couple of months. But, this doesn’t mean you can start with nothing!

(Video) Step by Step: How to Start Freelance Writing in 2022 (Make $5k/Month)

How do freelance writers get their first client?

Arguably the easiest way to land a client is by applying through a free job board. They are one of the easiest ways to land your first freelance writing client. Plus, you get to keep 100% of your money, unlike Upwork (more on that coming up).

How do freelance writers find work?

Here are some of the best places to find freelance writing jobs online.

  1. Freelance Writers Den. A great resource for freelancers, this membership site is so much more than a job board. …
  2. FlexJobs. …
  3. SolidGigs. …
  4. Opportunities of the Week. …
  5. Working In Content. …
  6. ProBlogger Job Board. …
  7. Content Writing Jobs. …
  8. Behance Creative Jobs.

What type of freelance writing pays the most?

Freelance Writing Niches: 9 High-Paying Content Types


  1. Long-form Blog Posts or Ultimate Guides. …
  2. E-Books. …
  3. White Papers. …
  4. Case Studies. …
  5. Email Writing. …
  6. Sales Pages or Landing Pages. …
  7. Video Script Writing. …
  8. Online or E-Learning Courses.

How much does a beginner freelance writer make?


Among beginners, defined as those with zero to three years of experience: 25.7% earned $1 to $20 per hour. Only 4.3% earned more than $100 per hour. The most common pay range was $21-$40 per hour (32.1%)

How do I land my first freelance writing job?

Step One: Know how to write well, even if it means taking a course to make sure you really know your stuff. Step Two: Write some samples so you can show that you’re a great writer. Step Three: Look through job boards to find writing jobs. Consider paying for a job board like Contena to save time.

(Video) 6 Best Freelance Writing Jobs (Perfect For Beginners!) - Get Paid To Write

How do content writers get their first job?

How to become a content writer in India

  1. Step 0: Go Niche. …
  2. Step 1: Build a portfolio. …
  3. Step 2: Start creating social proof. …
  4. Step 3: Build authority with a blog. …
  5. Step 4: Create a pitch. …
  6. Step 5: Start on Fiverr and Upwork. …
  7. Step 6: Join Facebook groups and communities. …
  8. Step 7: Set up and optimise your LinkedIn Profile.

How do I get a job first content writing?

  1. 1 Build Your Portfolio. For budding new freelance writers like yourself, you want to attract and get a job that pay what you’re worth. …
  2. 2 Use Social Media as a Marketing Platform. …
  3. 3 Look Locally to Land Your First Job. …
  4. 4 Selectively Hunt Job Boards for Best First Jobs for You.
  5. What do I need for freelance writing?

    What Do You Need to Become a Freelance Writer? Besides patience, tenacity, and a knack for budgeting, successful freelance writers need three things: a portfolio of writing samples, great ideas, and a network.

    How can I become a freelancer with no experience?

    How to become a freelancer with no experience

    1. Pick which type of freelancing you want to do. …
    2. Get into the right mindset as you learn how to start freelancing with no experience. …
    3. Create a website. …
    4. Build your initial portfolio. …
    5. Find your first few clients. …
    6. Raise your rates and keep going!

    How do I become a freelance copywriter with no experience?

    Below are some more of my top tips on how to become a copywriter:

    1. Choose One Niche Market To Start With. …
    2. Don’t Get Distracted By What Other Copywriters Are Doing. …
    3. Make Your Prospects An Offer They Can’t Refuse. …
    4. Earn While You Learn. …
    5. Decide That You Want To Master This Skill, No Matter What.

    Can anyone be a freelance writer?

    Anyone can follow along and become a freelance writer too. You don’t need a degree or expensive certificates already under your belt. Sure, having strong writing skills helps to get started, but you can (and should) continue to improve those as you go along.


    How many hours do freelance writers work?

    According to a 2016 study, the average full-time freelancer works 36 hours per week, reported this article.

    (Video) FREELANCE WRITING: HOW TO START as a BEGINNER WITH NO EXPERIENCE (step by step monthly guide!!)

    How do I start freelancing?

    How to start freelancing (even when working full-time)

    1. Define your business goals.
    2. Find a perspective niche (and stick to it)
    3. Identify target clients.
    4. Set your freelance rates.
    5. Create a website (and portfolio)
    6. Find your first client.
    7. Expand your network.
    8. Balance your full-time job with your part-time freelancing side gigs.

    How long does it take to become a freelance writer?

    How Long Does It Take To Become A Freelance Writer? It can take anywhere between 2 weeks to 6 months. The faster you set up your portfolio website, post up some samples, guest post on websites and content market yourself on Linkedin, the faster you’ll get clients.

    Is being a freelance writer worth it?

    Good reasons to be a freelance writer


    You love writing with a passion. You are willing to write about topics that aren’t your personal favorites. You’re willing to aggressively market your services. You’re game to learn new writing tools, types, and skills to keep up with market needs.

    How do freelance writers get paid?

    How to get paid to write: 8 Tips to becoming a freelance writer

    1. Decide what you want to write about. …
    2. Set a schedule. …
    3. Practice your freelance writing. …
    4. Build your writing portfolio. …
    5. Start pitching to freelance writing jobs. …
    6. Invest in tools to improve your skills. …
    7. Expand your writing services. …
    8. Just keep going.

    Is freelance writing a good career?

    Freelance writing is a legitimate career. Like any profession, there are people out there who do it poorly or unethically, as well as clients who might try to take advantage of you. But if you take it seriously, it’s possible to make a full-time income and long career out of freelance writing.

    (Video) Landing Freelance Writing Clients With a Blog | should a freelance writer start a blog in 2023

    Are copywriters in demand 2021?

    Copywriting is a skill that’s currently in high demand. However, breaking into the market is harder than most people think. When you first start off as a rookie, you’ll most likely get rejected for several reasons.


    Can I make a living as a freelance writer?

    Research shows that freelance writers can make over $70,000 on average annually. And once you create your own consistent base of clients that love you, you could earn even more!

    Are copywriters in demand 2022?

    As a freelance writer, you may be wondering what are the hottest writing jobs in demand in 2022? Besides content creation, which is a rapidly growing field, there is another highly lucrative writing industry on the rise. And that is copywriting. Copywriting is one of those skills that will always remain in high demand.

    How do beginners learn copywriting?

    If you want to learn how to become a copywriter, follow these 5 steps:

    1. Learn the basics of persuasive writing.
    2. Learn these 6 core copywriting skills.
    3. Land your first few clients.
    4. Develop and refine your freelancing process.
    5. Build a stream of recurring leads.

    Is freelance writing dead?

    Freelance Writing is Not Dead.

    (Video) It's time to become a Freelance Writer in 2023 | crucial things to know to be successful

    But it is evolving. This creates an opportunity for writers who embrace the changing landscape of remote work and technology. It also creates opportunities for those who recognize technology, but still strive to have a personal and human touch with their work.

FAQs

How do I break into freelance writing? ›

How to become a freelance writer
  1. Research the freelance writing industry. ...
  2. Develop necessary business skills. ...
  3. Ensure you have the tools of the trade. ...
  4. Understand current writing conventions. ...
  5. Work on improving your writing skills. ...
  6. Decide on a writing niche. ...
  7. Create a writing portfolio. ...
  8. Market your writing.
Feb 4, 2020

How do I start freelance writing with no experience? ›

How to Find Entry-Level Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners
  1. Rewrite local small-business websites.
  2. Find abandoned business blogs.
  3. Write business emails.
  4. Create a newsletter or brochure.
  5. Report articles for local news media.
  6. Write for local magazines.
  7. Turn your former employer into a client.
  8. Write for local marketing agencies.

How do I make my first $1000 as a content writer? ›

Okay, imagine you've earned your first $1,000 as a freelance writer.
...
How to Build from the First $1,000
  1. Set up retainer deals.
  2. Ask what else they need help with.
  3. Post your work as samples on your website.
  4. Reach out to other prospects.
  5. Announce your work on LinkedIn.
  6. Tell everyone you know what services you offer.

How much do beginner freelance writers make? ›

We recommend beginner freelance writers charge no less than $0.05 to $0.20 per word. If you consider the example of a 1,000-word blog post, this means you'll range from $50 to $200 per post. In reality, many beginning writers make $0.01 to $0.04 per word, which is an unreasonably low fee.

How much do blogs pay writers? ›

Blog writing rates in 2022

According to a survey we did of writers from our community and Upwork, the hourly base freelance blog post rates are a median of $25/hour and an average of $37/hour.

Are blog writers in demand? ›

It's important to note that your writing abilities are highly valuable online, as the demand is high for professional blog writers and freelancers. Writing blog posts helps bring in leads, which can convert into sales. Sales help you or the companies you write for bring in more money.

How much does the average blog writer make? ›

How much does a BLOG Writer make? As of Jan 31, 2023, the average annual pay for a BLOG Writer in the United States is $64,044 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $30.79 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,231/week or $5,337/month.

Where should freelance writers start? ›

Most companies offer part-time contracts for content marketing, copywriting and copyediting for everything from brand partnerships to search engine optimization (SEO) projects. Sites like Contently, Mediabistro, and LinkedIn are a good place to start looking for freelance writing jobs.

How do freelancers start for beginners? ›

How to start freelancing (even when working full-time)
  1. Define your business goals.
  2. Find a perspective niche (and stick to it)
  3. Identify target clients.
  4. Set your freelance rates.
  5. Create a website (and portfolio)
  6. Find your first client.
  7. Expand your network.
  8. Balance your full-time job with your part-time freelancing side gigs.
Jan 18, 2023

Can I make 1000 a month freelance writing? ›

Even with little or no experience, you can make $1,000 or more per month as a freelance writer in a short period of time. But that's just the beginning! Some of the go getters I know earn as much as $100K- $200K a year from freelance copywriting jobs (more about that below)!

How do I find my writing niche? ›

How can I test your freelance writing niche?
  1. Read lots of content. If you think you might enjoy a specific topic or type of content, look for and read lots of examples. ...
  2. Look at job boards. ...
  3. Start a blog. ...
  4. Establish a social media presence. ...
  5. Write a guest post.

How do new writers get paid? ›

How to Make Money Writing
  1. Guest Post on High-Paying Publications and Magazines. ...
  2. Become a Copywriter. ...
  3. Do Freelance Content Writing for Businesses. ...
  4. Ghostwrite Stories. ...
  5. Get Paid to Write on Medium. ...
  6. Self-Publish on Kindle. ...
  7. Blog and Make Money through Affiliate Marketing. ...
  8. Find Paid Writing Internships.
Aug 24, 2021

How do writers get noticed? ›

Before Getting Published
  1. Understand the basics of writing & publishing.
  2. Start a blog.
  3. Submit your work to literary magazines.
  4. Choose between traditional publishing and self-publishing.
  5. Build your own brand.
  6. Create a professional website.
  7. Promote yourself on social media.
  8. Join groups of like-minded people.
Aug 22, 2022

How do I stop being a boring writer? ›

20 Ways to Avoid Being Boring in Your Content Writing
  1. Entertain Your Readers. You do not need to be a Millennial to know the need to be entertained. ...
  2. Connect With Your Readers. ...
  3. Grab Your Reader's Attention. ...
  4. Make Your Content Fun. ...
  5. Write Authentic Content. ...
  6. Show What You are Writing About is Important. ...
  7. Be Creative. ...
  8. Be Passionate.
Apr 23, 2015

Do writers get tired of writing? ›

Writer's fatigue and writer's block are similar concepts. Whereas blocks can happen at any point in the writing process, even before you've begun, fatigue normally occurs after extended periods of writing. The condition is frustrating, emotionally draining, and affects confidence.

How many hours a week do freelance writers work? ›

Believe it or not, most of the six-figure freelancers I know work less than 30 hours a week, usually closer to 20 billable hours. (If you're ready to earn $100 an hour or more freelancing, check out my online course.)

How difficult is it to be a Freelance Writer? ›

A freelance writing career takes hard work, good time management skills, and the ability to hustle to find new gigs. To help build a rewarding career in this field, study the twelve freelance writing tips every author should know.

How do beginner blogs make money? ›

How to make money blogging, part 2: Monetize your content
  1. Online courses and workshops.
  2. Advertise within your blog.
  3. Offer paid subscriptions.
  4. Sell merchandise.
  5. Add affiliate marketing links.
  6. Write sponsored content.
  7. Provide consulting services.
  8. Books and E-books.

How much do beginner bloggers make? ›

Many blog owners earn a modest $200 to $2,500 a month in their first year of blogging. Established bloggers who implement strong monetization strategies earn $3,500 to $15,000 monthly. Top bloggers can earn seven-figure incomes from their blogs. There are different types of roles and streams of income for bloggers.

How many views does my blog need to get paid? ›

10,000 to 100,000 Pageviews

Once you're past 10,000 monthly blog pageviews, things start to get lucrative. Only about 10% of blogs consistently exceed 50k average monthly views, and as you approach the 100k point, the revenue can increase dramatically.

What blogs are in high demand? ›

The most profitable blog niches for 2023
  • Digital marketing.
  • Blogging and making money online.
  • Health and fitness.
  • Personal finance and investing.
  • Recipes and food.
  • Personal development and self-care.
Jan 7, 2023

What type of blogs are in demand? ›

Best types of blogs to create:
  • Food blogs.
  • Travel blogs.
  • Health and fitness blogs.
  • Lifestyle blogs.
  • Fashion and beauty blogs.
  • Photography blogs.
  • Personal blogs.
  • DIY craft blogs.
Oct 19, 2022

How often should writers blog? ›

Most experts agree that blogging two to four times per week is the best way to see increased traction from your content. This equates to somewhere around eleven to sixteen posts a month, depending on how set you are on the actual times per week you post new content.

How much do you earn per 1,000 views on blogging? ›

How Much Do Bloggers Make Per 1,000 Views? Monetizing a blog with Google AdSense or another advertising platform may provide earnings of about $2 to $5 per 1,000 page views. A blog that receives 10,000 views per day may generate about $20 to $50 in income.

How do I become a successful blog writer? ›

Track and analyze your blog's success.
  1. Choose your blog topic and purpose. ...
  2. Register and host your blog. ...
  3. Design your blog. ...
  4. Decide who will write and manage your blog. ...
  5. Determine how frequently you'll share blog posts. ...
  6. Write compelling and valuable content. ...
  7. Include CTAs. ...
  8. Launch your blog.
Jan 12, 2021

How much should I charge for a 1000 word blog? ›

Starting From $0.10 Per Word for a Basic Blog Post. At Least $250 Per 1,000 Words. $15 to $20 for 1,000 Words Depending on the Topic and Deadline. $50 Per 1000 Words.

How do freelance writers get clients fast? ›

How do freelance writers get new clients?
  1. Personalize your cold calls and emails. ...
  2. Partner with other freelancers. ...
  3. Volunteer your services. ...
  4. Book a speaking engagement. ...
  5. Get back in touch with former clients. ...
  6. Search for opportunities on Twitter. ...
  7. Use your skills in a different way. ...
  8. Write a niche blog.
Oct 29, 2020

Is there a shortage of freelance writers? ›

There is no shortage of marketplaces and platforms open to freelance writers today. Not surprising, given that it's an industry every business needs from time to time. Yet writing has experienced plenty of disruption during the 2020s. Meaning creatives need to know the best freelance writing platforms to join.

How do freelance writers find clients? ›

How to get genuine clients for freelance content writing
  1. Personalize Your Pitches. ...
  2. Create A Freelance Website. ...
  3. Utilize Social Media. ...
  4. Start A Blog. ...
  5. Join a Freelance Writing Platform.
Dec 2, 2022

What can I freelance with no skills? ›

Online Freelance No Experience jobs
  • Fashion Retail Visual Merchandiser – Part Time Freelance. ...
  • Flexible and Hybrid Bookkeeper( Quickbooks / NetSuite) ...
  • Hybrid Bookkeeping Role. ...
  • Event Marketing Coordinator (Freelance Contract) ...
  • Senior* Paid Ad Manager - Google and Facebook Ads. ...
  • Personal Trainer. ...
  • Online English Teacher Tutor.

What is the easiest freelancing skill? ›

Consider this a list of short skills for freelancing you may learn if you feel that what you already know is missing in any way.
...
Content Writing
  • Articles.
  • Blog posts.
  • Video scripts.
  • Podcasts scripts.
  • Social media content.

How much do freelance writers pay in taxes? ›

This is called the self-employment tax. The amount you owe—15.3% as of the 2022 tax year—is based on the net amount of income you arrived at when you completed your Schedule C. The IRS gives a little back, however.

How many words do freelance writers write per day? ›

IF you want to become a serious freelance writer, you have to be writing more than 100 words a day. Depending on what you are writing, you will probably be averaging over 1000 words a day.

How do I become a high paid freelance writer? ›

How to get paid to write: 8 Tips to becoming a freelance writer
  1. Decide what you want to write about. ...
  2. Set a schedule. ...
  3. Practice your freelance writing. ...
  4. Build your writing portfolio. ...
  5. Start pitching to freelance writing jobs. ...
  6. Invest in tools to improve your skills. ...
  7. Expand your writing services. ...
  8. Just keep going.
Dec 29, 2021

How do I promote myself as a writer? ›

Here are seven ways to promote yourself and land great freelance writing jobs.
  1. Have Examples of Your Work. ...
  2. Know What Niches You're Comfortable With. ...
  3. Use Social Media and Websites to Your Advantage. ...
  4. Maintain Your Portfolio. ...
  5. Learn How to Market Yourself as a Writer. ...
  6. Keep Up With Trends. ...
  7. Keep Sharpening Your Skills.
Jul 2, 2020

How much do beginner content writers charge? ›

On average, Content Writers can start anywhere from 8000- 15000. Within a year with considerable experience, you have every chance of increasing your salary to Rs 18000 to Rs 25000. You can also be paid a fixed monthly rate or a fixed rate per article.

What is a good bio for a writer? ›

➡️ An author bio is usually no longer than 100 words, so keep it short and simple. Include your location, relevant experience, and key themes in your work. ➡️ Avoid common mistakes when writing your author bio. Write in the third person, keep it succinct, and don't be afraid to brag about your achievements.

What are the highest paid content writing niches? ›

Below are some topics and types of writing in high demand:
  • Book writing (ghostwriting)
  • Case studies.
  • Cryptocurrency.
  • Digital marketing.
  • E-commerce.
  • Email marketing.
  • Healthcare and medical writing.
  • In-depth guides or long-form blog posts.
Jan 4, 2023

What are the trending topics for content writing? ›

Digital Marketing constituents are a goldmine of topics for content writers. There are SEO and Digital Advertising modules. Then, there is Online Reputation Management, Email Marketing, Inbound Marketing. Working on the digital marketing niche opens up abundant opportunities to write.

Where can I post my blog and get paid? ›

8 Best Blogging Platforms to Make Money
  • WordPress. WordPress is an incredibly popular blogging and open-source platform. ...
  • Medium. Medium is a blogging-specific platform that allows anyone to quickly create and publish a post. ...
  • Wix. ...
  • Substack. ...
  • Vocal Media. ...
  • Ghost. ...
  • NewsBreak. ...
  • Blogger.
Apr 5, 2022

Where can I post my writing and earn money? ›

12 ways to get paid to write articles
  • Upwork. Upwork is one of the most popular platforms freelancers use to find work online. ...
  • Copyhackers. ...
  • Fiverr. ...
  • Listverse. ...
  • Vibrant Life. ...
  • Narratively. ...
  • FreelanceMom. ...
  • nDash.
Sep 30, 2022

Do first time authors make money? ›

How much can authors expect to earn from their books? A first-time author with a traditional publishing deal might expect an advance of $1,000-$10,000 and 5-18% royalties once they “earn out” their advance. Self-published authors do not receive advances, but their royalties can reach up to 70% for ebook editions.

Is it hard to get into freelance writing? ›

A freelance writing career takes hard work, good time management skills, and the ability to hustle to find new gigs. To help build a rewarding career in this field, study the twelve freelance writing tips every author should know.

How hard is it to start freelance writing? ›

It's highly competitive to get in at the great-paying magazines, or to land the lucrative copywriting gigs. Some clients are flaky and end up stiffing you. Some clients are boundary-pushers and want to suck up all your time. You'll need to find a way to differentiate your writing services and stand out from the crowd.

Can you live off of freelance writing? ›

Can you make a living as a freelance writer? The short answer is, yes, you can. I've been paying my way by writing for many years now. There's no reason why you shouldn't make a living selling words, too.

How do freelance writers succeed? ›

Top freelance writing tips:
  1. Identify your niche.
  2. Prioritize time management and organization.
  3. Learn how to negotiate your rate.
  4. Network with other writers.
  5. Use job boards.
  6. Learn how to edit your own writing.
  7. Take constructive criticism and edits well.
  8. Develop strong research skills.
Dec 16, 2022

How do you start a content writing for beginners? ›

7 Easy Tips for Effective Content Writing
  1. Write a Head-Turning Headline. The headline determines whether audiences will read the rest of your work. ...
  2. Create a Hook That Grabs Their Attention. ...
  3. Do Your Research. ...
  4. Focus on a Single Purpose. ...
  5. Write in a Unique Voice. ...
  6. Optimize Digital Content. ...
  7. Edit Your Work.

How do I start writing for money? ›

  1. Start a blog. Blogging is a tried-and-true method for writers to make money online. ...
  2. Create blog posts (for others) ...
  3. Establish a niche website. ...
  4. Self-Publish a book. ...
  5. Create affiliate content. ...
  6. Write scripts for video creators. ...
  7. Write show notes for podcasts. ...
  8. Create written content for social media.

How do I sell my writing? ›

Table of Contents:
  1. Write Articles for Popular Blogs, Magazines and Journals.
  2. Create Collateral for Content-Hungry Businesses.
  3. Become a Best-Selling Kindle Author.
  4. Sell Yourself as a Conversion-Focused Copywriter.
  5. Build a Niche Blog and Promote Third Party Products.
Jan 11, 2023

Do freelance writers get paid well? ›

Freelance writing is the ultimate side hustle. It's flexible, it pays well, and it's enjoyable. In fact, freelance blogging helped me go from earning $1,600 per month to earning more than $5,500 per month. This profession was my golden ticket to bigger and better opportunities.

Can freelance writers get sued? ›

Just like any other profession, freelance writers are equally susceptible to legal action. As I learned the hard way, it's easier to sue a single person than it is a company. As an independent contractor, you're always at risk.

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