22 Types of Freelance Writing Jobs to Make Money Online
Freelance writers have no shortage of work these days. If you have a way with words and want your language skills to make money for you, a freelance writing job might be for you. There are many types of freelance writing jobs that businesses and brands pay good money for. The better you are at writing, the more money you can make!
So, how do you start growing your client list? Here are 22 lucrative types of freelancing writing to explore.
22 types of freelance writing jobs
As a freelance writer myself, I've done most of these types of freelance writing jobs and can verify they're great ways to make a living. Here are my picks, in no particular order.
Blog and article content writing
Blog and article writing are great ways to get started in the freelance writing world. You can use your own experiences and knowledge to write engaging content that will resonate with your audience.
Plus, you can usually get started with little to no experience.
To be a good blogger, you need to be a good researcher. You don't have to know everything about what you're writing about. But you should be able to find great sources of information, fact-check, and write information in a compelling, original way.
Case study writing
There are many different types of freelance writing jobs available. One type of writing that often goes overlooked is case study writing.
Case studies are a type of research that involves investigating a real-life situation. They are often used to help organizations learn more about a particular issue or challenge.
If you're interested in writing case studies, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you'll need to be able to identify and contact potential subjects. The organization you're writing for usually sets this up, but they may need you to conduct interviews on your own.
Second, you'll need to be able to collect data about the situation. Know what type of data will make the case study compelling. There's usually a sales angle involved with case studies, so you'll need to look at the case study from the company's customers' point of view.
And third, you'll need to be able to write a clear and concise report. Case studies tend to tell stories while also delivering factual information, statistics, and lots of details.
White papers
White papers are a type of freelance writing job that can be both interesting and challenging. White papers are documents that businesses use as marketing tools. They're also used by governments and other organizations to provide authority on a particular subject.
Even though they might be used as sales and marketing tools, white papers are generally non-promotional in nature. They need to share "just the facts" so that readers can connect their own dots. They need to be free of bias and direct persuasion while also advocating that a certain solution is the right way to go.
Books and e-books
As a freelance writer, you can choose to write books and e-books on a variety of topics. This type of writing requires in-depth research and a clear understanding of the subject matter. You'll need to be able to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely in order to engage your reader. If you're passionate about a particular topic, this could be the perfect opportunity to share your knowledge with the world.
This type of freelancing writing can range across use cases. For example, you might ghostwrite fiction books on behalf of famous authors. Or, you might create short e-books for businesses to use as marketing tools.
Social media posts
Many businesses outsource their social media writing. In fact, 93% of businesses admit they struggle to come up with engaging content on a regular basis. If you're a strong writer, you can remove this burden for them and make money doing so.
Email newsletters
Email newsletters are a great way for businesses to keep in touch with their customers and followers. They promote new products and services, announce sales and special offers, or simply share news and information.
There are many different types of email newsletters, but some of the most popular include:
- Announcements: These newsletters let subscribers know about important news from the business.
- Updates: These newsletters provide subscribers with news and information about the business and its industry.
- Promotions: These newsletters promote new products and services, or announce sales and special offers.
- Tips and advice: These newsletters offer subscribers tips and advice on a variety of topics, from how to use the business's products and services to how to improve their own businesses.
Email newsletters are a great way to stay in touch with your customers and followers. By providing them with timely information about a business, you can keep them up-to-date on what's going on and build a stronger relationship with them in the process.
Sales collateral
Sales collateral is a type of freelance writing job that involves creating content to support the sales process of a company. This could include creating brochures, one-sheeters, how-to guides, or product spec sheets.
Sales collateral is usually created by marketing agencies or freelance writers who have experience in B2B or B2C marketing.
Landing pages
Landing pages are web pages that visitors "land on" after clicking a link, usually in an advertisement. The link directs the user to a relevant page where they can learn more information.
Landing pages are a critical tool in the online sales process. For example, it might focus on a single product or service a business is trying to sell. The goal is to convert the visitor on the spot.
You might start a successful career as a landing page writer if you have a sales background and can write for sales-driven outcomes.
PPC ad copywriting
PPC ad copywriting is a type of freelance writing that creates ads for pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns. PPC ads are short, attention-grabbing text ads that appear on search engine results pages and websites.
PPC ad copywriters must be able to write persuasive, keyword-rich ads that accurately reflect the products or services being advertised. They must also be familiar with PPC campaign management and optimization in order to ensure that their ads are effective and generate the desired results.
Web page copywriting
This type of writing is all about creating content for websites. You'll need to be able to write clear and concise copy that engages the reader and encourages them to take action.
Web page copywriters should be able to clearly and neatly explain what a business does. The copy should align with the brand and cater to the type of customer the company wants to attract.
News article writing
As a news article writer, your job will be to research and write stories about current events. If you're interested in this type of freelance writing, here are a few things you should know.
First, you'll need to be able to find reliable sources of information and write clearly and concisely. This means being able to identify credible sources and weed out those that aren't as reliable. You'll also need to be able to keep up with the latest news and events so that you can write about them in a timely manner.
Second, you'll need to be able to write clearly and concisely. This means being able to communicate complex information in a way that is easy for readers to understand. You'll also need to be able to write in a style that is appropriate for the publication you're writing for.
There will always be work available for a news article writer. As a freelancer, you can work with multiple news outlets on an as-needed basis.
Feature writing
A features writer writes human interest stories or profiles of people, places, or events. They create fun, engaging stories around various areas of interest. Features are meant to inspire the reader, help them relate to the content, and build personal connections with publications.
One of the most common ways to become a features writer is to partner with magazines. Many magazines now offer digital publications and are constantly publishing new content.
Product description writing
Product description writing is a type of freelance writing that involves creating descriptions of products or services for businesses. This can include anything from writing product descriptions for retail websites to creating descriptions for brochures or other marketing materials.
Product description writers need to be able to understand the features and benefits of the products or services they are writing about, and then communicate that information in an interesting and engaging way.
With e-commerce growing at a crazy rate, more brands are in need of strong product descriptions. They need to help retailers get found in search results, sell more, and stand out from competitors. Being an effective product description writer will land you plenty of ongoing work.
Grant writing
Grant writing is arguably one of the least competitive types of freelancing writing jobs. It's not very sexy and can be quite dry and boring. But that's also what makes it so lucrative -- there aren't many people who want to write grants for a living.
Grant writing can be a very rewarding job, as you help organizations secure funding that can make a difference in the lives of the people they serve. However, it can also be a very challenging job, as you must be able to write persuasively and meet tight deadlines. If you think you have what it takes to be a grant writer, here are some things you should know.
First, grant writing is extremely important to the clients who need it, so you will need to be able to stand out from the crowd. This means having a strong writing portfolio and being able to demonstrate your skills to potential clients.
Second, grant writing can be very time-consuming, so you need to be able to manage your time efficiently. This means being able to work on multiple projects at once and being able to meet deadlines.
Third, grant writing needs will vary from client to client. You will need to have a strong understanding of the organization you are writing for. This means being able to do your research and being able to understand the needs of the organization you are writing for.
Technical writing
Technical writers create user manuals, how-to guides, and other documentation to help people understand and use complex products and systems. They use a variety of tools, such as text editors, screen capture tools, and drawing programs, to create visual aids to make complex subjects easier to understand. Technical writers typically have a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or a related field.
This is another unsexy side of freelance writing. But because it's so, well, technical, it can also be quite profitable.
Resume writing
Many people do not know that they can make money by writing resumes. They might think it is only for those who have experience in the field, but anyone can write a resume and be paid for it.
The key is to be able to present candidates in a way that makes them attractive to the organizations they want to work for. Aligning a resume with a specific job posting is helpful, but not always feasible unless the candidate is hiring you to tweak their resume for every job they apply for.
Good resume writers usually have backgrounds in HR and/or marketing, though these aren't requirements.
Press release writing
One of the most popular types of freelance writing jobs is press release writing. A press release is a formal written statement that is issued to the media to generate publicity for a company, product, service, or event.
Press releases are usually written by public relations (PR) professionals, but many companies also hire freelance writers to write press releases. This is because a well-written press release can be very effective in generating media attention.
If you're interested in writing press releases, it's important to understand how they are structured and what information they should include. Press releases typically follow a standard format that includes:
- The dateline: This is the date and location where the press release was issued.
- The headline: This is a brief, attention-grabbing headline that summarises the main points of the press release.
- The body: This is the main text of the press release, which contains more details about the company, product, service, or event.
- The boilerplate: This is a brief section that contains information about the company, such as its history, mission, and contact details.
If you're interested in writing press releases, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, press releases should be newsworthy, meaning they should be interesting, timely, and relevant. Second, they should be well written and free of errors. Also, they should be objective and unbiased.
Instructional design writing
Instructional design writers develop educational content and materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, and e-learning modules. They work with subject matter experts to ensure the content is accurate and up-to-date. Instructional design writers also collaborate with graphic designers and multimedia specialists to create engaging and visually appealing materials.
Research writing
Something that all types of freelance writing jobs have in common is research. But you can also make a living just be conducting and documenting research.
Research writers typically collect data and information from various sources, then organize and present it in a clear and concise manner. They may also be responsible for writing reports or creating presentations based on their research. If you're interested in this type of work, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you have strong research and writing skills.
- Be prepared to work with a variety of clients, as well as on a variety of topics.
- Be able to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
- Be willing to take on projects that may be outside of your comfort zone.
Speech writing
If you love to write and have a knack for coming up with catchy phrases and content, a career in speech writing might be for you. Speech writers are responsible for crafting speeches that are both persuasive and memorable.
To be a successful speech writer, you must be able to capture the essence of the speaker's message and communicate it in a way that is both interesting and easy for the audience to understand.
While most speech writers work for politicians or other public figures, there is also a growing demand for freelance speech writers. If you're interested in this type of work, you can expect to earn an average of $50 per hour.
Business plan writing
Business plan writing is a freelance writing job that can be both challenging and rewarding. As a business plan writer, you will be responsible for creating a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and financial projections of a business.
This can be a complex and detailed process, but it is also an important one. A well-written business plan can help a business to secure funding, attract investors, and build a solid foundation for success.
Brand story writing
One of the best types of freelancing writing is brand story writing, which involves crafting narratives that capture the essence of a brand and what it stands for. This can be a very fun and rewarding type of writing, as it allows you to help shape the way a company or product is perceived by the public.
If you're interested in this type of writing, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Know your audience. Before you can start writing, you need to know who you're writing for. What are their needs and wants? What kind of language will they respond to?
- Keep it focused. A brand story should be focused on a single message that you want to communicate. Don't try to cram too much into it; otherwise, you risk losing your reader's attention.
- Make it memorable. A good brand story will stick with your reader long after they've finished reading it. To achieve this, focus on creating an emotional connection with your reader.
- Get creative. Don't be afraid to experiment with different formats and styles. A brand story is an opportunity to really show off your creativity, so make the most of it!
What are the requirements for freelance writing work?
Some good news is that you don't need experience or a degree to start one of the above types of freelance writing. These jobs are essentially jobs you create yourself.
However, there are some general requirements that all freelance writers must meet in order to be successful. These include:
- A strong command of the English language
- The ability to research and write on a variety of topics
- The ability to meet deadlines
- The ability to work independently
- The willingness to accept constructive feedback
These tips apply to all types of freelancing writing, including articles, e-commerce products, social content, and more. If you have these skills and qualities, then you may be well-suited for a career in freelance writing!
What are the benefits of a freelance writing career?
Why make a career out of writing, you ask? The reasons are as varied as the people asking the question.
Personally, I started writing for a living because I was tired of my day job. I wasn't satisfied and I didn't feel like my skills were being nurtured or utilized. I also wanted more flexibility in my work schedule. I wanted to choose my hours and salary and only work on the projects I wanted. I got all of these and more by building my own writing career.
As a freelance writer, you can:
- Work from anywhere in the world
- Set your own hours
- Determine your own rate
- Choose the type of writing you want to do
- Work with clients you enjoy
- Get paid to write about topics you love
I could go on forever. If you truly enjoy writing, you'll find no shortage of benefits to freelancing.
Are there drawbacks to freelance writing?
I know I paint a pretty picture. But I will admit that freelancing isn't for everyone.
There are some drawbacks to freelance writing. For example, you may not always have steady work, and you may have to work harder to find good quality clients. It's very competitive and you might not find enough work doing the types of writing you want to do.
There's also the matter of having to do your own taxes, having to pay for work-related expenses, and having to run your entire business yourself.
However, the benefits of freelance writing often outweigh the drawbacks, and many people find freelance writing to be a great way to earn a living.
What are the best ways to find freelance writing jobs?
Companies are hiring freelancer writers hand over fist. In many cases, you can find freelance writing opportunities just like other types of jobs.
I cover several tips on how to find freelance work in a previous blog post. Here are some places to start your new career search:
Social media
Online job boards
Content mills
Blogging
Guest blogging
Pitching to magazines and websites
Writing contests
Crowdsourcing platforms
Referrals
Networking
In my new course, How to Market Yourself as a Freelancer, I cover more ways to find your first freelance client.
How much do freelance writers earn?
As a freelance writer, you can earn a great income writing for a variety of clients. How much you earn will depend on factors such as your experience, the type of writing you do, and the clients you work with.
On average, freelancer writers earn anywhere from $13 to $56 or more per hour, according to Payscale.
ZipRecruiter shares that a freelancer writer's annual salary ranges from $20K to $110K per year or more.
And GlassDoor says that the average freelance writer salary ranges from $30K to $76K per year.
So, while there is no simple answer for how much a freelance writer can earn, it's clear that there's plenty of opportunities to make a decent income. It all depends on the companies you work with, the type of writing you do, and how effective you are at your job.
With so many options available, you can easily find a writing niche that suits your skills and interests. And, with a little effort, you can start earning a great income as a freelance writer.
How do I get paid for freelance writing?
There's definitely money in freelance writing. But how do you actually get paid for your work?
I'll share a few different approaches.
One is to find clients via a freelance platform like Fiverr. You create a profile and a gig (aka your writing service), then clients can place orders with you via the platform. They front the money for the service and the money goes into an escrow account. When you deliver the work and they accept it, the funds are transferred to your account within 7-14 days. You can then send the funds into your own bank account.
Another way is to find clients online or in your local market. You will send them invoices for the writing services you provide. You can choose to have the client pay a deposit upfront, then bill them for the remainder of the service after you deliver.
One more idea is to work with content companies or agencies. They send you writing jobs from their client list, then you bill the agency for your service. Some agencies keep track of your work and will automatically pay you without you having to invoice. This is a much easier approach for new freelance writers because you don't have to juggle multiple invoices, nor do you have to spend lots of time marketing yourself.
This quick guide shares a little more insight on how freelancers get paid.
Best ways to promote your niche freelance writing services
A great freelancer is also a great marketer. You need to know how to promote yourself and get in front of the right clients if you want freelancing to work for you.
There are many ways to promote your freelance writing services online. Here are 10 of the most effective methods:
1. Create a website or blog
2. Use social media
3. Use online directories
4. Use online job boards
5. Use classified ads
6. Use email marketing
7. Use pay-per-click advertising
8. Use search engine optimization
9. Use content marketing
10. Use offline marketing
If you'd like specific guidance on leveraging these channels for your marketing, I suggest booking a freelancing coaching session with me.
What are the best ways to improve your freelance writing skills?
The more you improve your writing expertise, the more you can reasonably charge for your services. Let's look at some ideas to help you improve your freelance writing skills:
Find a niche
Build a strong portfolio
Write a strong pitch
Learn SEO
Stay up to date with the latest trends
Network with other writers and creative professionals
Guest blog
Create your own blog posts
Take on writing challenges
Also, you don't have to limit yourself to freelance writing. There are tons of other types of online gig jobs that offer great income opportunities.
Ideas on how to find clients for your freelance writing business
Many people want to freelance writing but don't know where to start. My first piece of advice I give to my freelancing coaching students is to stop focusing on the client and start building your business's foundation.
You need to add credit to your name before you can land a good client. At a minimum, you should have a portfolio and some sort of web presence. This way, when you do start pitching clients, you can give them an idea of what it's like to work with you.
How to get started in freelance writing
There are many different types of freelance writing jobs online. You can get paid to write feature articles, blog posts, ebooks, and more. Write for magazines, news sites, newspapers, businesses, and even other content creators who want to make a splash online. You also don't need a college degree or any experience. A classroom is no substitute for good language skills, passion, and creativity.
Every freelance writer needs a starting point. Find your first writing job project via some of the methods outlined here -- you'll be making money before you know it!