Your How To Freelance Writing Guide: Make Money as a Writer
I've been freelance writing for 7+ years. In that time, I've tripled my income, slashed my working hours, partnered with brands around the world, and created this blog. But enough about me -- you want to write for a living, and this how-to freelance writing guide can help.
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What is a freelance writer?
A freelance writer is a person who writes for a per-article fee rather than being employed by a company or organization.
Freelance writers are independent contractors. They are not employees of any company or organization, but instead work on their own behalf. They typically write articles, essays, books, marketing materials, and other content for pay.
What are the benefits of being a freelance writer?
Freelance writing comes with a lot of perks. For starters, it can be more flexible than working in an office setting; you can work from anywhere with internet access and an email account. You also have the freedom to set your own hours and make your own schedule.
It's also a great way to earn extra money while still having control over your career and ideas. (Nothing like a 9-to-5 desk job to kill every creative cell in your body.)
The better you are at writing, the more money you can make. And being in charge of your income is a freedom unlike any other.
What skills do successful freelance writers need?
Successful freelance writers need to have strong writing skills (duh). They need to be able to think critically and plan effectively, as well as be able to write quickly and efficiently.
You'll be meeting lots of deadlines and will probably have demanding clients, so you'll also need to write quickly without sacrificing quality.
Some other helpful skills include:
Knowing how to find paid writing jobs
Taking action
Researching skills
Self-promotion
Time management
Taking ownership of your work
Communicating effectively with clients and colleagues
Taking feedback and using it constructively
Marketing yourself
These skills can take some practice to learn and develop. If you don't have them yet, that's okay. Make it a priority to develop them so you can start freelance writing like a pro.
Getting started as a freelance writer in 8 steps
These 8 steps might just change your life. Here's how to start freelance writing for money:
1. Choose the writing services you want to offer
Choosing the type of writing you want to offer can be difficult since there are so many ways to make money writing. But it's important to decide what services you're willing to offer your clients before you go all in. You may want to specialize in a certain area, such as SEO writing or social media copywriting, so you'll need to develop the right skills before you start charging for your services.
When you choose the type of writing service you want to offer, think about how much time and effort it will take for you to deliver the service. Ideally, you'll choose services where you can write quickly, efficiently, and with authority.
There are many types of writing services you can offer as a freelance writer. Some of the most popular include:
Copywriting: This involves creating compelling and persuasive copy for businesses to use in their marketing and advertising campaigns.
SEO writing: This type of writing focuses on optimizing content for search engines so that it ranks higher in search results.
Blog writing: Many businesses need help creating regular blog content. As a freelance writer, you can help them with this by creating engaging and informative blog posts or guest posts.
Ghostwriting: This involves writing articles, books, or other content on behalf of another person or business. The author's name is not credited.
Editing and proofreading: Businesses often need help ensuring their written content is free of errors and flows well. As an editor or proofreader, you can help them with this.
For more ways to make a living writing, check out my in-depth blog post: 22 Types of Freelance Writing Jobs to Make Money Online.
2. Define each of your writing services in detail
Potential clients need to understand what you offer. They need to know what makes you different from other writers and how you can provide quality content that meets their needs.
You can add this information to your Services page on your website or portfolio. This page should also include an overview of your experience and qualifications, as well as a list of the types of articles or projects you are capable of completing.
In addition, you can include a pricing breakdown so clients can get a baseline idea of your rates for different types of projects. If you prefer to offer custom pricing for each client, offering a starting point or a range can be beneficial.
Providing all this information upfront will make it easier for clients to find the right writer for their project.
3. Choose a freelance writing niche
A niche is a specific area of interest that you write about. For example, my Fleurish Freelance blog focuses on all things freelancing.
Niche writing helps you earn consistent freelance income. You become an authority in that niche, making it a no-brainer for clients in that niche to work with you. This also makes your work more efficient and helps you justify charging higher rates.
When choosing your writing niche, consider the following:
The size and complexity of the market
The level of competition
Your own skills and experience
The price customers are willing to pay
Then, start building an audience by publishing quality content of your own. This will help you attract leads from search engines (which can result in more client deals) or social media, depending on where you're publishing.
Plus, your content can double as your portfolio while you build up your client work.
4. Create writing samples for each service
Clients will want to see samples of your work before they hire you. This way, they can be sure the quality of the writing will meet their standards.
You should have samples for each type of writing you will offer. If you don't have clients yet, you can still create samples that highlight your writing skills. Just pick a fictitious client, then choose a topic to write about.
Also, create samples for the types of customers you want to attract. For example, if you want to work with healthcare companies, then your samples should focus on health-related topics that will make sense to your target audience.
5. Choose how you will market your writing services
There are many different ways to market your freelance writing services, and it all depends on what works best for you. You can promote your work through social media, online job boards, or email newsletters. You can also offer free samples of your work to potential clients.
Marketing your freelance writing services is critical because it will help you attract new clients and build a reputation for quality work. It's also important to be selective about the marketing channels that you use - only invest your time and energy in those that will reach your ideal clients.
Check out my course, How to Market Yourself as a Freelancer, for no-BS tips and step-by-step help on how to promote your services.
6. Decide how much to charge for your writing
The pricing question can be a headscratcher for new freelancers. That's because there is no single best answer to how much you should charge. It depends on the type of writing you do, the amount of research and work you put into your project, and the market conditions.
Here are a few points to ponder:
Establish a rate you're comfortable with. This may be lower or higher than what other freelancers in your area are charging -- don't worry too much about that right now.
Don't overcharge for your services. Charge based on the value of each project rather than an arbitrary price point.
Be prepared to offer discounts for bulk orders or repeat customers. At least in the beginning, discounts can help you get clients and provide ongoing work.
Keep track of your time and expenses so you can adjust your rate as necessary (for example, if you spend more time editing than originally estimated).
7. Build an online presence
An online presence is the foundation of a successful freelance writing career. You need a website, social media profiles, and other online platforms to showcase your work and connect you with potential clients.
For your website, include your bio, samples of your work, and contact information. You should also sprinkle keywords throughout your website to help your website get discovered in organic search.
Social media profiles are another important part of building an online presence. Create accounts on popular social networks like Facebook and Twitter and share content related to your writing (preferably relevant to your niche). You can also create landing pages that help people learn more about the services you offer.
Lastly, take some time to build ties with other professionals in the writing community. Join groups, attend conferences, and participate in blog conversations. This is a great way to get leads from fellow freelancers who might not be able to help the clients that contact them.
8. Start connecting with prospective clients
Steps 1-7 focus on building a foundation that will make you appear credible to prospective clients. With this foundation in place, you're ready to start connecting with potential clients.
Once you start making connections, show (don't just tell) your prospect how you can help them. Use your online presence and portfolio samples to put your writing services into context for your leads. Make your conversations all about how you can help them and give them a reason to say yes!
We'll cover where to find freelance writing clients next.
Where to find your first freelance writing job
Putting the above how-to freelance writing steps into action, let's explore where you can find your first freelance client. This isn't an exhaustive list, but these tips can help you start to build momentum.
Check online job boards and writer sites
Freelance writers can find many writing opportunities on online job boards. You'll see a mix of short- and long-term assignments that will give you experience in a variety of industries. Tailor your pitch to match the job listing, just like you would when applying for a traditional job.
Partner with a content writing agency
Working with content agencies can help you find ongoing work as a freelance writer. The agency will be your client, and you'll be serving their clients with your writing services.
This is a great way to focus on what you do best and leave client acquisition to someone else (especially if self-promotion just isn't your thing). You can work on building your portfolio and gaining experience instead of marketing and branding.
The downside is that you'll need to follow the agency's policies in terms of pay, revisions, and timelines.
Cold pitch clients
A cold pitch is a sales technique where you pitch your services to a potential client without first getting to know them.
Cold pitching can be tricky because you never know whether the client will be interested. It can also be extremely time-consuming. You may waste time chasing leads that will never turn into clients.
Good news: you can improve your cold pitching and increase your chances of getting a yes:
Research the target market. Familiarize yourself with what businesses need and want and how they can benefit from a professional writer. This will help you make your pitch more persuasive.
Be prepared for rejection. Don't get discouraged when someone says no. Instead, use this opportunity to improve your skills so you can sell to other clients down the line.
Use social media as a tool for networking and building relationships with potential clients. Connecting with potential clients online will help you build trust and rapport early on, which will make selling later on much easier.
Create profiles on gig platforms like Fiverr
Using gig platforms like Fiverr is a great way to find clients for your freelance writing business. Buyers use these platforms because they already have a need for writing services. There's no hard selling involved on your part. Your biggest priority is to show why you're the best choice.
I love Fiverr because you can list multiple types of writing services. Fiverr also helps you grow your business by collecting customer reviews on your behalf, handling payments (yay, no invoicing!), and marketing your gigs.
And the options don't end with Fiverr. There are tons of other freelancing platforms where you can list your services and let clients come to you.
Hire a freelance writing coach
A freelance writing coach can help you find clients, improve your writing skills, and grow your freelance business. Coaching is personalized to you and addresses what you need and want to know to move up.
Many writers struggle to find clients because they don't know how to write effectively for different industries. A freelance writing coach can teach you the best practices for pitching your services and finding the right clients. This will make it easier for you to write content that is both interesting and well-written.
Join Facebook groups
Joining a Facebook group can be a great way to connect with potential clients as a successful writer. You'll increase your chances of finding clients and building relationships with potential customers when you're active in relevant niche groups.
This is also a great opportunity to connect with other writers and find out what they're working on. This can help you better understand the industry and find new opportunities for collaboration.
Build your professional network
Freelance writers never know where their first writing job or next opportunity will come from. Take time to build your professional network so you can get your name and services in front of more people.
Your network should include businesses as well as other writers. You may find opportunities to work together on projects or share advice and resources. You can also make connections with people who are in a position to help you grow your business.
There are many ways to build your professional network, including attending writing conferences, joining online writing communities, and participating in writer's workshops.
Publish your portfolio
Putting your portfolio online gives potential clients a chance to get to know you and your work before they connect with you. You never know who's looking!
Plus, prospects are going to ask for samples. Having your portfolio easily accessible reduces friction on their end so you can both move forward faster.
Create your own blog content
Blogging is a great way to flex your writing skills and expertise in a particular area. Blogs can help you get found online via search and attract more qualified leads.
And if you're writing blogs for others, it shows you practice what you preach. Use your blog to build your credibility and gives clients another way to find and engage with you.
Use Google to find freelance writing jobs
Good ol' Google -- just do an online search for freelance writing jobs and see what comes up.
Maybe you'll find some good leads. Or at the very least, you can find websites where freelance writing jobs are posted. Bookmark those sites so you can keep going back to them until you find a job you like.
Offer free writing work
I don't usually recommend working for free unless you have something valuable to gain in return. Clients that ask for free work are a major red flag. But in certain cases, offering free writing work is a great way to build your credibility and visibility.
I suggest working for free if you have the opportunity to get published in a popular publication with lots of traffic and visibility. Or, if you want real samples to include in your portfolio when you're just starting.
I would advise not offering "free samples" to clients. Your portfolio should speak for itself. A discount on the first assignment is okay, as long as the customer knows what your full rate will be should you decide to move forward together.
Take a freelance marketing course
All freelancers need to excel at marketing. Even if marketing isn't your specialty, you need to be able to promote yourself. If this isn't in your wheelhouse, consider taking an online course that's designed for freelancers.
My course, How to Market Yourself as a Freelancer, helps you build a strategy to start getting clients and building a sustainable freelance business.
How do you negotiate rates with clients?
In a perfect world, you could just charge what you wanted and clients would pay it. The reality, of course, is that there are lots of negotiations in a successful freelance writing business.
That doesn't mean you have to give away the farm. You don't have to race to the bottom on pricing. And you don't have to take lowball offers.
Here are some tips to help you negotiate pricing:
First, always be polite and respectful. Clients will be more willing to work with you just by how you handle the pricing convo.
Be clear about what you charge. Don't make it complicated. Give them an honest answer when they ask for your rates to limit some of the back and forth. You don't have to give them a line-by-line breakdown. Just give them the bottom-line figure.
Set realistic expectations for the project. Make sure your pricing makes sense for the work you're doing.
Make sure you have all the details about the project before quoting a price. This will help to eliminate scope creep and let the clients know exactly what's included.
Ask for a deposit upfront. This will help to establish trust in the process, plus you'll at least have something if the client decides to cancel the project or flat-out refuses to pay. You can bill for the rest once the project is complete.
How much money do freelance writers make?
Freelance writing salaries can vary greatly. It all depends on what you put into your business, what type of writing you're doing, and the type of clients you're working with. Where you live might also affect your salary, as a higher cost of living could mean having to charge higher rates.
On the low end, freelance writers earn about $30-$40K. On the high end, you could earn as much as $100K or more.
You might start out on the low end, and that's okay. As you gain experience and build up your portfolio, you can justify increasing your prices as you grow.
What are some common challenges freelance writers face?
What are some common challenges freelance writers face?
I know I glamorize being a paid freelance writer. But I'll be honest: Freelance writing isn't a "perfect" career. There are many unknowns—from finding writing jobs to keeping track of deadlines to knowing how your business will fare during a recession.
Some of the most common challenges you might face include:
Finding potential clients. You need a steady client base to create predictable income. Things like an uncertain economy, increased competition, and other factors can make finding writing jobs even harder.
Chasing invoices. Some clients just don't want to pay on time. This means you'll have to stay on top of your invoices and make sure you're getting paid for what you bill.
Staying motivated. Freelancers that work alone at home risk getting burned out. You'll need to find your own ways to stay motivated and keep loving what you do.
Dealing with difficult clients. Dealing with tough clients can get expensive if you're having to do more than the norm to make them happy. Plus, it's stressful.
Finding time for professional development. Since you're the eyes and hands of your business, finding time to break away from the day-to-day is tough. But it's also necessary so you can keep growing your skills and writing portfolio, and be more valuable to your clients.
Landing writing jobs. If you're applying for writing jobs via job boards and other traditional means, expect plenty of competition. This can make it harder for new freelance writers to break into the field.
Have patience. Learn how to manage expectations. Just keep going. The more challenges you face, the more resilience you'll build.
What are some common mistakes freelance writers make?
What are some common mistakes freelance writers make?
I've made my share of freelance writing mistakes over the years. Rest assured you'll make plenty of your own, too.
A common mistake that many freelance writers make is not following a process. This can lead to inconsistency in the quality of their freelance writing work because they won't know what steps to take next. Regardless of whether you specialize in technical writing, search engine optimization, or other writing services, having a process can make you an overall more efficient writer.
Another mistake that freelance writers often make is not doing enough research. Without proper research, they may end up writing content that isn't relevant to their audience or doesn't adhere to any standards of quality. Or worse, you might accidentally share something that isn't true. Due diligence is key for any aspiring freelance writer.
Last but certainly not least, freelance writers also make mistakes by being inconsistent in their work. They'll produce high-quality pieces one week and low-quality pieces the next week - it's hard for readers and clients to trust them as a source of information! You can solve some of the quality issues by having a great process for writing and research.
Tips to stand out as a freelance writer
Tips to stand out as a freelance writer
Want to get more eyeballs on your freelance writing gigs? Here are a few tips to help you stand out from most writers:
Invest in your own website
You don't need a website to be a good writer. I didn't have a website or blog when I first started my freelance career. But a website can be a valuable tool in many ways.
For starters, it serves as a home for your writing portfolio. Send prospective clients to your website so they can get a feel for what you do.
It also helps you attract freelance clients via organic search. Rather than paying for ads, customers can find you via Google when looking for a freelance copywriter.
Having your own website gives you more control over your content and the brand image you present to others.
You can certainly get freelance work without a website, but I find having my own website to be super helpful in building a brand and closing deals.
Develop a strong writing portfolio
Your portfolio is arguably the most powerful marketing tool. It will help you stand out as a skilled writer and earn more content writing jobs than you could without it.
New freelance writers might be wondering: How do I build a portfolio if I don't have any clients?
My best suggestion: Give yourself a writing assignment.
As you start getting clients, keep adding samples to your portfolio. When you get in front of prospective clients, you can submit your portfolio as proof of your skills.
Write a guest post
Publishing a guest post on another website or blog can help you grow your brand exposure. It adds instant credibility to your name because it shows someone else loves your writing enough to publish it on their website.
There are tons of websites looking for guest writers (including the Fleurish Freelance blog). Some may ask for full articles; others may prefer a pitch first.
Guest posts typically aren't paid writing opportunities. But they can be great free marketing.
Highlight your experience as a writer
Are you a successful freelance writer for a well-known publication? Have you turned the heads of other established freelance writers? Do you have a background in academic writing, content marketing, news article writing, or other niches?
If so, talk about it! Clients will be more attracted to you if they think you're credible. Don't be afraid to show off your experience -- you've earned it!
Keep honing your freelance writing skills
A big part of your freelance writing career success hinges on growth and adaptability. The freelance writing landscape changes, just like any other industry. Staying on top of trends will help you evolve and grow your business while other freelance writers may struggle.
Staying on top of professional development will also help you attract new types of freelance writing clients. You'll be able to offer more than one type of freelance writing job and gain more freelance writing opportunities.
Offer a writing sample
Even if you are a new freelance writer, you should have some samples of what you're capable of. Clients will want to see your work, and if you don't have samples, they might expect you to complete a test assignment. I've met plenty of clients that expect me to do a free test assignment, so I offer samples of my past work instead. This is usually just as good.
Make sure your writing is of high quality. Your clients will judge you on how well your work meets their expectations, and they'll be quick to dismiss anything that doesn't meet those standards.
Create exceptional marketing content
Whether you're a freelance content writer, technical writer, business writing pro, creative writing expert, or some other type of writer -- you need to know how to market yourself. Even if creating marketing content isn't your main focus, you need to be able to create content to promote yourself.
Be creative and innovative when it comes to your content. There's no one way to write great content – if there was, everyone would do it the same way! So experiment with different formats and styles until you find something that works best for you and your audience.
Also, stay up-to-date with current trends in your field. Keeping up with industry news and changes will help ensure that your writing reflects the latest trends – both stylistically and substantively.
Generate positive press
Credibility is a big deal in freelancing. When other people hire and trust you, more clients will follow suit.
In the past year, I've focused on getting published on other outlets. I aim for expert roundup-style posts where I can share my insights on specific topics alongside other experts in my field.
When I do get published, I add a link to the article on my Press web page. This lets other people see where I'm being published and what I have to say beyond my own blog!
Network!
The more connections you build within the freelance writing community, the better positioned you'll be when opportunities arise – whether it's finding new clients or collaborating on projects together.
What are some resources that freelance writers can use?
What are some resources that freelance writers can use?
Resources for a freelance writer abound. There are tons of websites, blogs, guides, online communities, and marketplaces for just about every need. These resources can teach you everything from how to become a freelance writer to how to find freelance writing work. You might find forums where users post freelance writing jobs. Or you can take a look at others' freelance writing samples to get some ideas for your own writing samples.
Online writing communities are great places to find support and advice for new freelance writers. Users provide tips, tricks, and strategies most freelance writers can put to good use.
Writing guides are a valuable resource for novice or intermediate freelancers. They share information on everything from how to get started to more advanced topics such as query letters, content marketing, and social media marketing.
Freelance marketplaces allow you to search for clients based on the type of content you write (e.g., articles, blog post, etc.). This is a great way to connect with businesses that need your expertise in specific areas.
Some of these resources are free. Others are paid trainings. I recommend a mix of both to get the most value for your time.
More how-to-freelance writing advice
More how-to freelance writing advice
There are a few things you need in order to start writing for others. You'll need some experience, of course, but you don't have to be an expert right away. In fact, the best way to learn is by doing!
Once you've got some experience under your belt and understand what works well for you as a freelance writer, it's time to start developing your skills. Here are four tips that will help get you started:
1) Write often. The most important part of becoming a successful freelance writer is keeping up with the demand for your work. If there's always something new waiting on your desk (or laptop), it will be easier to keep up with deadlines and produce quality work every time.
2) Collaborate liberally. One of the great things about freelancing is that it gives writers the opportunity to collaborate with different people from all walks of life and disciplines. This can lead to ideas that would never have been considered otherwise -- and better content in the end!
3) Take advantage of technology toolsets and platforms available today. There's no shame in using online resources like Google Docs or WordPress when working on projects. These tools make it easy to share files and collaborate with others on projects.
4) Embrace the unknown. Freelancing can be a little scary at first, but that's all part of the fun! Be prepared to take some risks and be open to new opportunities. With a little bit of creativity and perseverance, you'll be writing for yourself and others in no time!
Become a freelance writer: Final Thoughts
Become a freelance writer: Final Thoughts
Being a freelance writer can be rewarding in many ways- not only do you get to write what you want when you want, but you also have the chance to learn new skills and build relationships with clients that will last long after your project is finished.
If freelance writing sounds like something you'd like to explore further, use the tips above to get started. And if you prefer a faster route to market, consider the benefits of afreelance writing coach who can help you prioritize the right steps and start making money fast!