Last Updated on February 14, 2024
If you’re just starting out as a freelance writer, it can feel daunting at first. But you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t need any experience!
However, it takes work, dedication, good time management skills, self-motivation, and mastery to find freelance writing jobs. The good news is that becoming a freelance writer isn’t a long or complicated process.
In this article, we share all you need to know to kick off your freelance writing career the right way.
Let’s get started.
What Is Freelance Writing?
Simply put, freelance writing is the career of a professional writer who works as a contractor or is self-employed, usually offering services on a short-term basis. Freelance writers can work for individuals, agencies, publications, or companies, contracting a variety of writing services to them.
Typically, freelance work involves writing about different genres and topics assigned by a client. From short stories to creative writing, copywriting to content writing, and newspaper to magazine articles, freelance writing covers a wide field.
You can launch your freelance writing career as a side hustle, a full-time gig, or anything in between. It has the major advantage of being flexible since you can choose which projects to take on and determine your own schedule.
On top of that, it can be a potentially lucrative business, especially if you know how and where to find the right clients.
How to Become a Freelance Writer in 8 Simple Steps
As previously mentioned, you don’t need the experience to excel in this field. That said, there are various steps you must take on your path to becoming a freelance writer:
1. Thoroughly Research the Freelance Writing Industry
It’s advisable to learn all you can so that you know what you’re getting into as a freelance writer. Perhaps, you googled “How to become a freelance writer” and landed on this page. That’s a good thing.
Expand your research and check out websites about freelance writing and read their blogs and articles. Truly understand what it entails to be a writer and learn the different types of freelance writing, including:
- Copywriting
- Blogging
- B2B writing
- Email writing
- Medical writing
- Journalism
Some of the best websites to find useful information about freelance writing include:
- Make a Living Writing
- SmartBlogger
- Copyhackers
- FreelanceWriting.com
- The Write Life
Additionally, look for groups like the Write Life Community on Facebook and join them. These groups are great places to ask questions, get guidance, and connect with other aspiring writers.
2. Write About What You Already Know
Many newbie writers make the mistake of ignoring the skills they already have and trying to create an entirely new set of skills.
One of the easiest ways to get started is to simply write. Stick to what you’re passionate about. As you hone your skills and experience, you can begin diversifying and building your portfolio.
If you aren’t sure about your skills and interests, simply list down all your favorite things to do and passions. Regardless of how trivial or strange, just put it down on paper. It doesn’t have to be related to your education, experience, or job.
Now review the list and pick a few that really interest you. If you have several, don’t worry, when you start writing, you’ll know what flows easily and what doesn’t.
3. Identify Your Niche
Now that you’ve brainstormed possible writing topics, your next step is to identify a niche. By choosing a niche you’re enthusiastic about, you’ll be able to write well without spending too much time on research.
Your niche can be your favorite hobby like hiking, mountaineering, or traveling. Some of the popular niches you can choose include:
- Fitness and nutrition/diet
- Health and wellbeing
- Travel
- Cooking
- Finance and budgeting
- Family, relationships, and parenting
- Yoga and mediation
When selecting a niche, the more specific your field, the better your chances of becoming a successful freelance writer. For example, writing about fitness and nutrition is great, but it’s quite general. Find a focus within fitness, like CrossFit training or running, and write blog posts related to that specific topic.
The best part about this career is that you have endless opportunities to learn. Every time you write an article, you refine your skills and expand your knowledge and experience.
Moreover, there are unlimited learning tools at your disposal, like podcasts, books, or freelance writing courses, to help you improve your writing skills. Sites like Udemy and Coursera offer free online courses that you can learn at your own pace.
4. Equip Yourself with the Right Tools
You can’t start working as a freelancer without the necessary tools of the trade. Some of the must-have tools to work as a freelance writer include:
- A laptop or desktop computer
- Ergonomic office furniture
- Internet
- Writing and editing programs, like Word and Grammarly
- Photo-editing software like Pixlr X
Something else to keep in mind. As a freelance writer, you’re in charge of your own workload. That means you act as the writer, project manager, editor, accountant, marketing manager, and HR manager, all in one.
To ensure a streamlined workflow, you’ll need:
- Communication tools like Skype, Slack, or WhatsApp to connect with clients.
- Task management programs to schedule tasks.
- Employee monitoring apps to keep track of your work, time, and performance levels.
- An invoicing system to get paid with a free invoicing template
Speaking of employee monitoring tools, it would be a mistake to start working without a system to track your work progress. How else can you tell if you’re within the deadlines or if you’re overworking?
Not to mention, every client will have specific project requirements and timelines, and learning how to budget your time daily will be a plus.
5. Set Up Your Blog or Website
A website allows you to highlight your writing samples and writing prowess. Blogs and websites are simple to create with platforms like WordPress and Wix offering these services for free. Alternatively, you can post your articles on Medium.
Setting up your own blog is highly advisable. Not only will it serve as a space to publish your work but also as an online resume to share with prospective clients.
6. Create a Writing Portfolio
Before you start looking for clients, you’ll need to create a sample work that will become your portfolio. Most writers publish online on their own blogs or as guest writers for other websites.
Share your work with close friends and relatives to get feedback and develop your first reader base. Your sample work will give you an added advantage when you start pitching to clients.
You’ll need at least three samples in your area of focus, making sure they are well written. After all, you don’t want clients seeing shoddy work and expect them to hire you.
7. Marketing Your Writing Services
Creating a professional website and blog is a great first step. But it isn’t enough. You need to actively market your writing services so clients can find you.
Remember to include a page detailing the services you offer, and a page describing who you are and how your services can help them. Be sure to add your contact information to make it easier for clients to reach you.
Social media is a particularly effective tool that can help you reach many clients. From Twitter to Facebook to LinkedIn, you can connect directly with editors or clients looking for your services.
8. Pitching to Jobs
Pitching to clients is often a scary part for beginner freelance writers. You probably don’t have any publications to display, or have a few samples. But you have to take the bold step and start applying for jobs anyway.
Not all clients are looking for people with years of experience. Some will see potential through your samples and decide to hire you right away. Start visiting job boards and look for jobs on social media and business networking sites.
A quick way to find blogs that accept guest writers and contributors is to Google “your writing niche + write for us”. For example, “yoga sites write for us.” Another way to find jobs is to check freelance marketplaces like:
- Upwork
- Contently
- ClearVoice
- Skyword
These platforms are great for beginners since you don’t have to do any marketing. They help connect you with clients and usually have their own editor. The downside with some of these sites is that you have to wait to be found, and the pay is usually not as good as you’d expect.
Become a Freelance Writer Today
Getting started as a freelance writer is the most difficult part of the process. Once you get the hang of it, freelance work can be fun and a great way to make a good income. To be a successful writer, be sure to research the industry, assess your skills, and find a niche.
Additionally, establish a website or blog and set aside time to write about your favorite topics. With freelance writing, practice makes perfect. Before you know it, you’ll be working with high-paying clients and big publication companies.