How To Start A Freelance Writing Career
To this day, I recall a moment where I looked at a blank screen and considered the possibility, Do they pay me to write? I did not have a degree in journalism. I was not a best-selling author. Simply a person who liked to write and was willing to have a little more freedom in my life. The liberty to work everywhere. The liberty to decide on my working hours. The liberty to start each day and make something out of words. Curious to know how Freelance Writing works, then How To Start A Freelance Writing Career is exactly what you need.
That is the attractiveness of freelance writing. You will not ask anybody to start. This does not require experience of a number of years. It is not required to be perfect. I wasn’t. You need not, however, be afraid to attempt it or to be afraid to make a mistake in the process of learning.
The majority of individuals tend to answer the question like this: I want to write, and I do not know how. I see. That was I. The same questions were asked by me. My question is how do I get clients? What should I write then? What would happen to me if I were not good enough?
However, this is what I have come to realize; there is a way to work up a freelance writing career into existence. No sleights of hand. No shortcuts. Nothing more than basic actions, sound judgments, and consistent effort. Just in case you happened to dream that one day you will be a writer and you earn your living by writing about something you like (or, at least, get some extra money), then you are at the right place.
This guide will take you through all the things that I wish I had known when I started. I will take you through the entire process of selecting what you want to write about to getting your first paying client so that you can make money out of your passion and turn it into a real career as a writer. And it can go the same way for you, considering I was able to do it on zero connections and with no experience.
Choose Your Niche and Writing Focus
At the time when I initially chose to be a freelance writer, I believed that I would be capable of writing on anything. Healthy, technology, parenting, style I wanted to do everything. That thought did not help me very far. In an attempt to be everywhere, I fit nowhere. Clients need someone who can figure them out, who knows their world, who knows their language, and who knows their audience. This is where a niche came to my rescue.
The selection of a niche is not just a topic selection. It involves understanding what makes you excited, what you are already familiar with, and what you can sell. Personal finance was the first content that I wrote on because I had struggled my way out of debt over the years. I had an idea of what it was like to live off a paycheck. I spoke with authority that could tell people I could speak with real experience. Clients became aware of that.
I checked out the things that I liked to read and discuss. I listed what I already considered myself good at. Another time I took was researching the type of content businesses were paying for. When I discovered where all 3 of them linked- that was my sweet spot. That is what I started writing about.
The profitable writing areas are plenty out there. There are those who are good at writing on technological trends. Some of them concentrate on health and wellness and create content for mental health coaches, fitness blogs, or nutrition brands. One of my friends works only with B2B SaaS enterprises. One of them earns a full-time living writing on pet brands. There is a niche in everything as long as you are ready to go deep rather than broad.
Even the content that you select is important. Blog posts were also natural and easier and I began with such. Later, I grabbed half-baked email newsletters and sales pages. There are those writers who use case studies. Other players dwell on the descriptions of products or social media posts. You do not need to master the whole thing once. Choose one or two and excel in them, afterwards, expand once you are ready.
At first, I attempted to pursue whatever was trending. That only bewildered me. What helped was that I focused on what I could enjoy writing about each day when it was no longer exciting. It clarified and gave me confidence. I was ready with what to say in my portfolio. I was aware of the clients to pitch. Gradually, I was becoming the default writer in that area.
The reality of it is that clients do not employ writers alone. They employ professionals. As soon as I took my niche and wrote in a way that I belonged to it, I began filling up my inbox. Not overnight. Enough to make me think that this profession existed. And it began with the decision of what to concentrate on.
Develop Essential Skills
Core Writing Skills
The assumption that I would be able to get work as a freelance writer by just being good at English was the first task at hand. I soon found out that there was much more than knowing how to spell or not having typos to being a strong writer. It is associated with knowing the flow of sentences. It is of tone and rhythm and clearness. I needed to rehearse to engage in writing a manner that would not seem like a machine, unclear, and difficult to understand.
I used to read articles that I liked for hours. I would stand aside and observe the transitions between the thoughts made by a writer. What fascinated me and what did not. I was taught to believe in my own voice, and everything changed. I began to sound like me, rather than a textbook. Clients enjoyed that.
It also mattered about grammar. If I sent work with poor grammar or it was incomprehensible then I was not called back. I began to use tools so that they caught simple errors, but I did not use tools as a single solution. I read my work aloud. I did more editing than writing. That was the only habit that made me twice as confident.
I also gained knowledge about writing for the internet. Articles should be easily skimmed. The sentences must go somewhere. The readers are in a hurry to know. I had learnt by myself to write in a manner that was not only sensible but also displayed in search engines. That required training. I was not a technology genius, but I learned how to use headlines. I was listening to keywords. I was writing to individuals and to sites. The combination helped me add value to my work.
Business & Soft Skills
Another skill that I had to develop was research. One had to do some searching to find down-to-earth information in order to write anything decent. I could not only make guesses. I needed to research, to refer to facts, figures, and examples, and ensure that they were accurate. I studied how to date check, source check, and attribute credit where due. That has enabled me to write authoritatively, on subjects that were new to me.
This continued to make me more confident as I improved in these basic skills. I quit questioning everything I was saying. I began achieving deadlines quickly. The customers became aware of the change. The thing is that you do not need to be ideal. However, you do need to care. I did. I do when I do. That is the way that I improve.
Money was another aspect that I needed to learn how to take care of. When I got the first client, I was clueless about how to make invoices. I saw tutorials on YouTube, fetched templates, and did it. I made a simple system of keeping track of what I received, what I was due, and what I needed to have in order to pay taxes. It need not be big, it has to become distinct. That prevented my panicking at the end of the month.
I created a business-income account. I ensured that I had an account of payments at all times. It made me experience that sense of being a true business owner rather than a person who engages in gigs on the web.
It did not take me a day to learn these skills. I did it wrong. I had lapses of memory. I was late on several occasions. Still, I went on. I adjusted. I improved. And then each small achievement allowed me to believe that I could manage more. That is what sustains a freelance career. Not only your writing, but your whole business runs around it.
Technical Know-how
I never saw myself as a person who was tech-savvy. The first time I wrote freelance, I had an idea that I just needed a laptop and a fresh piece of paper. Very soon such mentality changed. The clients wanted a clean formatting, exchanged links, simple editing, and even visuals. I was forced to get up to speed.
Google Docs “still my favorite.” It was easy and free of charge, and the best thing was that clients could leave comments and suggestions on the spot in the doc. No CYA email communications. Only one site where the work was done. I also got to learn proper usage of formatting, headings, links, spacing, etc. It made my writing easier to read and professional.
The next was Canva. I did not become a graphic designer immediately, but I learned how to create simple, blog or post graphics on social media. On certain occasions, a client may ask me to give them an image to accompany an article, and Canva enabled me to give that plus without fluffing. It was nice to give something more than words.
Other clients wished me to post video materials on my own. This is where content management systems came in. I had never set my hand to CMS, but after I got to see the insides of WordPress I knew that it was not as spooky as I thought. I played tutorials. Clicked around. It was performed on my site. I am able to conduct easy formatting, upload images, and even make a basic SEO adjustment within a post. That propelled me into much greater value.
It was still difficult to manage time when I was assigned a number of issues. I also tested Clockify to see how much time I had spent on every activity. It has made me find out where my time was actually going. There are days when I would feel like I have worked for eternity and it would only amount to watching the screen. The monitoring helped me to be more committed.
I tried Trello as well. To me, it was initially reminiscent of another app. However, after organizing it into basic cards with categories of my own choice, such as, To Do, Doing, and Done, my projects became more manageable. I was able to view everything at a glance. This was the same case with Asana and one of my clients even invited me to their board. I felt pretty professional just by being acquainted with it.
I did not learn all these tools in one day. I was a job learner. One device in another. And with every one I improved as a freelancer. Not a writer alone, but an individual who could go along with smooth relations with clients, an organized way of doing things, as well as assured delivery. That margin was an advantage. It does so.
Develop a Good Portfolio of Writing
Two years ago the term portfolio intimidated me. I did not get any clients. No highfalutin books published in my name. Nothing more than a blank screen and uncertainty. However, soon I found out that a portfolio is not about where you have been, but rather presenting what you are capable of doing. It only takes one strong thing to knock on doors.
Before anybody gave me payment, I wrote my initial samples. I selected the topics on my niche, pretended to be writing to a real client, and dedicated my best to the articles. I wrote them in a fashion that I would do in case I were paid. That made me gain confidence. My starting point was three solid samples that I had made.
I included a brief bio, which was something that told people about me and what I had to offer. I was not complex. Only some words that tell the reader what I write, to whom I write, and leave contact information. I ensured that my email was not difficult to find. A user wrote me some time back that they had employed my service just because my contact details were easily understood and my writing sample matched their job requirement.
I did not wait to be invited. On Medium I have published one article. I uploaded another to my blog. A third of my pitch was to a homely site within my niche. And nothing was wanting to set me off. Every work showed me something to demonstrate. Evidence that I am a capable writer who can pay attention to a subject. Evidence that I would be able to provide.
Matter of presentation also counts. I arranged my samples in an uncluttered format. No distractions. Short descriptions, working links, and just titles. I placed my best sample in the first position. Then that which is next strong. I did not put filler. Two pieces that are polished are better than five average ones. I have learned it the hard way.
A portfolio is a story that can be told without a person talking. It presents your personality, your tone, and your interest. It clarifies to the clients what to anticipate. I revise mine after several months. I changed the older samples with new ones. When I receive testimonials I add them. I would like my portfolio to increase along with me.
Lack of experience should not paralyze you especially when you are getting started. Begin now with what you have. Write what is good even though no one demands that anything is wanted yet. That was the way I first created my portfolio. That was the way I had my first client.
Set Your Rates and Pricing Strategy
It is not only numbers when it comes to pricing writing. It is about understanding your self-worth and being able to have confidence in it. I initially had a problem with that. I did not want to frighten the clients away and thus I under-priced. I believed that low charging would offer me more jobs. It did not do anything but leave me tired and frustrated. I struggled to make a minimum income.
Writers are paid in a few ways. Others are fee-per-word. Hourly is the preference of others. Per-project prices are an option many adopt that worked best in my case. I enjoyed the idea of knowing in advance, what I will be paid per blog post or web page. The clarity also appeared to be popular with clients. No surprises. Only a single quotation for the job.
When I began, I used to charge ten dollars per 500-word blog post. Such a low rate was not enough. It was not even able to cover my time. As I became more efficient and faster I increased my prices to fifty of the same length. A hundred then. I monitored what the other people were selling in the industry. I questioned other writers about what they made. Through that I guided myself. I charged more in case of a project that demanded further research, or a tight deadline. The more I realised that my time or skills were hard to earn, the less I had to say about my rates aloud.
I used to get jittery when it came to addressing money. I did not want to sound like I was greedy. The saving grace was telling the client what he/she was getting. Not a few words on a page but considerate writing, good formatting, research, and edits. I would say, “At this price, I will provide a well-edited, SEO article with revisions done.” The majority of the clients grasped. The others were not my people.
I could notice visible improvements over time. My prices increased. My performance became better. I did not have to do as many little projects with the sole purpose of making ends meet. I would be able to concentrate on some good clients as opposed to acquiring new clients every week. Others get twenty-five thousand as first-year writers. Others earn more than one hundred thousand after they have specialized and achieved rhythm. I think I am currently in the middle of the path but each year has been more successful than the previous one.
It does not matter what the ideal number is to begin. The thing is to begin somewhere and be ready to change as you develop. What you can and will do, not your fear will determine the price. I did it and I turned into a new person.
Find Your First Clients
Platforms to Use
I have an image of the sensation of throwing my first pitch. I did not know whom or where to look and who would simply answer somebody so new. Thus, the place to begin is the platforms that other writers reviewed. I registered, created my profile, and went to work on it. It was tedious at the starting point but that is how I got my very first paid engagement.
The first platform where I tried was Upwork. It was a fierce competition with the initial pay being low. Nevertheless, it gave me an insight into the way clients think. I got to know how to write proposals that received responses. I did a lot of small jobs, accumulated reviews, and got up using them. The first customer I discovered at Upwork became one with whom I collaborated for six months.
ProBlogger was not like that. It was less amateurish. I discovered more suitable jobs for my niche. The customers over there appeared to be knowledgeable about what they wanted. I got myself a blog post assignment on some budgeting tips of which I was an expert in. The experience in that kind of job made me develop confidence in myself. It was posted in my portfolio where I received more opportunities using the completed piece.
Contently sounded more like a prolonged game. I created my profile, attached some samples, and waited. It did not happen immediately but it was worth it. As soon as the big brands notice your profile, the platform puts you in touch with them. One of my writer friends secured a huge tech writing opportunity, via Contently, after having gone months without securing work. It is profitable to find your work in place.
It was more organized at FlexJobs. No spam. No sleazy Rentals. I discovered a decent prospect of part-time writing and teleworking opportunities that even paid well. A little bit of an investment, but I had peace of mind which was well worth it to me.
I was most surprised by LinkedIn. I began sharing my writing experience. I also posted samples on my profile. I got in touch with marketers, business owners, and other freelancers. This single message has resulted in a long-term client who continues to send me work to date. The eyes of the people are always observant though they may not talk a lot.
All my clients did not come to a single location. I had to learn, make experiments, come to work and I had to keep applying. There were times when I did not get any replies. And on some other days, a single message altered my entire week. The thing was to keep in the limelight; to keep in the style. That is how I managed to move on to having my own real clients I could take their words and had to give that money back.
Tactics of Networking
In the past, I believed networking was the thing of suits-wearing individuals and those who give out business cards at fancy parties. That concept was a limitation to me. The mere act of communicating with people is what improved me. Authentic discussions in writers’ hangout spots. No pressure. Just connection.
I enrolled in some writing circles on the internet. In the beginning, I remained silent. I followed the yarns and read the tips, and gradually felt the need to express myself, too. I recall asking a question on how to price blog posts. Someone gave me tips and sent me a job opportunity. Out of that single message came a writing job. I understood that the individuals in such groups are sincere when they want to help. We were all in the same boat.
The game changer was LinkedIn. I began by fine-tuning my profile. Uploaded a nice picture, told them my story, and wrote frequent updates of my writing progress. I did not have clients of my own just yet, but I spoke of my process, things I was learning as I went forward, and what sort of writing I intended to do. People noticed. It had some followers who liked my posts. I got DMs from other people inquiring whether I was online. That was the way I landed one of my first long-term clients, a marketing director who had seen one of my posts on storytelling in business.
I even informed my friends and relatives about what I was up to. Not desperately, just mere updates. Hey, I am going to freelance in writing. And when you know people who want content or even just need help with content just send them to me.” It was all awkward initially. Whenever, though, someone had a small business it was her cousin. One more friend was in a startup. Referrals at those times were gold. They had trusted me since the person they trusted referred them. That made it easy to start off.
I did not have to be present at all places. All I had to do was to appear and inform people that it was what I was doing, and I was serious about it. In my case, networking did not imply hunting people. It was a process of creating personal, virtuous relationships. Part of these relations became employment. By others, He became supported. The two have proved equally worthwhile.
Direct Contact Strategies
It was an awkward feeling to cold email. I am not accustomed to approaching elderly citizens and asking them whether they need a writer. I was afraid that I would sound either pushy or desperate. I tried it out though. One day I just sat down and sent a short, friendly message to the company whose blog had not been updated in months. I gave a self-introduction and congratulated them on their business, and promised to offer some new content. The next day they responded and booked me on two posts.
I began to apply the so-called five companies a day rule. I would choose 5 companies within my niche area, companies that I actually enjoyed or admired. I have searched on their websites, read all of their details, and the ways could give value to their websites. I created a spreadsheet where I could keep records of who I contacted and what I said. It made me consistent and relieved pressure. There were some periods when nobody answered me, still, I felt that I was making some steps forward.
The trick was that of conducting actual research. I did not simply broadcast some generic messages. I took the time to learn about business. What they were selling. Who were their consumers? I went to their blog, their social media, and their tone of voice. Then I composed a short very personal piece. I would just say hello, say a sentence on what they are working on, and where I can be of assistance. I did not forget to include links to my portfolio and to make them aware that I was available.
There were companies that did not react. Some of them responded after several months. One small brand has told me that it does not require writing, but it gave my name to other business owners. The mention was one of my largest clients.
Outreach made me learn to speak out. To be able to believe in what I had to offer. It was not the issue of soliciting employment. It was all about beginning a discourse and demonstrating to someone how I could offer a solution to one of his problems. The more I did, the more natural it got. I continue to come in contact with them. That is how I ensure that my pipeline is full without sitting back waiting to get handed a job.
Set Up Your Business Properly
When I began freelancing I considered it as my side hustle. Business setup did not concern me so much. I simply hoped to get paid and write. That attitude served in a short time. However, it was all changed when customers began to respect me. I also had to treat myself seriously. That implied that I should approach writing as a business.
I could not even count the number of times that I was saved by Grammarly. I continue to use it on a daily basis to polish drafts and to spot any typos that I do not notice. Google Docs turned out to be my office. I exploit it to create, publish, and edit articles for the customers.
It is cheap and efficient. With the help of PayPal, I received money. I made an operating account and submitted invoices right on that account. It was quick and convenient to follow. I have used Ahrefs as I began to write about SEO. It allowed me to understand more of what people were searching for using keywords and that made me write smarter.
I made a new email address that appeared professional. It is over with my high school nickname. I purchased a domain and created a simple site with my name. Nothing fancy. Only a neat homepage, a brief about me, a few writing samples, and a contact form. This, by itself, made me shine through. One of the clients said that I look established on my site even though I was still trying to figure things out.
I saved my writing money in a different bank account. In this way, I could keep everything better track of. I did not spend the tax day searching through personal transactions. I began exploring the idea of creating an LLC too. I felt at ease with the fact that my legal protection was in place. I have never had to pay insurance but I am pretty sure that it is something which I will consider later in life.
The contracts and invoices brought fear to me. I was not sure how to write them. I was able to find some formats on the web, and I did some modifications and started sending them to all the clients. In my contract, there was a deadline, revisions, and payment section. The invoice had my logo, rate as well as the due date. To me and to the client as well, it rendered the entire process more legitimate.
At first, I was working on my couch. Then I began to feel pain in the back, and distractions were accumulating. I made a tiny bit of space in my room and I have a desk, a lamp, and a notebook. That place was my writing area. The moment I sat there, I knew that it was time to focus. The psychological correction was a tremendous change. Today I use that corner still.
Organizing correctly also enabled me to quit being a hobbyist. It provided me with order. It assisted me in making clients perceive me as someone they can rely on. Most of all it reminded me that I was a writer; I had my own business.
Best Practices for Long-Term Success
Managing Client Relationships
Good writing draws attention to you. Good relations save you from unemployment. I was taught that within a very short time after my initial clients. It is not sufficient to write. The way in which you address people, the trustworthiness, and how much you simplify their lives are also just as important.
Communication is always a priority to me. After taking a job, I do not become invisible. I clear up, enquire, and make sure that all things are right then I begin to work. The single message requesting to clear up something has saved me dozens of edits. Customers are happy when they realise I am listening. I inform them when I start. I update them whenever there is an anticipation that takes time than expected. That single step establishes credibility in no time.
I do not have any options when it comes to deadlines. When I give a deadline by Friday they have it in the mailbox on Thursday night. I always reserve it to the last minute. I organize the work within a week. By doing so I can keep up. I remember having one client say to me one time, “I never worry that you are on a project.” It was a good feeling. And that is the kind of reputation I want to maintain.
Having expectations on the first day has helped me to prevent problems. I understand word count, topic, format, and revision policy. I put it down on paper. I do not make any assumptions. The more obvious things are at the start, the better our course will go.
The game changer in my life as a freelancer has been building loyalty. I maintain contact with people even after projects. Short memo, a thank you letter, or a call after a week or two. The clients do not forget that. Getting a gig with a particular client only once can introduce me to one of the best long-time clients. One of the clients contracted me for a single blog post and currently sends me four jobs a month. It did not become so overnight. It was due to consistency, kindness, and being an easy person to work with.
I write to deliver, but not just that. I write in order to assist another person toward meeting his/her objectives. When the clients feel so, they revisit. Now after they arrive, freelancing just becomes a lot easier.
Stay Learning and Changing
I do not think that I would have thought that I would be the kind of person who reads marketing blogs on Sunday mornings or goes on writing tutorials at midnight. It is keeping me incredulous which has allowed me to keep things going. There is never plain writing. It changes. In a previous year, one tone was operative but today it will be out of date. The clients will demand new ideas. It is one of my priorities to keep track of trends in my niche. I learn what works whether it is in digital marketing, personal finance, or wellness content. I read blogs, follow the specialists, and experiment with formats. It makes me useful.
Feedback made me aware. I would analyze each client’s comment of the clients. I now demand it purposely. Something as basic as asking, to check, whether there is anything I can improve next time has taught me more than a year of an online course. One of my clients told me that I have too much of this fluff in introductions. One of them requested additional bullet points. Such small tricks made me hone my work and get repeat jobs.
I receive all feedback and have learned to listen to it, even when it hurts. The reason is that growth does not follow the approach of doing the same thing over and over again. It is brought by tweaking and adjusting, improving.
It is not my intention to go on a networking spree when I require a job. I use it as I brush my teeth. Small constant actions. The remark on a post of someone. An answer to the story of a writer. Thank you from a DM. Those experiences create authentic relationships. I had people recommend that I be employed because I kept on moving and smiling too. Job boards did not always give some of the best opportunities. They were the result of someone recalling me when a project occurred.
Money habits such as time tracking altered my way of thinking about money. I was charging by project, and did not have the faintest idea how long anything took. Then I began to time myself. That blog post of 1,000 words that appeared fast? When you combined research, writing, and editing, it consumed five hours on my part. I was not making quite as much as I thought. I am now using those numbers to charge better. I do not only think about how something is worth. I ask myself how valuable my time is. Such a transformation brought a tremendous change in my self-belief and salary.
I am not a perfect person. But this much I know. This path of freelance writing will continue developing with me as long as I continue learning, asking questions, and being curious.
Errors to Prevent
My share of mistakes has run some costs in time, money, and sleep. The largest of them was undercharging. I feared requesting additional help as I felt I was not experienced enough. I was doing low-paying jobs and overworking myself. I was burnt out and broke. I also realized that lower prices do not result in increased trust. It simply makes them know you do not appreciate your job. After I began demanding my worth by charging the rates commensurate with the effort I exerted, I got better clients who valued my capabilities.
I oversold myself as well. I accepted all the offers that were available to me. I believed that the more projects I did, the more successful I would be. The implication was late nights, missed deadlines, and shoddy work. I needed to know how to say no. I needed to realize that it was better to do one great client than ten things at an average speed. This time I move at a slower pace. I plan. I ensure that I am able to devote my time to every single job.
I almost spoiled one of my better opportunities because I did not have the time to proofread it. I submitted a draft that I had not proofread just because I was on a time crunch. It contained grammatical errors, word repetitions, and bad word usage. The client was not rude, yet he emphasized all of the problems. I felt ashamed. Since that time I read out loud everything before I submit. And when I am wearied. Even when I believe there is nothing wrong with it. It is that last check that has rescued my reputation more than once.
Another pitfall that I had not anticipated was not doing bylined work. I was doing ghost writing as it could be hard but I was well paid. However, months of writing had nothing to demonstrate. No portfolio. No proof. The future clients had no means of knowing what I had done. I began to take any available paid or unpaid jobs just to be able to have my name on the credits. The articles helped me secure better-paying jobs in the future. Trust is also created through a byline. It says to the world, I wrote this and I am proud of it.
Some mistakes will occur. I am not free of it. However, each of them taught me a lesson. It is all about owning, learning, and taking that little step at a time with a better idea of how to do things.
Job Possibilities and Advancement.
When I began to freelance I was absolutely unaware of what I could do. I simply wanted to earn some additional money every month. When I made $500 one month the first time everything seemed like a prize. Then I doubled it. After that, I broke my first 2000-dollar month. Today I am familiar with writers who make between $700 per month and more than $10K, and that is not a typo. There are individual authors who are earning 100,000 or above annually. Some have established businesses that generate over half a million.
The ones who are raking in a bundle do not make better writers. They have just worked out some of their major steps. They focus on such high-value niches as finance, SaaS, or technical writing. They do not fear charging higher prices as they expand. They do not spend time chasing job boards rather they build real relationships with clients. That was a section that I have never forgotten. I began to concentrate on limited clients and trust them more. This resulted in follow-up jobs and recommendations which left me with no vacant time slots.
I have seen authors even transforming their single practice into an agency. One of them started working as a blog writer and runs a small team that produces content to be used by tech companies. Alternatively, another has developed a computer product, a writing template pack, and earns stable money in her sleep. Such authors did not get a stroke of luck. They created something. They scaled. They evolved the ways of transforming skills into systems.
There is one story that I could never forget and it was very inspiring. One of the ex-teachers left the job and became a full-time writer and earning 6,000 USD in her second month. She achieved it with the help of joining one niche, being consistent, and not fearing to pitch. That presented me with what was possible. I did not have to be a well-known person or have studied English. All I had to do was continue learning and take it seriously.
It varies with each person. Others would like consistent part-time pay. Others are meant to replace full-time employment. Some of them end up developing companies. I have gained an understanding that the sky is a lot higher than I envisaged. In every project, I am not only writing. I am constructing something that can grow with me.
Conclusion
Freelance writing altered my world. It has enabled me to work anywhere. It provided me with an option to make real money in something that I would love to do. I did not require a posh degree. I did not require a lot of experience. And all I had to do was to give it a start.
It is not ideal. There are slack days. Other clients are problematic. However, I do not have regrets about taking this path. Writing gave me control. It allowed me to make mine on my own. And not only such people like me. It can be received by everyone who will learn, come, and never stop.
Start small. One niche. One sample. One pitch. That was my way of doing it. Most people do so. Stay consistent. Keep writing. Keep improving. Continue to take the stage when you do not see or feel that someone is listening.
You need not be ready with everything. The only thing you have to do is to start. A blank doc. Write the first sample. Inform a person that you are a writer. Drop your initial pitch. It is not perfect. It is about the beginning. I did. You can also.
Read Also: How To Build An Online Community
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become a freelance writer?
No, you don’t need a degree to start freelance writing. Clients care more about writing quality, niche knowledge, and reliability than formal education.
What’s the best niche for beginner freelance writers?
The best niche is where your interests, experience, and market demand meet. Popular ones include tech, health, digital marketing, and finance.
How do I build a portfolio if I have no experience?
Create sample pieces in your chosen niche. Publish them on Medium, your own blog, or as guest posts. Focus on quality over quantity.
How much should I charge as a beginner freelance writer?
Beginner freelance writers often start at $0.10–$0.15 per word or $50–$100 per article. Adjust as you gain experience and confidence.
What platforms can I use to find freelance writing jobs?
Some top platforms include Upwork, ProBlogger, Contently, FlexJobs, and LinkedIn. Use these to pitch clients and find steady work.
What tools do freelance writers need?
Essential tools include Google Docs, Grammarly, Canva, PayPal, and time trackers like Clockify. They help with writing, editing, and business tasks.
How do I avoid undercharging or overworking myself?
Track your time to calculate your real hourly rate. Learn to say no when a project pays too little or takes more time than it's worth.
Should I specialize in one type of writing or do everything?
Starting with one or two content types helps you grow faster and charge more. You can expand your services as you gain confidence.
How do I manage clients and build repeat work?
Clear communication, reliable delivery, and professional follow-up are key. Building strong client relationships leads to long-term gigs.
Can freelance writing become a full-time career?
Yes, many freelance writers earn $30,000 to over $100,000 per year. With consistent effort and skill-building, it’s possible to go full-time.