How To Become a Freelance Writer and Actually Make Money (A Guide)

Want to know how to become a freelance writer? While freelance writing can be a rewarding career choice, especially for those passionate about writing and wanting to work independently, it also has its challenges.

Breaking into the freelance writing industry requires skill, dedication, and commitment, among other things. Many attempt a career in writing but too often don't have the tools or know-how needed to truly become successful. 

While I now make a full-time living writing and helping other writers hone their craft, it was not always smooth sailing. I encountered numerous challenges when trying to land my first gig, and I gained valuable insights from that experience.

In this guide, I'll offer tips on beginning your journey and avoiding the mistakes I made during my early days, along with some tried-and-true guidance for making it in the industry. Hopefully, this insight will help you become a successful and well-paid freelance writer!

Understanding Freelance Writing

Freelance writing refers to writing content for clients on a project-by-project basis. Freelance writers work as independent contractors, which means they are not tied to any particular employer or company.

Instead, they are free to work for multiple clients simultaneously. Freelance writing can include various writing styles, such as blog posts, articles, social media content, whitepapers, etc.

Freelance Writing vs. Traditional Writing

Freelance writing differs from traditional writing in several ways. Most traditional writers usually work for a single employer or company and get paid a regular salary or wage.

Conversely, freelance writers work for themselves and need to find their clients and projects. For precisely this reason, freelancers need to be good at promoting themselves and their work to attract potential clients. 

Another big difference between freelance writing and traditional writing is the level of creative control. Traditional writers have more freedom to write what they like, while freelance writers often follow their client's instructions. 

Freelance writers get to work on a wide range of projects and topics, which is a great way to learn. All in all, freelance writing is a rewarding and flexible career.

Top Tips for Freelance Writers

1. Develop Your Writing Skills

Consistently strive to enhance your writing, grammar, and style. This doesn't occur overnight. You must be willing to write every day to excel in writing. 

Take online workshops and classes, and subscribe to writing-related newsletters to become more and more knowledgeable about your craft.

Books like On Writing by Stephen King and The Elements of Style by William Jr Strunk are particularly beneficial. If you seek something even more in-depth, you can explore Tim Dennings' writings to better understand the craft of online content.

2. Choose Your Niche

Focus on a specific area of expertise to stand out in the market. This is something you either like or are willing to learn about. If you want to write about a niche you know nothing about, it will be tough to find something of value from such a niche.

It's always better and more accessible to write about something you are interested in. For example, if you are very knowledgeable about finance and money, that would be an excellent niche to get started in. You can always branch out from there, but sticking to what you know will likely get you the headstart you need in the industry. At least, that's what worked best for me!

3. Build a Portfolio

Showcase your best work to potential clients. Many writers use a blog or personal website to do exactly this. You can acquire affordable hosting to start a basic website and display your finest pieces. 

Portfolio samples don't necessarily need to be in a blog, however. Publishing your samples on LinkedIn and other freelance platforms is also quite beneficial. Don't be afraid to share your work across social media, either! This way, you can quickly provide prospective clients with links to your work.

To start building your portfolio, create a few samples of your work that showcase your writing skills and style. Display your skills by making examples that prove you're good at what you do.

If you're new and need to get published work, you can make your blog or website to display your writing. It's also helpful to offer to write guest posts for other blogs or websites to get noticed and build your collection of work.

Keep organized, and create a document with links to all your published pieces. If you want to share work not published online, I suggest using Google Docs and setting it so only you can edit the document. This way, you can easily access any past work someone interested in hiring you may want to see. 

4. Create a Professional Website 

Creating a professional website is crucial for improving your online presence, which, in turn, matters significantly. It makes people take you more seriously and enhances your professional image. 

Without a professional website, you will also discover the immense utility of YouTube.

I would also highly recommend getting yourself set up on social media. This is another great place to share your published works and market to new clients. Also, having a more significant online presence is extremely important to clients, as writers with more authority in search engine's eyes are much more sought after than those who cannot be located on the web.

5. Network

Connect with other writers and potential clients through social media and forums like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. You must be genuinely honest and willing to add value to network effectively. People seek authentic human interactions, so be prepared to respond to comments and encourage engagement.

6. Pitch Effectively

It is essential to craft personalized and concise pitches when approaching clients. A pitch is often the deciding factor in getting the gig in the first place! So make sure it's perfect!

First and foremost, do your homework. Find out who you pitch to, what type of content they like, and the niches they accept work in.

A good method for cold-pitching clients is to address their problems first. Explain why they should hire you for the job, why you can make their life easier with your writing services, and how you can bring them the type of content they are looking for. Let them know why you have authority on the topic, as well. After reading your pitch, a client should feel you are the top choice amongst the competition and that they would be at a disadvantage without you!

Remember not to get cocky, though! It is essential to maintain professionalism and humility, even if you know you are the best for the job!

7. Become Familiar With Current Writing Norms

Acquiring an understanding of writing norms currently used across the industry involves understanding commonplace practices. For instance, online writing often incorporates valuable hyperlinks to related articles and employs concise paragraphs and striking headlines to facilitate easy content navigation.

The approach to crafting a blog significantly differs from the structure and presentation employed in an academic paper, so make sure you are schooled in different types of writing and the pertaining style guidelines.

Additionally, you should ensure you are familiar with SEO and WordPress, both of which freelance clients often require of a writer. You will want to be able to write effectively using up-to-date SEO practices so that your writing can rank well in search engines without the need for much extra work from an editor (i.e., your client). If WordPress and SEO are not something you are familiar with, consider diving into some literature, podcasts, or online courses to help get you up to speed. 

8. Meet Deadlines

Reliability is crucial for building a good reputation as a writer. Everybody wants somebody to trust; clients are willing to do business with time-conscious people.

In the freelance world, time is of great importance. You can't afford to play with deadlines if you intend to keep getting gigs.

If you struggle with time management, using an app or online platform such as Asana or Trello can help track when things are due for different clients. 

Setting reminders a day or two before work is due is also a helpful way to ensure you do not miss any deadlines. It is essential not to agree to too many gigs – which may cause you to struggle to get projects done promptly. Make sure only to take on what you can handle and that you aren't compromising quality for more work.

9. Focus on Time Management 

Meeting deadlines is almost always impossible without time management skills in place.

You will need to be able to efficiently manage your time to strike a balance between work and personal life. This is a crucial aspect you'll soon discover highly beneficial. Developing a solid sense of time management is essential for successfully handling projects and preventing burnout.

10. Develop a Pricing Strategy

Determine your rates based on your experience and market rates. Do not be afraid to charge what you believe you are worth; however, you must also be conscious of the current rates for gigs in the market.

Take a moment to check what freelancers in your niche are charging before making a final decision. Check platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn to see what other freelancers with your experience and skill level are asking for. 

11. Research Clients

Understand your client's needs and tailor your pitches accordingly. This is extremely useful. 

You have to look for great clients you are willing to work with and then visit their social media handles to get an idea of what is happening and craft a tremendous cold pitch message.

It would not make much sense to pitch an article about the best television shows to a finance blog, especially if the article had little to do with that niche. Make sure you know your audience!

12. Diversify Income Streams

Avoid depending solely on one client; explore multiple income streams. It's a wise practice to pursue more than one freelance writing client. 

However, it would be best to restrict your portfolio to a manageable two or three, depending on your capacity. Remember what we said about meeting deadlines earlier? The aim is to prevent being overwhelmed by numerous assignments that could become challenging over time. 

This way, you can maintain a sense of freedom and the right mindset for crafting quality articles.

13. Market Yourself

You will undoubtedly want to use social media and self-promotion to attract clients. Keep in mind that gigs don't simply appear out of thin air; there's a lot that goes into marketing yourself. 

As discussed above, there are various reputable ways to showcase your writing ability online, and you should take advantage of them. Whether you start a blog to publish your work, display your articles on social media, or promote directly on a freelancing platform, marketing is a big part of becoming successful. After all, people can't hire you if they don't know about you!

14. Learn How To Handle Rejections

Don't let rejection discourage you; it is a chance to learn and grow.  

As I mentioned, securing my first client proved challenging when I began my freelance writing journey. Rejections were a part of the process, occurring daily. Nevertheless, setting goals can significantly assist you in this field. 

Create a list of potential clients you'd like to pitch to, aiming for at least 30 per day, and build from there. Stick with it; after all, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was a successful freelance writing career!

15. Use AI Tools Properly (Or Not at All)

Always prioritize the creation of original and valuable content. If you utilize AI, ensure thorough fact-checking and run your content through AI detection tools. AI is often looked down upon in freelance writing, and AI-checking software has become more prevalent. 

It is imperative to discuss with your client whether or not they allow the use of any AI, whether for writing or just for research.

If you do use AI – after completing a project, consider enlisting the assistance of a friend or editor to review it for grammatical errors and readability. Grammarly Pro, in particular, proves highly beneficial for this task.

16. Always Discuss Payment Schedule and Method 

This is something I've discovered to be very important. You should always discuss how you'll get paid by your clients before you take on the project.

For example, if you like using PayPal, tell your client how you want to get your money at the start of a project so there is no delay or confusion regarding your invoice.

Often, companies will have a specific way to pay freelancers, which may require signing up for a new payment platform or waiting on processing times through third-party payment providers. 

You should become familiar with the payment provider each of your clients uses so that you can be aware of the timelines of your incomings and thus budget accordingly.

17. Use Open Communication 

Be open to having conversations with your client and maintain transparency. If you are unclear on instructions for a project you've been assigned or need extra information to complete the assignment, don't be afraid to reach out. You will save yourself a lot of time and frustration by ensuring you understand what the client wants instead of having to go back and re-do something that wasn't done to the client's expectations.

Discuss with your client if you cannot make a deadline or if the current pay rate is no longer acceptable. Be ready to negotiate and consistently fulfill your commitments.

18. Keep Learning 

Stay informed about industry trends and be flexible in response to changes. Continuous learning is crucial in this line of work. 

Dedicate yourself to online learning, subscribe to newsletters, and follow relevant YouTube channels to stay ahead. Learn how to effectively leverage online tools to gain a competitive advantage over your rivals. 

The more time you invest in learning about your trade, the more you will succeed. Stay on top of popular industry practices like SEO to stay ahead of the competition, as the freelance and online content world is constantly evolving.

Skills Required for Freelance Writing

1. Writing Skills

The most essential skill for a freelance writer is – you guessed it – writing!

A freelance writer should have a strong understanding of English and be able to write clearly, concisely, and engagingly. You should be able to adapt your writing style to different audiences and be familiar with different writing formats, such as blog posts, articles, webpage content, business documents, and social media posts.

Equally essential is the ability to captivate readers' interest and maintain their engagement through a writing style that sustains their attention until the conclusion.

2. Research Skills

A freelance writer should also have strong research skills. You should be able to conduct thorough research on a topic and gather information from various sources. 

Also, you must evaluate the credibility of sources and use that information to write informative and accurate content. Proficiency in researching a broad spectrum of subjects and appropriately citing sources is imperative.

3. Time Management

As discussed above, freelance writers often work on multiple projects at once, so it is essential to have good time management skills. You should be able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. You should also be able to manage your time effectively to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

4. SEO

While not always required, it is commonplace for freelance clients to ask that a writer they hire has some knowledge of SEO. You will want to familiarize yourself with the best practices for getting your content to rank in Google and the like. 

There are plenty of online tools that can help writers easily create SEO-enhanced work based on keywords and search results. Some popular ones include AHREFS, SurferSEO, and Frase. Apps like these can help you more efficiently include necessary keywords without overusing the terms. 

If you are not familiar with SEO, I highly suggest educating yourself with the help of online courses, blogs, and even podcasts that cover this topic – there are tons out there. A quick Google search will help you find some great resources.

Finding Freelance Writing Jobs

As a freelance writer, finding work is essential to sustaining a career. Here are two ways to find freelance writing jobs:

1. Online Platforms

There are numerous online platforms where freelance writers can find work. Some of the most popular platforms include:

Upwork – This platform is excellent for beginners and experienced writers alike. It offers a variety of writing jobs, including blog posts, articles, and copywriting.

Freelancer – Freelancer is another popular platform for freelance writers. It offers various writing jobs, from technical writing to creative writing.

Fiverr – Fiverr is a platform where freelancers can offer their services at a fixed price. It's an excellent platform for writers who want to set their rates and work on their terms.

Creating a solid profile that showcases your writing skills and experience is essential when using online platforms to find work. Applying to jobs that fit your skills and interests is also essential.

2. Networking

Networking is another effective way to find freelance writing jobs. Here are some ways to network as a freelance writer:

Attend Writing Conferences 

Writing conferences are a great way to meet other writers and potential clients. They offer workshops and networking events to help you build relationships with other writers and industry professionals.

Join Writing Groups

Joining writing groups is a great way to connect with other writers and find potential clients. You can find writing groups on social media platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and LinkedIn.

Reach Out To Potential Clients

If there's a company or publication you want to write for, reach out to them and introduce yourself. Let them know you're a freelance writer and that you're interested in working with them.

Networking takes time and effort but can lead to long-term relationships and steady work as a freelance writer.

How Much Money Do Freelance Writers Make?

Freelance writing can be a lucrative career, but setting your rates appropriately is essential to ensure you earn what you're worth.

According to Indeed Salaries data, freelance writers' average earnings are approximately $23.19 per hour. However, this figure varies widely based on the specific type of writing undertaken and one's ability to manage the entrepreneurial aspects of a freelance writing venture.

For instance, a technical writer might command a higher income than someone focusing on food content or crafting marketing blog posts. Additionally, the income potential is influenced by the volume of work accomplished and the nature of clients—whether working for a large corporation or an individual. Assessing the time needed for research and considering other non-billable hours necessary to sustain a freelance writing enterprise before accepting any writing assignments is essential.

Here are some tips to help you set your rates:

Understanding Market Rates

Before you set your rates, it's essential to understand the market rates for freelance writing in your area and your niche.

Research what other writers charge for similar work and adjust your rates accordingly. Remember that rates can vary depending on the type of writing, the client, and the level of expertise required.

Negotiating Your Pay

Once you understand the market rates well, it's time to negotiate your pay with clients. Be confident in your abilities and the value you bring to the table. 

Don't be afraid to ask for your worth, but also be willing to negotiate if necessary. Consider offering package deals or discounts for repeat clients.

When negotiating, be clear about what's included in your rates, such as the number of revisions, research time, and any additional fees. A contract to protect you and the client is also a good idea.

Setting your rates is a balancing act between earning what you're worth and being competitive in the market. With research and negotiation, you can find the sweet spot that works for you and your 

Is Becoming a Freelance Writer Worth It?

While challenging and not without its caveats, freelance writing can undoubtedly be a fulfilling venture. Whether or not taking up this career path is worth it depends on your commitment level and dedication. 

If freelance writing is something you think is an easy side hustle to make a quick buck, you'd be very wrong in that assumption. The industry is flooded with excellent writers who have been honing their craft and building their portfolios for years. With that said, if you are serious about a career as a freelance writer and willing to put in the time and effort (and likely some money, too), then you could unlock some excellent earning potential. Like with anything, hard work and dedication is what pays off.