Home 12 Steps to How to Become a Freelance Writer and Boost Your Career

12 Steps to How to Become a Freelance Writer and Boost Your Career

Discover the essential steps to kickstart your freelance writing career and achieve success with expert tips and strategies.

Want to start a freelance writing career? Here’s your roadmap:

Know your skills and interests
Pick your focus area
Improve your writing
Create a portfolio
Set up your online presence
Set your prices and services
Find your first clients
Manage your business
Deliver quality work on time
Grow your network and reputation
Find different income sources
Grow your freelance career

Quick start guide:

Build a portfolio with 3-5 samples
Set up a simple website
Pitch 10 jobs weekly on platforms like Upwork
Join writing groups on LinkedIn or Facebook
Keep learning and improving your skills

Freelance writing can be lucrative. Entry-level writers earn $25K-$30K annually, while experienced pros can make $80K-$120K+.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Income
Entry-level	$25K – $30K
Experienced	$80K+
Top writers	$100K – $120K+

Remember: Success comes from hard work and constant improvement. Ready to start your freelance writing journey?

Know your skills and interests

Starting as a freelance writer? Let’s nail down what you’re good at and what gets you excited.

Check your writing skills

Take a good look at your writing abilities. Are you a grammar pro? Can you break down complex ideas? Got a talent for storytelling?

Try this: Write a quick piece about something you love. Then, ask someone you trust to read it and give you honest feedback. This can help you spot your strengths and weaknesses.

List your expert topics

What do you know like the back of your hand? Maybe it’s tech, money, or parenting. Your expertise is your edge in the freelance world.

Geraldine Walsh, a journalist and content writer, says:

"Writing what you know in any kind of writing is a great first piece of advice and probably one you’ve heard countless times."

Walsh started with a parenting blog and later focused on mental health and parenting features. Her personal experiences shaped her niche and opened doors in journalism and non-fiction writing.

Choose your writing style

Your writing style is your way of connecting with readers. It’s not just about the content, but how you deliver it.

Here are the four main writing styles:

Style	Description	Best for
Persuasive	Convinces the reader	Sales copy, opinion pieces
Narrative	Tells a story	Blog posts, feature articles
Descriptive	Paints a picture with words	Travel writing, product descriptions
Expository	Explains or informs	How-to guides, news articles

Most writers mix these styles. Start with what feels natural to you. As you gain experience, you can try out different approaches.

2. Pick your focus area

Specializing can set you apart as a freelance writer. Here’s why and how to do it:

Why specialize?

Specializing boosts your value:

You become the go-to expert in your field
Clients pay more for specialized knowledge
You write faster as you build expertise

Topic	Examples
Tech	AI, cybersecurity
Health	Medical research, wellness
Finance	Investing, fintech
Digital Marketing	SEO, content marketing

How to choose a good topic

1. Check your skills

List your strengths and expertise.

2. Follow your interests

Pick topics you enjoy reading and writing about.

3. Research market demand

Use Google Trends to spot growing topics.

4. Test your niche

Write a sample piece to see if it fits.

"Niche writers tend to be more successful than generalists because they have a laser focus on their target audience." – Finidi Lawson, Author at FinidiWrites

3. Improve your writing

Want to boost your freelance writing career? You need to sharpen your skills. Here’s how:

Key writing skills

Focus on these core abilities:

Storytelling
Grammar
Proofreading
Research
Adaptability

These skills will help you craft engaging content, spot errors, find reliable sources, and write for different audiences.

Tools to get better

Use these resources:

Tool	Purpose	Cost
Grammarly	Grammar and spelling checks	Free version; Premium $30/month
Hemingway Editor	Improve readability	Free
QuillBot	Paraphrasing and summarizing	Free version; Premium $19.95/month
Daily Page	Writing prompts for practice	Varies

Keep learning

Stay sharp with these tips:

Read widely
Practice daily
Get feedback
Stay current

"I write to work things out in my head. Keep writing, keep learning!" – Heather MacCorkle, Writer

Remember: Writing is a skill. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. So, grab your pen (or keyboard) and start writing!

4. Create a portfolio

A strong portfolio is your ticket to landing freelance writing gigs. Here’s how to build one that gets results:

Write sample pieces

Start with 3-4 high-quality samples in your niche. These should show off your writing style, expertise, and the type of work you want to do.

Want to write tech blog posts? Create samples like "5 AI Trends to Watch in 2024" or "How Blockchain is Changing Supply Chains".

Showcase your best work

Pick your top 3-5 pieces and organize them well:

Group by type (blog posts, white papers, case studies)
Include links to published work if you have any

"My portfolio clearly states who I serve and what I offer. I also added big brand logos and testimonials to highlight my skills." – Elise Dopson, Freelance Writer

Make it look good

A clean design helps your work stand out:

Element	Purpose
Clear navigation	Easy to find writing types
Brief descriptions	Explain each piece’s context
Contact info	Make it easy to reach you

Try portfolio platforms like Clippings.me ($9.99/month) or JournoPortfolio (free plan available) for a quick, polished look.

5. Set up your online presence

Want to boost your freelance writing career? You need a strong online presence. Here’s how:

Make a website

Your website is your digital home base. It shows off your work and helps clients find you. Here are some tools to build one:

Website Builder	Best For	Starting Price
Wix	Flexibility	$10.50/month
Hostinger	Affordability	$2.54/month
SITE123	Easy setup	$12.80/month

Pick a builder that works for you. Then, add these key elements:

About page
Portfolio
Services and rates
Contact info
Blog (if you want)

Social media connects you with clients and other writers. Focus on:

LinkedIn for professional networking
X (Twitter) for industry news and quick updates
Facebook for joining writing groups

Post about your latest work, writing tips, and industry insights.

Improve your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is a goldmine for writing jobs. Make your profile pop:

Use a pro photo
Write a clear headline (like "Freelance Tech Writer | B2B Content Specialist")
Add your top skills
Include work samples
Get endorsements from past clients

"Social media not only allows you to find new writers, but also to figure out things that are trending or peaking." – Latoya Peterson, Fusion editor at large

6. Set your prices and services

Setting fair rates and defining your services is crucial for freelance writing success. Here’s how to do it:

Check industry prices

Freelance writing rates vary. Here’s a quick look at average rates:

Content Type	Entry Level	Experienced	Expert
Blog post (1000 words)	$50-$100	$125-$250	$250-$400+
White paper	$500	$1000-$3000	$5000+
Email (short)	$25-$50	$75-$150	$200+
Social media post	$1-$10	$15-$50	$75+

But remember: These are just averages. Your rates might be different.

What affects your price

Your rates depend on:

Experience
Niche
Project complexity
Turnaround time
Client budget

The more specialized or complex your work, the more you can charge.

List your services

Don’t stick to just one type of writing. Offer a variety:

Blog posts and articles
Website copy
Email newsletters
Social media content
Product descriptions
Case studies
White papers
Ebooks and guides
Sales pages
Ad copy

Start with what you know, then branch out as you gain experience.

Here’s a smart move: Package your services. Instead of $200 for one blog post, offer four for $750. It’s a win-win: more consistent work for you, better value for clients.

And don’t forget: As your skills grow, so should your rates. Many freelancers bump up their prices yearly or with each new client. It’s how you make sure your income keeps pace with your expertise.

7. Find your first clients

Getting started as a freelance writer? Here’s how to land those first gigs:

Use job boards

Job boards are a goldmine for new writers. Check these out:

Job Board	What’s Good	Who It’s For
Upwork	Tons of jobs, all kinds	Newbies, any niche
ProBlogger	Quality listings, $70+ jobs	Bloggers, content pros
Smart Blogger	Free, hand-picked posts	Freelancers, bloggers
Peak Freelance	Weekly B2B jobs	B2B writers

Tips for job board success:

Craft a killer profile
Customize each proposal
Start small, build cred

Network like crazy

Don’t skip networking. It’s a game-changer:

Join writer Facebook groups
Hit up local biz events
Dive into online writing communities

Jamie Johnson, a freelance writer, says: "I hang out in a Facebook group for finance writers. I’ve scored multiple high-paying gigs just by being active there."

Reach out to dream clients

Don’t wait. Make it happen:

List your target companies
Find the right person to contact
Write a killer pitch email
Follow up in a week

And don’t forget your inner circle. One writer shared: "My cousin’s husband opened a craft beer shop. We chatted at a family thing, and he totally forgot I write copy. He lit up when he realized I could help with marketing."

8. Manage your business

Running a freelance writing business isn’t just about writing. You need to handle the business side too. Here’s how:

Choose a business structure

Pick the right setup for your writing biz:

Structure	Pros	Cons
Sole Proprietorship	Easy setup, cheap	You’re liable
LLC	Protects you, tax perks	More paperwork, costs more
Corporation	Best protection	Complex, expensive

Most start as sole proprietors and switch to an LLC later. Ask an accountant what’s best for you.

Handle money and taxes

Money management can make or break you. Here’s what to do:

1. Separate your accounts

Get a business checking account. It makes tracking income and expenses a breeze.

2. Track everything

Use QuickBooks or similar software. Log all income and expenses. Your future self will thank you at tax time.

3. Pay yourself and save for taxes

Lisa Tanner, a pro freelance writer, says: "I save 30% of every payment for taxes and pay myself regularly. It keeps my finances steady even when income jumps around."

4. Get help

Meet an accountant quarterly. They’ll help with taxes, deductions, and business stuff. It’s worth it.

Manage your time

In freelancing, time is money. Make it count:

Use a project tracker (spreadsheet or Asana)
Block your time for writing, admin, and client chats
Set work hours and stick to them

One freelancer shared: "I plan my day with Google Calendar. Each task gets a slot. I color-code client work, admin, and breaks. It keeps me focused and productive."

9. Deliver Quality Work on Time

Your success as a freelance writer boils down to two things: great content and punctual delivery. Here’s how to nail both:

Be a Pro

Professionalism isn’t just about writing skills. It’s about clear communication and meeting client expectations. Here’s the deal:

Answer emails within 24 hours
Flag any issues or delays ASAP
Follow client guidelines to a T

Meet Client Expectations

Setting and managing expectations is key. Here’s how:

1. Set realistic deadlines

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Check your schedule before committing. As Kat Boogaard, a top freelance writer, says:

"It’s not just my talent—it’s my reliability and dependability that keeps them coming back to me again and again."

2. Use project management tools

Trello or Asana can keep you organized. Break projects into bite-sized tasks with clear deadlines.

3. Add buffer time

Always pad your estimates. It’s your safety net for unexpected hiccups.

Project Length	Buffer
1-2 days	4-8 hours
3-5 days	1 day
1-2 weeks	2-3 days

4. Keep clients in the loop

A quick progress update goes a long way. It shows you’re on top of things.

Handle Feedback Like a Pro

Feedback is your friend. Here’s how to deal:

Listen up: Try to see it from the client’s side
Don’t take it personally: It’s about the work, not you
Ask questions: If it’s vague, get specifics
Revise quickly: Show you value their input

Remember, hitting deadlines is just as crucial as top-notch work. Jessica Day, Senior Director for Marketing Strategy at Dialpad, puts it well:

"By setting your boundaries and remaining truthful and honest, aligning with and even exceeding your freelance client expectations will be a breeze."

10. Grow your network and reputation

Building a strong network and reputation is crucial for freelance writers. Here’s how:

Build client relationships

Focus on creating lasting connections:

Respond to emails quickly
Flag issues right away
Follow client guidelines

Deliver quality work on time to build trust and get repeat business. Jessica Yeo from Superside says:

"Feedback enhances relationships between writers and their clients."

Use client feedback

Boost your credibility with testimonials:

Ask happy clients for feedback
Add testimonials to your portfolio
Use specific quotes that show your skills

Example: "Jane’s articles boosted our blog traffic by 50% in three months."

Join writing groups

Connect with other writers:

Platform	Benefits
Facebook groups	Find peers and job leads
LinkedIn	Network and showcase work
Local meetups	Build in-person connections

Jamie Johnson, a freelance writer, shares:

"Networking with other freelancers is uncomfortable at first. But it’s worth it and will help you find more work and succeed in the long run."

Engage in these groups to share expertise, learn from others, and find collaborators or mentors.

11. Find different income sources

As a freelance writer, putting all your eggs in one basket is risky. Let’s look at ways to mix up your earnings and boost your financial stability.

Try different writing jobs

Don’t stick to just one type of writing. Branch out:

Writing Type	Description
Blog writing	Create posts for websites
Copywriting	Craft marketing materials and ads
Technical writing	Produce manuals and documentation

Look into passive income

Set up income streams that keep paying even when you’re not working:

Write and sell e-books on Amazon Kindle
Create and sell online courses on Udemy or Skillshare
Use affiliate marketing to earn commissions

Balance multiple projects

Juggling various jobs can be tough. Here’s how to handle it:

1. Set clear boundaries

Allocate specific times for each project.

2. Use project management tools

Stay organized with apps like Trello or Asana.

3. Communicate with clients

Keep them in the loop about your availability and progress.

"If you’re not diversifying and creating a range of income streams for yourself, you should be. It’s the best way I know to survive and thrive as a freelancer." – Rachel Smith, Freelance Writer and Job Board Owner

Diversifying isn’t just about different writing jobs. Elna Cain, founder of ElnaCain.com, says:

"I started this post talking about starting a blog and monetizing it by doing affiliate marketing. This is one way to create multiple income streams and help you make money with your writing."

12. Grow your freelance career

Raise your rates

Don’t be afraid to charge more as you gain experience. Here’s how:

Bump up rates yearly
Increase by 10-20% each time
Give clients 6 weeks’ notice

One writer’s rates jumped from $250 per post in 2018 to $2,000 in 2024. That’s a 10x boost!

"Higher rates position you as a pro writer. Clients take you more seriously." – Elna Cain, ElnaCain.com

Expand your services

Add more skills to your toolkit:

Editing
Content strategy
Social media management
SEO optimization

More skills = more value = higher rates.

Use AI tools wisely

AI can speed up your work. Some popular options:

Tool	Price	Use it for
Copy.ai	$49/mo or $432/yr	Writer’s block
Rytr	$9/mo or $90/yr	Copywriting
Grammarly	$30/mo or $144/yr	Grammar checks
Writesonic	$948/yr	Blog writing

But remember: AI helps, it doesn’t replace you.

"AI writing assistants are here to stay. Learn to use them." – Sean Ogle, Location Rebel

Conclusion

Let’s recap the 12 steps to become a successful freelance writer:

Know your skills and interests
Pick your focus area
Improve your writing
Create a portfolio
Set up your online presence
Set your prices and services
Find your first clients
Manage your business
Do good work and meet deadlines
Grow your network and reputation
Find different income sources
Grow your freelance career

These steps are your roadmap to starting and growing your freelance writing business.

Ready to jump in? Here’s how:

Build your portfolio: Write 3-5 samples in your niche. These are your ticket to landing clients.
Get a website: Set up a simple site with your work, services, and contact info. It’s your digital business card.
Start pitching: Hit job boards like Upwork or Freelancer.com. Aim for 10 pitches a week.
Network: Join writing groups on LinkedIn or Facebook. Connect with other writers and potential clients.
Keep learning: Stay on top of industry trends and sharpen your skills.

Remember, freelance success comes from putting in the work and constantly improving. As freelance writer Kaleigh Moore puts it:

"If you decide to become a freelance writer, you have to be a master of priorities and organization."

So, what are you waiting for? Time to start your freelance writing journey!

FAQs

How do I start freelance writing for beginners?

Want to kick off your freelance writing career? Here’s how:

1. Know the industry

Dive into the freelance writing world. Check out different writing gigs, popular topics, and who’s hiring. This helps you spot opportunities and set realistic goals.

2. Sharpen your skills

Work on your writing chops. Try different styles – from blog posts to product descriptions. As Sean Ogle, Founder of Location Rebel, puts it:

"One of the great things about freelance writing is that you don’t necessarily need a formal degree or training to begin freelancing."

But you DO need solid grammar and language skills.

3. Pick a niche

Specializing can give you an edge. Choose a topic you’re into and know well.

4. Build a portfolio

No pro experience? No problem. Write sample articles and pop them on Medium or your own blog.

5. Get online

Set up a simple website to show off your work. It’s like a digital business card.

6. Set your prices

Check out what others charge. Here’s a rough guide:

Experience	Price (500-word article)
Newbie	$40 – $100
Some experience	$100 – $250
Pro	$250+

7. Start pitching

Hunt for jobs on freelance sites, job boards, or by reaching out to potential clients. Aim to pitch daily.

8. Stay on top of things

Manage your time, hit deadlines, and keep track of your work and cash.

Quuu

Updated on October 25, 2024

Content curation