It’s a vicious cycle: you need to prove you can do the work to get the work in the first place. It can be incredibly disheartening when you’re starting out as a freelance writer to come up against the roadblock of having no freelance writing samples.

I struggled with this a lot when I started my freelance writing business. 

The key is to get creative. If you haven’t got any actual client work to share just yet, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways you can show prospects your writing chops. 

1. Create a blog 

Starting your own blog is a great way to show off your writing skills and create a place to develop your freelance writing samples. 

Here’s how to do it:

Choose what you want to write about

Pick a topic you’re passionate about and know well for your freelance writing sample. This could be anything from travel and food to technology or personal finance. The key is to choose something you enjoy writing about and can produce a lot of content on. For example, if you love cooking, you might start a blog about easy weeknight meals for busy families.

Why it matters: When you write about something you care about, your enthusiasm shines through in your freelance writing. Plus, it’s easier to stick with it long-term.

Write regularly (but don’t burn yourself out)

Set a schedule and stick to it. Maybe you decide to post once a week every Tuesday, or twice a month on the 1st and 15th. Whatever you choose, be consistent.

Tips to keep you on track:

• Use a content calendar to plan your posts in advance
• Set reminders on your phone or computer
• Write a few extra posts when you’re feeling inspired, so you have backups for busy weeks
• Don’t stress about perfection – done is better than perfect!

Optimise for SEO where possible 

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) helps people find your blog when they search online. 

Here are some simple ways to improve your SEO:

• Use keywords naturally in your titles and throughout your posts
• Write clear, descriptive titles for your blog posts
• Include alt text for any images you use
• Link to other relevant posts within your blog
• Make sure your blog loads quickly and works well on mobile devices

Remember, you don’t need to be an SEO expert. Just focus on writing helpful, interesting content for real people, and you’ll be on the right track.

2 Contribute to online publications 

Getting your work published on established websites is a great way to create freelance writing samples. 

Here’s how to do it:

Identify good-fit platforms that are open to pitches

There are tons of online publications out there that welcome new freelance writers. Here are some popular ones to consider:

• HuffPost: They’re always looking for fresh voices, especially from underrepresented communities.
• The Muse: If you’re into career advice and job searching, this is a great place to pitch.
• Metro UK: They accept pitches from new freelance writers and cover a wide range of topics.
• VICE: Known for edgy, youth-oriented content.
• The Robora: A UK-based magazine focused on empowering women in business and creativity.

💡 Pro tip: Don’t just stick to the big names. Smaller, niche publications can be easier to break into and often have loyal readerships.

Pitch unique ideas 

Now that you’ve found some places to pitch, you need to make your ideas stand out. 

Here’s how:

1. Do your homework. Read the publication thoroughly. Understand their style, tone, and the topics they cover. This shows editors you’re serious and helps you tailor your pitch.
2. Find a fresh angle. Don’t pitch topics they’ve already covered. Look for new trends or unique perspectives on popular subjects.
3. Keep it short and sweet. Editors are busy people. Get to the point quickly in your pitch email. A good structure is:
   • Introduce yourself briefly
   • Explain your idea in 2-3 sentences
   • Mention why you’re the right person to write it
   • End with a polite sign-off
4. Use a clear subject line. Make it obvious you’re pitching an article. For example: “Freelance pitch: 5 surprising ways to reduce stress”.
5. Show your personality. Don’t be afraid to let your freelance writing style shine through in your pitch. It gives editors a taste of what to expect.
6. Include relevant credentials. If you have experience related to your topic, mention it briefly. But don’t worry if you don’t – your idea is what matters most.

Remember, rejection is part of the process. If an editor says no, don’t take it personally. Keep refining your ideas and pitching. With persistence, you’ll land that first byline.

3. Offer to write guest posts for relevant blogs

Writing guest posts for established blogs is fantastic for creating freelance writing samples while reaching a new audience. 

Here’s how to get started:

Research blogs in your niche or area of expertise

• Use Google Search. Start with simple searches like “write for us” or “guest post guidelines” along with your niche. For example, if you write about personal finance, try searching for “personal finance blogs write for us.” This will help you find blogs actively looking for guest contributors.
• Check social media. Follow blogs in your niche on platforms like X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Many bloggers announce open calls for guest posts or share their submission guidelines on social media.
• Join blogging communities. There are many online communities and forums where bloggers connect. Websites like Reddit, Facebook groups, or freelance writing forums can be great places to find opportunities. Look for groups focused on your niche and engage with the members.
• Look at competitors. Check out blogs that are similar to yours. If they accept guest posts, they often list their contributors. This can lead you to other blogs that might be interested in your work.

Tailor your content ideas to suit each blog

Once you’ve found a blog you want to write for, it’s important to customise your content to fit their audience and style. 

1. Read existing posts. Spend some time reading the blog’s recent articles. Pay attention to the tone, style, and topics they cover. Are they formal or casual? Do they use humor, or are they more straightforward? This will help you match their voice.
2. Understand the audience. Think about who reads the blog. What are their interests, and what problems do they need solutions for? Tailor your content to address these needs. For example, if the blog focuses on budget-friendly recipes, consider writing about quick meals under £10.
3. Follow submission guidelines. Most blogs have specific guidelines for guest posts. These might include word count, formatting, and how to submit your pitch. Make sure to follow these closely to show you’re professional and detail-oriented.
4. Personalise your approach. When you pitch your idea, mention why you think it would be a good fit for their audience. This shows that you’ve done your homework and genuinely care about contributing to their blog.

4. Create ad-hoc sample pieces

Why not create freelance writing samples from scratch? This is a great way to showcase your skills, especially if you’re just starting your freelance writing business. 

Here’s how to do it effectively:

Make a list of your interests

Start by listing subjects you’re passionate about. This could be anything from gardening, travel, and technology to mental health, cooking, or fitness. Think about what you enjoy discussing or learning about.

Consider your expertise

If you have knowledge or experience in a particular area, use that to your advantage. Writing about what you know can help you create more authoritative and engaging content.

Think about your audience 

Consider who you want to reach with your writing. What topics would interest them? Combining your passions with what your target audience cares about can lead to compelling content.

Stay current 

Look for trending topics within your interests. Use tools like Google Trends or social media hashtags to see what people are talking about. Writing about current issues can attract more readers.

Experiment with different formats 

Don’t be afraid to try various formats like how-to guides, listicles, opinion pieces, or personal essays. This will help you find your voice and style while keeping your writing fresh and interesting.

5. Make the most of social media—it’s free! 

Using social media platforms to share your writing can help you reach a wider audience. Here are some strategies for popular platforms:

LinkedIn

• Post articles. LinkedIn allows you to create writing samples directly on your profile. Write about topics related to your expertise or share insights from your experiences. This can showcase your knowledge and attract potential clients.
• Share updates. Regularly post updates about your writing projects, completed articles, or any freelance gigs. This keeps your connections informed and shows that you’re active in your field.

X and Threads

• Share links. Share links to your articles or blog posts. Write a catchy tweet that summarises the piece and encourages people to click through. Use hashtags to reach a wider audience and get more eyeballs on your freelance writing sample.
• Engage in conversations. Participate in chats related to writing or your niche. This is a great way to connect with other freelance writers and share your expertise.
• Follow industry leaders. Follow and engage with writers, editors, and influencers in your field. Retweet their content, reply to their tweets, and join discussions to build relationships.

Medium

• Publish your work. Medium is a platform specifically for writers. Create an account and start publishing your articles. You can reach a community of readers who are interested in various topics.
• Join publications. Medium has many publications that accept submissions. Find ones that align with your writing style and pitch your articles to gain more exposure.
• Engage with readers. Respond to comments on your articles and engage with other writers’ content. This helps build your presence on the platform and can lead to more followers.

6. Take on small projects

Starting with small, low-risk projects is a great way to create a freelance writing sample and gain experience. Here’s how to approach it:

• Start small. Look for quick, easy jobs that you know you can handle. This might be writing a short blog post, designing a simple logo, or doing some basic data entry.
• Underpromise and overdeliver. It’s better to exceed expectations on a small job than to struggle with a big one. This helps you get positive reviews, which are crucial on these platforms.
• Communicate clearly. Always keep your clients in the loop. If you’re unsure about something, ask. It’s better to clarify upfront than to make assumptions.
• Meet deadlines. Even if it’s a small project, delivering on time is crucial. It shows you’re reliable and professional.
• Ask for feedback. After completing a project, politely ask your client for a review. Positive feedback will help you land bigger projects in the future.
• Learn from each project. Every job is a chance to learn something new. Maybe you’ll pick up a new skill, or learn how to work with a certain type of client.
• Build relationships. Even with small projects, try to build a good rapport with your clients. They might have more work for you in the future, or recommend you to others.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere. These small projects are stepping stones to bigger and better things. They help you build your skills, your confidence, and your reputation as a freelancer. So don’t be afraid to start small—focus on doing great work, and the bigger projects will come!

7. Enter writing competitions 

Writing contests are a great way to challenge yourself and maybe even win some prizes. Here’s how to get started:

Research relevant competitions

Look for contests that fit your style and skills. Here are some good ones to check out:

• Poets & Writers magazine has a big list of contests on their website
• Writer’s Digest runs contests for short stories, poetry, and even self-published books
• The Bridport Prize is a big deal in the UK for poetry and short stories
• If you write science fiction or fantasy, look into the Writers of the Future contest

Before you enter, make sure you: 

• Read the rules carefully
• Check if there’s an entry fee (some are free, some cost money)
• See what the prizes are
• Look at past winners to get an idea of what they like

💡 Tip: use feedback to improve

Even if you don’t win, many contests give feedback. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Don’t take it personally. Remember, it’s about your writing, not you.
2. Read the feedback a few times. The first time might sting, but you’ll see it clearer later.
3. Look for patterns. If several people mention the same issue, it’s probably worth working on.
4. Try rewriting your piece based on the feedback. See if you agree with how it turns out.
5. Keep the good stuff too! If they liked something, remember to do more of that.
6. Share the feedback with a writing buddy or group. They might help you understand it better.

From ideas to action: start building out freelance writing samples today

I’ve gone through a bunch of ways to get those freelance writing samples you need, even if you’re totally new to this. Whether it’s starting your own blog, writing for websites that’ll take your stuff, or jumping into some freelance writing contests—there are plenty of options to show off what you can do.

Now it’s time to get moving. Pick one of these ideas and just go for it. Start building up a mix of freelance writing samples that show who you are and what you’re good at. It might take some time and you’ll need to get creative, but stick with it. 

Keep writing, keep learning, and don’t be shy about putting your work out there. Your freelance writing business is waiting for you to take that first step.