Freelance writing is one of those careers that seems almost too good to be true. 

You get to work from anywhere, set your own schedule, and earn money doing something creative. But if you’ve ever wondered, Can I really make a living as a freelance writer? the answer is a resounding yes.

I know this because I’ve been there. I started out charging pennies for blog posts and working 14-hour days to make ends meet. Today, I earn six figures writing for major brands—all while working less than 20 hours a week. And the best part? This kind of success isn’t out of reach for you.

Freelance writing is growing fast. Businesses need more content than ever, and they’re willing to pay good money for freelance writers who can deliver. In fact, the content marketing industry alone is worth billions, and it’s still expanding. There’s a huge demand for blog posts, newsletters, website copy, white papers—you name it.

Ready to become a freelance writer? 

This guide is here to show you exactly how to get started, even if you don’t have experience. 

You’ll learn how to build a portfolio, find clients, and overcome the common hurdles new freelance writers face. Let’s break it down so you can take that first step toward a freelance writing career with more freedom, creativity, and potential than you ever thought possible.

What is freelance writing? 

Freelance writing is exactly what it sounds like—you’re writing but on your own terms. 

Unlike a traditional job where you work for one employer, as a freelance writer, you’re self-employed. You take on projects from clients, often juggling several at a time, and you decide when, where, and how much you work.

Here’s the big difference: you’re not tied to a single company or stuck in a cubicle from 9 to 5. You might write a blog post for a tech startup one day, edit an ebook for a solopreneur the next, and craft website copy for a local business the week after that. It’s a career that thrives on variety and creativity.

The types of writing you can do are endless. 

Blog posts, articles, newsletters, social media captions, white papers, case studies, product descriptions, and even video scripts—if it involves words, there’s probably someone willing to pay you to write it. Some freelance writers specialise in technical subjects like software or healthcare, while others stick to lifestyle topics like travel or parenting.

Who hires freelance writers? 

A lot of people. 

Small businesses need help building their online presence. 

Startups hire freelance writers to explain their products in simple, engaging ways. 

Big companies use freelancers to handle overflow when their in-house teams are maxed out. 

Even content platforms like Medium and Substack are great places to find paying gigs. The key takeaway? There’s no shortage of freelance writing work, and you don’t need a fancy degree or connections to start a freelance writing career.

The skills and qualities you need to succeed as a freelance writer

Freelance writing isn’t just about being good with words. Writing is at the heart of it, but other skills will help you stand out and stay successful. 

The good news? Most of these can be learned or improved throughout your freelance writing career.

First, you need solid writing and storytelling skills. 

Your job is to hook readers, keep them engaged, and clearly communicate ideas. This doesn’t mean you have to be the next Hemingway—just focus on writing in a way that’s clear, concise, and relatable. You’ll pick up tricks like structuring articles and crafting compelling headlines as you go.

Adaptability is huge. 

One day, you might write a casual blog post for a pet store, and the next, you’re drafting a formal case study for a tech company. Each client will have a unique tone, style, and audience, so you’ll need to adjust accordingly. 

Research is another critical skill. 

You don’t need to know everything about a topic to write about it, but you do need to know how to find credible sources and make sense of them. Whether it’s Googling the basics of blockchain or interviewing an expert about digital marketing trends, being good at digging for information will make your writing sharper and more trustworthy.

Time management and self-discipline are non-negotiable. 

You’ll juggle deadlines, follow up with clients, and sometimes work on several projects at once. Without a boss hovering over you, it’s on you to keep things on track. 

Pro tip: a simple to-do list or project management tool can be a lifesaver here.

Finally, a basic understanding of SEO (search engine optimisation) and content marketing can give you a major leg up. This isn’t a deal-breaker for beginners, but knowing how to write content that ranks on Google or drives clicks can make you more valuable to clients. There are plenty of free resources out there to get you started.

You don’t have to be perfect at all these things right away. Freelance writing is a journey, and you’ll learn a lot on the job. What matters most is your willingness to show up, improve, and keep going even when it feels tough.

How to get started as a freelance writer

Getting started as a freelance writer can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at a blank page (literally and figuratively). 

But trust me, you don’t need to have everything figured out from day one. Start with small steps, and you’ll build momentum as you go.

1. Identify your area of expertise

Some people will tell you to pick a niche from the start, but that’s not how I started my freelancing journey.

I had a loose “niche” in travel, but honestly, I took anything and everything that came my way. I didn’t want to turn down any freelance writing work because I didn’t know when the next one would show up.

And in fact, this served me well.

It meant I got experience in multiple different areas—from writing about short spine syndrome in dogs to real estate in Puerto Rico. Which also meant I quickly learned what I liked, what I didn’t like, and where the money is.

Choosing a rigid niche early on can limit your progress. What if the niche isn’t profitable? What if there isn’t enough work? What if you hate it?! 

I always recommend choosing a couple of areas you’d like to try out. Pick 2-3 “niches” or what I call areas of expertise so you can decide which one you like best.

If you’re stuck, look for overlap between what interests you and what’s in demand. For example, maybe you love interior design but notice a lot of startups looking for content in the home tech space. That’s your sweet spot. And remember, you don’t have to pick your forever niche right away. You can try a few, see what clicks, and refine as you gain experience.

2. Build your writing portfolio

Clients don’t care about your resume—they care about whether you can write. 

That’s where your portfolio comes in. Even if you’re just starting out, you can create sample pieces in your chosen niche. Write a blog post about a trending topic, draft a mock product description, or create a how-to guide.

Platforms like Medium are great for showcasing your work if you don’t have a website yet. You can also start a personal blog to post your writing. Unpaid guest posts can be useful too, but be strategic. Only write for sites that will give you good exposure or help you build credibility in your niche.

Think of your portfolio as your highlight reel. Aim for 3-5 strong pieces that show you can write in different styles or formats. You don’t need a ton—just enough to make a client say, “Yep, they can do the job.”

3. Set up your online presence

Your online presence is kind of like your digital storefront—it’s where prospective clients go to see if they want to work with you. A professional website is ideal, but you can start small. A polished LinkedIn profile works wonders.

On LinkedIn, make sure your headline clearly states what you do (e.g., “Freelance SaaS Writer | Blog Posts, Case Studies, and More”). Use your “About” section to explain how you help prospective clients and include links to your portfolio.

You can also set up social media accounts—sites like X can be great for connecting with editors, while Instagram or TikTok can help you showcase your personality and freelance writing process. 

Tip: pick one or two platforms you’re comfortable with, and show up consistently.

4. Learn about pricing and set your rates

Ah, pricing—the question every freelancer dreads at first. How much should you charge? It depends on your experience, niche, and the project.

There are three common ways to price your work:

1. Per word: Good for beginners; rates usually start around £0.10 per word.
2. Per hour: Works well for small projects or ongoing work; beginner rates are often £20-£30/hour.
3. Per project: Best for more experienced freelance writers; you’ll need to calculate how long the work will take and the value it provides the client.

I’d always recommend aiming for a per-project rate at some point down the line, but it’s fine to start freelance writing with another model. Charging hourly can help you figure out how long things take you, but the more experienced you get, the less you get paid (it’s counterproductive). 

Most importantly, start with rates you’re comfortable with, and don’t be afraid to adjust as you gain experience. For example, when I started, I charged £20 per blog post. Now, I charge £850+. As your confidence and skills grow, so will your rates.

How to find freelance writing clients

Finding clients is often the hardest part of freelancing, but there’s no one-size-fits-all method. The trick is to experiment and figure out what works for you. 

Here are a few ways to get started:

Warm pitching to leads

Pitching is all about putting yourself out there. Warm pitching—where you build a relationship with a potential client before pitching—works better than cold pitching most of the time.

Start by following your ideal clients on LinkedIn or engaging with their content on X. Once you’ve warmed them up, send a message or email introducing yourself. Keep it short and sweet: explain who you are, how you can help, and include a link to your portfolio.

Here’s a simple example:

Hi [Name], I noticed your company is expanding its blog and thought I’d reach out. I’m a freelance writer specialising in [niche], and I’d love to help you create content that drives traffic and engagement. Here’s a link to my portfolio: [link]. Let me know if you’d like to chat!

Networking 

Never underestimate the power of connections. Join LinkedIn groups, Slack communities, or even local meetups for freelance writers and marketers. Networking isn’t just about finding clients—it’s about building relationships with people who might refer you down the line.

Make it a point to engage in conversations, share helpful tips, and show up consistently. The more people associate your name with “freelance writer,” the more opportunities will come your way.

Niche job boards

Job boards can be hit or miss, but some are worth checking out. Sites like ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Jobs, and Contently often have listings for beginner and experienced freelance writers.

When applying, tailor your pitch to the specific job. Avoid generic copy-paste applications—they’ll get lost in the shuffle. And always do a quick background check on the company to avoid scams. If a listing seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Freelance platforms

I don’t always recommend freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, but I started out on them as a way to build my portfolio and get used to working with clients. They’re easy to use, and there’s a steady stream of prospective clients looking for freelance writers. But here’s the catch: competition is fierce, and rates can be low.

To stand out, you really need a killer profile that highlights your niche and experience. Use specific examples of the value you bring (e.g., “I help SaaS companies create blog posts that rank on Google and drive traffic”). When bidding on freelance writing jobs, personalise your pitch. Show you’ve read the client’s brief and explain how you can solve their problem.

Overcoming challenges as a new freelancer

If I had a penny for every challenge I faced as a new freelance writer… well, I’d be sitting on a beach in the Bahamas somewhere. 

Every freelancer faces these issues, and they’re all solvable with the right mindset and strategies.

Managing inconsistent income

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: freelance income can be unpredictable. Some months you might feel flush with cash, while others are quiet. The key is planning ahead. When you land a big project, resist the urge to spend it all—set aside a portion for slow months and create a budget that accounts for variable income.

To stabilise your income, focus on finding retainer clients. These are clients who pay you a fixed amount every month for ongoing work, like managing their blog or writing newsletters. Retainers give you a financial safety net so you’re not starting from zero each month.

Finding regular clients

Getting a steady stream of clients is often the toughest hurdle. 

The best approach? Be proactive. Warm pitching and networking (LinkedIn, Slack groups, X) are great ways to stay visible and build connections. Don’t just wait for clients to come to you—reach out, follow up, and keep putting yourself out there.

Watch my free 30-min workshop about warm pitching.

Balancing multiple projects and deadlines

Juggling multiple deadlines can quickly feel overwhelming, especially when you’re working for several clients at once. 

This is where time management becomes your best friend. Start by using a simple tool like Google Calendar or a project management app like Notion or Trello to track deadlines and tasks.

Break larger projects into smaller steps. For example, instead of thinking “I have to finish this entire blog post,” focus on outlining today and drafting tomorrow. Prioritising tasks by urgency and importance can also help you tackle what needs immediate attention.

Dealing with client feedback or revisions

Receiving feedback can feel personal, especially when you’ve poured your heart into a piece. But here’s the thing: revisions are part of the process. Clients aren’t criticizing you—they’re just making sure the work aligns with their vision.

When feedback comes in, take a deep breath and approach it with an open mind. Ask clarifying questions if needed and implement changes promptly. Over time, you’ll learn to anticipate what certain clients like reducing the number of revisions required.

Staying motivated and disciplined

Working independently sounds like a dream—until you realise there’s no one to keep you on track. It’s easy to fall into the trap of procrastination or burnout.

Set a daily routine that works for you. 

Maybe you’re most productive in the morning, so you tackle writing then and leave admin tasks for later. Celebrate small wins, like completing a tough article or landing a new client. And don’t forget to take breaks—stepping away from your desk can do wonders for your focus and energy.

Growing your freelance writing business

Once you’ve found your footing as a freelance writer, the next step is growth. Whether that means earning more, working with dream clients, or exploring new opportunities, here’s how you can level up.

Expanding into higher-paying niches

Not all freelance writing niches pay equally. For example, industries like SaaS, finance, and technical writing often come with higher budgets than lifestyle blogs or general content. If you’re in a lower-paying niche, consider pivoting.

Start by researching niches that interest you and have demand. 

Then, create a couple of sample pieces in that space to attract the right clients. If you’ve been writing about travel, for example, you might transition into freelance writing for travel tech companies—keeping your expertise but targeting clients with bigger budgets.

Here’s a list of high-paying freelance writing niches. 

Building long-term client relationships 

One-off projects are fine, but the real magic happens when you turn happy clients into repeat clients. Deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly. After a project wraps up, ask if they have any upcoming work or suggest ways you can help them further.

For example: “I noticed you’re launching a new product. Would you like help creating a series of blog posts or email campaigns to promote it?” Clients appreciate initiative, and this approach often leads to ongoing work.

Upskilling

The freelance writing world is always evolving, and adding new skills to your toolkit can make you more valuable. If you’re already comfortable with blog writing, consider learning about SEO, email marketing, or case studies.

Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, or even free YouTube tutorials are excellent resources. The more specialised your skills, the higher rates you can command.

Scaling your business

At some point, you’ll hit a ceiling with how much you can do on your own. 

That’s when scaling comes in. You might hire a virtual assistant to handle admin tasks or outsource smaller freelance writing projects to trusted freelancers. This frees up your time to focus on higher-value work.

Another option is to pivot into a content strategist role. Instead of just writing, you’ll help clients plan and execute their entire content strategy. This not only pays more but positions you as a partner in their business rather than just a freelance writer.

Become a freelance writer today

Freelance writing might feel overwhelming when you’re just starting, but breaking it into clear, actionable steps can make it manageable—and exciting. 

First, find your niche. Don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure where to focus—just start with something you’re interested in and refine it over time. Then, build a portfolio that shows off your skills, even if it’s just a few writing samples to begin with.

Next, put yourself out there. Whether you’re pitching clients, networking on LinkedIn, or creating a professional online presence, consistency is what will help you stand out. Finding clients can take time, but with persistence, you’ll start to see momentum.

The hardest part is often just starting. If you’re reading this and still wondering if you can do it—here’s your sign. Write a sample piece today, research a potential client, or send that first pitch. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin.

How to become a freelancer FAQs

Do I need a degree to become a freelance writer?

No, you absolutely don’t need a degree to succeed as a freelance writer. What clients care about is the quality of your writing and your ability to meet their needs. While some freelance writers have degrees in English, journalism, or communications, many successful freelancers come from entirely different backgrounds—or no formal background at all. Focus on honing your skills and building a strong portfolio, and you’ll be just as competitive.

Can I do this part-time?

Yes! Freelance writing is incredibly flexible, making it a great option for side hustlers, students, or anyone looking to supplement their income. You can start freelance writing by taking on one or two small projects in your free time to test the waters. Many freelance writers begin part-time and transition to full-time once they build confidence and a steady client base.

How long does it take to land your first client?

This varies for everyone. Some freelancers land their first client within days of starting, while others might take weeks or even a couple of months. It often depends on how proactive you are—sending pitches, networking, or listing your services on freelance platforms. If you stay consistent and persistent, you’ll find your first client before you know it. Remember, that first “yes” is often the hardest, but it’s also the most rewarding.