39 Simple Ways to Get Freelance Writing Jobs: Beginner to Pro

Adetayo Sogbesan
Written by Adetayo Sogbesan
Updated on

Table of Contents

Writing is awesome, but getting paid to write? Nothing beats that feeling. 

As a freelance writer, one of your biggest concerns would be how to get consistent, well-paid gigs that can sustain you. 

The good news is that many writing jobs are out there— if you know the right places to look

If you’re a freelance writer who wants to build a successful writing career, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide is something I wished I had when I was just starting.

Grab your coffee and notepad so we can get into it. 😎

How Beginner Freelance Writers Can Hit The Ground Running!

As a new freelance writer, it’s not easy getting clients to give you a chance to prove yourself. In this section, I’ll highlight three key skills you need to get started on your freelance writing journey.

1. Learn How a Freelance Writing Business Works

We know the bills don’t wait. That’s why you need to think of your freelance writing as a business. You’re essentially running a one-person agency; hence, you’ll need additional support to market your writing skills and services.

For example, you’ll need to learn how to onboard clients, sign contracts, manage your taxes, build a pricing plan, and negotiate for better pay. 

Additionally, what sets you apart from the general competition lies heavily in your business strategy and the quality of your client relationships. An average freelance writer with exceptional marketing skills is likelier to succeed than a pro writer without these skills. 

To better understand how a freelance business is run, you can take this short online course by Andrei and Paul. They outline the skills and strategies a beginner needs to break into the industry. It’s completely self-paced, so you can complete it at your convenience.

2. Create a Plan to Develop Relevant Freelance Writing Skills

As a beginner freelance writer, Start by learning how to write for the web. This skill is important because, early on in your career, many new clients will pay you to produce web-based content for their business — since a large chunk of their audience visits the web.

Next, prioritize other basic skills like digital literacy, research, content marketing, proofreading, grammar, editing, and SEO writing. These skill sets will help you to easily adapt to new writing requirements as you build a growing list of clients.

Additionally, you can take a series of free and paid online writing courses that touch on these specific writing skills. 

3. Choose a Lucrative Writing Niche

Certain industries pay more than others; however, it isn’t so much about the industry but how you can position yourself for higher-paid freelance writing gigs. When businesses want to hire a freelance writer, they often seek out those with extensive industry knowledge.

If you’re a nerd who enjoys specific hobbies or a generalist looking to narrow your focus, you can get paid to write niche-based content. 

Don’t know how to start?

  • First, do your research and make a list of the most lucrative writing niches that appeal to you. 
  • Next, develop a portfolio that reflects your expertise. For example, you can write an article examining industry trends. 
  • After that, seek out industry leaders and pitch your services to them. 

4. Integrate AI in Your Freelance Writing Business

Today, there’s a growing content industry where AI, creative writing, and marketing intersect. As a new writer, you can use AI as a content creation tool to help you provide excellent service to your clients. 

For example, you can perform better research, generate high-quality blog posts, easily optimize web copies, and automate repetitive tasks— making it easier to focus on higher-priority tasks. 

Here’s a brief example of how Steve uses ChatGPT prompts to optimize his articles before publication.

With the right knowledge, you can use AI as a result optimization tool that allows you to put your best work forward. 

Tactics to Start Landing Writing Gigs

Now that you’ve got a brief idea of how to start your freelance journey, let’s talk about landing your first paid writing gig.

As a new writer, one of your biggest struggles would be to find writing jobs that pay a decent rate. In this section, I’ll highlight five proven tactics you can use to help you land consistent writing jobs as you advance. 

5. Write in Exchange For a Testimonial

Typically, when companies want to hire freelancers, they look to other people’s testimonials to determine if they’re a great fit.

If you’ve just started writing, you can write for free in exchange for truthful testimonials about your skills and work ethic.

For example, you can contact an instructor you took an online writing course from. It could also be as simple as writing a blog for your school’s website or helping a friend create web copies for their online business. In exchange, they write social media testimonials or provide feedback you can use to build a portfolio.

Here’s a simple template I use when I need testimonials from satisfied employers.

“” Subject: [Name], Can You Share Your Feedback?

Dear [Client’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. Working with you on [specific project/task] was a pleasure. Your insights and cooperation were invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with you.

I am kindly asking if you could spare a few minutes to share your feedback about our collaboration. Your testimonial would be immensely helpful for my business and can provide potential clients with insights into the quality of services I offer.

If you could share your thoughts on:

  • The challenges you faced before working with me.
  • How my writing services addressed those challenges.
  • The results or outcomes you experienced after the project ended.

Your honest feedback will assist my company in improving its services and serve as a valuable reference for future clients.

Feel free to write as much or as little as possible. Your time and input are highly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your time. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything specific you would like to highlight in your testimonial.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Details]””

If you’ve been writing gigs for a while, do not pass up the opportunity to ask for testimonials when working with current companies. This tactic is a genius way to tap into your existing network and get those connections to work for you.

6. Gather Writing Experience And Pennies From Content Mills

Think of writing mills as companies that produce mass amounts of content— often as articles and blog posts. Although freelancers like Alex Fasulo and Daniel Margulies have been able to build six-figure businesses from content mills, this is not the case for everyone.

Here, I’ve compiled a list of popular writing mills you can explore to find jobs that pay a fair rate.

Fiverr

Here, clients post job listings and freelance writers apply to them. Content managers and freelance writers make money writing web copies, blogs, scripts, and other articles. By leveraging the platform’s marketplace, you can build a consistent stream of income to sustain your lifestyle. 

Here’s how you can succeed on the platform:

  1. Create a complete profile that’s relevant to your niche.
  2. Consider what your competitors charge and create a competitive pricing model for your business.
  3. Promote your profile using social media and other writing forums like Talkfreelance, Quora, and Lancebase.
  4. Start applying to writing jobs within your niche.

Upwork

On Upwork, you can charge as much or as little as you’d like to earn. A recent survey shows that writers on Upwork earn, on average, $42,000 annually from freelance writing— with some writers charging between $70-100 per hour.

Although many of the tactics you apply to Fiverr can work here, you’ll need to make room for experimentation. I generally encourage new writers to use Upwork to build experience and earn pennies while they create a backlog of potential clients that can exist outside the platform. 

iWriter

Think of iWriter as a backup job listing platform. Here, you can write for smaller clients and earn some change weekly. 

Writers on the platform are usually categorized into levels with different privilege rights. New writers on the platform are called “standard writers,” and they only have access to the lowest-paying gigs. 

To survive on the platform, you must maintain a certain quality and quantity of work to proceed to the next level. 

Unlike Fiverr and Upwork where you can sign up on the platform, you’ll have to submit an application to become a community member. Decision emails typically arrive within 5-7 business days.

Although you can make six-figures writing for clients on job boards, I advise writers to leave once they have enough experience. You’re better off contacting companies who value your work and have the resources to pay. 

7. Get One-Off Freelance Writing Jobs From Websites That Pay Writers

One way to get your bag up is to get one-off gigs from multiple websites and employers. Here, you build a long list of clientele across different organizations. If you’re able to snag bylines in reputable publications, you can also use those articles as great social proof to land more clients.

 Although the pay may be decent, one-off gigs rarely become repeat projects you can depend on. Regardless, you can always pursue them when you have the time or the offers are too good to pass on. 

Another way to get one-off gigs as a new writer is to submit articles to companies like Listverse, Longreads, Sitepoint, and the Writer’s Digest.

8. Get a Content Writing Internship

Internships are often a soft way to launch into the content writing industry. This method is especially useful for freelance writers who are still in college and want to build experience while earning a little change on the side. 

Many companies post internship opportunities on their websites and job boards. Although startups are a great place to start, established companies also run internship programs that freelance writers can participate in. 

You can visit websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, internships.com, and Wellfound to find remote internship opportunities.

9. Publicize You’re Available For Hire

If you want to find a job, you’ll need to put yourself in the faces of recruiters. Even advanced writers still publicize their writing skills. Here’s a simple formula you can follow.

  • Build a professional social page. This could be an Instagram profile or Twitter handle.
  • Create a simple website or portfolio that potential employers can check to understand your skills, services, and pricing. To build your website, consider simple tools like WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, or Google Sites.
  • Make a post that highlights your skills and interests. Also, include a mini pitch about what you can offer companies as well.
  • Ask your network to engage with your post. It can be as simple as hitting the like and share buttons.

New and pro writers continually look for creative ways to announce they are available for hire. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out this simple tweet a freelance writer made to announce her job hunt. 

Cold Pitching Techniques to Build a Strong Business Foundation

As your career progresses, you’ll need to meet high-paying clients on their turf and pitch your services. You can go after key decision makers — editors and content managers — in lucrative industries like fintech, Ecommerce, healthcare, and travel. 

Here are some tools I recommend you use to maximize your cold pitch efforts.

  • Voila Norbert: Use this tool to find the verified emails of clients and decision-makers in publications.
  • Google Sheet: A free online sheet to keep track of potential employers you reach out to, including their details and progress reports. 
  • ChatGPT: Use this AI software to generate simple emails and templates when cold pitching. Here’s a simple prompt you can experiment with.
  • Valid Work Email: Create a professional email containing either your name or your brand’s name. A simple formula to use is [email protected]. For example, if you run a marketing agency called Free Writers, it makes sense to have a professional email called [email protected].

Lastly, cold pitching is a numbers game—the more you reach out to potential employers, the more your chances of landing one. 

Although it may take some time, here are different approaches you can take when chasing after clients. 

10. Drop a Note to Content Marketing Agencies in Your Industry

As a freelance writer, you increase your chances of getting consistent jobs when you’re a part of content marketing agencies. That’s because these agencies have structures where they assign you to gigs and connect you to companies that need writers.

Don’t know where to find marketing agencies who are actively hiring? Start by setting up an advanced Google job alert for your niche. Once done, you’ll receive the latest freelance writing jobs directly in your email. 

Alternatively, you can search for top marketing agencies that operate in your region and send them a personalized inquiry email. Here’s a simple email template you can edit and use.

“Subject: Inquiry About Content Writing Openings at [Company Name]

Dear [Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my keen interest in joining [company name]. With a passion for crafting compelling articles and a proven track record in content creation, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your dynamic team.

I am particularly impressed by [Agency Name] ‘s innovative approach to content marketing, evident from the outstanding work showcased in your portfolio. Having had the opportunity to work on diverse projects, I have honed my skills in creating engaging and impactful content tailored to specific target audiences. My portfolio, which I have attached for your reference, includes various content pieces demonstrating my ability to adapt to various industries and deliver results-driven content strategies.

I am eager to explore any suitable openings within your organization where I can leverage my expertise and creativity to drive your clients’ success. Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to your team’s success.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Details]”

Many agencies have the resources to train new writers. So, they might be a great fit if you’re just starting. 

11. Try to Apprentice With Writers You Admire

Successful freelance writers consistently seek ways to increase their income and client base. To do this, they look for reliable, vibrant assistants to support them. 

Collaborating with the pros is a great way to break into freelance writing. Although, this is a very tricky environment to navigate because advanced writers rarely have time. This means you’ll need to build trust. 

So, how do you start such an arrangement? Here are some options.

  • Send in a casual pitch that shows you want to pursue a mutually beneficial relationship. Highlight your different skills and how you can contribute to their business. You can connect with them via socials or through an introduction from a mutual.
  • Buy one of their online courses and build a personal relationship from there. They’re more likely to invest in your success if you’re their student.
  • Offer your services for free for some time. You can also develop blog posts and offer them for free. During this trial period, study their business and highlight areas you can help.
  • If you’re a beginner writer, this tactic may be a great fit; they delegate writing gigs to you at a fair rate, and you have a mentor who can provide real-time constructive criticism and industry support.

12. Pitch Ghostwriting Services to Thought Leaders in Your Niche

Many freelance writers aren’t open to ghostwriting, and I can understand why. You don’t want to spend time writing content that someone will pass off as theirs. I get it.

But I’ll need you to keep an open mind. 

While this sounds unfair, you’ll likely make more money becoming a ghostwriter than anywhere else. Some ghostwriters make as high as $150,000 annually, with some charging up to $50-$92 per hour. For example, Mischelle is an excellent copywriter who charges as high as $89 per hour for some ghostwriting services. 

Today, businesses are consistently looking for a writer to help them produce blogs, articles, and web copies. As such, they’re willing to pay more for these services. I’ve worked with many companies that pay as much as $300 for some ghostwritten content.

Just take a look at some of these high-paying ghostwriting gigs on Upwork.

If you’re looking for a consistent way to make some good cash, consider becoming a ghostwriter. However, if your goal is to build a strong list of bylines, this may not be the appropriate route for you. 

13. Find The Old Clientele of Your Niche’s Top Writers And Pitch ’em

If you operate within the same niche as your faves, silently stalk them to see who they write for. It’s possible the clients they write for may have an interest in you as well. Many of these companies have the resources to pay fair rates for quality writing.

Rather than waiting for the companies to put out job ads, you can be more proactive with your approach. Here’s how to create an accurate client list:

  • Study the writer’s posts and socials for client mentions. Many of them will also have online websites and testimonials that can give you a clue. 
  • You can also perform an advanced Google search to see their bylines and comments. That way, you can trace which publications they write for and the quality of content they put out. Use a sample search query like “Name of the writer” + “Niche” + “copies.”
  • Then, contact a key decision-maker in the company with a killer pitch. 

14. Get in Touch With Companies Whose Products You Use

One underrated way to find new jobs is to turn your everyday products into money-making machines. It’s easier to write about what you understand, and that’s what makes this tactic powerful.

  • Make a spreadsheet of all the products you use within your freelance writing niche. For example, if you work in marketing, list the software you use daily.
  • Next, visit the company’s website and determine which ones have a regular blog schedule.
  • Proceed to write a free tutorial or blog post about the product and how it impacts your life. You can even produce a case study that describes the result you’ve gotten. 
  • After that, contact someone in the team via email or socials. Ask them if they’d like to publish the article or share the link when you post. 

By doing this, you can build a relationship with them while pitching your services.

15. Directly Reach Out to Content Directors of Established Brands

 As I’ve mentioned, sending direct pitches to decision-makers— editors and managers— can increase your chances of getting better responses. Because they manage the writing schedule and strategy, they’re best positioned to determine how well your writing skills matter to the team.

You can use tools like Clearbit and VoilaNorbert to find their emails. You can also ethically search for editors and directors using advanced Google search or other professional websites like LinkedIn. Many companies will also have an “About Us” page where they mention key decision-makers.

Start Scouting Freelance Writing Job Boards

Not all job boards are built the same. While some have low-quality job listings with barely decent pay, others can offer as high as $250 per article. 

If you’re a new writer looking to break into freelance writing, there are many online job boards where you can find paid gigs. Here are some pros to using job boards:

  • The companies understand freelance writing well, so you’re more likely to see jobs that pay well.
  • Many companies also specify their rates. This makes it easy to decide if the gig is worth your time.
  • You can easily monitor your progress. When companies show interest in your services, you know you’re on the right track.

In this section, I’ve highlighted some ways you can use job boards to your advantage.

16. Respond to Job Ads on Problogger

The Problogger job board has many writing and editing jobs in different niches— including digital sales, marketing, SaaS, and travel. Before applying to job listings, you need a good portfolio and excellent communication skills to keep clients rolling. 

Once you have both, start applying to jobs within your niche. If you want to specialize in freelance blogging, this job board has many relevant opportunities you can explore. 

What’s more, you can easily filter for jobs based on their location and employment type. This granular filter lets you get job listings most relevant to your needs.

17. Get Gigs on The Superpath Slack Community

The Superpath Slack Community is particularly useful for writers who want to build a career in B2B marketing and strategy development. To provide optimal value, community managers only share jobs with decent pay rates (usually between $30k and $160k annually). 

The Superpath Slack group is arguably one of the largest writing communities in the world. Its creator, Jimmy Daly, started by building a platform that could become a “content marketing career headquarters.” Now, it’s grown into one of the most active communities, with advice and resources for content marketers.

What’s more, Superpath has an online job board where they post full-time, in-office writing jobs for companies who are actively hiring. If you’d like to check them out, simply visit their job listing page.

18. Try LinkedIn Jobs

LinkedIn has always been a goldmine for hiring officials and freelance writers. The platform not only allows you to filter for jobs based on industry, working conditions, recency, location, and any other factor important to you. 

Nevertheless, there is a lot of competition as one job may get hundreds of applicants. The best way to use LinkedIn is as a search tool. From your search results, select a list of companies you can directly pitch to.

Remember, you’ll need a complete bio that’s relevant to the industry you’re applying to. You may also need a cover letter and a writing portfolio highlighting your expertise. If you use a free LinkedIn account, you can send in a small note when connecting with potential employers.

Once they accept your connection, go ahead and pitch your skills. 

19. Join a Paid Freelance Writer’s Community

Like any business, you need a community of experts to push and keep you grounded. Many online writing communities provide job listings, writing resources, networking opportunities, mentorship, and support. 

For example, organizations like the Freelance Writer’s Den and Peak Freelance consistently share high-paying gigs from different job sites. As a member, you can also access free templates to develop your writing agency.

Although most jobs come from bigger sites, many writing communities have a low pay threshold of $30-$50 per hour. You can rest assured that you’ll mostly find decent writing and editing jobs. 

Intermediate to Advanced Freelance Writing Job Hunting Tactics

As an experienced writer, you’re probably hunting for bigger fry. In this section, I’ll share proven ways you can land higher-quality jobs with companies that have the resources to pay you your worth.

It’s about to get personal. Let’s go!

20. Request Referrals From Existing Clients

Building social cred with reputable publications and clients will help you take your business to the next level. As an experienced writer, here’s why already-existing clients make the best candidates for a referral:

  • They already know you. You both have a history, and they can confidently speak of your expertise. Furthermore, they can provide testimonials that speak to potential clients’ pain points. 
  • Secondly, you can ride on their already existing network. When your clientele refers you to their network, you gain quality leads that can easily become repeat customers. 

As an experienced writer, I’ve enjoyed working with many new companies my clients have referred me to. All you have to worry about is doing a good job. The rest will handle themselves 😎

21. Warm Pitch Prospects

Unlike cold pitches, warm pitches aren’t so direct. Here’s what you can do to socialize and start slow.

  • Take quotes from potential prospects and put them in your article. Once you’re done, backlink to their website and give them a shout-out on your socials.
  • Next, contact folks on social media or chat forums to strike up a conversation. Talk about their recent work and how it has positively impacted your journey.
  • After the “get to know me” phase, send them a pitch about your services and skills. It can be as subtle as collaborating on a post or guest publishing on their website.

Since they already know you, discussing job prospects and pay becomes easier.

22. Reach Out to Old Clients

When building a freelance writing business, many of your big-time payers will be clients you’ve worked with. My first freelance client was a small content marketing agency that wrote for tech companies — I had joined their free boot camp on digital marketing.

If you haven’t taken boot camps like me, contact friends/colleagues who still work at your old jobs. Ask them for a coffee date where you can have a small chat. During this date, you can talk about the company’s state and who would be the best decision-maker to pitch to. They can also notify you of any internal hiring that suits your skills.

If the company isn’t hiring, encourage them to refer you to their network. They can easily make a post or engage with your website. You can also send a checkup mail to older freelance clients you’ve worked for. Because trust already exists, it becomes easier for them to support and refer you to their network.

Here is a sample template you can edit to suit your unique requirements.

“Subject: Reconnecting and Exploring New Opportunities

Dear [Customer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. It has been a pleasure working with you in the past. I’m letting you know I am currently available for freelance writing projects. I would be thrilled to offer my expertise if you have any content needs or know of someone who does.

Having collaborated before, I understand the unique value you seek in content. I am dedicated to delivering engaging and tailored pieces that resonate with your audience.

Please feel free to contact me if there’s anything I can assist you with. I look forward to the possibility of working together again.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Details]”

23. Build or Upgrade Your Freelance Writer’s Website

As an experienced writer, an email is not enough to show your skill. You’ll need an online portfolio or website that clients can easily review. Having an online presence is super important for several reasons:

  • You can never fully predict how to support a client. The best way to cold pitch is to share a website that highlights all your skills and expertise. That way, the client can decide where you fit and start a conversation on that note.
  • You give the client time to make sound decisions. Your website is a static resource they can use to evaluate their business and see what gaps exist. Unlike emails that may be read in a rush, a captivating website forces the client to pay you enough attention and consideration.
  • Experienced writers use an optimized website to generate leads and build a sustainable business model. They use this landing page to share their work process, announce client testimonials, and highlight how much value they can offer a business. 

It may take as long as six months to see results, but once you do, it only gets better. Here’s a simple checklist to include in your website:

Home page: This briefly describes what your business is all about and what services you offer. It can also contain a header that makes it easier to navigate the site.

A dedicated page for client case studies: This webpage shows what you’ve done throughout your career. It’ll include testimonials and feedback from clients who have previously worked with you.

Contact me page: Here, include your email, social handles, and agency details. You can also include a section to collect client data for future purposes. 

24. Write For Free (For THESE Kinds of Publications)

Becoming a free guest writer for reputable publications can be the breakthrough you need. Here’s why:

  • With notable bylines, you can build social proof that shows future clients a work history. Everyone naturally wants to work with freelancers who have written for reputable organizations.
  • You have a backlog of case studies you can use to build a powerful portfolio. This portfolio can convert leads into customers— as long as your target audience reads it. 
  • Next, you can experiment with different writing styles, requirements, and topics. If you’ve been looking for ways to switch niches, writing free blog posts is a great way to start.
  • Lastly, you can build a backlog of reputable email lists that you can always contact in the future. 

Granted, no one likes writing for free, but you’d have to consider this an investment for a better outcome.

25. Improve Your Freelance Writer Website’s SEO

An optimized service page uses specific keywords to target potential clients. It helps you increase visibility and connects you with quality leads who need your services.

The simple hack is to do extensive keyword research that your clients use. You can use free tools like Ahref and Google Keywords to search for high-ranking keywords. When you’re done, use tools like Surfer to optimize the page.

After that, promote your website by publishing a guest blog or running media campaigns. You can also include the link to your service page in your email signature and portfolio. That way, you get maximum visibility and engagement. 

26. Experiment With Social Media Ads

Ads have the potential to get you in front of the right audience. By running targeted ads, you can decide who gets to see and engage your content, making it easy for you to optimize for maximum results. 

One very useful feature to watch out for is “targeted audience.” This feature allows you to customize your social ads based on interest and user behavior— only people in your niche can interact with your post. 

Freelance writers can spend as little as $5 daily for Facebook and Instagram ads. These ads are powerful because they can generate traffic to your website and get potential leads to connect with you. 

If you’re new to media advertising, check out this short YouTube video on how to get started.

Build Relationships and Stay On The Top of The Prospect’s Mind

As an advanced writer, human interaction matters when building a successful freelance business. Clients never forget how you make them feel, and that will take you a long way. 

From memorable presentations to value propositions and excellent customer service, here’s how you can create a six-figure writing business.

27. Connect With Other Successful Freelance Writers

Connecting with other experienced writers gives you real-life insights about industry secrets, strategies, and potential clients. Experienced freelance writers often provide the support and community you need to build a sustainable freelance business. 

Here’s a simple playbook to use:

  • Look online for the top freelance writers in your industry and send them a connection request on socials. 
  • As soon as they connect, start a brief conversation with them and ask for a brief meeting— it could be a lunch date or work call.
  • Ask them brief questions about their business and encourage them to share any advice they can offer.

By doing so, you can build a mutually beneficial relationship with other freelance writers in your niche.

28. Build a Social Media Library of Helpful Content

Social media is an underrated search engine that can put you on the map. A viral tweet here and there can do wonders for your career. 

Many freelance writers don’t have the patience to build a professional media presence. Because of this, they miss out on crucial interaction and feedback. Here are a couple of reasons why you need a thriving social account:

  • Connecting with the right audience puts you in front of clients faster. As people interact and share your content, it serves as social proof you can rely on. Your audience become secondary marketers who promote your profile and push you beyond your network. 
  • Secondly, you’re able to build social clout, which you can monetize. Many freelance writers have used their large following to get brand deals and high-quality clients. At a certain stage, brands begin to reach out to buy your services.

Take Masooma Menon for example. She’s built a great following on X, sending out tips and educational resources on content writing. All you have to do is choose a social platform (X or LinkedIn will suffice) and produce content every day. You can take ten minutes to create and schedule your posts to keep your page active.

If you don’t know where to start, take this Skillshare course by Matt Bellassai that teaches you how to create viral posts that people will love to share.

29. Start a Newsletter Relevant to Your Prospects

Email marketing is one of the best ways to collect quality leads — running a newsletter might be the way to go. Think of newsletters as the silent middlemen to your audience— to get them, you’ll need to share value relevant to their business.

Hence, consider important niches that affect your clientele when building a newsletter. Because the market is saturated with marketing newsletters, consider underserved areas like media marketing, SaaS/B2B marketing, or AI adoption in businesses.

The ultimate purpose of a newsletter is to give you visibility. So, here are some techniques you can use to increase ROI:

  • Segment newsletter audiences based on unique features and create content that speaks directly to them.
  • Direct traffic to other written posts the audience can interact with. For example, ask readers to leave a comment on a tweet or share a popular article you’ve written.
  • Avoid spamming by using a publishing schedule. This mechanism helps to build familiarity and healthy anticipation.

Looking for inspiration on how to set up your newsletter? Check out this Job alert newsletter created by Sonia Weiser.

30. Get on an Industry Podcast

Remember what I said about leveraging other people’s networks? That applies here as well. A podcast allows you to reach thousands of people worldwide, giving you brand new exposure and reach.

What makes podcasts powerful is that they are an underrated way to generate traffic— you can tap into an already established audience and build a community of fans who can market your services for you. 

Belinda is a copywriting coach who collaborates with other experts to sell her services. She appeared as a guest on the B2B Crafts podcast— a talk show that discusses B2B industry trends and how they affect freelancers.

As a speaker, she shared templates and resources on how you can build a strategic freelance pricing plan that doesn’t hurt your bag.

After the podcast, she goes on to LinkedIn to promote the coaching session she mentions in the podcast.

To get on a podcast, make a cold outreach to a host you admire and suggest you host an episode together. In the mail, briefly describe what topics and campaigns you have in mind.

Next, come up with creative ways to generate traffic. For example, announce a discount for specific services or offer free consultations to businesses that operate in that niche. Once you’re done, promote the episode on socials and other relevant channels. You can also ask the podcast host to tag you when they make their posts.

31. Attend Industry Conferences

In a recent conversation I had with a writing agency founder, I realized how much of a hidden gem international conferences are. He’d gotten his first round of investments from CEOs he’d met at the conference. 

Whether online or in person, conferences are a great way to connect with potential clients on a personal level. You get to network with experts and decision-makers across different industries. Many conferences have a coffee break session you can use to strike up casual conversations with attendants, adding a personal touch to corporate hunting.

As someone who’s attended and spoken at conferences, I suggest you try these simple tips to make a lasting impression:

  • Attend the conference with branded items. It may be a T-shirt, tote bag, or a notepad. Not only does this set you apart, but it can also be a great conversation starter.
  • Next, never attend a conference without any form of ID. Go with a physical card you can share or a digital card you can send to participants.
  • Collect the contact details of other participants and create a spreadsheet. It’s always best to get their full names, emails, and company names. You can take short notes about each person you spoke to and what your impressions of them are (professional impressions 😏)
  • Connect with them on social media immediately so they can accept your invitation and initiate a conversation.
  • Lastly, send out follow-up emails or DMs. Remind them who you are and mention one takeaway you had from your conversation. Bonus points if you make a public appreciation post and tag them to it.

32. Offer Free Writing or Content Advice at Local Business Events

Unlike international conferences, local events are more intimate. You can network directly with local clients and pitch your services to them. To do so, you’ll have to share valuable insights they can apply to their businesses. There are a couple of ways to do so:

  • Contribute during the Q&A sessions of the conference
  • Approach each decision-maker individually and strike up a conversation
  • You can make blog posts about the event and what business owners can do to make sales.
  • You can also network with other participants and offer free consultation calls and resources for their businesses.

There’s no need to worry if you never know when these events are happening. I use a free tool called Meetup.com to filter for local events by location and date. Check it out for your next conference.

33. Drop Congratulatory Notes to Startup Founders That Get Funded

Founders who just receive funding constantly seek new ways to expand their business. Here, your approach would have to be a bit different. 

Rather than pitch an individual freelance service, offer them a content writing and strategy service. You can train their in-house writing team or offer to build them a web marketing strategy that can drive sales and community engagement. 

Make sure you know enough about the business so you can create a pitch/demo that speaks directly to their current requirements. For example, show the gaps in their current strategy and how your services can help them rank over their competition.

When you send a message, include your portfolio and a link to your “hire me” page in your email signature. Also, include your most active social accounts so they can connect with you. I’ve attached a simple template you can customize for your outreach.

Subject: Elevate Your Business Growth with Strategic Content Training

Dear [Founder’s Name],

I hope this email finds you in high spirits after your recent successful funding round. Congratulations on this exciting milestone for your business!

My name is [Your Name]. I’m a seasoned content writer and strategist with over a decade of experience helping businesses like yours thrive through compelling storytelling and strategic content. I’ve enjoyed working with diverse clients, empowering them to enhance their online presence and drive significant growth.

With the right content strategies, your company can further amplify its success. I propose conducting an in-house training session for your team, tailored to your business needs. In this session, I will share actionable insights and effective content strategies that can significantly increase your business visibility and engagement.

To give you a glimpse of my work, I invite you to visit my website [Your Website URL] and explore my portfolio. I am confident that my expertise can add significant value to your team, contributing to your ongoing success.

I would be delighted to discuss this opportunity further at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my proposal. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you and your team.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Position]

[Your Contact Details/Service Page List]”

Offer Complementary Content Marketing Services

At some point, you’ll have to evolve beyond just writing. Today, clients look for writers who can handle multiple parts of the marketing process. This is where complementary services come in. 

In this section, I’ll show you how you can use your skills as an advanced writer to land more jobs. 

34. Begin Doing Content Updates

Sometimes, clients have web articles that used to rank highly but have stopped generating traffic. Other times, the information on the website is no longer accurate and relevant. 

That’s where you come in. During your career, you’ll work with clients who want to update their websites. Clients often prefer to pay for content refreshes, which are usually cheaper and quicker. 

You can offer to revamp their blogs and web articles at a discounted price. Be sure not to offer discounts that hurt your current rates. I’d encourage you to propose a contract period where you’ll work on a set of refreshes for a bulk price.

For updates, you’ll need intermediate knowledge about search engine optimization and link building. Look at Elise Dopson as a case study. Elise is a long-form B2B content writer with a dedicated “content refreshing freelancer” service page where she exclusively helps clients write or refresh old content.

The great news is that old pages develop “link equity,” making it easier for Google to rank and push. So you won’t have to worry about doing a lot of hefty lifting.

35. Start Handling SEO Along With Content

Businesses don’t just want to produce content. They need content that ranks well and generates paid leads. Expert knowledge of SEO can separate you from the general competition, making you a go-to favorite for clients.

With SEO, you can produce blogs and articles that actually convert. This way, you can charge higher for your services and generate case studies that other clients will love. 

If you don’t know where to start, there are lots of online SEO classes you can take. They are simple and only require a few hours to complete. You can also take this course by Authority Hacker to learn more about link building and authority.

36. Debut Content Distribution Services

Content distribution services (CDS) offer specialized support for different parts of the content generation system— including content revamping and channel distribution. Both advanced and beginner freelancers can collaborate to develop one.

For example, Foundation Marketing has a dedicated content distribution service that helps B2B companies utilize the life cycle of their content. Here, they optimize each piece of content across all the company’s digital channels, ensuring all potential audiences are captured, and all content is set up for maximum success.

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to get started, check out Ryan Rob’s content marketing consultant page.

37. Offer Mentorship and Handling of a Team of Content Writers

As an experienced freelance writer, getting active writing gigs that pay quality rates can be difficult. You’re better off thriving in a managerial position where you get to sell your experience and expertise. 

There are several ways you can do that.

  • Send cold pitches to CEOs asking if they need in-house content training and management. Your experience can help the team find clarity and build strategies that produce results.
  • Run a mentorship class where you provide courses, templates, support, and tactics to help upcoming freelance writers break into the industry.
  • Better still, you can start up your writing agency and hire freelance writers to support you. You’ll mostly focus on revenue generation and client acquisition.

One professional freelance writer who’s mastered this tactic is Aaron Drotts. Aron is an SEO and email marketing expert who’s built a thriving mentorship community on Mentor Cruise. Here, he provides one-on-one consultation services and unlimited community support to his mentees.

38. Craft Branded Graphics to Go With Your Articles 

Today’s digital currency is attention. Get that, and you’ve conquered half the battle. Using graphics to enhance your storytelling, you can quickly capture the attention of potential clients who need your services. 

Designs give you flexibility because:

  • You can use them to make serious conversations fun. Think of business memes and fun illustrations you’ve come across. With creative designs, you can encourage clients to purchase your services and replicate such techniques on their page.
  • Secondly, you can use graphics to emphasize a CTA you’d like readers to pay attention to. Readers are more likely to engage with your content if they know what they should do.

A picture can speak a thousand words, so start speaking with visuals today. Here are some branded featured images we create for every article at Elite Content Marketer: 

39. Specialize in AI Content Marketing 

The majority of business executives expect AI to support, rather than replace, traditional roles. This sentiment has paved the way for new writing opportunities that require full mastery of AI software. 

Clients are consistently looking for content writers who can use AI software to speed up the planning, creation, distribution, analysis, and reporting phases of the content cycle. For example, new roles like ChatGPT prompt writer, AI content marketer, software grant editor, and AI content generator have come into the fray. 

To break into this industry, you’ll need adequate knowledge of how AI can be a supportive tool in the freelance writing industry.

Start Building a Successful Freelance Writing Career Today

With many businesses optimizing for the web, more freelance writing jobs will be available in the future. I know freelance writing can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to job security.

But, by strategically positioning yourself for success, you too can build a thriving freelance writing business. 

Adetayo Sogbesan

Written by

Adetayo Sogbesan

With a writing journey spanning over half a decade, Adetayo has honed her craft by producing standout articles and blogs for renowned companies like MUO, Brightlio, Careerkarma, and Copypress. Specializing in work & career, tech content writing, and both B2B and B2C content, she has established a diverse and impactful portfolio. Beyond the world of words, Adetayo is an avid bookworm and a cinephile, cherishing moments of relaxation with riveting reads and cinematic masterpieces. Valuing the essence of connection, Adetayo also treasures quality time spent with her close-knit circle of friends.