Starting a freelance writing career as a beginner can be exciting and rewarding, and with some clear steps, you can build your skills, portfolio, and client base. Here’s a guide to help you get started:
Introduction to Freelancer Writing
Are you curious about how to start freelance writing and wondering if it’s possible with zero experience? You’re in the right place! Whether you dream of ditching the 9-to-5, earning money online, or building a creative business from scratch, freelance writing is a fantastic career option. And the best part? You don’t need a degree or years of experience to get started.
As a freelance writing coach, I’ve helped hundreds of aspiring writers go from overwhelmed beginners to full-time, thriving freelancers. In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to launch your freelance writing career, step-by-step. Let’s go!
Step 1: Choose Your Freelance Writing Niche
Before you send a single pitch or write a sample, you need to choose a niche. This is one of the most critical steps when learning how to become a freelance writer.
Your niche is the industry you write about (such as beauty, tech, finance, or health), and your service is the type of writing you offer (like blog writing, copy writing, or ghostwriting).
Why You Shouldn’t Be a Generalist
While it might seem like a smart move to write about “anything for anyone,” generalists often struggle to stand out and command high rates. Specialized writers are seen as experts, and clients pay more for expertise.
For example, if you run a skincare brand, would you rather hire a writer who’s covered everything from tax law to plumbing—or someone who’s written dozens of articles in the skincare space? The answer’s obvious.
How to Pick Your Niche
The ideal niche checks three boxes:
- You’re interested in it or have personal knowledge.
- You have professional experience (bonus, but not required).
- You can easily find potential clients in that industry.
💡 Pro Tip: Your niche should align with industries that hire freelance writers. Passion is great—but focus on income-generating industries.
Step 2: Build a Freelance Writing Portfolio (No Experience Needed!)
No clips? No problem. Even if you’ve never been paid to write a single word, you can create a writing portfolio that lands clients.
How to Create Writing Samples
Write three sample pieces related to your niche. These don’t have to be published or written for a client—they can be written “on spec,” meaning they’re examples of what you can do.
Focus on creating:
Make sure your samples are clear, polished, and error-free. Then, save them as PDFs and organize them in a Google Drive folder to share with potential clients.
Want a more polished option? Set up a free website with platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Contently to showcase your writing samples.
Step 3: Start Cold Pitching Clients
Forget crowded freelance job boards. If you really want to land freelance writing clients as a beginner, cold pitching is your best bet.
What Is Cold Pitching?
Cold pitching means reaching out directly to companies, agencies, or entrepreneurs and offering your writing services—even if they haven’t advertised a job opening.
Because you’re not competing with hundreds of other freelancers, your odds of getting hired are MUCH higher. Plus, you get to pick the clients you genuinely want to work with.
💌 Want help writing your first pitch? Grab my free cold email pitch template and start landing clients faster.
What Do Freelance Writers Actually Do?
Freelance writers work with a wide range of clients across industries. Here are a few common freelance writing jobs:
- Blogging for brands and businesses
- SEO content writing
- Copy writing (websites, sales pages, product copy)
- Ghostwriting for books or thought leaders
- Email marketing and newsletters
Aside from writing, you’ll also handle client communication, pitching, time tracking, invoicing, and managing deadlines. Freelance writing is both a creative job and a business.
How Much Can You Make as a Freelance Writer?
Let’s get to the juicy stuff—how much do freelance writers make? The answer: it varies widely based on your niche, skill level, and marketing strategy.
Some writers start out earning $30–$50 per article. Others make $5,000–$10,000+ per month. For example, I now charge $150/hour and work 15–20 hours per week.
When you price your services, consider:
- Your experience level
- The complexity of the project
- Your monthly income goals
💸 Need help calculating your freelance writing rates? Use my Free Rate Calculator to find your ideal price per word or hour.
Is There Demand for Freelance Writers in 2025?
Absolutely—the demand for freelance content writers is skyrocketing. As more companies invest in digital marketing, they need blog posts, SEO content, web copy, and social media material. Most of them don’t have in-house writers and rely heavily on freelancers like you.
If you’re good at what you do and know how to market yourself, you’ll never run out of opportunities.
Can You Be a Freelance Writer Without a Degree?
100% yes. You do NOT need an English degree (or any degree) to become a successful freelance writer. Clients care far more about your writing skills than your education.
All you need is:
- Strong writing ability
- The drive to learn and improve
- A professional-looking portfolio
You can build a thriving freelance writing business from scratch—degree or not.
Should Beginners Use Freelance Platforms Like Upwork?
While freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can be useful later on, I don’t recommend starting there. Why?
- High competition
- Low-paying clients
- High service fees
Instead, focus on building your portfolio and cold pitching your dream clients. Once you gain momentum, you can explore additional platforms to diversify your income.
How Much Should You Charge for a 500-Word Article?
There’s no universal rate, but here’s a rough guide:
If you’re unsure what to charge, base it on your income goals and working hours. Use a calculator to reverse-engineer your rates. And don’t be afraid to raise your rates as your experience grows.
Is Freelance Writing a Legit Career?
Yes, freelance writing is 100% legit—and it’s a real, sustainable way to earn a living online. You can freelance part-time for extra income or go full-time and build a six-figure business. Some writers even support families and buy homes through their freelance writing income.
Best Resources to Start Freelance Writing
Ready to dive deeper? Here are some of my most popular resources to help you hit the ground running:
- ✅ Cold Pitching 101 for Freelance Writers (Free Templates!)
- ✅ How to Create a Freelance Writer Portfolio (With Absolutely Zero Experience)
- ✅ SEO Copy writing 101: Beginner’s Guide
- ✅ Freelance Writer Rates: How Much to Charge
- ✅ How to Get Copy writing Clients Fast
Ready to Start Your Freelance Writing Journey?
Starting freelance writing doesn’t require a degree, years of experience, or a fancy resume. You just need a plan—and the courage to take the first step.
Start by choosing your niche, building your portfolio, and sending that first cold pitch. With consistency, confidence, and the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to earning money as a freelance writer.
Still got questions? Drop them in the comments or connect with me on Instagram. And don’t forget to check out my course, The Freelance Writer’s Guide to the Galaxy, for a step-by-step roadmap to launching your dream writing career.
1. Understand Different Types of Writing Jobs
Freelance writing has many niches, including:
- Content writing (blogs, articles, website copy)
- Copy writing (sales copy, product descriptions, email marketing)
- Technical writing (user manuals, guides, whitepapers)
- Ghostwriting (writing content for others without receiving credit)
- Editing and proofreading (polishing other writers’ work)
2. Build Your Writing Skills
- Practice regularly to improve your writing. Read extensively and try to write in different tones and styles.
- Take online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare to learn about writing techniques, SEO, and other useful skills.
- Read widely to understand different types of writing and to get inspiration. Notice how experienced writers structure their work and adapt their tone for different audiences.
3. Create a Portfolio
A portfolio is essential to showcase your skills, especially as a beginner without prior experience.
- Start a blog to publish your writing on topics that interest you. This is a flexible way to demonstrate your skills and style.
- Use platforms like Medium or LinkedIn to publish articles. These platforms provide visibility and credibility as they are widely accessible.
- If you don’t have any samples, write a few pieces as practice pieces for your portfolio. Aim to showcase variety in your work (e.g., a product description, a blog post, a research article).
4. Set Up Your Online Presence
- Create a writer’s website or landing page to showcase your portfolio, list your services, and make it easy for clients to contact you.
- Use LinkedIn to network and post samples of your work. LinkedIn is especially useful for professional connections and finding business-oriented writing gigs.
- Set up profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. Include a strong bio, relevant skills, and your portfolio samples.
5. Pitch and Apply to Jobs
- Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to find jobs that match your skills. As a beginner, look for entry-level positions to start building experience.
- Job boards like Pro-Blogger, Blogging-Pro, and Content often list freelance writing opportunities. Some may require more experience, but many accept new writers.
- Cold pitching can also work. Research companies or websites you’d like to write for, find their contact information, and send a well-crafted email explaining why you’d be a good fit.
- Pitch to publications or niche websites you’re interested in. Look for publications that accept submissions from freelance writers. Many websites have “Write for Us” or “Contribute” pages outlining submission guidelines.
6. Learn About SEO and Digital Marketing
Many freelance writing gigs require a basic understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and digital marketing.
- SEO knowledge helps make your content more valuable because it’s designed to rank well on search engines. Take short courses or tutorials to learn how to optimize for keywords, readability, and engagement.
- Understanding digital marketing basics can help you write better copy for sales pages, email newsletters, and other client needs.
7. Develop a Writing Routine and Stick to Deadlines
- Freelance writing often requires handling multiple projects with different deadlines. Establish a routine to maintain productivity, and set aside time to research, write, and edit.
- Meet deadlines consistently to build a good reputation. Delivering quality work on time is crucial for client satisfaction and referrals.
8. Network with Other Writers and Potential Clients
- Join freelance writing communities like Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or forums such as Freelance Writers Den.
- Engage with other writers and potential clients on social media by following industry hashtags and connecting with people in your niche.
- Attend webinars, workshops, or online writing events to improve your skills and expand your network.
9. Set Your Rates
- As a beginner, your rates might start low, but you can increase them as you gain experience and build a reputation.
- Research standard rates in your niche to set reasonable, competitive prices.
- Consider charging by the hour, per word, or per project, depending on the type of work and the client’s preferences.
10. Continue Learning and Improving
- Freelance writing is a constantly evolving field, so stay updated on trends, industry best practices, and new tools that can help you.
- Take feedback seriously and work on areas where you need improvement.
ছবিতে আপনার আত্মপ্রকাশ যেমন প্রফেশনাল, তেমনই অনুপ্রেরণাদায়ক। একজন নতুন ফ্রিল্যান্স রাইটার হিসেবে আপনার যাত্রা সত্যিই সাহস ও উৎসাহের প্রতীক। এগিয়ে চলুন!” 💼✍️
Thank You So Much.