5 Tips From Freelancers on Finding Writing Freelance Jobs
Let’s be honest: landing writing freelance jobs can feel like a mystery when you're first starting out, especially with all the competition out there. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the freelance writing world, figuring out how to consistently find gigs is crucial. So, we’ve gathered five solid tips from successful freelancers to help you discover writing freelance jobs and build a steady stream of clients.
Let’s take a look at what they had to say:
Build an Online Presence That Sells You
One of the first things any freelancer will tell you is that having a strong online presence can make a world of difference. You don't need a flashy website with all the bells and whistles (unless that's your thing), but you do need a space where potential clients can see what you’re about.
Your online presence should be clear about the services you offer and showcase your best work. Here are some key tips for creating a presence that helps you land writing freelance jobs:
Start with a portfolio website: Whether it’s on WordPress or Squarespace make sure you have an online home for your writing samples. Show off a mix of your skills: blog posts, articles, web copy, and any other writing projects you’ve done.
Optimize your LinkedIn profile: Freelancers often forget that LinkedIn is a goldmine for finding writing freelance jobs. Add keywords to your profile like "freelance writer," "copywriter," or "content creator." Join relevant groups and connect with industry people.
Keep your social media professional: You don’t need to turn your Instagram into a business account (unless you want to), but be mindful of how you present yourself online. Twitter can be a surprisingly useful tool for networking and finding writing freelance jobs—just follow the right hashtags like #freelancewriter, #contentwriting, or #writinggigs.
Don’t wait for clients to find you. Use your online presence as a way to pitch yourself, whether you’re responding to job boards or cold emailing potential clients.
Pitch, Pitch, Pitch!
Freelancing means getting comfortable with pitching and hearing the word no. Whether you're reaching out to a potential client cold or responding to a job ad, sending compelling pitches is one of the best ways to find writing freelance jobs.
Here’s how freelancers have mastered the art of the pitch:
Personalize every pitch: Don’t use a one-size-fits-all template. If you're applying for a specific job, read through the job description thoroughly and tailor your pitch to their needs. Mention something specific about their company or content that shows you’ve done your research. This can be the difference between your pitch being ignored or landing you an interview.
Keep it short and sweet: People don’t have time to read essays in their inbox. A few sentences introducing yourself, a brief description of how you can help their business, and links to a couple of relevant writing samples should do the trick.
Pitch consistently: Landing writing freelance jobs is a numbers game, and you’re not going to win if you only pitch once every couple of weeks. Make it a habit. Set aside time every day or week to send out new pitches. The more you pitch, the better you’ll get at it, and the more opportunities will come your way.
Remember, rejection is part of the process. Don’t take it personally; just move on and keep pitching. Eventually, you’ll hit the right match.
Tap into Freelance Job Boards
Freelance job boards are a hot spot for finding writing freelance jobs, especially if you’re just starting out. There are dozens of job boards designed specifically for freelancers, and they can be a lifesaver when you need to quickly find gigs.
Some favorites among freelancers include:
Upwork: Love it or hate it, Upwork is one of the biggest platforms for finding writing freelance jobs. Just be prepared to wade through lower-paying gigs when you’re starting out—but with persistence, you can find decent opportunities here.
ProBlogger Job Board: ProBlogger is known for listing higher-quality writing jobs. If you’re looking for clients who value good writing and are willing to pay for it, this is a good place to start.
Freelance Writing Gigs: This board aggregates writing jobs from across the web, which saves you the hassle of combing through dozens of sites. You’ll find everything from copywriting jobs to creative writing gigs.
Freelancing Females: We find heaps of different vetted freelance opportunities each week!
LinkedIn Jobs: Yes, LinkedIn again! The jobs section regularly posts writing freelance jobs, and you can even set up alerts so you’re notified as soon as a new writing gig is posted.
We have a whole bunch of other great job boards for you to look at in this blog. Be wary of job boards that don’t offer any kind of vetting process. If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut, and if you’re unsure about a gig, do a quick Google search to see if anyone has flagged it as a scam.
Leverage Your Network and Word of Mouth
You’d be surprised how many freelancers land writing freelance jobs simply through word of mouth. While it might not happen overnight, building a strong network can lead to a steady flow of clients over time.
Here’s how to make your network work for you:
Tell people what you do: This sounds basic, but you’d be amazed at how many people don’t actively tell friends, family, and acquaintances that they’re looking for writing freelance jobs. Don’t be shy about promoting your services, whether it’s on your personal social media or in conversations with people you know.
Join writing communities: There are tons of online communities for freelance writers, and joining these can help you build connections that lead to work. Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and even Slack channels can be great places to find writing freelance jobs or get referrals from other freelancers.
Ask for referrals: Once you’ve built relationships with a few clients, don’t hesitate to ask them for referrals. Most businesses know other businesses, and a satisfied client is often happy to recommend you to someone in their network.
Networking doesn’t have to be formal or awkward. Start by simply engaging with others on social media, commenting on posts, or sharing useful content. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely opportunities will come your way.
Develop a Specialty (But Stay Flexible)
This one might sound counterintuitive, but here’s why it works: While it’s great to be a jack-of-all-trades, clients are often looking for writers who specialize in a particular area. Having a niche can make it easier to find writing freelance jobs because you can position yourself as an expert in that field.
Here’s how to strike the balance between specialization and flexibility:
Choose a niche you’re passionate about: Whether it’s tech writing, health and wellness, or finance, focusing on a niche you enjoy makes the work more fulfilling. It also makes your pitches stand out because you’re clearly knowledgeable in that area.
Highlight your versatility: While it’s smart to have a specialty, you don’t want to limit yourself too much. When pitching to clients, emphasize the range of writing you can offer (blog posts, website copy, email marketing, etc.). Being flexible means you’ll have more opportunities to land writing freelance jobs.
Stay on top of trends: Some niches have tons of work because they’re growing rapidly—like SEO writing or content marketing. Stay informed about industry trends, so you can jump into writing freelance jobs in high-demand areas.
If you’re not sure what niche to pursue, look at the work you’ve enjoyed most so far. Ask yourself what industries excite you, and dive into those areas. Even if you don’t specialize right away, you'll naturally gravitate toward certain types of writing over time.
Finding writing freelance jobs doesn’t have to be a grind, but it does take some effort, especially when you're starting out. Whether you're building your online presence, pitching clients, or networking your way into gigs, remember to stay patient and consistent. Freelance writing success often comes from a combination of persistence, strategy, and timing.
With these tips from experienced freelancers, you're well on your way to turning your passion for writing into a thriving freelance career. Keep pitching, keep networking, and most importantly, keep writing. Your next big freelance writing job is out there waiting for you!