What Advice Would You Give to a New Freelance Writer?
Embarking on the path of freelance writing can be daunting, but this article demystifies the process with actionable tips from seasoned experts. Discover how to build a robust portfolio, attract clients by specializing, and why mastering the art of the pitch can make all the difference. Dive into the collected wisdom that can set new writers on the course to success, directly from the voices of those who have navigated the industry.
- Do Strategic Free Work
- Create a Strong Portfolio
- Attack Work with Urgency
- Specialize in a Niche
- Create a Clear Niche
- Specialize to Attract Clients
- Learn SEO Basics
- Build a Strong Online Presence
- Just Go for It
- Focus on What You Know
- Showcase Your Work
- Learn SEO Basics
- Niche Down for Success
- Master Fundamentals
- Build a Diversified Portfolio
- Pitch with Samples
- Cold Pitch Effectively
- Develop Personal Branding
- Translate Complex Ideas Clearly
- Build a Simple Portfolio
- Diversify Your Portfolio
- Solid Samples Matter
- Build Steady Client Relationships
- Learn to Edit Your Work
- Start Small with Local Projects
Do Strategic Free Work
This is probably the hot take of beginner advice: I think you should definitely do some work for free.
Hear me out! Strategic free work can be really good for the start of your career. It can help you build your portfolio, earn reviews, and get a backlink/shoutout/feature. Most importantly, it gives you experience and confidence, especially if you struggle with imposter syndrome.
There are some secrets to doing unpaid work. The key is to come across as eager and kind instead of desperate or selfish. You do that by knowing your worth, being conscious of how many free projects you take on, and setting clear boundaries.
For example, commit to a specific project or timeline (like 3 blogs over 3 months or 2 website pages in 30 days). Focus on relevant projects that will help you in the long run: Pursuing a project in your industry or niche can pay off long-term over a random paid project. Be upfront and positive: Approach these opportunities as a win-win for you and the brand. Be upfront about how, and why, you're offering your services for free (you admire their business, you love the industry, you're passionate about the topic, etc.). ALWAYS deliver the quality, attention, and communication as you would a paid project: Think of it as building long-term networks and referrals. When done thoughtfully and respectfully to yourself and the beneficiary, I really think free work can be a powerful way to build your skills and connections setting you up for future success. And yes, I've done it and sometimes I still do!
Create a Strong Portfolio
If you're just starting out as a freelance writer, create a portfolio that really shows what you can do. Even if you don't have clients yet, write samples that match the kind of work you want to get hired for. If you love wellness, write an article about a mindfulness practice you've tried. If business writing interests you, draft a case study or an industry analysis. These samples help clients see your skills and make it easier for them to imagine hiring you.
Another important thing is to treat freelancing like a business. Be clear about your rates, stick to deadlines, and communicate openly. Clients value reliability as much as good writing, and showing that you're professional from the start sets you apart. It's these small but consistent habits that help you build long-term relationships and grow your career.
Attack Work with Urgency
Exhaust yourself, wake early, and attack the work and daily tasks with urgency. You will need to do this to generate momentum. Once you have kindled this, clients will refer you. Never moan or complain to anyone who is paying you to do something; you may feel justified in the short-term, but it will not pay dividends in the long-term. Crabby and difficult writers are not what your clients want. Be cool, breezy, solution-oriented, and engaged. Do not shirk from challenging tasks, develop yourself intellectually, and read all the time. Try to read a few books every week and avoid social media, which is wasting your time, time which could be spent reading good books, writing, or learning a new language. Contact publishers and magazines to write for them, focus on your specialty, and don't try to be what you are not. Above all else, give clients exactly what they want; do not hijack briefs and return what you think they should have. If you give them what they want, they will pay you to give them more of it; you can always introduce parts of yourself over time. Freelance writing is harder today with AI winning a chunk of the work, so don't take any job that comes through for granted; give it all you've got—you don't know where it will lead. Work on your own projects in your spare time; a freelance writer who is represented by a literary agent and is a published author is going to be attractive to any employer. Essentially, the more accomplished you become, the better it will be as a freelancer. Play the long game; it's a marathon, not a sprint.
Specialize in a Niche
When I started freelance writing, I made the mistake of trying to be a generalist, writing on any topic that came my way. While it helped me gain initial experience, I quickly realized that clients valued expertise and unique perspectives. That's when I decided to specialize in writing for the tech and business sectors, leveraging my prior experience in these fields.
One actionable step that helped me was creating a focused portfolio. I didn't wait for paid gigs to start; instead, I wrote mock articles and blog posts about emerging tech trends and business strategies, showcasing my expertise. This gave me credibility when pitching to clients and positioned me as an authority in my niche.
Specializing allowed me to stand out in a competitive market, attract higher-paying clients, and build a steady stream of work. It also made writing more enjoyable, as I was working on topics I was genuinely passionate about.
My advice for new freelance writers: find a niche that aligns with your strengths and interests. Build a portfolio tailored to that niche, even if it means creating mock samples initially. This focus will help you attract the right clients and establish yourself as a sought-after writer.
Create a Clear Niche
For someone starting as a freelance writer, I believe the most valuable thing you can do is create a clear niche based on your strengths or interests. In my case, focusing on energy-related content allowed me to become more confident and deliver better results. For a new writer, picking a specific area like sustainability, finance, or health makes your services easier to market. A targeted portfolio with 5-7 polished pieces showcasing different formats-like articles, whitepapers, and case studies-can make you more appealing to clients. For example, I've seen that businesses are more likely to hire someone who has written a detailed guide or analysis relevant to their industry. Starting with smaller projects or guest contributions can help you build this kind of portfolio while improving your skills.
Specialize to Attract Clients
The best advice I can give to someone starting out is to specialize.
Generalists often struggle to stand out, but writers who focus on a niche can build expertise and attract the right clients. Whether it's mental health, sustainability, or tech, finding a topic you're passionate about and becoming deeply knowledgeable in it can set you apart.
I once worked with a writer who specialized in mental health topics. Their understanding of the nuances of mental health language and research made their content more engaging and accurate, which was invaluable for our brand. They built a portfolio around this expertise, and soon, they were being sought out by other wellness companies as well.
Specialization doesn't mean limiting yourself. It's about positioning yourself as the go-to expert for a specific topic, which naturally leads to more opportunities.
Learn SEO Basics
As someone who focuses on SEO writing, I always suggest new writers learn the basics of keyword research and optimization since it's a skill clients really value. I started by offering to optimize existing content for small businesses, which helped me build both my portfolio and SEO expertise while earning a steady income.
Build a Strong Online Presence
One piece of advice I would offer is to build a strong online presence. This includes creating a professional website or portfolio showcasing your skills and experience. Actively engage in online communities and forums related to writing and freelancing. Network with other writers and industry professionals. By establishing a strong online presence, you can increase your visibility, attract potential clients, and build credibility within the freelance writing community.
Just Go for It
Just go for it and practice. Write about anything you know about and what you're interested in, but don't forget to fact-check so that your writing is credible. Don't be afraid of errors and criticisms because they will help you grow. Go back to your previous writings every once in a while too and check for any errors and correct them and you'll see how much you've improved.
Focus on What You Know
Start by focusing on what you know best. Publishers value unique perspectives, so use your personal experience to stand out. For example, when I began freelance writing, I used my background in network engineering to write simple, clear guides for small businesses setting up basic IT systems. One article explained troubleshooting common router issues, based on situations I faced with clients. Readers appreciated practical advice they could use immediately, and it led to more writing opportunities. Don't overthink credentials-your real-life knowledge is your biggest asset. Find topics where your experience solves problems, and write directly to help others.
Showcase Your Work
One piece of advice I would give to someone starting out as a freelance writer is to build a strong portfolio and don't be afraid to showcase your work, even if you're just getting started. When I first began, I struggled with thinking that I needed to wait until I had "perfect" samples to show potential clients. What I realized, however, is that clients aren't always looking for perfection—they're looking for relevant skills, creativity, and the ability to meet deadlines. So, I started creating my own writing samples, even if they weren't paid gigs, to demonstrate my range and ability.
For example, I wrote a series of blog posts on topics I was passionate about, even if they weren't for paying clients at first. I used these pieces to build my portfolio and showed them to potential clients in the marketing or tech space. It not only gave them a sense of my writing style and versatility, but it also gave me the confidence to approach more businesses, knowing I had examples to back up my skills.
Building this portfolio allowed me to start landing paying projects faster than I would have without having anything to show. Another important lesson I learned is that networking is key. Don't wait for clients to find you; reach out to businesses and offer value from the get-go. Freelance writing is competitive, but once you have a solid portfolio and some experience, the opportunities grow significantly.
Learn SEO Basics
At my first writing gig, I discovered that understanding SEO basics made my content way more valuable to clients than just good writing alone. I recommend learning how to research keywords and write meta descriptions - it doubled my rates because clients saw immediate results in their search rankings.
Niche Down for Success
As the Founder and CEO of Zapiy.com, I've worked with numerous freelance writers and seen what sets successful ones apart. My advice to someone starting out as a freelance writer is simple but impactful: niche down and become an expert in a specific area.
Why This Matters:
When you're starting out, the temptation is to take on any and every writing job that comes your way. While this can help you build experience, it's not the most sustainable strategy. By focusing on a niche-whether it's tech, finance, health, or a specific type of content like whitepapers or blog posts-you position yourself as an expert. Clients are willing to pay a premium for expertise, and you'll stand out in a crowded market.
How to Find Your Niche:
Reflect on Your Interests and Strengths:
Ask yourself: What topics do I enjoy writing about? Do I have any professional or personal experience that could lend credibility in a particular field?
Research Market Demand:
Look for niches where content is in high demand but the market isn't oversaturated. For example, industries like AI, sustainability, and e-commerce are growing rapidly and often require specialized writers.
Experiment Early On:
When you're just starting, it's okay to test different niches to see what resonates with you and your clients. Over time, you'll naturally gravitate toward areas where you excel.
Practical Tips to Build Your Freelance Career:
Build a Portfolio:
Even if you don't have paying clients yet, create sample pieces in your chosen niche to showcase your skills. Platforms like Medium or LinkedIn can be great places to publish these.
Network Strategically:
Join online communities or LinkedIn groups related to your niche. Engage thoughtfully, share your expertise, and let people know you're open for projects.
Deliver Consistently and Exceed Expectations:
Good writing is only half the battle-clients remember freelancers who meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and are easy to work with.
Personal Insight:
At Zapiy, we once hired a freelance writer with a niche focus on SaaS and training technologies. Their deep understanding of our industry meant they required little hand-holding, and the content they produced resonated perfectly with our audience. It was clear they were the right choice because of their specialization.
Master Fundamentals
First principles and fundamentals are very important when you're just beginning as a freelance writer. How can you improve? Read and write (duh). I highly recommend reading "Quack This Way" by Bryan Garner, Strunk's Manual of Style.
When it comes to picking up work, find a niche you're passionate about, like Technical writing, articles, guides etc. If you're approaching a publication or blog, look at the content they've put out, and especially for publications, try to really understand the style and syntax that the writers use.
Consider learning having a few writing styles you can monetize, like SEO writing, article/op-ed ghost writing, or copywriting etc.
The famous author, Hunter S. Thompson, said he got good at writing by typing out Hemingway's books on a typewriter. And honestly, I highly recommend doing this, not only with your favorite writers' works, but also with the publication or publisher's work to get a feel for their brand voice.
When it comes to finding work, I highly recommend aspiring freelance writers check out Abigail Bassett's six-figure-journalism jobs newsletter. Bassett is a freelance writer who is often published in The Verge, and the Observer.
Make sure to market yourself, maintain a portfolio, and have a unique value proposition as a writer, which is especially important in the AI era. One way to future-proof yourself in the AI era is to learn what mistakes AI makes and how to improve AI writing and be an invaluable resource as a writer whether or not you're using AI. Always think about what you can do that an AI can't.
Build a Diversified Portfolio
As a seasoned writer who's navigated the turbulent freelance landscape for over 15 years, generating six-figure annual revenues across multiple publishing platforms, my most transformative advice is brutally simple: develop an ironclad, diversified content portfolio that transcends single-genre limitations.
When I started, I made the classic mistake of pigeonholing myself into a narrow writing niche. The game-changing pivot came when I strategically expanded my expertise across technical writing, long-form journalism, corporate content marketing, and specialized technical documentation.
Your economic survival in freelance writing isn't about being the best writer in one lane - it's about becoming adaptable, technically proficient, and able to speak multiple professional languages. I recommend building a portfolio that demonstrates range: a technical white paper sitting alongside a nuanced personal essay, a startup pitch deck complemented by a deeply researched investigative piece.
The most successful freelance writers treat their craft like a strategic business, not just a creative pursuit. This means understanding market dynamics, building robust client relationships, and continuously upskilling in emerging content formats and communication technologies.
Your initial years should be about building credibility through consistent, high-quality work and developing a reputation for reliability and innovative thinking. Rates and recognition will follow strategic positioning, not just raw talent.
Pitch with Samples
I learned the hard way that pitching without samples is like showing up to a job interview empty-handed. So I created a personal blog about home improvement tips, wrote three in-depth articles, and used those as my initial portfolio - it helped me land my first two clients. My advice is to write about what you genuinely know, even if it's not paid work yet, because authentic expertise shines through in your writing.
Cold Pitch Effectively
Cold pitching works better than you might think, but you need to personalize each message and show you understand the business's content needs. I landed my first major client by analyzing their blog, pointing out specific content gaps, and pitching three detailed article ideas that addressed their audience's pain points.
Develop Personal Branding
Starting as a freelance writer requires more than strong writing skills - personal branding sets successful writers apart. My experience shows that clients gravitate to writers who showcase their expertise through compelling online portfolios and active social media presence. Most new writers undercharge for their services, yet I've learned that setting professional rates attracts better clients and projects. Spreading your income across different writing types, from blogs to technical documentation, creates stability. Making yourself essential to clients happens through consistent, high-quality work and deep knowledge of their needs. Remember, rejection letters actually help refine your approach - each 'no' moves you closer to finding your ideal clients. Success comes from staying adaptable while maintaining your standards.
Translate Complex Ideas Clearly
I'm excited to share what I've learned from my consulting background about breaking into freelance writing. One approach that worked well for me was reaching out to small consulting firms and offering to rewrite sections of their websites, which gave me both practice and portfolio pieces. The key isn't just being a good writer - I found that understanding business concepts and being able to translate complex ideas into clear writing was what really helped me land consistent clients.
Build a Simple Portfolio
From my experience writing for real estate blogs and businesses, I've found that creating a simple portfolio website with 2-3 strong writing samples is way more effective than having tons of mediocre pieces. I started by rewriting property descriptions for free for local agents to build my portfolio, which helped me land paid work within my first month.
Diversify Your Portfolio
If I could give one piece of advice to someone starting out as a freelance writer, it would be to build a portfolio-and make it diverse. When I first started, I was focused on landing big clients and securing long-term contracts, but I quickly realized that having a variety of writing samples was key to attracting different types of work.
I remember my early days, trying to pitch clients without much to show for myself. I had a few blog posts, but I needed more variety to demonstrate my range. So, I started writing for free for small businesses, local websites, and even guest posts on other blogs. It wasn't glamorous, but it helped me build a portfolio that showcased everything from marketing copy to technical writing.
When I finally started pitching clients, having a portfolio that included different styles of writing made a huge difference. It showed potential clients I wasn't just one-dimensional. They could see that I could adapt to their needs, whether they needed content for social media, blog posts, or product descriptions.
That mix of work helped me stand out and get my foot in the door. If you're starting out, take the time to diversify your samples-it will pay off!
Solid Samples Matter
Being a business writer for 5 years has taught me that solid samples matter more than fancy pitches when starting out. I spent my first month writing 3-4 really good blog posts about business topics I knew well, and used those to land my first clients instead of sending out hundreds of generic applications.
Build Steady Client Relationships
Having worked in both tech and writing, I'd suggest focusing on building relationships with 2-3 steady clients rather than chasing lots of one-off projects. I started by offering to write a trial piece at a reduced rate for companies I really wanted to work with, which often turned into long-term partnerships that provided stable income.
Learn to Edit Your Work
One piece of advice I'd give to someone starting out as a freelance writer is learn how to edit your own work without attachment.
When you're new, the excitement of writing—of seeing your words come to life—can make you feel possessive of your work. But the truth is your first drafts are often far from perfect, and in many cases, they're just a skeleton of what the final piece should be. Freelancing isn't just about writing; it's also about refining, so cultivate the ability to step back and look at your work as if someone else wrote it. Question your word choices, simplify your sentences, and always ask: Does this serve the piece? If the answer is no you have to be willing to cut it, even if you love it.
Editing is where you transform an okay piece into something that sings—so developing this mindset early on will not only make you a better writer, but it will also make you more resilient when clients ask for revisions. The ability to emotionally detach from your words is one of the most underrated skills for a writer in this profession.
Start Small with Local Projects
I started as a real estate writer and learned that starting small with local realtors helped me build a solid portfolio. When I first began, I wrote listing descriptions for $25 each, but these quick projects taught me how to craft compelling property descriptions and understand client needs. My advice is to pick a specific niche you know well - I chose real estate because of my background - and focus on becoming really good at writing for that particular audience before branching out.
