9 Ways to Find Freelance Writing Jobs (Even If You’re a Beginner!)
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re curious about writing jobs. Maybe you’re an established writer with years of experience looking for a new position. Maybe you’re a hobbyist who wants to make writing their full-time profession. Either way, I’ve got you! These are the best ways to find writing jobs online.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FULL-TIME OR FREELANCE?
There are two main types of writing jobs: full-time writing jobs and freelance writing jobs. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of each.
Full-Time Writing Jobs
Pros:
Full-time writing jobs provide benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
The pay is steady, which may help you with personal budgeting. Some people prefer to know exactly how much they can expect to make every month.
You’ll have a boss and a certain amount of structure. Most likely, you’ll also receive valuable feedback on your work, which can be a huge plus for new writers.
Cons
In most (but not all) cases, full-time writing jobs tend to pay less than freelance writing jobs.
If you lose your job, you lose all your income.
You may not be able to make your own schedule or work from home.
You can’t write off expenses on your taxes.
Freelance Writing Jobs
Pros:
Freelance writing jobs often pay more than full-time writing jobs.
Tax write-offs for freelancers and small business owners mean that you may pay less in taxes.
You have more control over the type of work you’re doing and the people you are working with.
If you lose one client, you have other clients who will provide you with income (hopefully!).
Cons
You have to buy your health insurance.
You have to save at least 20% of everything you make for taxes and pay quarterly taxes.
Freelancing sometimes feels less secure than a full-time job.
By the way, if an employer hires you as a contractor, you’re still a freelancer. You have to save for taxes and make arrangements for your health insurance coverage.
If you’re not sure if a writing job is full-time or freelance, ask!
GET READY FOR YOUR WRITING JOB SEARCH
In this article, I am only going to cover places to find writing jobs. But before you start looking for jobs, you need to do some pre-work. First, choose a niche (read “The 13 Most Profitable Niches of 2021” if you need some ideas). Then create a freelance writer portfolio. Once you’ve completed those steps, you’re ready to get out there and start looking for writing jobs!
HOW TO FIND WRITING JOBS ONLINE
1. Traditional Job Boards
If you’re looking for a full-time writing job, traditional job boards are the way to go. You can sometimes also find freelance writing jobs on traditional job boards as well. Some examples of traditional job boards include:
I don’t recommend one over the other. But whichever one you choose, make sure to set an alert for writing positions! Writing is a hot career field right now. That means every job posting receives dozens if not hundreds of applicants. Maximize your chances of success by applying for positions as soon as they are available.
Tip: for a more in-depth tutorial on how to apply, read “How to Get a Writing Job”.
2. Freelance Writing Job Boards
I don’t love freelance writing job boards. Why? Because they’re competitive, and the jobs on them don’t usually pay very well. But if you’re looking for a more structured work environment, freelance writing job boards may be perfect for you. A few good ones include:
3. Facebook Writing Job Boards
These Facebook groups function as freelance writing job boards.
Freelance Writers Community (Hiring + Projects)
When applying to jobs in Facebook groups, make sure to follow all instructions in the post.
When applying to writing jobs online, be sure to read over the entire job description so you don’t miss any application instructions!
4. Work for More Established Writers
When experienced freelance writers get overbooked, they sometimes outsource their extra work to other writers. And you could be one of those writers!
Oftentimes those established writers will create job postings in the above Facebook groups. Or they post in one of these groups:
Freelance Copywriter Collective
No-Fluff Freelance Writing Group
As with applying on Facebook job boards, make sure you follow any instructions in the posting.
5. Upwork
Upwork gets a bad rap, but it can be a great place to find freelance writing jobs. Many Fortune 500 marketing teams (that pay VERY well) use Upwork to hire freelancers. Why? Because it allows them to avoid registering contractors with their payroll department (which can take weeks). Upwork is also a safe experience for employers and freelancers since employers must place the project payment in escrow. Once the freelancer completes the project, the employer releases the funds. This protects both parties.
The biggest con, of course, is that Upwork takes a 20% cut. Also, expect to spend several months working low-paying writing jobs on the platform while you build up to top-rated status. But once you’ve built up your portfolio and ratings, Upwork can be extremely lucrative. Don’t believe me? Just read this article on how I made $20k off of one Upwork project!
6. Use Your Network
This method for finding freelance writing jobs is so underrated, especially for newbies. Use your network, buddies! According to researchers at Columbia, the average person knows 600 people. You must know someone who works in your niche. If you don’t, someone you know does and can introduce you.
Catch up with friends from school on Facebook or Linkedin. Talk to your aunt who knows everyone in town. Ask your next-door neighbor.
Start calling yourself a freelance writer. Tell everyone you know about your new career path, and ask if they know anyone who could use your services!
Once you become known in your circle as a writer, you’ll be everyone’s go-to for content.
Don’t be afraid to yell, “I’M A FREELANCE WRITER!” from the rooftops.
7. Creative Staffing Agencies
Creative staffing agencies are a gold mine for writers.
Usually, their job postings are for temporary projects. But every once and a while they offer full-time writing jobs! Also, many employers like to do temp-to-full-time positions for creative roles. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door of a great company. My first two full-time jobs were temp-to-term positions.
Sometimes the work is remote, other times it’s on-site.
Hint: you do need some experience to sign with an agency like this. Usually, you’ll apply with the agency. If they like your application, you’ll have a short interview with someone on their team. If the interview goes well, they’ll add you to their database of freelancers. Then they’ll email you if an opportunity comes up that they believe will be a good fit for you.
There are both local and national creative temp agencies. I’ve worked with these:
Creative Circle (national)
Portfolio Creative (jobs in Ohio and the surrounding areas)
Syndicatebleu (national, but mostly in New York in LA)
24Seven Talent (national)
Google “creative staffing agencies” in your city or state to find local agencies.
8. Cold Pitching
Cold pitching is when you reach out to potential clients with whom you have no previous relationship and pitch them your services.
Cold pitching is the best way to get freelance writing work, especially if you don’t have a lot (or any) experience.
Why? Because you’re not competing with anyone! Plus, you can target clients you know could use your services. For example, if you’re a blog writer, it’s pretty easy to see whether a client needs your help. If they have a dormant blog, send them a pitch!
If you want to learn more about cold pitching, make sure to read “Cold Pitching 101” and grab my cold pitching kit!
9. Warm Pitching
Warm pitching is when you pitch your services to potential clients with whom you’ve already established a relationship. Now, you don’t have to be best friends with them! But in this form of pitching, you build a little rapport with a client before you try to work with them.
For example, let’s say you write blog posts for the food industry, and you’re dying to work with your favorite brand of steel-cut oats. If you wanted to warm pitch them, you would first add them on Instagram and send them a DM. Try to start a conversation with them about their business. Once you get a nice convo going, mention that you write blog posts and ask if they need help.
LinkedIn is another great place to warm pitch. Find someone who works on your dream client’s marketing team, and add them as a connection. Start a conversation with them! Then pitch your services.
Well, buddy, I hope that helps to give you some ideas of ways to find freelance writing jobs! Get creative and get out there. Remember: you only fail when you give up. So don’t give up!
If you’re looking for a step-by-step plan to launch and grow your freelance writing career, check out my freelance writing course. If you’re looking for more support and personalized feedback, I also offer one-on-one freelance writing coaching.