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I ran into my old journalism lecturer at a social function recently. When I mentioned I was freelance writing, he asked, “Is that a polite way of saying you’re between jobs?’” If so, I responded, it means I’ve been ‘between jobs’ for more than 20 years now as I’ve added to my freelance skills.

I earn a living freelancing and freelance writing isn’t even one of the highest-paying freelance skills of 2024. (BTW, here are the highest-paying freelance writing writing skills to know in 2024.)

Freelancing—in a whole range of fields beyond writing—is no longer just an alternative career path.

Thanks to technological advancements, changing work preferences, and the global shift toward remote work post-pandemic, freelancing is now a legitimate mainstream option offering significant earning potential, flexibility, and opportunity.

In 2020, the cross-border money transfer service Payoneer surveyed 7,000 freelancers from more than 150 countries and found that the worldwide average rate charged by freelancers was $21, higher than the $19 average rate from two years earlier.

Those don’t sound like the sort of dollars that would entice anyone to quit their day job.

But such a figure vastly under-represents the pay packets earned by people who are working at the upper echelons of the pay scale. In order to reach that status, you need to adopt some high-paying skills for freelancers.

Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer, or a beginner freelancer new to the freelance market, focussing on in-demand skills such as mobile app development, AI development, customer relationship management (CRM), website development, or social media content creation, can open doors to top-paying projects.

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal also provide the infrastructure to connect with clients and manage freelance work efficiently, paving the path toward success in the freelance economy as you add on the skills of a freelancer clients want. (Here’s how to snag a download of 50 freelance sites that list freelance jobs.)

There are diverse opportunities available for professionals navigating the evolving landscape of work, says Matti Yahav, Chief Marketing Officer at Fiverr.

“By aligning (with) these burgeoning industries and cultivating in-demand skills, aspiring individuals can unlock pathways to financial success and professional fulfillment,” Yahav says.

The 5 highest-paying freelance skills for 2024

When you’re ready to carve out your career at the more lucrative end of the freelance market, it’s well worth boning up on the following skills as well as the highest-paying freelance writing skills.

Best freelancing skills: Mobile app development

    Mobile app development is one of the skills of a freelancer that involves creating software applications that run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. They’re typically developed for platforms like iOS (Apple) and Android (Google). Mobile app development is one of the high-demand freelance skills. Mobile app developers need a strong grounding in programming languages and development tools and frameworks. Though many gain this knowledge through a computer science degree, self-taught developers can also succeed.

    The Business of Apps says about 27 million developers were building for mobile in 2022, pointing out that software for mobile “permeates every business vertical on the planet”. That means the desktop or mobile app software developer profession has seen its popularity skyrocketing—which is why you might want to add it to your list of freelancing skills. While the Business of Apps notes that independent mobile app developers earn about $1500 a month on average, there are ‘Pro’ developers on Fiverr charging more than $6000 per project. Highly experienced developers and those in major tech hubs can potentially earn more.

    Best freelancing skills: AI Development

    If Netflix, Amazon, or Spotify has ever suggested the perfect movie, book, or song, you’ve seen the work of an AI developer in motion. Developing recommendation algorithms that analyze user preferences and behavior to highlight related content, products,or services, is just one task attributed to the burgeoning field of AI development.

    More broadly, The Code Institute says AI developers “design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions.” They create algorithms and systems that allow machines to perform tasks that would otherwise require human input and intelligence as a freelancer skill. AI developers work on machine learning models, neural networks, natural language processing (NLP), data analysis, and computer vision. Their skills are useful in a wide range of fields, including healthcare (medical imaging and diagnostics) and finance (fraud detection and credit scoring).

    You’ll need a sound background in mathematics, along with proficiency in programming languages to secure a gig as an AI developer, but the financial rewards are among the highest in the tech industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median salary in 2023 was $145,080 per year. Not too shabby!

    The surge in demand for AI services underscores the growing importance of technology-driven solutions across sectors, says Yahav. “With searches for ‘AI influencer’ skyrocketing by 63.05% and inquiries for ‘AI SaaS’ experiencing a staggering 14.61% increase, it’s evident that businesses are keen to harness the power of AI to drive innovation and growth,” he says.

    Zendesk says that more than nine in ten companies now use customer relationship management (CRM) software, making this another high-demand area to pursue for a freelancing skill. CRM developers are professionals with programming and coding expertise who gather customer information for companies to help them track, store and organize customer data, according to Career Karma. CRM tools also assist companies in streamlining the sales process, finding new leads, boosting profitability, and strengthening brand loyalty.

    Best freelancing skills: CRM Management

    As the eCommerce sector continues its robust expansion, Shopify is emerging as a favored platform for small businesses, Yahav says. “Freelancers proficient in Shopify design and marketing are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, with earning potential reaching up to $3,000 per project,” he says. A combination of programming, social skills, and problem-solving freelancer skills are required to earn the big bucks. Discover CRM software that’s on our list of best apps for writers.

    Best freelancing skills: Website development

    There are a staggering 1.11 billion websites in the world, with three new websites built every second, according to Forbes Advisor. Website developers are the people charged with the responsibility of creating and maintaining these sites, and ensuring they attract attention amid the noise.  Website developers might focus on the front-end (user-facing) side of the equation, while back-end developers make websites functional and secure, ComputerScience.org notes. Full-stack developers handle the entire web development process. These aren’t necessarily easy skills to develop but they are worthy best freelancing skills to learn for staying power in this field.

    The numbers give some sense of the possibilities for professionals in this field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says that overall employment of web developers and digital designers is set to grow 16 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median pay is $92,750 per year, though Pro web designers on Fiverr are charging around the $15,000 market for a single premium project. (BTW, how much can you make on fiverr per month?)

    As with the other inclusions on this list, it’s important to master different programming languages and tools, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python and Ruby. Some develop these high-paying skills for freelancers via college and university education classes while others pick them up through online courses and coding bootcamps.

    Here are some freelance skills business owner Diana Kelly Levey learned with a freelance side hustle.

    Best freelancing skills: Social media content creation

    The creator economy is massive. Linktree’s 2022 Creator Report revealed that there are around 200 million social media content creators, defined as “individuals who use their influence, creativity, or skills to aggregate and monetize their audience.” While most only start earning at the six-and-a-half-month’s mark, 1 in 10 influencers earn more than $100,000 per year, while the top three percent are generating more than half a million a year. This seems to settle the argument over whether content creation is a “real job.” (Time for your parents to stop rolling their eyes at it!)

    While many universities offer courses (variously titled content and social media marketing, content creation, digital media, and the like), it’s also possible to learn ‘on the job,’ with lots of resources publicly available. According to Fiverr, searches for ‘social media content creator’ are up 58%, suggesting that this is an important area to watch.

    “Businesses are actively seeking skilled freelancers to bolster their social media presence,” Yahav says. “Roles such as SEO backlinks, Google Ads campaigns, and social media content creation are in high demand, offering earning ranges of up to $2,000 per project.”

    Whether you’re a seasoned long-term freelance pro or a newbie, focusing on in-demand skills such as mobile app development, AI development, CRM management, website development, and social media content creation can help carve out your corner in a bustling marketplace. Companies are willing to pay and that’s why these are some of the highest-paying freelance skills you should know in order to make good money as a freelancer.

    Frequently asked questions about the highest-paying freelance skills

    Here are common freelance skills questions asked and answered about high-demand freelance skills:

    How do I get my first freelance job in these high-paying fields?

    Getting your first freelance gig might be the hardest part of the process. Gaining qualifications is helpful but, in some of these areas, optional. When you feel you’re good to go, focus on building a freelance portfolio which will showcase your skills with sample projects, open-source contributions, or case studies that showcase your know-how.

    While you might not rely completely on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal, creating profiles with these sites might serve to ‘turn on the tap’ and thus ensure a steady flow of clients. (Is Fiverr worth it?) Network and seek referrals by joining professional communities, attending industry events, and connecting with peers and potential clients on LinkedIn. Word-of-mouth referrals can also be a great way to land your first gig.

    What are some of the freelance challenges faced in these high-paying fields?

    The best freelancing skills are important to have in your freelance toolkit. But, high-earning freelancers still face a range of obstacles. Here are a few freelance challenges:

    • Staying current with technology is crucial, making continuous learning through online courses, webinars and subscriptions to industry publications essential.
    • Managing client expectations requires clear and frequent communication in the form of regular updates (and usually a bit of problem-solving). Ensuring you have a thorough understanding of requirements before starting a project is also important.  These are the top questions to ask freelance clients.
    • Balancing multiple projects can test the best of us, making effective time management and organizational skills essential. Many successful freelancers use project management tools like Trello or Asana to keep track of deadlines and deliverables.

    How can I ensure my freelance rates are competitive yet fair for these high-paying freelance skills?

    Setting competitive yet fair rates involves knowing your worth, while keeping one eye on the market. Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Glassdoor, or check online forums, to research the going rates. Consider your experience and skill level by factoring in your expertise, years of experience, and the complexity of the projects you handle. Soon you’ll be earning $100 an hour—or more—freelancing.

    You’re a specialist with advanced skills? You can – and should – charge higher rates. Also, just as hotels and airlines do, adjust your rates based on demand. If you find yourself consistently booked out, or receiving more referrals than you can handle, it might be time to raise your rates as a demand management strategy.

    Finally, don’t forget to account for overheads and expenses in these skills for freelancer rates. Overlooking these costs of freelancing can put a real crimp in your take-home pay.


    Freelance writing can be a fulfilling career, but finding consistent work can leave you wanting to pull your hair out or tossing and turning at night. It’s not just an issue for beginner freelancers.

    Here’s a comprehensive guide that answers the common search of how do freelancers find work to help you find freelance writing jobs without relying on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. This article draws from practical tips to help you find your first freelance writing jobs or diversify your current client base. As you’ll see in the following tips, when you’re thinking about how to get freelance writing work, it will take “putting yourself out there.”

    How Can Freelance Writers Find Work?

    Ensuring you know how to find freelance writing jobs will take some gumption and grit but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll find that knowing how to get freelance work is easier than you initially thought.

    Build and Leverage Your Network

    One of the most effective ways to secure freelance writing work is by tapping into your existing network. Friends, former colleagues, and even acquaintances may need content writing for their businesses, blogs, or marketing efforts. Letting people know you’re available for freelance work is crucial.

    Use Social Media to Announce Your Services

    Post about your freelance services on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X/Twitter. This can be as simple as a post announcing you’re open for freelance work, sharing the types of content writing you can provide, and encouraging people to reach out. Many businesses need content but don’t know where to start—your post might be the nudge they need to hire you. Ask friends and family to share your post on their feeds. Consider posting about your freelance business in an alumni group or local business group on Facebook to drum up new clientele.

    Secure Repeat Assignments

    Once you’ve landed a freelance gig, focus on turning that editor-freelancer synergy into a long-term client relationship. If you enjoy working with an editor or client, pitch them more ideas or ask if they need additional content. This strategy not only keeps your schedule full but also reduces the amount of time spent hunting for new clients.

    Repeat assignments from a reliable client are a key component of a successful freelance career, providing a steady income stream and reducing stress.

    Research Content Marketing Agencies

    Exploring how to find freelance writing jobs? Content marketing agencies often need freelance writers to produce articles, blogs, and other written materials for their clients. While many agencies have their roster of writers, they regularly seek fresh talent. Reach out to content marketing agencies, particularly those that align with your niche, and inquire about freelance opportunities. Unsure of where to start? Search online for “ad agencies” or “content agencies” + “[your town.]”

    Use Freelance Platforms like Contently, ClearVoice, and Skyword

    These freelance jobs platforms connect freelancers with brands and content agencies looking for writers. The pay tends to be higher than that of “content mills,” and you’ll be working with reputable companies. Make sure your profile and portfolio on these platforms are polished and reflect your best work.

    Cold-Pitch to Editors and Companies

    Cold-pitching is an effective method for freelance writers to find work, especially if you have a clear idea for a story or know a company that aligns with your niche. While it requires effort to research the right contact and tailor your pitch, cold-pitching can lead to high-quality assignments.

    Craft a Personalized Pitch

    When cold-pitching, be specific. Research the outlet or company, and craft a pitch that fits their style and audience. Highlight why you’re the best writer for the job, and be sure to include links to relevant samples or your portfolio. Tailored pitches stand out more than generic emails.

    Start a Blog

    Blogging is a great way to showcase your writing abilities. It gives potential clients a tangible example of your style, tone, and expertise. By writing regularly on topics related to your freelance niche, you not only improve your skills but also attract clients who see the value in your work.

    Choose a Niche and Share It With Clients

    Your blog doesn’t need to cover a wide array of topics. Instead, focus on a niche where you have expertise or strong interest. By consistently sharing blog posts in a specific niche, you can position yourself as an expert, which makes it easier for clients to see the value of hiring you.

    Explore Job Boards for Freelance Writers

    Job boards can be a useful resource for finding freelance writing gigs. There are numerous job boards dedicated to freelance writing roles, often sorted by niche or expertise.

    Use Freelance-Specific Job Boards

    While general job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn can sometimes have freelance listings, it’s better to use freelance-specific platforms such as ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Gigs, and Journalism Jobs. These sites typically list higher-quality freelance writing opportunities.

    Post Regularly on Social Media

    Using social media to promote your freelance services isn’t a one-time activity. Regular posting about your latest work, your availability, or industry insights can help you stay top of mind for potential clients.

    Share Your Published Work

    Posting links to published pieces or snippets of your recent projects can serve as proof of your expertise. It’s also a way to increase your visibility in your chosen niche. Don’t be shy about promoting your successes or sharing testimonials from satisfied clients. Send the final clips to any experts you interviewed along with your’s and the brand’s social media handles, encouraging them to share the content on their feeds as well.

    Read Freelance Newsletters

    Many freelance writers find success by subscribing to industry newsletters that compile job leads. Newsletters like The Freelancer, Morning Coffee, and Writers Work regularly share freelance writing job listings.

    These newsletters save you time by aggregating freelance writing job leads from across the web. Subscribing to a few reputable ones will keep fresh opportunities in your inbox without you needing to actively search.

    Diversifying Your Approach Is the Best Solution to ‘How Do Freelance Writers Find Work?”

    Finding freelance writing work often takes time and persistence, but diversifying your approach helps. Utilize your network, cold-pitch, explore job boards, and leverage content marketing agencies to build a strong client base. The more proactive and consistent you are in seeking opportunities, the more freelance writing work will come your way.

    In the last few years, LinkedIn has become one of the most pivotal networking sites for freelancers. Many freelancers are trying to explore it for how to find clients on LinkedIn, using it to research freelancing leads, or build a reputation as a professional freelance writer. If those are your goals, LinkedIn is the place to be for freelancers.

    Gone are the days when LinkedIn is just a job-searching networking platform. Today, LinkedIn is one of the most reputable social media platforms for business professionals, entrepreneurs, consultants, and creatives to exist in one place.

    Being active on LinkedIn as a freelancer will not only help build your online reputation. It can also help your network refer you to opportunities in their circles or promote your services.  Keep reading to learn how  LinkedIn is an important tool for freelancers and how it can help and your first freelance writing job or your fiftieth. You’ll learn LinkedIn tips for freelancers that cover how to build your LinkedIn profile, grow your audience, and tips on what to post on your feed.

    Here’s How to Find Clients on LinkedIn

    Follow these steps to get more freelance clients on LinkedIn by using the popular social media platform more effectively.

    Build Your LinkedIn Profile

    Your LinkedIn profile is like your own billboard, you want people to stop and connect with you. How? The key to a successful LinkedIn profile is confidence.

    • Make your profile copy sing.

    Your profile should boast about your key strengths, accomplishments, and answer the question of why someone should hire you. The goal of your profile is to stand out enough to inspire your ideal freelance client to message you.

    You have to navigate the lines of boasting about your achievements while also letting potential high-paying freelance clients know how you can help them. (BTW, here’s what to say to a potential client when you send a connection request on LinkedIn.)

    • Write a scroll-stopping LinkedIn headline.

    Looking to find freelance clients on LinkedIn? Optimize your headline add a little punch like, “Firecracker of Content Marketing” or “Branding Genie.. It catches the viewer’s attention while answering who and what you do. Your confidence should jump off the page and attract ideal clients. (Mine says “Atlanta-Badass Ghostwriter.” My potential freelance clients know what they’re going to get. Great copy with a side of sass.)

    A good detail to add to your headline is your location, contact info, and a hashtag. You want to ensure that your headline comes up on the first page of LinkedIn search results—and at the search engine results. If you’re a copywriter, SEO expert, or write for a specific freelance niche, include that.

    • Show your best self.

    Many freelancers neglect the importance of a good quality headshot. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on headshots when you’re trying to stand out as a freelancer on LinkedIn. You can use your camera phone. Ask a friend to help. Your headshot should be warm and inviting. You want people to be curious about you and have a desire to learn more about you.

    Try selecting a headshot with a little personality and one that highlights your best features. (Save the car selfie or bathroom selfie for another social media platform.)

    Grow Your Audience

    Building connections is one of the most critical aspects of your LinkedIn profile. Many people prefer to connect with former colleagues or classmates but you shouldn’t stop there. As a freelancer, you’ll want to make new connections with lots of new people online—particularly ones who work at companies you might want to work for as a freelance consultant.

    Your friends, colleagues, or former classmates may come in handy for endorsements of your skills or a referral. But, think bigger. A good tip is to grow your audience within your freelance niche market. For example, if you’re a real estate freelancer, you’ll want to connect with home designers, developers, contractors, and commercial real estate agencies.

    Expanding your connections with those in your niche market is one key to success and finding freelance clients on LinkedIn. You’ll also find success by attending industry events, social groups, or leaving a comment on a post for a potential client. Remember, every connection is a potential new client in the future.

    Engaging with your connections on LinkedIn is also pivotal to succeeding on the platform. People want to feel special and important. After you receive a connection request, send a voice note or a personalized video. This not only helps build a friendship, but it also helps boost your visibility online.

    Liking, sharing, or commenting on a post with those in your network increases your chances of attracting a new freelance client on LinkedIn.

    Try an experiment by leaving five comments or likes on posts per day for one week. You’ll see a significant boost in your connection request and DMs.

    When Thinking about How to Find Clients on LinkedIn

    Know that every freelancer struggles with what to post on LinkedIn occasionally. I prefer to do a combination of storytelling, business content, or freelance tips as a post. This helps my connections to learn more about me on a personal note.

    At the same time, I am attracting ideal clients to want to work with me. It’s helpful to view your impressions and analytics to see which types of posts are resonating with your network.

    Don’t be afraid to try new content strategies to see what works best. A good way to find your next post idea is to share your latest challenge as a freelancer or news of the latest project you just booked. It’s always great to post milestone birthdays, vacation photos, pets, or a random selfie of you in your workspace. (The LinkedIn algorithms love photos with posts these days!)

    Posting consistently is a great way to boost your profile as a freelancer. Whether you post early morning, midday, or late in the evening, you’re feeding the algorithm. LinkedIn likes that a lot. That being said, there is such a thing as posting too little or too much.

    I prefer to post at least twice a day during the weekdays. I take an occasional break on weekends or I focus on engagement as I explore getting freelance work on LinkedIn. (Another Best Freelance Tips freelancer Diana Kelly Levey says she finds higher-than-expected engagement on LinkedIn on Sunday nights. Who knew?)

    You want to remain active on LinkedIn to attract clients and stay up to date on trends. An inactive account is the equivalent of a beautiful house with no tenants. Find a balance that works for you and show up as yourself online.

    Write Articles on LinkedIn to Draw in Freelance Clients

    One of the best aspects of LinkedIn is the writing articles feature. As a freelancer, clients will frequently request to see your portfolio. By writing articles within your niche, you can help clients see samples of your writing for free. That’s just one way writing articles can work to your advantage.

    You can also create a specialized newsletter within your niche or a standalone article once you’ve toggled to Creator Mode on the platform. Either is a good way to promote your skills and knowledge as a freelance writer. The more you can get your writing samples in front of your ideal freelance client on LinkedIn, the better your chances of securing high-paying work.

    When it comes to choosing what to write about on LinkedIn there are some great strategies you can implement.

    • You can run a poll on a controversial topic in your niche.
    • You can search the latest headlines or trends.
    • You can subscribe to a few newsletters in your market to stay abreast of current topics.

    Finding what to write is all about staying engaged and locked into the market. You can also connect with industry leaders and take keynotes from a discussion to convert it into a LinkedIn article. When in doubt on how to choose a topic, ask your network.

    Engage with the LinkedIn Community

    Do you enjoy leaving comments on other freelancers’ posts? If not, you’re missing out on an opportunity to grow your network and presence. It’s one of the best strategies for how to find clients on LinkedIn.

    By leaving a comment on a post you are inviting other potential viewers to learn more about you and your services. Stop scrolling and start leaving an in-depth comment on a fellow LinkedIn user post.

    One of the most effective strategies for leaving a comment is to first thank the host. You want to highlight and acknowledge them. Next, when leaving a comment you want to share a tidbit on your background and why you are supporting the post. Lastly, you want to add any relevant hashtags to the post. The hashtags can increase your visibility across LinkedIn and invite others to connect with you to chat more.

    Leaving a comment on a post is a great way to meet potential clients and it gives you a conversation starter in their inbox. It’s one of the best tips to find clients on LinkedIn that many freelancers don’t think about.

    There are many industry leaders on LinkedIn. It can feel a little intimidating to attract their attention. Before you pitch your services in the inbox or like every post, try this. Start by engaging with the industry leader online by leaving a comment, subscribing to the newsletter, and connecting with those who are within their network.

    Sometimes you have to go through the middleman to get to the big fish. Ask for an introduction or book a consultation. It never hurts to take a risk and gain a big reward.

    Search for Freelance Opportunities

    LinkedIn wants you to land a client or job on the platform. Thus, the LinkedIn job search feature will become your best friend. Whether you’re searching for a “content writing” opportunity in the United States or “remote writing” opportunities, you can find them on LinkedIn.

    A good rule of thumb is to learn more about the company that is hiring and follow them or their employees on LinkedIn. If you land the gig great, if not, you can learn more about the next opportunity with them.

    Turn on your notifications to learn more about new company products or services. Some companies or organizations enjoy partnering with freelancers for projects. You can pitch someone within the marketing department about your freelance services, it’s a win-win for all.

    Keep at It to Find Clients on LinkedIn

    Lastly, LinkedIn is unlike most social media platforms on the market. You want to remain professional and relatable when connecting with potential clients. It’s important to not only promote your services. You want to combine a mix of education and entertainment. (Pet pics always seem to perform well.)

    Consider your inbox as an invite-only opportunity to work with you or refer to your services. I always say that the more people in my network, the more referrals I’ll receive later. As a freelancer, always keep your eyes peeled for your next opportunity.

    Make LinkedIn your playground as you explore how to find clients on LinkedIn. The more fun you have on the LinkedIn platform as a freelancer, the better chances you’ll have with landing clients.

    FAQs

    • How often should I update my LinkedIn profile?

    Sharing your latest achievements with your network will help increase your visibility and trustworthiness. Whether it’s an award, new freelance client, or starting a new position, be consistent with sharing an update at least once a week.

    • What kind of content works best for engaging potential freelance clients?

    The best content that works best for engaging with potential clients would be a good mixture between infographics, lead magnets, and videos. Potential clients want to know that you are a subject matter expert and can effectively communicate ideas in a way that is pleasing to the market.

    • How can I convert LinkedIn connections into actual clients?

    One of the best ways to convert LinkedIn connections to actual clients is by having a lead magnet. By offering a free eBook or a paid subscription newsletter helps keep your business or services planted in your clients’ minds. Whether it’s email marketing tips, virtual assisting services, or content marketing ideas entice your ideal client to sign up to learn more on how to achieve their desired goal with you.

    To become a doctor, you need to go to medical school. To become a lawyer, you need to pass the bar exam. To become a freelance writer? The path to entry is not so clear. 

    Freelance writing is a career offering flexibility, freedom and variety. Still, many beginners find it hard to break in. But no matter whether you’re wanting to start a simple side hustle, or to change careers entirely, there’s a path you can follow to get there.

    Just be aware that the path looks a little different for everyone, no matter what you do to find work or explore how to find freelance writing jobs.

    Leverage your background to get started

    Some backgrounds might be more beneficial than others if you’re trying to figure out ‘how do I get into freelance writing?’

    Journalism and media studies

    A background in journalism or media studies offers a deep grounding in critical skills such as researching, interviewing, writing, note-taking, and ethical decision-making. I spent three years in journalism school and sometimes still hear the voices of my lecturers in my head. (“Your first priority is to your reader!” one of them used to bellow.) But a journalism degree is no longer a make-or-break asset for a freelance writer.

    Public relations, corporate communications and marketing

    These fields also offer a solid foundation for freelance writing. PR and marketing professionals already have great networks, know what the industry looks like from the other side of the desk, and have gained a solid understanding of how to craft messages that resonate with specific audiences. 

    Technical or scientific backgrounds

    Companies and brands are desperate for writers who can translate complex information into digestible content, so those with a background in a technical or scientific discipline will be in demand. Considering how to become a medical writer? There’s a market for that.

    Writing technical manuals, white papers, case studies or other detailed materials is a natural fit for those with a deep understanding of specific subject matter. Book-length projects work well too. For example, Barbara Ehrenreich, a scientist with a PhD in cellular immunology, turned her analytical eye on social issues, penning books like Nickel and Dimed.  These are just some of the types of freelance jobs available to those looking to leverage these kinds of freelance skills.

    Education or training

    Ever worked as a schoolteacher? Taught English as a foreign language? Tutored high school or university students? Helped one of your kids with their homework? Educational experience can be a valuable springboard for freelance writers. Your ability to identify core issues, simplify complex concepts, and develop step-by-step guides to aid understanding, will stand you in good stead. You might even find a freelance community of teachers who can help if you’re looking into how to get freelance writing work in this field.

    Blogging or content creation

    If you’ve ever created and maintained a blog, developed content for your website, or thrilled your Instagram followers with in-depth captions, then you already have a head start. These experiences demonstrate that you can create engaging content, build an audience, and manage projects from start to finish. Your blog can even serve as part of your portfolio (see below). Check out these best blogs for freelance writers for inspiration.

    Other handy backgrounds 

    The good news is that you can leverage almost any background for success. Freelance writers come from disparate occupations. These include bartender and waiter (Elizabeth Gilbert, of Eat, Pray, Love fame), carpenter and fisherman (Outside contributor Jon Krakauer) and forensic psychologist and true crime author Katherine Ramsland.

    Identify your freelance writing niche(s)

    Having now considered how your background and previous experience might support your freelance writing goals, it’s time to think about your freelance writing niche – or best high-paying freelance niches. Many writers home in on what’s likely to prove most marketable or profitable. But it’s also important to think about what you could happily write about, day in and day out, for the next ten years or more. 

    Ask yourself these questions:

    Should I use my background as a springboard to get into freelance writing?

    You might have a deep understanding of a particular industry or subject, but that doesn’t mean you can’t branch out. Stockbrokers or financial planners might be well placed to write about personal finance, investment strategies, day trading, or trends in cryptocurrency, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they want to – or should. I wrote personal finance for about five years before I realized it wasn’t for me.

    How do I like to spend my spare time?

    You might be a keen hiker, a gardening green thumb, or a frequent flier. These passions provide important clues as to what niche or niches might work best for you. Choosing to write about subjects in which you’re genuinely interested will make for a more enjoyable work life. That sense of ease and joy will shine through in your words. 

    One niche or several?

    Picking a niche is not a case of ‘one and done’. There might be multiple subjects on which you can write with authority. For example, Christina Sterbenz divides her reporting work into ‘criminal justice and drugs’, ‘extremism’, and ‘environment’. Sarah Krasnostein, meanwhile, is a lawyer and television critic who is also adept at writing on criminal justice matters. Just start somewhere. 

    Build a portfolio

    A writing portfolio serves as a showcase for your freelance writing work. While there’s an art and a science to crafting the perfect writing portfolio, it typically includes a range of writing samples, such as articles and blog posts, or bigger projects that you’ve worked on, including annual reports, white papers, e-books, and more. There are many ways to make your portfolio stand out.

    What if you don’t have a track record of publication? You’ll have to do a bit more work upfront, but it’s still possible to launch a portfolio that will make potential clients sit up and take notice.

    Dig deep into higher education or professional writing samples

    If you wrote a persuasive essay or a research paper as part of your degree, you could turn this into an article, blog post, or op-ed piece. Also think about any reports, sales letters, slide decks, email newsletters, or other writing you’ve created during past employment. These may also be tweaked to wow prospective clients.

    Create writing samples

    No existing writing projects to pick apart and repurpose? Consider setting aside a couple of days to create work samples from scratch. These articles, blog posts or other types of content should be aligned with the sort of work you’d ultimately like to get paid for. You could publish them on sites like Medium or LinkedIn, or set up a basic blog website as you explore why you need a freelance writing portfolio.

    Guest post on established blogs or websites

    Google ‘write for us’ and you’ll find squillions of blogs and websites looking for contributors. Choose sites that gel with your interests and review previous posts to ensure you have something new to add to the conversation. The pay will be minimal – or non-existent. But guest posts will get new eyes on your work and deliver a published piece of writing for your portfolio.

    Write and submit stories ‘on spec’

    Writing ‘on spec’ (‘on speculation’) means writing and submitting an article or other piece of work with no guarantee of publication or payment. It involves researching a publication, generating a story idea that fits the editorial mix, writing the piece as if you’d been commissioned, and sending it off to the editor. It’s a bit of a gamble, but sometimes it will help you break in. 

    Finding those first freelance writing jobs for beginners

    Creating samples, publishing blog posts and writing ‘on spec’ will only take you so far. Finding work as a freelance writer is an ongoing task, but it does get easier over time. 

    Here’s how to get out of the starting blocks:

    Leverage your network

    Let friends and family know you’re getting started as a freelance writer. They might know someone who needs writing services or have connections who could become your first clients. Here’s how to get started copywriting as a beginner.

    Tap your professional networks

    Review your work history and consider whether any of your former employers, colleagues, or clients might need writing services – or know someone who does.

    Join writing communities

    Online writing communities offer a way to network with other freelance writers and come to the attention of potential clients. In Australia, Georgia’s Media Circle is an active Facebook group where callouts for writers, press trip offers, industry questions and other information are traded. LinkedIn and freelance-dedicated forums are other good places to start building community. 

    Attend networking events

    Don’t overlook industry gatherings, conferences, or meetups. These can be great ways to learn new skills, meet potential clients, and establish connections. Events are also a great way to stay informed about developments in your niche. Gatecrashing conferences is one of five main ways I like to generate fresh freelance articlestory ideas.

    How to find freelance writing jobs

    With all the above steps in place, it’s time to start hunting for freelance writing jobs. It’s worth trying a few different methods so you can determine which work best for you.

    Subscribe to the website’s newsletter and get a PDF of “50 Websites That List Freelance Jobs.”

    Job boards

    Although I haven’t found job boards to be worth the trouble, some people, particularly those starting out, swear by them. Be aware that they are highly competitive arenas where rates are typically low, but if you’re a newbie, this may be the least of your worries. They include ProBlogger, Upwork and Freelancer. They’re a step up from content mills like Textbroker or iWriter, but be cautious nonetheless when using them.

    Email newsletters

    Some writers collate lists of opportunities gleaned from social media, personal contacts, and various other sources. For a few dollars every month (or sometimes for free) you can subscribe to their newsletter. Sonia Weisner has a weekly newsletter with many such opportunities, as does Kaitlyn Arford, while Australian-based Rachel’s List asks that people purchase a membership (or a 24-hour pass) to access information about advertised gigs. Diana Kelly Levey curates a handful of jobs with each of her weekly newsletters – for free.

    Cold pitching 

    Cold pitching is my favorite method of picking up new work. It involves approaching potential clients directly, even if they haven’t posted a job listing or given any other indication that they’re eager to hear from you. I’ve secured most of my work by pitching editors directly, with story ideas tailored to their publications. Successful pitching involves painstaking research and it can take a while to fine-tune a strategy that works for you and your niche. But in my experience, cold pitching is the most surefire way to secure a gig. 

    FAQs about getting started in“how do I get into freelance writing?”

    How much should I charge when I’m starting out as a freelance writer?

    If you’re shooting for editorial work, don’t worry. Newspapers and magazines will have their own set rates which they pay to writers – and there’s usually no room for negotiation. However, if you’re focusing on writing for corporates or brands, you have greater freedom to set your own rates. This is key when you want to establish a good freelance writer salary

    Research the market rates in your niche by viewing freelance writing forums, surveys and job boards. Take what you’ve learned and temper that with the complexity of the assignment, the time a project will take, the client’s budget, and your own level of experience. Starting out, you might be tempted to cut prices just to pick up work – but then clients become conditioned to paying rock bottom rates, which is bad for you and the rest of the industry. Don’t undervalue yourself. Explore the many ways freelancers get paid..

    How can I manage my time effectively as a freelance writer?

    Freelance writers rarely have the luxury of focusing on a single project at a time. Keeping track of multiple projects, deadlines, requirements, clients, interviewees, invoices and prospects can be daunting at first – and sometimes even when you’ve been at it for quite some time. But juggling multiple balls simultaneously (and cheerfully) is part of the job. 

    I find it easier to tackle large projects, by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be tackled sequentially. Some writers swear by project management apps such as Trello or Asana or these top productivity apps, but I find I can stay organized enough with a rolling to-do list. 

    I keep getting knock-backs. How can I handle rejection as a freelance writer?

    You’re not having a hard time because you’re starting out. Every freelance writer faces rejection, no matter how long you’ve been at it. Rejection is painful, but it’s (usually) not about you, so don’t take it personally. The publication might not want the article you just pitched because they already have a story just like it in the pipeline (in which case your instincts were great, but the timing was bad). 

    The editor might have overlooked your email. The magazine might be facing financial woes. The point is that rejection happens for all sorts of reasons. Don’t be discouraged. With persistence, you will break through.

    More than 36% of adults have a side hustle in 2024, according to a bankrate.com survey. If you have a side hustle while working full time, you’ve likely considered making your side hustle a full-time career.

    What’s a side hustle? It’s a second, nonprimary job or source of income for a working adult.

    Here are some statistics on side hustles, according to a Self.inc financial survey.

    • A side hustler spends between 5 and 10 hours per week on their second job.
    • A little over 19% of the people with side hustles make over $1,000 per month.
    • An average side hustle grosses $688 per month.

    For people who love their side hustle more than their job, the question inevitably arises: Should I turn my side hustle into my full-time job?

    That depends. Let’s look at some factors you should consider before making the transition.

    How to Make a Side Hustle to Full-Time Freelance Job Transition

    Keep these side hustle tips at the forefront of your mind when you consider making the leap from a freelance side hustle to a full-time freelance career.

    1. Understanding the Challenge

    Do you know what it’s going to take emotionally and financially to support yourself and perhaps someone else if you transition to a full-time freelance career? When I was a full-time writer, I was able to get article assignments without doing any freelance marketing

    Occasional opportunities came to me via word-of-mouth or referrals from editor friends who knew my work. I had freelanced early in my career, and avoided going back to it even though I suffered through a long period of dissatisfaction as a staff writer for one reason: I hated the marketing component of it. It wasn’t natural for me to self-promote, and I knew I’d have to spend three-quarters of my time in the beginning writing pitches and dealing with rejection.

    It was easy for me to make some extra money in my spare time as a full-time writer without doing much outreach but I knew I’d have to dig deeper to make it on my own. I made the move to full-time freelance out of necessity after I took a buyout from my full-time job in 2021. Before I left, I tried to learn as much as I could about freelancing by focusing mostly on the business part of it.

    I transitioned from side hustle to full-time freelance by taking a few online courses from successful freelancers, some group coaching sessions, and by talking to freelancers who’d made the transition. Even with years of writing experience, I still sweated the change. It’s okay if you feel that way, too.

    Know your weaknesses before you make the leap to a full-time freelance career and work on them.

    2. Putting Money in the Bank Before Going from Side Hustle to Full-Time Freelance

    It’s important to have enough cash to make it through a start-up period. If you have clients already, you won’t need to have as much money socked away to get through the build-up process. A general rule is to have three to six months of cash available for living expenses if something causes you not to work or if you need to get work.

    My standards are currently more aggressive but it took me time to build it up. I have a year’s worth of cash for any financial hiccups I could incur. I did that by setting aside a portion of my income beyond my taxes and savings for an emergency account. 

    One option to stay afloat is to take a part-time job. This can help you flip the script while you bank some money as you go from side hustle to full-time freelancer. Your side hustle is now your full-time job but you still have a way to bring in money outside of your main job.

    I was leery of doing this because I wanted to devote all my energy to building a business. I figured it was more cost-effective to go all-in on freelancing than to split my time working. However, it has worked for many freelancers. It just depends on your situation.

    3. Have a Freelance Business Plan

    Write a business plan, put it away, and forget about it for a while. It doesn’t need to be fancy but it should be on paper and act as a guidepost for your journey. 

    A simple plan for making the transition from side hustle to full-time freelancer is that you should have two important numbers: Your projected monthly income and projected monthly expenses. 

    A third component is the clients you are targeting.  Of course, your plan will become more sophisticated as your business grows but, having a super detailed business plan without having clients is meaningless. 

    The sooner you can start bringing in money, the better off you’ll be. You can always go back and flesh out your business plan. Building up a roster of paying clients is the most immediate goal. The U.S. Small Business Administration can help you create one.

    It’s important not to parse every word of the business plan when you make the move to running a full-time freelance business. It can hold you back. I’ve seen new freelancers agonize over creating the perfect business plan. Avoid that trap. It just saps your energy. 

    Trust me, you’ll need to put a lot of energy into acquiring new clients.

    4. Create Your Identity As a Full-Time Freelancer

    Be committed to your new title. Let people know that you’re a full-time freelancer. That includes current clients, family, and friends. 

    Your online presence should announce your new role. Don’t be shy. One litmus test for making the move from part-time side hustle to full-time freelance is if you are comfortable and confident enough to be public about your role. If it’s not comfortable to call yourself a freelancer, you might want to consider waiting before you leave your full-time job. 

    This part was scary for me because I genuinely liked my full-time job. You have to immerse yourself in your new role. I took a class that taught me how not to think like a journalist. The hard skills I learned as a journalist—writing, editing, fact-checking—are useful but, I had to rewire my bedside manner and deprogram myself from being overly skeptical, blunt, and detached.

    Those qualities are beneficial for journalists but don’t necessarily help when you have to move into sales mode for your new business. Get to know the characteristics successful freelancers adopt.

    5. Know Your Worth

    Early in my freelance journey, I took any job that came my way. If you have a side hustle, you should know the value of your work. I knew eventually, I’d be able to charge more. 

    What’s important here is to understand that you’re running a business and your well-being depends on your ability to make money. Many people who have a side hustle love it. The dynamics can change, however, when you’re side hustle becomes your main source of income. 

    You’ll have to establish your rates and be firm with them. That “nice-to-have” freelance rate that was a little extra gravy in your bank account when you held a full-time job needs to be consistent and a high enough freelance rate to sustain your business and lifestyle. Having a balanced freelance money mindset can help when you’re looking to build a lucrative full-time freelance career.

    Let’s be honest, if you are thinking about becoming a freelancer or freelance writer, you really want to know what a potential freelance writer salary is, right?

    Who gets into this business without any curiosity about freelance writer salaries?  I know I wanted to discover some hourly freelance rates and my true earnings potential when I got into the field.

    Having an understanding of how much you could earn as a freelance writer is essential. Here, we’ll dive into the world of freelance writing rates, explore freelancer salary structures, and provide you with some tips to maximize your earnings.

    What is a Freelance Writer Salary?

    As a freelance writer, you can choose different ways to earn money, depending on the type of writing, industry, and project type. 

    Per word: You might get paid a “per word rate” for long-form articles and blog posts. (Here’s how much you should charge for a 500-word article.)

    Per hour: You might get paid for consulting or editing services for each hour you work. 

    Per project: For larger assignments and long-term projects, you might get paid for each project.

    Having the flexibility to quote their price and structure allows freelance writers to adjust prices to fit different types of work and client needs. Knowing how to adjust your freelance rates can ensure you’re able to earn a living freelance writing.

    Key Factors Influencing Freelance Writer Salaries

    Here are some tips to consider when setting your freelance writer rates, whether that’s per hour, word, or project, and how to increase your freelance writer salary.

    1. More Experience Equals Higher Rates

    Your experience and expertise are gold! Seasoned writers with extensive portfolios can charge higher rates because they can tackle complex assignments and deliver content that requires very little editing.

    2. Niche Down and Earn More

    Specializing in high-demand and the best-paying freelance niches like technology, healthcare, or finance can significantly boost the demand for your services and, in return, boost your income. Clients pay more for specialized knowledge that meets their specific industry needs. Picking a niche is not required, but it could be a good fit for you depending on your experience.

    3. Consider Your Local Cost of Living

    Where you live matters when you quote your freelance rate. Writers in higher-cost areas typically charge more to cover living expenses. Conversely, those in lower-cost regions might adjust rates to attract clients while still maintaining a reasonable income. You don’t have to tell the client this but keeping local and state tax costs in mind as you work toward your freelance writer salary is important.

    4. Find Clients and Industries with a Marketing Budget

    Corporate clients and industries like finance and healthcare have larger marketing budgets, allowing writers to command higher rates. Smaller businesses or nonprofits might have tighter budgets, but targeting high-paying freelance clients can elevate your earning potential.

    Average Salary of a Freelance Writer

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for writers was $73,690 in May 2023. In the United States, freelance writers earn an average of $23 an hour as of July 2024, according to ZipRecruiter. Specialized fields like technical writing or copywriting for SaaS (software as a service) brands fetch higher rates, starting at $84 per hour, and report annual earnings similar to $163,800.

    If you’re aiming to be a freelancer earning one of those competitive freelance writer salaries, you need to keep honing your freelance skills and learning how to run your business better.

    Enroll in this course to learn how to earn $100 an hour (or more) as a freelancer.

    Understanding Freelance Hourly Rates vs. Project Rates

    Let’s examine the pros and cons of hourly rates vs. project rates. 

    Pros of Hourly Freelance Rates 

    Hourly rates are like a freelancer’s safety net—you get paid for every single minute you work on a project. This can be especially handy when projects take unexpected turns (hello, surprise revisions!).

    Another great thing about freelance hourly rates is that they’re perfect for projects where the scope and the due date are more likely to shift. Charging by the hour ensures you won’t lose out if the workload balloons. 

    Cons of Freelance Hourly Rates

    As you get better and faster at what you do, hourly rates might start feeling like a speed bump. Sure, you’re finishing tasks in record time, but your earnings don’t reflect that boost in efficiency. 

    Plus, let’s face it, there are only so many hours in a day. When your earnings are tied to your hours, your income has a built-in ceiling. This can make it tough to take on new gigs or enjoy some well-deserved downtime.

    Pros of Freelance Project rates

    Project rates, on the other hand, are like a breath of fresh air. You agree on a set fee for the entire project, and everyone knows what to expect (no surprises!). This kind of financial predictability can make budgeting a breeze and keep stress levels nice and low, allowing you to focus on knocking the project out of the park.

    Cons of Freelance Project rates

    Misjudge the time or resources needed to complete a project, and you might find yourself working for pennies. It all hinges on your ability to foresee potential challenges and include them in your quote.

     If your client decides to add on extra bells and whistles midway through, you could end up putting in extra hours without extra pay. This is where clear communication and good contracts become your best friends.

    When understanding freelance writer salaries, it’s crucial to account for taxes. Unlike a traditional W2 job, freelancers do not have taxes automatically deducted from paychecks. 

    This means a portion of your earnings must be set aside. Work with a tax professional or use reliable tax software for help navigating the complexities of taxes for freelance writer salaries.

    Tips for Increasing Your Freelance Writer Salary

    If you’re looking to make six figures as a freelance writer, it’s possible. Still, you’ll need to aim for a higher hourly rate and higher-paying assignments or dedicate time to working extra hours to reach the goal of increasing your freelance writer salary. 

    It’s fine to start writing 500-word articles for $50 each if you’re a beginner freelancer, but you’ll need to earn at least $2,000 weekly to make a six-figure freelancer salary in gross numbers–that means no vacations!

     Here are more tips to increase your freelance writer salary.

    1. Negotiate Higher Rates

    Showcase your experience and expertise to justify higher rates. Build a solid freelance portfolio with client testimonials to bolster your credibility. Clear communication about deliverables and deadlines also helps clients see the value in investing in your services.

    2. Build a Strong Portfolio with Client Testimonials

    A robust portfolio and glowing testimonials are your best friends. They provide tangible proof of your skills and reliability, making it easier to attract higher-paying clients.

    3. Expand Your Services

    Stay competitive by learning new skills like SEO optimization or social media content creation. Offering a broader range of services can justify premium rates and attract a wider array of clients.

    Whether you are freelance writing as a side hustle or freelancing full-time, it’s important to set annual goals and break them down into monthly, weekly, and daily goals. That way, you have an “average” target rate to aim for. It’s crucial to revisit that freelance writer salary goal periodically to see how well you’re tracking that goal. 

    As a freelancer, you must keep yourself accountable if you need to make modifications to that initial number or if you need to kick your behind into high gear for the remainder of the year.

    How to Reach Financial freedom as a Freelance Writer

    Ready to kick your freelance writer salary into high gear? It’s possible to improve your freelance money mindset when you understand how to set fair rates that reflect your skills. Remember to incorporate factors like experience, niche specialization, and industry standards. 

    Stay informed, build a strong portfolio, and continuously hone your craft to thrive financially and establish yourself as a valuable asset in the freelancing world. You can do this! 

    FAQs

    1. How do freelance writers get paid?

    Freelance writers are typically paid per word, per project, hourly, or through revenue sharing, with terms negotiated based on the work’s scope and nature.

    2. What should freelance writers consider when setting their rates?

    Consider your expertise, project complexity, industry standards, desired income, and the time required for research, writing, and revisions. Review these top questions freelancers should ask clients before quoting your rate.

    3. How much do freelance writers make?

    Earnings vary widely based on experience and project complexity but typically range from $0.10 to $1.00 per word or $20 to $100+ per hour.

    4. What types of clients do freelance writers work with?

    Freelance writers work with businesses, agencies, publications, nonprofits, and individual entrepreneurs, creating content for websites, blogs, articles, and marketing materials.

    The first time I jumped on a discovery call with a potential freelance client, I was completely nervous almost to the point of my hands sweating. I was anxious and excited to secure my first client. 

    Although the discovery call was over the phone, I wanted to make a great first impression on the client. As the discovery call proceeded, I began to realize I had no clue on how to properly vet the client. I wasn’t sure of the top questions freelancers should ask clients and made some gaffs. Whoops!

    There I was with butterflies in my stomach and sweaty palms eager to sign the contract with no idea if the client was a good fit for me.

    Does this sound familiar? It’s common in those who want to know how to start freelancing with no experience.

    When you don’t ask important questions during the discovery call to clients, you miss key information. Some clients are not as forthcoming about project details, deadlines, communication preferences, or payment methods. As a freelancer, this is all on you to ask for clarification to help ensure you are making an informed decision.

    It can be easy to overlook or neglect the vetting process for potential clients. (We’ve all been there!) Oftentimes, as freelancers, we’re searching for our next client to help keep the lights on and to afford a mocha chai latte at Starbucks. But by not vetting potential freelance clients, as a freelancer you’re doing yourself and your client a disservice. 

    Here are some of the best freelance client questions to ask before you agree to a freelance rate as well as after you get the freelance assignment.

    Consider using this freelance client intake form before you get on a call with a potential client to avoid time-wasters.

    Top Questions Freelancers Should Ask Clients Before They Sign a Contract

    To help you sidestep one of the many pitfalls of freelancing, we’re sharing tips and top questions freelancers should ask clients before they commit to the freelance assignment. By the time you secure your next discovery call, you’ll feel confident and ready to start the project.

    What’s the project scope?

    Before you start the freelance project, you want to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the scope of the project. For example, it’s important to know the specific deliverables of the project. Some clients would prefer to see a rough draft of the project and a final deliverable delivered via pdf. Getting clarification on the deliverables and project objectives will help avoid delays in communication or project mishaps. It’ll also help you avoid scope creep down the line if the client asks for more.

    As a rule of thumb, it’s important as a freelancer to have your own set of requirements in order to start a project. You want to come across as confident and trustworthy as possible. You achieve this by providing your client with a checklist of specific requirements you need for the project. Once everything on the checklist has been submitted, you can begin the project with ease. 

    What’s the deadline?

    Clients want to work with freelancers who are able to meet deadlines with a short turnaround. As a freelancer, it’s important to manage your time and energy efficiently.  The more projects you acquire within a month, the more you limit your availability to take on new clients. Time is your most precious resource as a freelancer!

    It’s important to measure your capacity to accept projects and understand the length of time required to complete current ones. 

    As a rule of thumb, I always measure out a two-week window for edits or last-minute changes on a project. This way, I estimate that even after I’ve turned in an article or project on deadline, I allow for a bit of buffer room in my schedule for additional changes on the project.  

    If you can turn in an assignment early to your freelance client, even better. Just expect that you need some time in your schedule for revisions. This is why you shouldn’t try to book yourself with too many freelance projects. That’s a recipe for freelance burnout.

    It’s helpful to establish milestones with the client. Milestones are a great way to approach a project to ensure you are meeting client expectations and the project is on task. Some freelancers require payments to meet milestones. An example might be that the first 25 percent of a project fee is paid after an outline is approved. Another 25 percent or 50 percent will be paid after the first draft. The final amount will be paid after the article or project is approved.

    Occasionally projects do run into roadblocks. This is a common freelancer challenge.

    When roadblocks occur on a project, communicate with your client. The issue might be a last-minute change to a draft or pushing the deadline date a few days out. Provide your client with a heads up so they can adjust accordingly. 

    It never hurts to offer a discount in your rate for the next project for the small inconvenience. Remember, the more flexible you are with clients, they will return the favor, and be more likely to work with you again.

    What are the freelance rates?

    As a freelancer, your rates will periodically change over time. With more skills and experience, your rates should increase to meet market demands. When it comes to determining a rate for a project, there are a few things you should consider–like the amount of research required, the topic, and the deadline. 

    Each of these should be factored into the rate in addition to your experience, niche, and bandwidth to accept the project and come up with freelance writer rates. I prefer to raise my rates twice a year with new clients to stay competitive and to meet my monthly income goals.

    When it comes to negotiating your rates as a freelancer, you have rights. Most freelancers accept the first offer the client presents because they are desperate for the work. Don’t feel bad, we’ve all been there in our freelance journeys. 

    As a rule of thumb, it’s always good to have a counteroffer or negotiate the rate. Negotiating is not putting the project or client at risk. It allows the client to consider the amount of the investment they are willing to pay for your services. In the end, if a client is unwilling to negotiate the rate, be willing to walk away from the project. Trust me, the right client won’t ditch you because you pushed back on a rate.

    How do freelancers get paid?

    When it comes to payment methods, I prefer to keep it as professional, efficient, and simple as possible. Most clients prefer to receive a customer invoice from freelancers. 

    This is helpful in tracking expenses and time for both parties. If you’re new to freelancing,  you might want to consider Paypal as a payment method. Once you become more established, Quickbooks could be a great option for a fee. Other clients will do a direct deposit into your bank account.

    How should freelancers charge?

    Some freelancers prefer to be paid on a retainer, per project, or hourly basis. For me, it depends on the project. For example, if I’m hired to write three to four blog articles for a real estate company on a three-month contract, I prefer to work on a retainer fee which is one lump sum payment each month. 

    The frequency of payment that you receive for a project should be discussed with the client prior to accepting the project. If you start out on a retainer or project basis and the client wants to increase your responsibilities, you’ll need to increase the amount you’re paid.  It’s important to review the terms of the original agreement and consider making necessary adjustments to protect yourself throughout the time you work for each client.

    Top Questions Freelancers Should Ask Clients After Getting the Assignment 

    Here’s a freelance template you can reference and send a tailored version of to your client to ensure you’re on the same page when it comes to the freelance project scope, resources, deadlines, as well as voice, and tone. It’s a great way to ensure you’ve identified the top questions freelancers should ask clients.

    How Much Research and Which Resources Should I Use?

    1. Clarify where research materials will be sourced from (in-house or you have to find sources).

    2. Ask if the client will provide any specific resources or reference materials.

    For most freelance projects clients will request images and backlinks to support the content. As a freelancer, it’s important to clarify where the clients prefer information to be sourced. For example, clients may allocate a small budget for research. They will permit you to source articles and clips from Google Scholar to cite as a reference in your work. If you’re hired as an in-house freelancer, there may be more contingencies regarding where you can retrieve resources and materials.

    Many clients are flexible in their approach to meeting the needs or requirements for a project. It always helpful as a freelancer to provide your client with a content brief. Your content brief should in specific questions or reference request for materials that they specifically want to be used for the assignment. A good resource for material or reference would be SemRush, Reddit, Pinterest, or Answer The Public.

    What are the Interview Requirements?

    1. Inquire if interviews with subject matter experts are necessary.

    2. Discuss logistics and scheduling for interviews, if needed. (Many freelance clients will introduce the freelancer to the team member they need to interview via email so they know you’re working with the team.)

    As a freelancer, you will need to interview subject matter experts for an article or blog. If you have a reliable social media network or personal network that you can go to from time to time is beneficial. However, you want to keep your pulse on leading subject matter experts that can bring a fresh perspective or supporting argument to your article. Suggest the idea to your client to see if interviewing a subject matter expert is necessary.

    Once you have the green light from your client to interview a subject matter expert. You’ll want to go over the logistics of how you’re going to cover the interview. Your interview should be done in real-time to help gain more quotable insights. It’s always best to record the interview via Zoom and transcribe the clip later.

    Who’s the Client’s Audience?

    Every brand or organization will have a key demographic that they are targeting for marketing purposes. As a freelancer, you must ask probing questions to learn more about your client’s target audience. You will want to know more about the client’s target audience age, economic status, social stats, and preferences for communication. The more you know about your client’s target demographic, the better prepared you are to develop a concept to address the project deliverables.

    What’s the Voice and Tone?

    Understanding each freelance client’s desired style, tone,  and voice will be an important aspect of your role as a freelancer. The best way to learn more about your client’s tone, style, and voice is to do a deep dive into their online persona. Take detailed notes on their social media captions, subscribe to the newsletter, or via online videos. Compile all of your notes to identify the brand tone and voice to help create a visual avatar of the client’s target audience and messaging. Remember to ask if they have any blog samples to send over that capture this well.

    What is the Revisions and Feedback Process?

    1. Establish the process for submitting revisions and incorporating feedback.

    2. Clarify the number of revisions included in the project scope. Charge more if the client asks for additional edits.

    Before submitting your final draft, you want to permit your client the opportunity to submit revisions or feedback request. This is a golden opportunity for you to receive constructive feedback on your work. Per your client you can establish a process for revisions that may include sharing a Google Doc, highlighting errors, or adding comments.  The process should be efficient and convenient for both parties to avoid any delay in meeting the deadline. As a rule of thumb, it’s important to discuss the number of revisions for the project. You don’t want to be a doormat because your client is simply not satisfied with the changes. Be flexible, yet firm.

    Establish Final Delivery and Approval

    1. Confirm the preferred method for delivering the final project

    2. Discuss the approval process and any necessary sign-offs from the client

    Once your client has reviewed the project and the edit request have been completed. You’ll need to confirm the preferred method for delivering the project. Some clients will request a PDF file or docx. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to have a backup on hand just in case the file is lost, corrupted, or not to the client’s satisfaction. The final project deliverable should be satisfactory with minimal errors.

    As a freelancer, you want to dot all of your I’s and cross all of your t’s as you identify the top questions freelancers should ask clients. Just as you would have an onboarding process with your client. You’ll want to have an approval process that will ensure that your client’s expectations have been met for the project. Your approval process should include a timeframe for your client to review the project and an opportunity for your client to request any further changes. The client should initial the document to confirm that they are satisfied with the project and have reviewed the work thoroughly. Once your client signs off, you can submit the final deliverable to the client.

    Ready to kick-start your freelance writing career? Learn the steps to Get Paid to Write.

    Raise your hand if you’ve heard sayings like “If you’re marketing to everyone, you’re marketing to no one” or “A jack of all trades, master of none.” (Yep, time to put our hands down, too.)

    This is exactly why one needs to discover your freelance niche if you wish to be successful as a freelancer. If you’re asking yourself, ‘Why niche down?’ Won’t that mean I’m leaving tons of clients on the table that I could do work for?

    Well, sure. But you’ll also compete with millions of people who think the same way, and that’s never a good path to take.

    Why choose a freelance niche? The truth is, focusing on one specific type of work, or one specific industry, allows you to become an “expert” in the niche and it also makes it easier to market yourself. You can gear your marketing efforts to a specific niche, rather than every business that may need your services! In fact, why not try one of the best highest-paying freelance writing niches of 2024?

    Tips to Discover Your Freelance Niche

    When you’re choosing your freelance niche, follow these tips to find one that suits your interests while also being a high-paying freelancer niche.

    Tip 1: Reflect on Your Passions and Interests

    What do you love to do? What are you good at? What lights your soul up? What creates a fire in your belly? The answers to these questions are the best place to start your freelance niche journey.

    If something interests you, and you have a true passion for what interests you, you’re more likely to motivate yourself to push through the roadblocks when they arise. And roadblocks will come, it’s part of the journey.

    Take time to brainstorm ideas. Do a brain dump of everything you love, like, and enjoy.

    As you do discovery for your freelance niche, you might want to focus on topics—like fitness, nutrition, technology, consumer products—or, you might think about content marketing writing for brands or copywriting specifically. Both are ways you can categorize a niche.

    Tip 2: Assess Your Skills and Expertise

    As you sort through the thing you love, make sure to ask yourself and others what skills you have that others would consider you an expert in and remember to evaluate freelance writing skills as well. Include things you know you’re good at, but also those that you’d want to do day after day to make money!

    Ask your friends and family, as well as co-workers or former co-workers what they know your skillsets are and what you excel at. Ask them, “When discussing specific freelance skills, which ones make you think of me?”

    It’s a lot easier to generate income doing things you already love to do, as well as know how to do. No one wants to have to spend extensive time learning new skills, and then master them, so you feel confident selling yourself to others.

    When you feel confident providing value to others, it takes far less time and effort to start attracting clients who want to pay you for your service offerings.

    Tip 3: Research Market Demand

    Once you’ve done all the preliminary work, it’s time to dig in a bit deeper to discover your freelance niche. It might take a bit of time, because you’ll need to research each niche you’re interested to find out if there’s a demand for your niche service or services.

    You could have all the skills in the world, master of all things in that niche, but if no one needs the service or wants it—you won’t find much success, or it might take a lot longer to make money in your chosen niche.

    Some of the best places to see if the freelance niche you’ve chosen is in demand? Ask people in your network if they would pay for what you’d like to sell them. Look at places like Fiverr, Upwork, or even LinkedIn and see what services business owners are hiring freelancers for.

    And there’s always Google! Set up a “Google Alert” to help notify you about information and jobs in your chosen niches.

    Tip 4: Test and Iterate While You Discover Your Freelance Niche

    Be open-minded and flexible. If you launch yourself, do all the leg work to get your name out there, but months go by without much interest—prepare to re-evaluate your niche and make changes.

    Or, you might need to brush up on your skills and add certifications that potential clients would find appealing—like UX certifications, copywriting certifications, or showcasing courses completed on your LinkedIn page.

    Consider working with a reputable business coach, or a marketing coach. Focus on working with professional coaches who can help you with the results you want to achieve. Ask them for previous and current clients, and make sure you get the full story of how the coaching process works to help you achieve your freelancer goal-setting strategy.

    Tip 5: Trust Your Instincts

    Your gut is often the best barometer for what you should and shouldn’t do to become profitable in your chosen freelance niche. You know what lights you up inside and gives you the motivation to get up each morning and earn money. Trust yourself. Trust your skills. Embrace the challenge knowing you’ve got the skills to be successful.

    Your Path to Freelance Success Begins with Discovering Your Niche

    Entering the world of freelance work and finding success requires discovering your niche. You’ll need to do a deep dive into what your skills and expertise are, what you enjoy doing, and knowing that you can sell this “work” or “service” to others for a profit.

    Now’s the time to get real with yourself and your skill set. Talk to friends, family, and professional acquaintances to learn what they believe your strengths are and what types of work they would hire you to do. Then, collect all this information to finally nail down the perfect freelance niche for you to find financial success with.

    Your ideal freelance niche could be a topic “healthcare” or “freelance medical writing” or a skill “copywriting for Google ads” or “technical writing.”

    You might have a few starts and stops until you find just the right freelance niche, or combination of niches, that will be successful. If you find yourself struggling, first figure out of your niche is too broad. Remember, if you’re trying to market to everyone, you’re marketing to no one!

    If you know your niche is narrow enough, but still run into roadblocks to success, reach out to your network and find a reputable business coach who can help you come up with a plan of action to find success within your desired freelance niche.

    Your Freelance Niche Doesn’t Have to Be Forever

    Don’t worry. You don’t have to choose one specific topic area or skill and only do that one thing for the rest of your freelance career. (That’s what some think are the cons of freelance niche writing.) But, you do want to niche down so you can focus on your main thing until you make your desired income.

    You also want to be the freelancer potential clients think of for specific topic writing like “B2B healthcare writer” or “technical writer.” You’ll get more work that way!