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How Do I Find My First Freelance Writing Job?

Ready to kick-start your search and land your first freelance job? Be open to opportunities when you’re exploring how do I start freelance writing. Finding gigs and even long-term assignments is easier now than it was in the early nineties when I literally stumbled into mine.

My first printed article, which led to my first columnist gig came about because I worked for the company and expressed an interest in one of their magazines. When I turned the piece in, the editor read it right in front of me—which is how I discovered I had stapled the first page of the manuscript upside down. The lesson here is that you don’t have to be perfect to start freelancing, especially when you explore “how do I find my first writing job?” The actual writing is all that matters.

However, these days, you have to make yourself known to a wider range of people so you can connect with the opportunities that are out there. Doing that takes a lot of reading and networking. Sometimes you have to go outside your comfort zone and write something you might not know a lot about. It’s almost always worth it.

How do I start freelance writing?

Looking for work is literally part of freelancing. Every day, read freelance newsletters, LinkedIn alerts, and any freelancing websites looking for freelance writing opportunities. There are a lot of places to look when you’re looking for work as a beginner freelance writer! This will give you some leads to follow for pitches or applications. I always make it a goal to send in one pitch or application every day. 

Make a list of ideas you have for articles and create a template for a pitch letter. This will include a couple of sentences for the pitch idea, a small paragraph about who you are and why you’re the person to write this article right now, and a small paragraph that lets the editor know why you think this article would appeal to their readers. The letter should be short, have a succinct point, and professional (yet friendly). 

When you see a call for pitches about a topic that matches something on your list, fill in that pitch letter template with the specific details and send it out. Your goal is to get a good idea across quickly to somebody who may be reading fifty of these letters a day. If they think you can make their life easier, you’re likely to get the job!

How do I start freelance writing with no experience?

There are different answers to this question, depending on where you are in life. If you’re looking for entry-level freelance writing jobs, but you have other experience, then the easiest way to kick-start a freelance writing career is to write in the space where your expertise lies. Trade magazines are a great place to start doing this. This is probably the biggest advantage of having your first freelance job be the start of a second career.  Here are the 5 Ways to Start Freelancing with No Experience.

If you’re not established in a specific industry, the first thing to do is make a list of your hobbies and things that interest you. Make sure to read widely about any topic you want to write about and be as knowledgeable as you can, then search for article requests. These may even be in publications you’ve been reading, which is important when looking for freelance writing opportunities for beginners. Being familiar with a specific publication makes it easier to write in the style they prefer and to know what types of articles they’re interested in. If you think of something while you’re reading, go to their masthead (or website), find the editor for the section you want to write about, familiarize yourself with the writer’s guidelines, and pitch the idea! 

How do I find first freelance writing job clients?

Clients want to know what you’ve written before. Prior published pieces are called “clips.” Here are some suggestions on how to get your first freelance writing samples:

  • If you have written for any publications, make a PDF copy of the articles and keep them in a folder that people can access online. DropBox and Google Doc work well for this. 
  • If you haven’t published anything traditionally yet, you can still make a portfolio by writing samples and publishing them online. 
  • Medium gives you the ability to create your own portfolio without waiting for somebody else to publish you. It’s kind of like having a blog but better. What you write has the look and feel of an article, and as a member (which is free), you can also submit to Medium publications. The articles you post to your own account are considered published clips, and you can even choose to monetize them.
  • You can also write articles on LinkedIn as a creator.

Once you’re in talks with clients, bring up some of these top questions freelancers should ask clients.

It’s a good way to show professionalism while you’re exploring your first freelance writing job.

Ways to find freelance writing jobs, even if you’re a beginner

If you are making plans to leave an existing job, it might help to let people know about your future freelance plans. While you still have easy access to your network of colleagues, find out if their companies use freelancers, and alert them that you will soon be soliciting that type of work. 

If you don’t already have a profile on LinkedIn , make one. In almost all cases, the free version of LinkedIn will be sufficient. Make your portfolio available, click on the option to say you’re “open to work,” and sign up for job alerts in the field you want to work. 5 Ways to Spruce Up Your LinkedIn Profile.

Facebook and Instagram may be important, depending on the type of work you’re looking for. 

Facebook especially has different groups for all kinds of things. Search for groups that may provide job leads or even just networking within the general writing community or in your niche, and check in with them often. You want to become a legitimate member of the communities you choose, not just somebody who asks for job leads or advertises their services. Success in these fields requires making real connections—relationships are everything! You might even want to give copywriting a shot and learn how to get started freelance copywriting as a beginner.

Can I make a living as a freelance writer?

Yes! But probably not at first. (Sorry not sorry. We’re all about honesty here, especially when it comes to “can I earn a living freelancing.”)

You might think you’re ready to rake in the money once you’ve figure out how to start freelance writing.

But takes a while to become established and, depending on what publications you’re writing for, the amount of pay and how long it takes to be paid means this is not something that will likely pay the mortgage right away. Many outlets pay on publication, and the lead time for articles can be months. So you may be writing about Christmas in July, but you won’t get paid until after Christmas. Many freelance writers also dabble in other creative or academic work to keep things interesting.

 I also work as an editor, write fiction, and teach online classes. All of these are part of my freelance income and allow me to switch between tasks so I’m not always having to produce articles. I like the variety, and I have made a good living doing it for about twenty years.

Is freelance writing a satisfying career?

This is not a get-rich-quick kind of job, but it’s very satisfying. I’ve been working as my own boss for so long that I don’t think I could ever work for anybody else again. You get to choose the projects you want to take, find new and interesting work all the time, and work wherever you want to. One good thing is that submissions aren’t sent on paper anymore, so you’re safe from upside down first pages!

FAQ on How to Find First Freelance Writing Job

How do I find entry-level freelance jobs?

Besides LinkedIn and Facebook, here are some of my go-to sites and newsletters for finding jobs as a beginner freelance writer:

Just doing a search for “freelance writer sites” will give you some good articles with reviews of sites. Some sites require subscriptions, but many have unpaid options. I typically choose the unpaid option until I find work through it. If I do, I’ll pay for a subscription.

Some sites don’t charge a subscription but may take a small cut of any work you contract through them. There are lots of newsletters out there that aggregate freelance jobs weekly or even daily, and a search on Substack (https://substack.com/) may get you quite a lot of newsletters to follow that can help as you get started freelance writing.

How do I get my first freelance writing assignment?

If you have nothing to offer as a clip, one of the ways you can approach an editor is with an offer to write an article “on spec” (which stands for speculation). This means that you write the entire article first and submit it to the editor, who will then decide whether or not to accept it. This is in contrast to pitching the idea, getting a contract, and then writing the article.

 It takes more work ahead of time, but if the editor doesn’t take the article, you can always pitch it elsewhere. Either it will find a home, and you’ve had your first sale, or you can use it as a start to making your own portfolio on a site like Medium.

Still feeling curious about how to find first freelance job? Check out the “Get Paid to Write” online course.

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Freelance Jobs Writing Advice

How to Become a Freelance Medical Writer 

Today’s digital world offers more freelance opportunities for professionals seeking autonomy and flexibility. The healthcare industry values and seeks exceptional medical writers like you. If you’re curious about how to become a freelance medical writer, you’re in luck. This article will cover proven tips on how to kick-start a freelance medical writing career—whether you have healthcare credentials or simply enthusiasm.

Medical writing offers a promising career path. It highlights the importance of sharing health information so patients and their families can understand it.

A year ago, starting a health writing business was a no-brainer as I considered exploring medical writing jobs freelance. As a nurse, I wanted to assist patients in understanding their medical diagnoses rather than relying on information from sources like Dr. “Google. com.” The feedback from my patients inspired me to start freelance writing as a side hustle.

As a medical freelancer, you can create high-quality information to build trust and authenticity in the health niche. Other perks of freelancing are lucrative projects and optimizing your freedom and flexibility. 

Did you know that, on average, freelance medical writers can make $65,000 and $142,000 a year? This is true, and it can be your salary, too. Just look at Austin Ulrich, a freelance medical writer who started from scratch and generated $20,000 a month within his first year. Ulrich’s story is a testament to the potential of this career path.

This salary accounts for what you bring to your clients, including the education, certifications, and years spent in the profession. If you have a passion for medicine and writing, a career as a freelance medical writer might be right for you.

Here are seven helpful tips to help you get started in medical writing.  You might also want to consider these highest-paying freelance writing skills.

What is a Freelance Medical Writer?

A freelance medical writer plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They collaborate with healthcare organizations to develop content for educational or promotional purposes. This requires strong research skills and an understanding of medical procedures.

Medical writers help patients and their families understand their health conditions and make informed decisions about their care by making complex medical information accessible. A medical writer might work with hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, private practices, as well as government organizations. There are a ton of writing opportunities for medical writers.

Let’s get into how to get started in freelance writing in healthcare and how to find medical writing jobs freelance.

Here’s How to Become a Freelance Medical Writer

Follow these seven tips on becoming a high-income freelance medical writer without experience.

  1. Have knowledge of the field

It is crucial to understand the essence of medical writing before diving in. Medical writing involves translating complex scientific information into accessible content for various audiences. This means breaking down complex medical jargon into simple, understandable language while maintaining accuracy and integrity. 

For example, If I were to write a blog about high blood sugar, I would never title my article “Hyperglycemia.” Why? It is possible that some people may not understand this term. Use simple words when explaining a complicated procedure or health diagnosis. This way, you are helping people without a health background understand the article. 

How often have you read a comprehensive article and thought, “I have no idea what I just read”. Keep this tip in mind when writing scientific material.  Medical writers also cover fascinating subjects such as research articles, clinical trials, and continuing medical education (CME).  You don’t want to confuse readers; instead, you want to educate them.

  1. Develop your skills as a medical writer.

Developing your freelance skills is not just a step; it’s a journey of self-improvement and accomplishment. You’ll need a combination of medical knowledge and writing skills. If you have a background in science or medicine, that’s great, but it’s not mandatory.

Don’t let this stop you from becoming a freelance writer. For example, I don’t have a journalism degree. Yet, freelance writing for nurses is similar to medical writing. 

Consider taking specialized courses or workshops to enhance your necessary skills. You can also invest in a mentor or freelance writing coach to show you the ropes. Either option you decide will help you master your skills. To get started freelance writing in healthcare, you should always stay current on your craft. 

  1. Create a portfolio of medical writing samples

Start by drafting sample pieces that show your expertise in medical writing. This could include writing clinical studies, creating brochures for patient education, or developing content for healthcare websites.

You can still write sample pieces even if you don’t have a client. It’s possible to start freelancing with no experience.

First, you want to identify a problem and create a solution to that problem. Once established, you are ready to start typing up your first draft. 

For instance, if you want to write for a medical clinic and you notice they lack patient education pamphlets, create one as a sample piece. As a result, you can showcase your skills and demonstrate your initiative and industry knowledge. This is a great way to break into medical writing jobs freelance.

You could also volunteer for a non-profit organization or write guest posts. When preparing your stellar portfolio, include examples of your work. Also, include an introduction about you and your contact information. Please don’t stress about creating a website. It will happen in due time.  Writing samples takes priority over a website in the beginning stages. Having these samples can help when you want to know “how do I find my first freelance writing job?” 

  1. Establish a network as you work on how to become a freelance medical writer

This may feel intimidating, but building a connection with others is pivotal in freelancing. Here’s why: Connecting with healthcare organizations can expand your knowledge and expertise. It is also beneficial to interact with medical writers.  In doing so, you can share your invaluable work with the right people.

LinkedIn is a great place to start networking for nurse writers or medical writers. You can join healthcare-related groups, participate in discussions, and connect with other healthcare writers in your niche—another essential tip when networking is consistency.

Regularly sharing your work and engaging with others’ content can help you build a foundation and establish your presence in the industry as a freelance medical writer. It will also foster relationships that lead to meaningful opportunities and collaborations.

This method did wonders for me; I know it can do the same for you.

  1. Keep yourself updated and adaptable

Freelancing is evolving, and you should as well when working in this industry. Stay alert to the latest trends, guidelines, and regulations on healthcare. This can make or break your journey as a medical freelance writer. Staying relevant can help you remain in demand as a freelance medical writer and keep you viable. T

The benefits of joining an association can boost your career opportunities and give you access to additional resources. 

Here are some examples of helpful associations that can enhance your professional development as you explore how to become a freelance medical writer:

  • American Medical Association 
  • Association of Healthcare Journalists 
  • National Association of Science Writers
  • Society for Technical Communications

You could also follow your favorite medical companies or publications on social media or sign up for their newsletters. This can keep you up to date on popular topics. 

  1. Be open to feedback

From one writer to another, know that receiving constructive feedback is crucial for you to grow as you start your journey toward learning how to become a freelance medical writer. Yes, it’s easier said than done. I recall seeing red edits. They overwhelmed me with emotions. Edits are good, so don’t take them personally. Feedback from your audience or clients can redefine your craft and enhance your abilities as a freelance medical writer. 

Keep in mind that feedback should not be belittling; it should be a constructive learning experience. 

  1.  Embrace every step of your journey

A freelance medical writer’s journey is filled with freelance challenges. These may include finding clients, managing your time effectively, and staying updated with the latest medical research. However, staying passionate, persistent, and consistent in your work can overcome these challenges and thrive in this rewarding field. Remember to be gentle with yourself and celebrate the little wins. Even in tough times, this will keep you motivated and positive.

Get out there and give your clients a taste of what you can do

Medical writing offers a promising career path. It highlights the importance of sharing health information so patients and their families can understand it. Freelancing can provide lucrative projects and optimize your freedom and flexibility. You can succeed in a fulfilling career by following these seven steps and staying true to your journey. You’ve got this.

FAQ

How to become a freelance medical writer with no experience?

These seven tips can help you start a successful career as a freelance writer without experience. It’s also essential to gain knowledge of the medical field, hone your skills, and build a supportive community.

How much do freelance medical writers make?

Freelance medical writers can make roughly $46 per hour with an annual salary between $65,000 and $ 142,000. It’s one of the Best High-Paying Freelance Writing Niches of 2024.

How to find work as a freelance medical writer?

You can find work as a freelance medical writer and explore medical writing jobs freelance by networking your skills and applying to job boards. Some examples include AMWA jobs online, indeed, LinkedIn, and Problogger.com.

How to start freelance writing as a nurse?

The first step to freelance writing for nurses includes researching and choosing a niche. Once you have decided on a topic, you could enroll in a course to learn more, but it’s not required. You should update your resume, create writing samples, and pitch to future clients.

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 How to Find Clients on LinkedIn

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.

Discover 50 websites that list freelance jobs

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.

Here are linkedin post templates when you’re wondering what to share on linkedin
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What are five high-paying freelance skills?

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.

  1. 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.

2. 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.

3. CRM Management

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.

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.

4. 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.

5. 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 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. Overlooking these costs of freelancing can put a real crimp in your take-home pay.

Learn the skills you need to get paid to write with this online course

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Freelance Jobs Writing Advice

How to get started with simple writing jobs from home

Keen to get cracking on simple writing jobs from home? Taking advantage of the flexibility, cost savings, productivity, and work-life balance that comes from working from home is easier than you might think. 

‘Working from home’ used to have a whiff of unprofessionalism about it. The very phrase once evoked visions of people in pajamas, laboring from non-traditional ‘workstations’ such as the couch, the bed, or the bath, and failing to turn up to meetings.

How things have changed. The pandemic-led migration to remote work helped to shift old perceptions and fuel a new world of online opportunity. In Australia, where I’m based, more than a third (36%) of workers now work at least partially from home, figures from the latest Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey show.  One recent survey of U.S. respondents said nearly 60 percent of the white collar workers surveyed has access to remote work.

Freelance writing is one of the most accessible and flexible types of work you can do from home. In fact, it’s probably the most ‘accepted’ or even ‘expected’ work-from-home gig. You can take things at your own pace when you work one of these types of freelance jobs. You can approach it on a full-time or side-hustle basis. And you probably already have most of the equipment you need–like a notepad, laptop, WiFi access,  and a mobile phone.

A step-by-step guide to securing simple writing jobs from home

Here’s how to find jobs for freelance writers and content writers that can be done remotely.

Discover your freelance niche – or niches

Before launching straight into the job hunt, it’s important to think about the shape you’d like your writing career to take. From surfing and science to travel and true crime, there’s an infinite range of possible topics to cover. 

But also consider the form in which you’d like to write—whether editorial articles, ghostwritten thought leadership pieces, blogs for brands, copywriting, technical writing or many more. Just don’t get too hung up choosing the ‘right’ niche from the get-go. Follow the thread of your curiosity and your interests – and niche – will likely evolve over time. Do some research into the best high-paying freelance niches if you aren’t sure of where to start.

Build a strong portfolio

Potential clients don’t want to hear about your writing goals and dreams. They’ll want to see what you can do for them right now—and that means a portfolio brimming with high-quality writing samples. It’s a crucial component as you’re wondering how to build a freelance portfolio.

If you’re a beginner freelance writer, it’s important to spend some time creating samples that showcase your skills. Ensure they are aligned with the kind of work you’d ultimately like to do. For example, if you’re hankering to write about food, don’t put finance stories front and center in your portfolio (though they’re probably better than nothing). 

Writing at ‘mate’s rates’ for friends, family members, or local businesses is another way of beefing up your portfolio. 

Create a professional online presence

When potential clients Google your name, will they see your professional website, LinkedIn profile, and your most recent freelance articles? Or will they see Facebook snaps of you drinking and dancing till dawn? 

Ensure your online presence speaks to your professionalism and work ethic. There are many ways to bolster your online authority and create a great first impression. Tim Leffel, author of Travel Writing 2.0, suggests boosting your visibility with a blog. “It’s a great mouthpiece, a search engine magnet, and eventually something that will get your media attention and writing assignments,” he writes. Your portfolio and blog can both live on your website.

Find simple writing jobs

Securing simple writing jobs from home requires a combination of strategies. Signing up to newsletters which curate job openings, such as Opportunities of the Week, Write at Home, or Diana Kelly Levey’s Freelance Writing Tips newsletter, are good places to start. Networking with other writers, or following editors, companies, publications and industry influencers on social media can bring fresh opportunities to light. 

Some people recommend exploring job boards such as ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Jobs and BloggingPro, but this isn’t something I’ve done, so I can’t vouch for it. Others suggest signing up to freelance platforms such as Contently and Fiverr, but I personally haven’t gained any work from either and Fiverr’s flood of daily spam is really very tiresome. (One writer shared, “How much can you make on fiverr per month?”)

Apply for simple writing jobs from home that match your skills and interests

Cold pitching can sound scary. But reaching out to editors, brands, or websites to offer services, typically in the form of an email pitch or article pitch, has always been the fastest route to new freelance client work for me. 

Whether you’re the initiator, or you’re responding to general callouts like those outlined in the newsletters and freelance writing jobs websites mentioned above, it’s important to present yourself professionally. 

Be sure to read and adhere to any guidelines. For example, a job posting might ask that you include certain keywords or submit samples in a particular format. Some requirements can be highly specific. One recent callout I saw online noted “you need to be in or near Miami for this role and have a great interest in the music/tattoo scene”. If you don’t meet the criteria, then don’t fudge it. The job is not for you.

Track your inquiries and follow up

Developing some sort of system to monitor your pitches or other forms of outreach to potential clients is vital if you want to stay organized and maintain some level of visibility over your efforts. 

Use an Excel spreadsheet or even a simple Word table to log the details—including what you submitted, to whom, and when. You might find some of the top productivity apps for freelancers helpful for your business. 

If you don’t hear back within a week or two, following up can mean the difference between landing an assignment or not. Many writers are reluctant to do this, but I’ve found that a polite email follow-up will often nudge a decision-maker into action. Even if that answer is a ‘no thanks’, it frees you up to explore other options. But don’t call, follow up several times a day, or argue the merits of your piece in an effort to change someone’s mind.

Maintain a positive mindset

Working from home as a freelance writer has its challenges. Sometimes you’ll be overwhelmed with work; other times, you’ll wonder where the next gig is coming from. When things aren’t going well in your office of one, it’s easy to feel isolated, frustrated, discouraged and even demoralized. 

So ensure you’re maintaining your self-care, in the form of exercise, nutrition, hydration, sleep, and social contact. It’s also important to tackle any mindset blocks such as feelings of freelance Imposter Syndrome, perfectionism, or fear of rejection. 

Setting realistic goals, investing in ongoing learning and seeking support can also help you hang in when the going gets tough. These are crucial steps to forming a good freelance writer salary and remain sustainable in this industry.

Frequently asked questions about simple writing jobs from home


How much can I earn from simple writing jobs from home?

Earnings from simple writing jobs from home vary widely. They depend on factors such as your experience, your preferred niche (or niches), the clients you secure, how hard you work, how effectively you market, and even how lucky you are. 

Intent on writing poetry for literary journals? 

You probably won’t be buying a Lamborghini any time soon. But if you’re willing to bone up on highly-paid freelance writing skills such as technical writing, UX writing, digital content writing, ghostwriting or health and medical writing, you’re likely to bring in much bigger bucks. For example, Upwork says technical writers can earn as much as $125 per hour.

How can I stay productive when working from home on simple writing jobs from home?

People often tell me they’d never be able to work from home because of all the ‘distractions’ it contains—such as television, laundry, pets, and more. Yet a combination of discipline, organization and strategic planning can keep even the most distractible individual on track. 

Set consistent working hours as part of a freelance work schedule to provide a sense of structure to the day and be sure to log off the computer and turn off the phone when the working day is done. 

Create a dedicated workspace that’s pleasant to settle into. Establish clear goals for the day and use time blocking to ensure the most important projects are tackled first. Set firm boundaries with friends and family members who think ‘working from home’ means that you’re always available or ‘not really working’.

Are there other simple jobs I can do from home?

While freelance writing is a popular choice for remote work, many other gigs can be done from home. These include virtual assistance (providing administrative support to businesses from a remote location), graphic design (creating visual content for websites, ads and other mediums), online tutoring (providing academic support and instruction via the internet), web development (designing and building websites for clients), and digital marketing (helping businesses promote their products and services online). Whether you opt for freelance writing, or one of the many other types of gigs, remote work offers a plethora of possibilities.

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Freelance Jobs Mindset/Motivation Work-Life Balance

How to Avoid Freelance Burnout

My freelance burnout used to manifest itself in a specific way.

Complete, overwhelming, panic that could last for hours.

This anxiety stemmed from too much work, intense deadlines, and ambiguity about how to complete an assignment successfully for a client. 

Freelance burnout is different for everyone but no freelancer is immune to it. The World Health Organization validated work-related burnout as a real condition, calling it a “state of mental and emotional exhaustion” because of prolonged stress related to your job.

Burnout for all workers is on the rise. Some reports say that nearly two-thirds of all workers believe that burnout has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Fortunately, I’ve learned to recognize the symptoms of freelancer burnout and manage them over the years. 

Here’s what this freelancer knows about the feeling of burnout and how it impacts business:

Stress related to my freelance business is a daily occurrence.

  • Some stress is healthy. It keeps you motivated. Too much stress eats up what could be productive energy.
  • Work-related anxiety is never as bad as it seems.
  • There is always an answer, whether that involves asking for an extended deadline, finding a way to streamline your work, or just taking an hour break to clear your head.

That’s why it’s important to figure out how to cope with stress which can pile up and lead to feelings of burnout.

5 Tried-and-True Tips to Help Avoid Freelance Burnout

Here are tips to help freelancers manage daily stress that can lead to digital burnout and freelance mental health challenges.

1. Managing Your Schedule Can Help with Freelance Burnout

For me, it’s about taking deep breaths and splitting my projects into bite-size little tasks. Some people like to do an outline for every story they write. I prefer to write down a list on paper of how to tackle complicated projects. Then I prioritize the important stuff. 

Apply this same formula to your work week. What’s going to take you longer to finish? What are your looming deadlines?

Create a manageable priority list. That could mean getting one or two big things done every day. Don’t expect to finish your whole work week in one day. 

Sometimes, low-priority items slip off the list and move into next week. It’s okay. Freelancing is not a game of perfection. My days are a constant swirl of juggling freelance assignments and adjusting to my client’s needs and my schedule. Learn How Freelancers Juggle Multiple Clients.

For invoicing, there are dozens of free to inexpensive options. I use FormSwift, which is super simple and easy. A yearly subscription is $99. You’ll want to use a dedicated banking account for your business. That makes it easier to track your earnings. I sock away 25% for taxes into a different account. 

2. Prioritizing Self-Care for Better Freelance Mental Health

Self-care in my freelance business means daily exercise time. I hit the gym or run every day during the week. Most of us work from home. We spend hours in front of a screen. It’s a lonely profession. You can Add These Morning Activities to Your To-Do-List for a Productive Day.

We can summon the worst-case scenarios and focus on all the terrible outcomes. It’s what I call the “living-in-my-head syndrome.”

To break that cycle of constantly thinking about bad outcomes, it’s important to have a clear head. Set a small goal and reward yourself. I like the New York Times’ Games application. I’ll set a word count goal to hit for a freelance client assignment and then reward myself by doing “Spelling Bee” or Wordle. 

Find a daily distraction to reward yourself with and do it consistently. If my stress level is extremely high for a specific reason–like a looming freelance deadline or I’m wrestling with a complicated decision, I take walks. Sometimes, two or three a day. They are usually brisk five-minute jaunts. The break reorients and focuses me.

The type of self-care you choose to help reduce stress and manage freelancer burnout may be different. Find hobbies and breaks that work for you and incorporate them into your day. Can you earn a living freelancing without massive stress? I think it’s possible.

3. Limit Your Workload

One cause of digital burnout is financial uncertainty. 

Even seasoned freelancers can struggle to build a freelance client list that results in regular work. Paychecks can be inconsistent and beginners often have to accept low-paying assignments. 

When I started my writing business, I took whatever work I could get because I needed the money. As I built my clientele, I became more selective about work. I turn down freelance writing stories that don’t pay enough. 

I also build in time during my day for unexpected problems. That cushion helps me keep my day balanced. 

It’s impossible to control all the outside variables but blocking out daily extra emergency time can mitigate 12 or 13-hour work days. I limit my work days to eight hours from Monday through Thursday and work half days on Friday. 

Of course, if there is a lucrative project that requires extra hours, I’ll do what it takes to meet my deadline. And not every day goes as planned.

If you’re an overworked freelancer, you might realize it’s because you’re taking on too much low-paying work. Moving on to higher-paying freelance assignments, exploring various types of freelance jobs, or work toward retainers from clients can help you manage your time better and work fewer hours. It’s important to establish a healthy freelance money mindset to limit stress and burnout.

4. Set Work-Life Boundaries to Avoid Freelance Burnout

When you work from home, it’s all too easy to let business and home life bleed into one another. Especially since many of us are on our phones for business and pleasure throughout the day.

In my freelance business, I finish working by 4 p.m. Some days, that doesn’t happen. I might have to pick up my son from track practice or go to a doctor’s appointment. In these situations, my day gets split up and extended. (How many hours do freelancers work?)

Your work environment is important.

My workspace is sacred and separate from the rest of my daily life. I use a spare bedroom that has a desk with a printer and a comfortable chair. It’s decorated with photos and meaningful knick-knacks. Creating a good vibe matters. You want to be focused but calm when you write.

The good part about being a freelancer is that you can control your hours. Sometimes, I’ll start early and finish early. When I’m done with work for the day, I don’t answer emails, texts, or polish up stories. 

Sometimes, I’ll work on tasks that don’t involve much mental energy, like sending out invoices or paying bills after I’m done for the day. I enjoy taking care of most of the outside tasks that are necessary to run a business so I find it relaxing. Budget time for running the business side of your business if it feels like a chore. Generally, though, it’s my time to decompress when my work day ends. I also prioritize emails. If it’s a non-urgent email, I’ll respond in 24 hours.

I limit phone conversations and online meetings unless I’m getting paid for that time.  Understanding how to manage your time is one of the biggest freelance challenges independent workers need to figure out.

My working hours need to focus on my business. For beginning freelancers, getting to a place where you can have near complete control over your day takes time. 

However, every writer, no matter how experienced, needs to figure out a way to forget about work for a while. Even if you’re under financial pressure, it doesn’t help to stress about it. It makes your situation worse.

5. Schedule Time Off

You probably considered becoming a freelancer because you wanted a more flexible schedule and not having to ask a boss for time off. So why don’t enough freelancers take time off?

It’s important to take off throughout the week–whether that’s weekends if it works for your schedule–a few hours midweek, or a few days for a mini brain break.

Take a short vacation (or a long one if you can afford it) and get out of your environment. I go on at least two short summer vacations and a third wildcard vacation. 

Let your clients know you are taking off a few weeks before you take off and then set up an automated email message. 

If you don’t want to leave or can’t afford to leave, plan a staycation. Plan fun activities that give you joy. I love history so I’m always looking for a new museum to go to. I play golf so I like to go to different courses. I live near Chicago and I can always find something interesting to do there. 

You have to consciously learn to disconnect from the grind of running your own business. It’s easy to fall into the rut of becoming a hermit and working all the time because you don’t have “defined hours” but it’s not healthy. It’s one way to set yourself up for freelance burnout.

By the way, here’s a peek into how many hours freelancers work.

Connect with Others to Reduce Freelance Stress

Figuring out what you need to do to avoid burnout is personal. To build a sustainable business model, you have to use fundamentals to stay fresh. Whether it’s finishing your day after eight hours, making sure you get out of your work environment daily or scheduling time off. It’s important to have strategies in place to deal with freelance burnout and protect freelance mental health. 

It’s an issue that every freelancer has to confront and it’s important to remember that you’re not working in a silo. Every freelancer feels isolated at times. How you cope with it is what matters. 

You might want to join freelancer topic forums on Reddit, Quora, Facebook groups or LinkedIn. Share your freelance challenges with others and help them work through theirs to bond with like-minded freelancers.

Get more tips on how to fix freelance burnout.

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Freelance Jobs Industry Writing Advice

What is Content Marketing Writing?

Do you think you’re missing out by not knowing the answer to ‘what is content marketing writing?’ This article will give you helpful insight into this form of writing so you don’t have to smile and silently nod. Sometimes people use freelance content marketing writing and journalism writing interchangeably. This can be misleading. 

Each discipline requires a specific skill set. Yet, each field brings a different flair for writing to specific audiences—and both might require interview and researching skills—but content marketing writing is about creating awareness for a product or brand.

It’s biased, even if a brand or product isn’t mentioned in the article. Journalism involves unbiased reporting and research, any conflicts-of-interest should be eliminated or at the very least, disclosed. Sometimes journalism is referred to as content writing but what makes it journalism is the reporting aspect.

You might be wondering if you’ve ever read a content marketing writing example before but you probably have—it’s everywhere. I’ll give you an example. 

Have you ever typed in a search into Google, then clicked on an article and read an informative article and been surprised to look up and realize it was under a product’s website? That’s an example of content marketing writing. It may have mentioned the product or service or it may not have. It likely included some kind of “call to action” (CTA) to do something, like sign up for a newsletter, join a mailing list, or learn more about the brand. 

Your work as a freelance content marketing writer can greatly impact brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. It makes a rewarding and irresistible profession. 

What is Content Marketing Writing to a Freelancer?

Freelance content marketing writing is versatile and merges individuality and strategic marketing goals. It involves compelling, purpose-built content that engages the target audience and ultimately leads to a sale. This type of writing relies on information that provides captivating storytelling that draws in readers and turns them into brand loyalists.

Freelance content marketing writers in this field can reach out to marketing managers, VP of marketing, and content managers to share their backgrounds and expertise to let them know why they’d be an asset to the brand. There’s plenty of work to be found in small businesses, large brands, and large associations.

(Read samples of introductory emails to send to content marketing managers.)

Could the answer to “what is content marketing writing” be that it’s your next freelance writing skill to add to your LinkedIn profile? Freelance content marketing writing is a satisfying and lucrative freelance skill to have. You’ll drive customer satisfaction and conversion rates through the following types of content marketing writing:

  • Blogs
  • Social media posts
  • Newsletters
  • White papers
  • eBooks/Digital downloads

A content marketing writer aims to capture the brand’s audience, resulting in a trusted customer. 

Freelance content marketing writers use their exceptional writing skills, marketing knowledge, and add data and research findings to create content that gets ranked well on SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) and turns audiences into repeat visitors.

Content marketing writing also helps build brand awareness. This tactic generates organic leads and happy clients, making this one of the highest-paid freelance writing skills. Freelance content writers can work with several clients in different niches, like health, beauty, Software as a Service (SaaS), pets, healthcare, and personal finance.

You might even hear of this type of content as B2B or B2C writing. B2B is business to business (think of a software company selling their product to Microsoft). B2C is business to consumer. This could be a blog on a beauty brand, a pet product, or a service provider’s page.

It’s about being a well-versed professional. You must understand the customer’s pain points and search engine optimization, known as SEO. SEO involves addressing relevant topics that others have looked up on the internet. 

For example, when searching “ how to become a freelance marketing writer” or “how to get started as a marketing freelancer?” These related searches in your content can be great for keywords or headlines. Why? It’s because you are answering questions people want answers to. Content marketing writers are critical. They provide key information while being relatable and business-oriented. Knowing how to write good articles as a freelancer with primary keywords and secondary keywords is essential for success in search engine rankings and from your client’s standpoint. 

Content Marketing Writing vs Magazine Writing

Content marketing writing has a different voice, framework, and audience. It is not like magazine writing. Magazine writing tends to be shorter than content marketing writing, this could also depend on the publication. 

The goal of magazine writing or editorial writing for magazines is to inform and entertain magazine subscribers of digital audiences on various topics related to the magazine. This type of writing isn’t trying to sell anything–other than maybe an editorial magazine subscription. Magazine writing is more likely to focus on a publication’s audiences (although there’s a lot of affiliate marketing and sponsored content on and in magazines these days). Magazine-style writing often includes feature stories, reported articles, interviews, or personal essays. 

Content marketing aims to engage and convert target audiences for brand awareness. Content marketing writing concentrates on customer action, generating leads, or boosting sales. An example is “7 Reasons Why You Should Switch to Vegan Lip Products,” and you’ll find this blog on a vegan beauty company’s website, possibly with a link to sign up for a newsletter and get a promo code. Magazine writing would likely include a non-biased roundup of the “7 Best Vegan Lip Products.” 

How Much Does Freelance Content Marketing Writing Pay?

Be honest. When you explored, “what is content marketing writing,” you certainly wanted to know if being a freelance content marketing writer pays well.


When you’re a freelance content marketing writer, pay is commonly per project or per article. If you and the client come up with an agreement about a specific number of pieces (articles) you’ll produce per month as an ongoing relationship, it’s known as a retainer agreement. 

As of 2024, many content marketing writing assignments tend to pay better than online magazine assignments of the same word count. That might be because brands have more money and stand to potentially earn more with each piece of content. 

In general, content marketing writing likely pays at least $0.50/word and up, often closer to $1/word/

Freelance content writers can charge based on the complexity of the scope of the project. Magazine writing can also receive payment for the number of words, interviews, research involved in the piece, and per project. The magazine determines writers’ rates based on the magazine’s budget and the writer’s level of experience.

How Do Editorial Writing and Freelance Content Marketing Writing Differ?

Editorial writing is also known as opinion writing. The author expresses their opinion or viewpoint on a particular topic. This type of writing is generally published in newspapers or magazines. Freelance content marketing writing builds readership for a brand and drives traffic. 

Editorial writing emphasizes the editorial board or author topics the team represents. You can find the editorial team on the publication’s website. They’re a group of professionals with diverse skills in fact-checking, writing, and editing. The team ensures that the information presented is accurate, engaging, and error-free. That being said, a brand’s CEO can write an op-ed and submit it for possible publication. It will likely be skewed to support their brand’s initiatives but it should also be well-reported.

Editorial writing style is more persuasive. It focuses on using logic to support the opinions. Content marketing styles use storytelling to optimize the readers’ experience and with a call to action (CTA). This will encourage the reader to take part in their offer. An example of a call to action is “I want this”, “ or “Download here” or “Learn more.” 

Writers sprinkle these phrases throughout their content marketing blogs to entice the reader to view what they’re selling. Editorial writing may not include a call to action. Yet, it provides a format centered on current events, cultural trends, or social issues.

Content marketing writing often focuses on brand stories and case studies.

Which Style of Writing Suits You: Content Marketing, Magazine Journalism, or Editorial Writing?

Freelance content marketing writing is versatile and merges individuality and strategic marketing goals. It is also a high-paying freelance niche and allows growth and opportunity. Content marketing writing builds trust and authority. It uses well-crafted words to inspire the audience. If you enjoy writing blogs to drive organic traffic, freelance content marketing writing is for you. But let’s recap on the difference between magazine journalism writing and editorial writing. 

Magazine journalism writing tends to be longer than content marketing writing and its goal is to inform and entertain audiences online and print to encourage repeat visits. 

Typically, magazine writers earn payment based on the number of words, while freelance content marketing writers earn payment based on the project. Editorial writing is persuasive and it uses logic to support the opinions. Content marketing styles use storytelling to optimize the readers’ experience. 

Now that we’ve satisfied your top questions on “what is content marketing writing?” sign up for a newsletter to get more freelance skills in your inbox.

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Freelance Jobs Money Writing Advice

The Highest-Paying Freelance Writing Skills

As the gig economy continues to gather pace, so too do the opportunities to secure higher-paying freelance writing assignments. But no two scribes are the same. Some seem to scrape by, barely making ends meet (believe me, I’ve been there). Others, on the other hand, take home six-figure freelancer sums.

The difference usually doesn’t always boil down to skill, talent, or education, or even how busy, lucky, or well-connected you are. Rather, your earning potential as a freelance writer is directly related to the types of work you’re willing to take on. Still, you probably want to know the highest-paying freelance writing skills to help you get the most earning potential for your time.

There are some sexy freelance niche subjects, like travel, which seemingly everyone (including me) wants to write about. This has led to a saturated market in which competition naturally keeps the prices down and those who persist (like me) must lump it. Travel might even be one of the places beginner freelancers seek out when asking “how do I find my first freelance writing job?“

Then there are other areas where advancements in AI-driven writing tools are radically reshaping the landscape. For example, the Associated Press uses AI to automate some corporate earnings and sports stories, freeing up its reporters for ‘higher-impact work’. That sounds like a good thing, but it also means that generalists and those with only basic writing skills will need to up their game.

Broadening and deepening your freelance writing skills by dipping your toe in the waters below is one way to rake in more moolah.

The Highest-Paying Freelance Writing Skills of 2024

When you’re ready to level up your freelance writing know-how and hone your skills, look to these types of writing.

1. Technical writing

If you’ve ever struggled with a software installation guide, trawled through an annual report, or tried to make sense of the user’s manual for your new washing machine, you’ll quickly appreciate why skilled technical writers are in such demand. Technical writing aims to break down specialist or complicated subjects in a way that everyday consumers of their product or service can understand.

Instruction manuals, how-to guides, and other supporting information are a technical writer’s bread and butter. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says employment of technical writers is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. According to Upwork, technical writers can earn as much as $125 per hour. (BTW, how do you set an hourly rate for freelancers?)

Some potential technical writers worry that the detailed knowledge required to succeed in this field is beyond them; however, one technical writer contributing to one public forum identified that you don’t need higher education as much as a willingness to learn fast on the job. Others noted that six-figure salaries were the norm rather than the exception.

2. UX writing

Could this be one of the best high-paying freelance writing skills to learn? Maybe! UX writers can also assist clients with their websites – from plotting the path a user would take to reach conversion, such as signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase. UX writers may plan the website’s structure to ensure smooth navigation, write targeted content for landing pages, design compelling calls to action, and ensure the website is well well-optimized for mobile devices.

Like technical writing, user experience (UX) writing shares the goal of making information accessible and user-friendly. It also requires a high level of know-how. But instead of creating documentation, user manuals, or the like, UX writers guide users gently by the hand through different digital interfaces. Think of the screen of your mobile phone or laptop, the buttons you click on an app, or the voice you hear when you’re talking to Amazon’s Alexa, according to the UX Content Collective.

UX writers’ work is designed to create a seamless user journey, reducing the friction points that lead frustrated users to abandon their (virtual) shopping carts or click the ‘close screen’ button. So UX writers who are doing their job well will be, essentially, invisible.

The field is relatively new, with a look at Google Trends revealing that ‘UX writing’ didn’t start to take off as a term until 2018. But growth in the field will continue to ‘boom’, according to the UX Design Institute, with increasing specialization seeing the emergence of UX writers for chatbots, UX writers for virtual reality, and more. While the UX Design Institute lists the average UX writer salary in the USA as $74,997, senior UX writers in San Francisco can earn as much as $132,000.

3. Digital content writing

The online world is expanding like never before. With every click, people and organizations are sharing information, deepening virtual connections, and building new communities. Statista figures show that between 2015 and 2023, average daily internet use increased by 16 minutes – which doesn’t sound like much. But multiply that by all the people on the planet and all the days in the year and the potential for the digital marketing industry becomes apparent. Digital ad spending is expected to grow to $730 billion annually by 2027, according to MarketWatch.

This translates to a plethora of opportunities for writers who are adept at creating content and copy for a range of digital platforms, including websites, blogs, videos, social media posts and ads, infographics, whitepapers, advertising, and email marketing campaigns.

While there are plenty of opportunities out there, the writing skills one needs to write copy that drives conversions or sells is a totally different than the freelance writing skills required to write articles for mainstream media publications. (Learn how to get started freelance writing for brands.)

Those who’ve cut their teeth in editorial offices will find that writing copy that drives conversions, or sells, is totally different to the freelance skills required to write articles for mainstream media publications. But copywriting or content marketing writing for brands tends to pay more than editorial writing for magazines and websites.

Freelance writers who do both sometimes say they take on editorial writing for the prestige, and UX writing for the paycheque. Some digital content writers claim that it’s entirely possible to earn six figures from freelance writing gigs—but you’ll need to put the hard work and the hours in to do so, particularly as a beginner freelance writer.

4. Ghostwriting

When it was released in 2023, Prince Harry’s memoir Spare became the fastest-selling non-fiction book of all time. But it wasn’t actually written by Prince Harry. That honor belongs to ghostwriter JR Moehringer, who worked with King Charles’ youngest son for two years in order to capture his story, in his voice.

Of course, ghostwriters don’t just put together non-fiction (or fiction) books. They are also engaged in writing articles, thought leadership pieces, stories, reports, website materials and any other content which is, officially at least, attributed to another person.

Because ghostwriting is such a broad church, pay rates and arrangements vary widely. According to Compose.ly, ghostwriters can command anywhere from 10 cents to $4 per word—or even more—depending on their reputation and skills, and the nature of the project. Depending on the circumstances, they might even get a share of royalties.

Celebrities and influencers who want to produce content, but don’t want to invest the time themselves, are fuelling increased demand for ghostwriters. And as high-powered executives seek to build their personal brands, Business Insider reports that in-demand LinkedIn ghostwriters can command in the range of $500 to $700 an hour.

5. Healthcare and medical writing

Developing print or digital documents that revolve around medicine or healthcare is another highly lucrative niche. With drivers including technological advancements, an aging population, and increased demand for services, the global healthcare market (including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and biotechnology) is poised to reach $37.4 trillion in value by 2030, according to Deloitte United States. This means that writers who can tackle this subject with the right blend of creativity and scientific rigor will be in high demand. It’s why these are among the best-paying freelance niches of 2024.

The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) explains that freelance writers in this niche can expect a varied workload involving the production of research papers, regulatory documents, and educational materials for healthcare professionals and patients. Grant proposals, poster presentations for medical conferences, medical and health care books, and more, also fall within medical writers’ remit. But the technical and regulatory scrutiny surrounding this work means you can’t just skate through with a minimum of knowledge.

Almost four in five (78%) of medical writers have a PhD, Masters, or other advanced degree, the AMWA’s 2019 Compensation Survey found, and nearly half (42%) have been at it for more than a decade. (Results of its equivalent 2024 survey are still being calculated). But the rewards are considerable, with the median gross income for full-time freelance medical communicators reaching $151,000, with those working in the regulatory corner of the niche earning as much as $203,000. If those rates sound good to you learn how to become a freelance medical writer.

If you love health topics, this might be one of the best freelance writing skills to learn to find high-paying freelance clients.

Frequently asked questions about the highest-paying freelance writing skills

Here are common freelance skills questions asked and answered:

I keep hearing how ‘the riches are in the niches.’ What’s that all about?

This common saying highlights the financial advantages associated with focusing on one or more specific areas of expertise—aka “freelance niches”—in freelance writing. Specialists can develop deep expertise, making them highly sought-after by clients who are willing to pay a premium for their unique insights and skills.

Popular and general writing fields are also saturated, making it hard for individual writers to stand out, and thus command higher fees. Specializing in a niche also allows writers to build a portfolio of work that is irresistible to their target clients. And once you’ve established a rock-solid reputation, it’s easier to secure repeat business, long-term contracts, and referrals, further benefiting your bank balance.

What if I don’t know anything about software, or healthcare, or any of the freelance writing skills that pay well?

Good writers can turn their hands to just about any subject. Sometimes, it can be an advantage to approach a subject knowing little to nothing, because an outsider’s perspective is exactly what’s needed to translate something complex into something relatable to the average reader. I’m not recommending that you ‘fake it till you make it’ when it comes to applying the best freelance writing skills. Rather, it’s about doing enough research to really get to grips with a subject—and then communicating what you’ve learned.

The alternative is to skill up in the area that interests you. For example, there are a host of courses designed for budding UX writers, including those offered by the UX Writing Hub or UX Content Collective. Relevant professional associations usually also offer training, conferences, and more, along with the opportunity to network with others who are more experienced. For example, though it’s a relatively new field, the User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA) International now has 2400 members online.

Or, get in touch with freelance coach Diana Kelly Levey to learn more about how to find the best freelance writing skills for you and hone them so you can find high-paying freelance work.

How can I safeguard my freelance writing earnings into the future?

Though the field of freelance writing has been battered by many outside forces – such as the shift to online news which shuttered many editorial offices and, more recently, the adoption of AI for some forms of content creation – it continues to morph and change, rather than collapse altogether.

Safeguarding your freelance earnings into the future involves a combination of diversifying income streams and engaging in ongoing professional development. Taking on different types of writing projects, offering additional services and creating passive income streams (such as by writing and selling ebooks or online courses) can minimize the risk of future shocks.

Engaging in ongoing professional development is also key to shoring up your financial security into the future. Improve your skills by taking courses, attending webinars and reading industry publications. Obtaining relevant certifications can also enhance your credibility and help attract higher-paying clients – with the added benefit that you can then stash more away for a rainy day.

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Freelance Jobs Industry

10+ Types of Freelance Jobs

If you’re here, you’ve probably heard the term “freelance,” thought about “what is freelance” and maybe you’re aware of the highs and lows of the freelance work world. 

However, you may not know all the different terms organizations use to refer to freelance jobs. 

First things first. What is a freelance job?

Freelance jobs are normally short-term projects companies need to accomplish, or a position a company wants to fill but does not want to hire a permanent, full-time employee to do the job. Instead, a company hires a freelancer with the right skills and talents to complete the project or fill the position. 

The company gets what they need without a long-term commitment, and the freelancer has more flexibility with hours, and the ability to work with more than one company. Here are important things you need to know about the various types of freelance jobs available, how they are classified with the U.S. government, and what it means to work one of these.

Types of freelance jobs, explained

When making the leap into freelance work, it’s important to know the terms various businesses and freelance hiring managers may use when referring to freelance workers. Most of the terms are interchangeable, but some have distinct differences that it’s important to understand before taking freelance jobs. Here are some common freelance jobs terms you might come across in the U.S.:

Contract work or contract job

Contract work or a contract job is usually when a temp agency places a worker at a company for short periods of time. The time commitment for a specific position can often be for just one day, or it can extend to much longer periods of time.

Normally, you’ll be paid by the temp agency, and must report your worked hours to the temp agency in order to receive a “paycheck”.

Independent contractor/ 1099 worker

Independent contractors, or ICs, are also referred to as a 1099 worker. ICs are a type of freelance jobs where you sign a contract directly with a company, which then pays the IC directly instead of a third-party agency. It’s also called a 1099 worker because you’ll receive a 1099 form at the beginning of the following year around tax time to submit when you complete your taxes.

Contract consultant

When a company struggles with a specific problem, they often seek out help from a consultant in a contract role. Once the issue is handled, and the company can move forward with their in-house team, the contract consultant can move to their next contract with a new company.

Contract-to-hire

Many freelance and independent contractor positions start out on a contract basis when they secure a type of freelance job, but have an option for it to turn into a regular employee position if both parties find the relationship beneficial. These positions are not a guarantee for a full-time direct hire, but many people hoping to secure a full-time position often look for contract-to-hire freelance jobs to get a foot in the door at a company they wish to join as a permanent employee.

What fields are hiring freelancers?

Now that we’re familiar with the terms businesses use for the freelance jobs available to workers, let’s see what types of freelance jobs are offered in various fields.

The truth is, that there are freelance jobs in almost every field of work in existence. Some industries hire freelance workers for in-person positions, and others prefer to hire freelance workers for remote positions.  

Fields known for hiring freelance contract workers in types of freelance jobs instead of direct hires are:

  • Administrative
  • Customer Service
  • Recruiting
  • Computers/IT
  • Writing & Editing
  • Medical & Health
  • Marketing

Which types of freelance jobs are available for freelancers?

Now that you have a better understanding of the terms a freelance job hiring manager or magazine editor might use when searching for freelance help, discover the plethora of freelance jobs to choose from. Whether you want to work in an office, or you wish to work from home, there’s a variety of options for contract work.

  • Virtual assistants: These types of freelance jobs often involve scheduling appointments, making phone calls, arranging travel, managing email accounts, and providing other support to a CEO, or entrepreneur. It could involve freelance writing, social media creation, graphic design support or, creating business presentations. 
  • Customer service representatives: These freelancers may handle customer calls, emails, live chat in real time for one, or more, businesses.
  • Content writers: This is one of the most common types of freelance jobs you’ll see advertised online. A freelance content writer can earn money per article, assignment, per word, or hourly by writing content for blogs, websites, social media platforms, eBooks, etc. They may or may not have SEO writing skills as well.
  • Social media managers: These freelancers can create social media campaigns and strategies, write, and post content on social media platforms. They might help with social media graphics and assist with content calendars for social media.
  • Medical coders: If you’re certified to do the work, there are plenty of medical coding and billing positions you can do from home as a lucrative type of freelance job.
  • Graphic artist/designer:  Known for your creative side? Offer your design skills as a freelance graphic artist or graphic designer creating logos, website graphics, blog images, social media designs, as well as printable marketing materials like sales flyers, pamphlets, and business cards. There’s a lot of
  • Transcriptionist: If you have a great ear and consider yourself a fast and accurate typist, you can transcribe for law offices, medical offices, and various other industries. While there are a lot of AI transcription software services out there, plenty of industries don’t trust them or won’t use them due to privacy concerns.
  • Data entry: What is a freelance job you could do if you love to type? There are a variety of data entry options if you are quick and accurate
    • Data processor
    • Order entry specialist
    • Sales order processor
  • Bookkeeping: If you’re an accountant or numbers guru by day, you could be a bookkeeping freelancer by night. Many smaller companies prefer hiring freelancers to handle their accounts payable, accounts receivable, and full-charge bookkeeping needs, as it is less costly to hire a freelance bookkeeper than a permanent employee.
  • Website developer: Plenty of small businesses hire an independent contractor to handle website development who can work with the in-house marketing team, and the in-house IT team. This can be one of the best high-paying types of freelance jobs to do if you have fantastic skills in this department.
  • Therapist: A freelance therapist often finds work with online therapy apps like BetterHelp, allowing therapists to help a wide range of people without having to start their own practice. It could be a great freelance job for a mental health expert who is looking to gain more experience, freelance clients, or have flexible hours.

Is freelance work for you?

Working various types of freelance jobs can provide a great amount of time freedom and allow you to be your own boss. You can control your workload, earn as much or as little as you want, and work for multiple companies garnering multiple streams of income. 

However, there are also things you must do for yourself, like making sure you pay the right amount of income taxes along with paying for your own medical insurance. It’s also important to note if you aren’t using a “placement” service, an you aren’t good at networking, or marketing yourself, it can be difficult finding work opportunities on your own. 

What it all boils down to is that only you know if working a freelance job is right for you.

Plenty of types of freelance jobs are available

With so many different industries that have not only physical locations but also an online presence, it’s one of the best times to work a freelance job! Depending on where you are in life, a freelance job can provide so many different benefits that fit into your lifestyle and career goals. 

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