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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. It’s relatively easy to learn how to start content writing from home with no experience.

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 freelance writing jobs 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. This is one of the best things you can do when you’re starting out figuring out how start content writing from home with no experience

Find simple writing jobs

Securing simple writing jobs from home requires a combination of strategies. Signing up for newsletters that 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

When you’re searching for the best ways to find freelance writing jobs, you might get discouraged at times. 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

Popular Q&As for those thinking about how to start content writing from home with no experience.


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.

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

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

How Can Freelance Writers Find Work?

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

Build and Leverage Your Network

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

Use Social Media to Announce Your Services

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

Secure Repeat Assignments

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

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

Research Content Marketing Agencies

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

Use Freelance Platforms like Contently, ClearVoice, and Skyword

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

Cold-Pitch to Editors and Companies

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

Craft a Personalized Pitch

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

Start a Blog

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

Choose a Niche and Share It With Clients

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

Explore Job Boards for Freelance Writers

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

Use Freelance-Specific Job Boards

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

Post Regularly on Social Media

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

Share Your Published Work

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

Read Freelance Newsletters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s How to Find Clients on LinkedIn

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

Build Your LinkedIn Profile

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

  • Make your profile copy sing.

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

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

  • Write a scroll-stopping LinkedIn headline.

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

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

  • Show your best self.

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

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

Grow Your Audience

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

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

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

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

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

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

When Thinking about How to Find Clients on LinkedIn

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

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

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

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

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

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

Write Articles on LinkedIn to Draw in Freelance Clients

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

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

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

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

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

Engage with the LinkedIn Community

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

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

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

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

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

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

Search for Freelance Opportunities

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

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

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

Keep at It to Find Clients on LinkedIn

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

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

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

FAQs

  • How often should I update my LinkedIn profile?

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

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

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

  • How can I convert LinkedIn connections into actual clients?

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

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.

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.

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.