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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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Mindset/Motivation Money Work-Life Balance Writing Advice

Master Freelancer Goal Setting: A Guide to Success without Stress

I was part of a wave of journalists who had to flee the failing newspaper business. In 2021, I took a voluntary buyout that didn’t seem that voluntary. Almost every year since 2008, the companies I worked for laid off employees or offered buyouts. It was going to be a matter of time before I was involuntarily shown the door and needed to think about freelancer goal-setting strategies.

It was a painful yet ultimately rewarding decision to transition into full-time freelance writing. I had to find out for myself the answer to, “Can you earn a living freelancing?”

I’d say it’s a resounding, “Yes.” I’ve more than tripled my income since I started freelancing.

There have been many stops and starts and wrong turns in my freelance journey but I’ve managed to achieve a degree of success that has allowed me to create a long-term blueprint for growth. It’s a multilayered plan that includes investing in my business, creating financial efficiencies, and setting financial goals. 

To grow your business, you need to set aside time to think about a long-term growth strategy. It’s hard to envision a prosperous future when you’re struggling to get clients in the early phase of freelancing but if you are committed, you’ll get to a point where you can plan for your financial success and establish a healthy freelance money mindset.

4 Things to Think about During Freelancer Goal-Setting

Keep these topics in mind when you set freelance goals and look toward building a sustainable freelance business.

1. Invest in Your Business

This is the first year I’ve been able to commit a sizable budget to investing in my business.

A year ago, I took the step of turning my freelance business into a Limited Liability Corporation. What is an LLC?  It’s essentially a business structure that shields owners from any personal liability they might incur.  

For me, there was a psychological component to creating an LLC. It created the formal structure I needed to move forward with advancing my business. I wanted to be a business owner instead of a freelance writer. Becoming a business owner helped me frame and strategize for the future. It’s given me an avenue to decide what services I can offer, what services I want to offer, and how I want to grow my business. 

As a freelancer, it felt like I was randomly chasing freelance writing jobs. Now, I’m changing my website and my business name so I can reposition from being a freelance writer to running a writing business. Small words that shape how we see ourselves can have big impacts. These are forms of investments. 

2. Establish Financial Goals as Part of Freelancer Goal-Setting Strategy

Everyone has bills to pay. Without a regular paycheck, it’s critical for freelancers to know exactly what they need to get through the month. For instance, by the end of my first year I was making around $3,000 per month freelancing. It wasn’t great but I had a ramp that allowed me extra time to build my business because I received a 10-month buyout from my previous job. 

Having a financial cushion to start your freelance business is important. Once you’ve established your business, you need to have financial goals that project growth. Pare it down to monthly goals. 

Initially, I wanted to make more each month than I did the month before. My goal was $5,000 per month. Financial progress isn’t linear for any business. You have to be prepared for downturns that could result from a lack of work or slow payments from clients. 

It’s also important to stash away at least 25% of your income for taxes. (Get more taxes for freelance writers tips.) I pay myself every two weeks and I save at least 20% of my income. At least half of my savings goes toward my retirement. 

If business is lean, you’ll have to consider cutting expenses. However, this is a short-term solution that should only be applied as a final resort. You don’t want to live with the stress of constantly having to be frugal.

3. Create Strategies to Achieve Those Freelance Money Goals

There are multiple ways to increase your income. My big break was landing an anchor client. My anchor client accounts for over 80 percent of my revenue. My financial goals are currently $12,000 per month. 

Do I hit it every month? No, but it’s not an unreasonable standard at this point in my business.  Some freelancers have two or three freelance anchor clients. 

These are priority clients. They account for the majority of your revenue and time. My anchor client was a game changer. It allowed me to raise rates for other projects and it created enough security for me to turn down assignments that didn’t seem like a good fit or didn’t pay enough. 

Nothing in freelancing lasts forever so I’m operating under the assumption that eventually I’ll lose my anchor client. I view it this way to stay motivated. I must constantly diversify my client list and be ready to pivot, offer new services, and be prepared for downturns. 

You should constantly look for different services that could work for you. Some of the highest-paying freelance skills of 2024 include mobile app development, AI Development, Website Development and others. 

4. Write Down Skill Goals as Part of Freelancer Goals

What are skill goals? It’s simply learning a new skill that you can translate into a service for your clients.  The five highest-paying freelance writing skills of 2024 involve ghostwriting, UX writing, and healthcare writing to name a few. Explore these to see if you have any interest in building upon your innate know-how.

I’m taking a class on premium ghostwriting that focuses on how to write an educational email class. It’s a service that I’ll likely add at some point. It might be adding SEO writing expertise to your portfolio of services. From free to paid classes, there are multiple ways to increase your SEO knowledge and add value to your services. It’s a great skill to incorporate into freelancer goal-setting sessions. 

A former journalist who understands story pitches and what makes a good story could add a public relations component to their services. There are clients who will pay you to get publicity for their stories. This can be very lucrative. As your business grows, you’ll have to figure out how to manage it and whether you want to scale it out by adding employees or whether you want to manage it as a solopreneur. 

Take Freelancer Goal-Setting Strategies Seriously

Establishing a road map for your financial growth is imperative to make it in freelancing. Devote a half day each week to journaling or writing out your future financial goals. Some key fundamentals for financial growth include setting a monthly goal, planning daily for future revenue goals, making sure you are diversifying your clientele through freelance marketing strategies, putting some money aside every month for taxes and your savings, and learning new skills. 

How you follow these freelancer goal-setting fundamentals is up to you but you have to do these tasks to have a chance for sustained success.

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Mindset/Motivation Work-Life Balance Writing Advice

13 Characteristics of Successful Freelance Writers

We all want to know what successful freelance writers do that keeps them in the game for the long haul. If you’ve ever wondered what the characteristics of successful freelance writers and successful freelancers were, check out some of the traits in this lift.

You might have some of these freelance money mindsets, possess most of these traits, or none of these characteristics.

That’s okay. The most important thing to do is take inventory of where you’re starting, where you want to be, and make small strides to get there every day.

The 13 Traits Succesful Freelance Writers Always Have

Work on these professional freelance skills, personal skills, and implement systems to help you achieve your goal.

  1. They’re skilled communicators: Beyond merely stringing words together, successful freelance writers master the art of communication. They can distill complex ideas into digestible content, captivating readers with their clarity and eloquence.
  2. They’re resilient: The path to freelance success is fraught with challenges, but resilient writers persevere in the face of adversity. They view setbacks as opportunities for growth, bouncing back stronger and more determined than ever before.
  3. They’re collaborative: While freelancing may seem like a solitary pursuit, successful writers understand the power of collaboration. They foster strong relationships with clients, editors, and fellow freelancers, recognizing that collaboration fuels creativity and innovation.
  4. They’re self-disciplined: With freedom comes responsibility, and successful freelance writers excel in managing their time and workload. They set boundaries, establish routines, and prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring maximum productivity and efficiency.
  5. They’re lifelong learners: Successful freelance writers are perpetual students of their craft. They eagerly seek out opportunities for growth and development, whether it’s through online courses, workshops, or simply devouring books and articles on writing.
  6. They’re innovative: In a crowded marketplace, innovation is key to standing out from the crowd. Successful writers embrace innovation, constantly seeking out fresh ideas and creative approaches to their work.
  7. They’re resourceful: When faced with the biggest freelance challenges, successful freelance writers don’t throw in the towel—they get resourceful. Whether it’s overcoming writer’s block or navigating a tricky client situation, resourceful writers find inventive solutions to every problem.
  8. They’re strategic: Behind every successful freelance writer lies a well-thought-out strategy. Whether it’s setting SMART (Specific. Measurable. Achieveable. Relevant. Time-bound) goals or devising a comprehensive freelance marketing plan, strategic thinkers approach their freelance career with purpose and intention. Learn how to become a freelance medical writer.
  9. They’re adaptable: In the ever-evolving landscape of freelance writing, adaptability reigns supreme. Successful writers embrace change, eagerly exploring new niches and adapting their skills to meet the demands of diverse clients and industries. The Best High-Paying Freelance Writing Niches of 2024.
  10. They’re proactive: Rather than waiting for opportunities to come knocking, successful freelance writers seize the initiative, actively seeking out new clients and projects. Their proactive approach sets them apart, propelling them towards greater professional success.
  11. They’re empathetic: Empathy lies at the heart of impactful writing, allowing writers to connect deeply with their audience. Successful freelancers possess a keen understanding of human emotions and experiences, infusing their work with empathy and authenticity.
  12. They’re confident: There will be days in every freelancer’s career where they doubt their freelance writing skills, their worth, and wonder if this industry is “worth it.” Successful freelance writers persevere through those days and remember that they have skills and gifts to offer the world. They’re confident in their abilities to get an assignment done and do it well, even when feelings of impostor syndrome creep in.
  13. They know their weaknesses: Long-lasting, lifelong freelancers who’ve made this their career know what their weaknesses are and how to work around them. Do they struggle with not being a faster writer? Procrastinating on assignments? Marketing themselves? 50 Affirmations for Writers. They work on the areas of their lives, personalities, and skills that could use some TLC and find ways to improve. That might be through therapy, meditation, reading books, taking freelance online courses, and taking an interest in self-development.

Do you have some of the traits of successful freelance writers?

It isn’t possible to adopt all of these success characteristics at once. But, if you try to incorporate them into your freelance business as building blocks, you’ll start building up these characteristics of freelance success and be on your way toward creating a thriving freelance career.

Ready to learn if you can earn $1,000 a month freelance writing? It can be done.

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Mindset/Motivation Writing Advice

How to Get Past Freelance Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can feel like you’re the only one going through it but it’s a relatively common freelance challenge. Experiencing feelings of freelance imposter syndrome can occur in freelancers who often work in isolation and face constant uncertainties. (So, basically all of us.) Addressing this issue is crucial for freelancers to thrive and grow in their careers. Let me share a personal story to illustrate how real and impactful imposter syndrome can be.

The first time I experienced imposter syndrome was when I walked into my new office in Manhattan in 2010 as a senior magazine editor. The office was big, bright, beautiful, and had a view of the Chrysler Building. (My favorite building in the city.) Did I mention I had my own office?!

Immediately, my internal voice told me, “Oh, they think you’re more important than you are.” Or, “Wow, they think you’re a bigger deal editor than you are. They’re going to be disappointed.” And even, “Gulp. What did I sign on to do here?”

What the heck? Why can one office in a building make me feel that way? It was the first vivid memory I had of experiencing “imposter syndrome.”

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their skills, talents, or accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud. According to the American Psychological Association and research, it’s when someone struggles with feelings that they’re a fraud and haven’t earned what they achieved. (And you feel like someone is going to find out that you’ve been “posing” in this role for too long.)

Studies show that over 80 percent of the population has experienced it. Whew! But what also sucks about feeling like you’re a fraud (and that you’re gonna get caught in this lie) is that you feel alone. You think you’re the only imposter in your office, in your friend group, in that class at the gym, and among parents in your kids’ friend groups. (So, I’m not the only one who feels bad when some other kid’s parent sends home a massive goodie bag at a holiday and I didn’t?)

When someone has freelance imposter syndrome feelings—or experiences this in any professional setting—they think they haven’t earned what they achieved.

This syndrome can affect performance, confidence, and mental health, causing anxiety, fear of failure, overworking, and freelance burnout. Imposter syndrome also tends to be more prominent in people with underrepresented identities.

Why Freelance Imposter Syndrome is So Common

Freelancers frequently face rejection and uncertainty. Putting yourself out there can feel intimidating, especially when pitching ideas or cold emailing clients. And then when you realize an editor deleted your pitch or you don’t hear back, it’s going to add to those feelings of being a fraud or a hack who can’t cut it in this industry. Did I mentioned I’m Getting Turned Down for Assignments and I’m Okay with It?

It’s taken me two decades of freelancing to not think “I must suck” and “They don’t like me” when I don’t hear back on pitches and introductory emails.

Recognizing and Naming Thought Distortions

Thought distortions are habitual errors in thinking that negatively impact our ability to succeed. Think of them as the barbed wire fences guarding the doors that would allow the positive thoughts to flow through. Common thought distortions include:

  • Black-and-White Thinking: “I’m too junior, they’ll never hire me.”
  • Fortune-Telling: “That freelance rate I shared is too high. They’d laugh me out of the room.”
  • Mind-Reading: “The client hasn’t responded since I sent the proposal yesterday. They must have hated it.”
  • Should Statements: “I should be working harder.” (Stop ‘should-ing’ all over yourself.)

For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not experienced enough; they’ll never hire me,” reframe it as, “I have a lot of freelance experience. While this exact situation is new to me, that doesn’t mean I can’t do it. I can learn new freelance skills.“

Taking Action Despite Fear

One of the best ways to overcome imposter syndrome is to take action. Recently, I had a conversation with a newsletter subscriber about how she could break into a new type of freelancing and she admitted she was feeling “imposter syndrome” even though she knew she had the background, experience, and skills to succeed. I told her that I totally understood where she was coming from but to try to quiet those voices and just “take action.” For her, that meant sending article pitches. Fear of failure can hold all of us back.

Tips for Overcoming Freelance Imposter Syndrome

There are several things you can do to work toward a positive, encouraging mindset.

  1. Share Your Feelings
    • Talk to someone you trust about your feelings of inadequacy. Opening up can help you gain perspective and receive constructive feedback. You’ll also realize you likely aren’t alone in those feelings of freelance imposter syndrome.
  2. Work on Your Skills to Overcome Freelance Imposter Syndrome
  3. Discuss Your Failures
    • Share your failures with others, either privately or publicly. It helps to realize you are not alone and others have faced similar challenges. Post it on social and ask others if they can relate. You’ll probably see a lot of engagement on that share.
  4. Take a Deep Breath and Act

Practicing Confidence Can Help You Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Changing your self-talk can significantly boost your confidence. Here are some ways to practice confidence:

  • Own Your Accomplishments: Write down and verbalize your achievements. I like to keep a client “praise document” I can refer to during rough weeks.
  • List Your Skills and Talents: Acknowledge what you’re good at.
  • Recount Successful Experiences: Remember times when you tried something new and succeeded.
  • Ask What’s the Worst That Could Happen: Realize that failure is not as catastrophic as it seems.

Recognize These Feelings When They Come Up

I’m reminded of the acronym about feelings of “FEAR” (False Evidence Appearing Real). The next time you feel like an imposter or have feelings of inadequacy realize they are rooted in fear. Most likely fear of failing.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing process, but taking actionable steps can make a significant difference. Remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Every freelancer experiences moments of doubt, but with the right strategies, you can push past those insecurities and thrive in your career.

Inquire about freelance coaching services to learn how to overcome freelance challenges.

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Mindset/Motivation Writing Advice

How to Get Started Freelance Copywriting as a Beginner

I’m still relatively new to freelance copywriting but I have decades of writing experience under my belt and plenty of time studying headlines that inspire consumers to buy a magazine or click on a headline. It can be a lucrative industry which is why I wanted a pro’s take on freelance copywriting for beginners.

Just because you’re a good writer and even a solid content marketing writer or journalist doesn’t mean it’s easy to cross over into freelance copywriting. I went to an experienced freelance copywriter whom I’ve worked with when I was at magazines and asked Linda Melone to share her best tips for those who are thinking about how to get started copywriting for beginners.

Melone is a certified conversion copywriter who specializes in working with B2B clients in the fitness and health fields. (She’s a certified personal trainer as well so she knows what she’s talking about.)

If you’re thinking about getting started copywriting and don’t know where to begin or, perhaps you want to add copywriting skills to your resume so you can get more freelance work, read on to get a pro copywriter’s best tips for beginners and curious freelancers in this interview I did with Melone.

How to Get Started Freelance Copywriting for Beginners

Why is now a good time for freelancers to learn copywriting skills?

LM: It’s a good time because the copywriting world is changing so fast with AI that even experienced copywriters find they need to hone their skills. So getting in on the ground floor requires you to start at a different level right out of the gate. New copywriters need to be able to grasp AI to begin to compete.

How did you get started in copywriting?

LM: I wrote content articles, mainly for magazines and online publications for many years. When the publishing world took a nosedive around circa 2014 or so, I started an online fitness business and wrote all my own marketing material and ads. It required me to learn a new set of skills. I loved the decision-making psychology involved in copywriting and the science behind writing to motivate people to take action. So I took courses and hired several different copywriting coaches over time to get me started. My first clients were people in my immediate social circle. I moved on from there.

How do you suggest most people get started learning copywriting? (any specific courses to take, books, YouTube videos to watch, local college courses?)

LM: I suggest signing up for courses with CopyHackers – they have a lot of free material. And joining a copywriting online group enables you to bounce questions off of other copywriters, which can be super helpful. Find the teachers that resonate with you. The Copywriter Club is another good group, run by Kira Hug and Rob Marsh. They have an active Facebook group as well. 

What is the difference (in your words) between content writing, copywriting, and content marketing writing?

LM: Content is important for SEO (e.g. blogs), and is used to entertain and inform–although there’s some overlap. Copywriting tends to be more goal-oriented. It’s written to motivate people to take some sort of action: sign up, book a call, buy, start a trial, etc. Content marketing uses strategies to establish trust and authority with the audience and involves both copy and content. Examples may be taking podcasts, videos, blog posts and turning them into snippets on various social media platforms. 

What are some of the skills and qualities essential for success in copywriting? 

LM: Some skills overlap from content writing: creativity, writing mastery, research, and interviewing skills. In addition, copywriters and those considering how to get started copywriting for beginners should have an understanding of SEO, storytelling abilities, and analytical skills. The latter is needed to gauge the copy that’s working and not so you can adjust accordingly.

How can beginners with no copywriting experience create samples for a portfolio?

LM: Beginners can rewrite outdated ads or poorly written content to show expertise. Be sure to mention it’s a rewrite in your portfolio as a “before and after”  to avoid confusion.

Another suggestion for beginner copywriters with no experience? You may need to start writing for free at first. For instance, nonprofits and charities would be appreciative of good copy. And start locally. 

How do I pivot from freelance content marketing writing to begin a freelance copywriter?

LM: It is possible. That’s exactly what I did. It’s important to research and study copywriting to understand the difference, first. Study the greats, like David Ogilvy, and dissect their copy to see what makes it so effective.

Network and learn from copywriting communities and webinars and connect with other copywriters. And market yourself on sites like LinkedIn, where potential clients often look for copywriters. 

Why is magazine writing and/or journalism a good (or not good) background for copywriters

LM: I found my interview skills as a magazine writer greatly helped in researching and speaking with my client’s customers. Being able to speak with a diverse audience is an essential part of the background research involved in copywriting. Storytelling and research skills also overlap.

Where should beginner copywriters look for freelance work/jobs?

LM: Getting started as a freelance copywriter with no experience isn’t easy, but it’s no different than starting any new career. UpWork or Fiverr are both highly competitive but can give you a start.

Ask friends and family for referrals and network on LinkedIn. The latter is playing the long game because it’s about establishing yourself as an authority.

Leave insightful comments on LinkedIn posts for people and companies that fit your ideal customer profile. 

Do you have good tips to share around networking and collaborating with copywriters and marketing professionals?

LM. In order for beginner freelance copywriters to build up relationships, they should attend conferences, seminars, and workshops to network with other copywriters and marketers. Become active on LinkedIn and in LinkedIn Groups where people share knowledge.

Some cities have freelance Meetups to connect with other like-minded people. Be sure to always offer value first to build trust. Share information and be authentic. People can tell if you’re only connecting with them so you can pitch them. 

Do certifications matter today? Why/why not?

LM: Yes and no. If a person understands what it takes to earn a certification, then yes. But most clients only want to know if you can make them money.

Learn more about Linda Melone at TheCopyWorx.com.

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Mindset/Motivation Writing Advice

The 6 Best Tips for Creating a Freelance Brand

Your brand is your promise to your potential clients—it tells them what they can expect from you and sets you apart from others. That includes your website, your social media profile photos and the content you share publicly.

You wouldn’t show up to a job interview looking like a slob. Think of it like that when a potential freelance client discovers your freelancer brand.

Here, get the essential steps to crafting a compelling personal brand that resonates with your target audience and attracts more freelance business.

How Do I Get Started Building a Personal Brand As a Freelancer?

Make sure you uncover and develop these freelancer branding elements so clients know what to expect about you and your work when they come across your page(s).

  1. Discover Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP).

Your UVP is what makes you stand out from the competition. Take time to reflect on your key strengths and how they solve problems for your clients.

Do you help clients get more done in less time?

Do you pride yourself on working with high-end, sophisticated clients who target a niche clientele?

Are you a freelancer who loves to infuse humor into everything you do and wants to find freelance clients who support and celebrate that?

Clearly defining your UVP not only helps articulate your brand but also attracts the right clients who align with your values and expertise.

2. Keep Consistent Brand Messaging Across All Platforms:

Consistency is key in branding. Your website, social media profiles, and professional portfolios should convey the same message and aesthetic. They can have similar profile photos, fonts, and colors that are part of your freelancer brand. This uniformity builds trust and makes your brand easily recognizable to potential clients.

Established branding helps you become recognizable across different audiences, fostering familiarity and trust with potential clients. You know if you see a check or swoosh without the word “Nike” that you’re still looking at a Nike brand. When you see a signature plaid color, you think of Burberry. Branding takes time in order to build that instance recognition. But it’s a worthwhile pursuit so clients and potential customers come to recognize you and your work.

3. Get Professional Photos Taken

Invest in professional freelance branding photos that reflect the professional freelancer you are. Choose props relevant to your business to convey your expertise and personality effectively. As a writer, I took photos with my laptop, phone, and notebook, and showed myself in professional-looking elements. If I were working on a freelancer personal brand that involved fashion or hair styling, I’d show those props in the photo.

It’s okay to show slightly different photos, in my opinion. I have different professional photos on my website and LinkedIn profile from Facebook and Twitter but the photos were all taken the same day and you can tell it’s the same person. That’s the crucial element.

4. Develop an Engagement Strategy

Regular interaction with your audience can significantly enhance your brand presence. Share valuable content, join discussions, and contribute to forums that align with your expertise.

Share, repost, and comment to help others grow their platforms and increase your freelance brand profile.

The more visible you are, the more you’re perceived as an authority in your field. A well-established personal brand can attract followers, readers, and fans who are interested in your work, services, and expertise. This audience can be valuable for selling digital products, online courses, and other services.

5. Share Testimonials and Social Proof

Showcase your success by sharing client testimonials and case studies. These validate your expertise and demonstrate your impact in tangible terms, which can be highly persuasive to prospective clients seeking proof of your capabilities. Ask for referrals and recommendations on LinkedIn. Reach out to current clients and request feedback as well as a testimonial you can share on your site.

6. Work on Continuous Learning and Being Nimble

The digital landscape is fluid and changing each day. Stay ahead by upgrading your skills and adapting to new trends. Demonstrating your commitment to growth and learning can be a powerful aspect of your personal brand that instills confidence in potential clients.

As a freelancer, your brand is your identity. If you don’t cultivate a freelancer brand to share no one else will. Create the image you want to share with the world so you’re in control of what clients see when they research you.

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