Becoming a successful freelance writer is about more than just honing your craft—it’s also about finding a steady stream of work that pays the bills and keeps your business growing. (For many of us, having enough clients to work with regularly is a constant struggle or freelance challenge.)
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned freelancer looking to expand your client base, there are several effective strategies you can use as you explore how to get freelance writing work. This guide will walk you through the key methods to land those coveted writing gigs, from leveraging your website to pitching cold emails.
Here’s How to Get Freelance Writing Work
These are some of the tools professional freelancers use to find freelance writing jobs whether they are beginners or experienced freelance writers looking to get freelance writing work. When you’re ready for pro tips on how to find freelance writing jobs, we’ve got you covered.
Use your website.
Your website is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal as a freelance writer. It’s not just a digital business card; it’s a dynamic portfolio that showcases your skills, expertise, and personality to potential clients. I found that having a website sealed the deal for many potential freelance clients who looking into my personal freelance brand.
Start by ensuring your website is professional and easy to navigate. Include a well-crafted “About Me” page that tells your story and highlights your unique selling points as a writer. Your portfolio should feature a range of writing samples that demonstrate your versatility and proficiency across different niches. If you’re just starting out and don’t have many samples, consider creating blog posts on topics you’re passionate about or offering to write for a friend or family member’s small business website at a reduced rate. This will help you build a portfolio that you can proudly display.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is also crucial when setting up your website. Use relevant keywords throughout your site, particularly in your blog posts and portfolio pieces, to make it easier for potential clients to find you through search engines. Additionally, include a clear call to action on every page, encouraging visitors to contact you for writing services.
Lastly, make sure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Clients are likely to be browsing on various devices, and you want to make the best impression possible, regardless of how they access your site.
Ask for referrals.
I totally understand that this can feel a bit “ick,” but one of the most effective ways to find freelance writing work is through referrals. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, especially in the freelancing world where trust and reliability are paramount.
In fact, many freelancers I come across tell me that the previous employer(s) or former colleagues are their first clients.
Start by reaching out to your existing network—friends, family, former colleagues, and even past clients. Let them know you’re freelancing and would appreciate any referrals. This can be done through personalized emails, a LinkedIn update, or a casual post on your social media profiles.
Be sure to clearly outline the types of writing services you offer and the kinds of clients you’re looking to work with. I think it’s wise to have a basic website live where they can see some samples of your work and an easy way to contact you.
If you enjoy working with a certain client and they seem happy with your freelance skills, ask them for referrals to other colleagues who might need support or, to keep you in mind should they know someone else who wants to hire a freelance writer.
Turn in great work.
One of the best answers for how to get freelance writing jobs is to do a fantastic job on any assignment you turn in. As a former magazine editor who assigned articles to freelancers to turn in, I always remembered the writers who turned in good reporting and research, followed instructions, sent me a draft on time, were good about the editing process, and who had more ideas for the website or magazine.
Being an excellent freelancer to work with will help you stand out amongst the competition and be the answer to how to get freelance writing work.
Clients would much rather work with great freelance writers repeatedly or on a retainer over explaining their process and finding new freelancers every month.
Ask for testimonials from satisfied clients as well. These can be powerful social proof on your website and LinkedIn profile, encouraging potential clients to hire you.
Learn how to get freelance writing work through social media.
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, X, Threads, Instagram, and Facebook can be gold mines for finding freelance writing work—if you know how to use them effectively.
On LinkedIn, ensure your profile is optimized with a professional photo, a headline that includes “freelance writer,” and a summary that highlights your expertise and services. I think mentioning a niche or two that you excel at is helpful for standing out amongst freelance writer competition.
Join LinkedIn groups related to your niche or industry, and actively participate in discussions. Comment on other professionals’ posts on LinkedIn who are in your industry–including those editors you’ve been trying to get noticed by.
This helps you build visibility and connect with potential clients. Follow editors, content managers, and companies you’d like to work with. Sometimes editors post calls for pitches or job openings on their profiles or, they’ll share a job post from an editor at a different publication.
Facebook groups for freelance writers or specific niches can also be great places to find job leads. These communities often share job postings, advice, and opportunities. Just make sure to contribute to the group as well, rather than just lurking or posting self-promotional content.
Some editors are still posting calls for writers on Twitter/X these days but it tends to be slowing down. You might want to try connecting with editors on Threads or on Instagram if they are sharing professional types of posts there on a public profile.
Write great article pitches.
One of the best freelance writing tips Pitching articles to publications is a tried-and-true method for finding freelance writing work, especially if you’re interested in writing for magazines, websites, or blogs.
The first step in pitching is to identify the publications you want to write for. Spend time reading the publication or website to understand their style, tone, and the type of articles they publish.
(I recommend using the library to read recent and back issues or to get access to free digital copies of the publication. I use the Libby app and Hoopla to access online magazines.)
Once you have a good understanding of what type of content they publish, look at their editorial calendar online (usually in an advertising section).
See which month and themes they’re working on before you spend a lot of time brainstorming ideas for an issue that might be complete.
Your pitch should be concise, compelling, and tailored to the publication. Start with a strong subject line that grabs the editor’s attention, outline your article idea and explain why it’s a good fit for their publication. Let them know why you should write it.
Include links to your relevant writing samples, and be sure to mention if you have any specific expertise or personal experience that makes you uniquely qualified to write the piece. Follow up if you don’t hear back after a week or two, but don’t be discouraged by rejections. Pitching is a numbers game, and persistence is key.
If you’re just starting out, consider pitching smaller, local publications or niche blogs to build up your portfolio. As you gain more experience and bylines, you can start targeting larger, higher-paying publications.
Use cold email pitches.
A lot of freelancers don’t like to employ this strategy when they explore how to find freelance writing work. That’s a mistake.
Cold emailing can be an effective way to land freelance writing work, especially with companies or brands that may not advertise freelance opportunities. The key to a successful cold email is personalization—show the recipient that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in working with them.
Make sure you also let them how you can add value to the company, including any data points from past clients that would be worth noting – like getting clients to the first page of Google with content or driving their newsletter open rate up by 20%.
Share links to your portfolio, and suggest a time to discuss how you could work together.
Follow up a week or two later if you don’t hear back. Cold emailing is all about persistence and finding the right contact at the right time. Even if you don’t get an immediate response, your name might stick in their mind for future projects.
Apply to freelance jobs to find freelance writing work.
Freelance job boards are a popular way to find writing gigs, but they can also be highly competitive. To stand out, you need to be strategic about where and how you apply.
First, identify the job boards and websites that list freelance jobs that align with your niche. Set up alerts so you can apply as soon as new jobs are posted—timing can make a big difference.
You might need a freelance resume so keep that in mind and have one ready to include. Attach or link to specific writing samples that are relevant to the job, rather than sending a generic portfolio.
Getting Freelance Writing Work Can Feel Rewarding
For me “getting the assignment” is half of the fun of freelancing. (Then I realize I have to do the work!) Finding freelance writing work isn’t easy but it is rewarding. By leveraging your website, networking through referrals, turning in amazing freelance work, engaging on social media, pitching articles, sending cold emails, and applying to freelance jobs, you can build a steady stream of work that supports your freelance writing business. Remember, every client interaction is an opportunity to build your reputation, expand your network, and secure more work in the future. Stay proactive, keep honing your craft, and the opportunities will come.
