Freelance writing offers incredible opportunities if you are passionate about writing and have a desire for flexibility in your work.
As someone with a flair for languages, I started learning French in 2010 along with my then full-time software job. This played a significant role in developing my writing skills in both English and French.
And naturally, it inspired me to become a freelance writer. However, I had no clue about how to become a freelance writer with no experience.
So I did my research and applied to various freelance writing jobs. In this process, I had an unmatched learning experience along the way.
In this article, I will share with you my learnings on how to become a freelance writer with no experience and become successful.
Let's dive in and discover how you can turn your passion for words into a fulfilling career.
How To Become A Freelance Writer With No Experience:
Whether you dream of becoming a full-time freelancer or simply want to earn some extra income on the side, starting as a writer can be both exhilarating and daunting.
Here are the essential steps to establish yourself as a successful freelancer:
Let's look into them one by one:
1) Learn Freelance Writing
The best way to learn how to become a freelance writer with no experience is to take up courses on freelance writing.
The world of writing is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and tools.
You can sign up for various courses available at leading online learning platforms such as Udemy and Skillshare and get trained. These courses may also help you with pitching clients and contract templates.
2) Start Writing Online
As simple as it may sound, you become a writer by not just thinking about becoming a freelance writer - but by actually writing.
To begin with, honing your writing skills should be your top priority. This can be achieved through consistent practice and dedication.
Practice writing regularly by setting aside dedicated time each day or week to work on different types of content.
Start creating your writing samples. For this, Google Docs is your friend.
You can also make use of tools like Grammarly and Hemingway App to edit your work and add more professional touch.
3) Know Your Writing Speed
For a freelance writer with no experience, many companies pay on a per-word basis.
So, understand your writing/typing speed and find out how long you generally take to write a 1000-word article.
This is important for you to not overload yourself with work you can't deliver on time.
During my early days of freelance writing, I took up a huge project with a very short deadline and failed to deliver. This experience made me realize that I can only write so much in a day as a freelance writer, no matter how hard I try.
A lesson well learned:
Don't bite more than you can chew.
4) Build Your Online Portfolio
While improving your writing skills is essential, it is equally important to showcase your abilities through a well-crafted portfolio.
A portfolio serves as proof of your capabilities and allows potential clients or employers to assess your suitability for their specific needs.
Make use of portfolio website builders to design your stunning portfolio. Some popular portfolio website builders for freelance writers are:
When building your portfolio, consider including a diverse range of writing samples that highlight your versatility.
You can also include the following to demonstrate your ability to adapt to different formats and target audiences:
blog posts
articles
social media content
any other relevant pieces
This will increase your chances of getting hired as a freelance writer.
5) Choose Your Niche and Identify Target Clients
Choosing a niche as a beginner freelance writer is a crucial step in establishing yourself and attracting the right clients.
By specializing in a specific writing niche, you can position yourself as an authority in that field and differentiate yourself from the competition.
One easy way is to go to freelance writing sites such as Upwork or Fiverr and search for 'Freelance Writer'. And then observe the categories.
Upwork Categories For Freelance Writers:
Fiverr Categories For Freelance Writers:
When selecting your writing niche, it is important to consider:
your interests
expertise/educational qualification
market demand
Look for areas where you have a deep understanding or passion.
For example, if you are passionate about blog post writing, and understand Search Engine Optimization (SEO), you can choose this as your niche and approach clients accordingly.
When you have a focused approach, you build credibility, attract higher-paying clients, and ultimately achieve long-term success in your freelance writing career.
6) Write On Medium
Medium is a popular online publishing platform where you can share your articles, thoughts, ideas, and stories with a vast audience.
If you are looking to become a freelance writer but have no experience, Medium is an excellent platform to gain exposure or establish credibility in your niche.
It is a place where quality content can thrive regardless of your background or connections within the industry.
To start with, create your Medium profile with your 'Bio' information as a 'Freelance Writer' and mention your expertise in order to build contacts.
A well-crafted profile helps your readers know about you and also follow you to receive updates whenever you publish new content.
They also have the option to leave comments on articles, sparking meaningful discussions and allowing for a deeper connection with you - the content writer.
For example, here is a snapshot of one of my most popular articles on Medium. You can see that my post on writing sites that pay daily has received 107 claps so far on this platform alone!
Isn't this proof enough that you get to foster new connections and get freelance writing opportunities when you write articles on Medium?
7) Write On LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an invaluable platform for freelance writers with no experience to showcase their skills and attract potential clients.
It offers a unique opportunity to connect with professionals in various industries who are actively seeking talented writers.
Here are some quick tips to craft your LinkedIn profile when aspiring to become a freelance writer with no experience:
Start by creating a compelling headline that clearly states your specialization
For example, "Freelance Writer | Web Content & SEO Copywriting"
Write a captivating summary that provides an overview of your background, skills, and achievements as a freelance writer
Showcase your unique writing style and your ability to deliver high-quality content
Add relevant work samples or links to published articles
Another effective strategy is engaging actively on LinkedIn by writing and sharing thought-provoking articles related to the freelance writing industry.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of recommendations on LinkedIn. Request past clients or colleagues (if any) who have appreciated your writing skills to leave testimonials on your profile.
This enables you to position yourself as an expert freelance writer capable of delivering exceptional results even without experience.
8) Write on Contently
Contently is a platform for freelance writers where you can work with top brands and receive payments instantly for your work.
All you need is to create a free portfolio on this platform and showcase your expertise!
I signed up recently as a freelance writer at Contently and here are the steps I followed:
Once your profile gets reviewed, Contently matches you with potential clients for freelance writing work. So easy!
Isn't this a cool way to become a freelance writer?
9) Create An Engaging Writer's Website And Online Presence
In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for freelance writers with no experience looking to establish their brand and attract clients.
One of the key steps in building an online presence is creating an engaging writer's website.
This enables you to showcase your freelance writing skills and provide clients with a glimpse into your expertise.
You can easily create websites without any coding knowledge using:
Here are some tips to create your website as you learn how to become a freelance writer with no experience:
Create your website with an easy-to-navigate design
Choose fonts and colors that align with the tone of your writing
Create an engaging bio that highlights your areas of expertise as a freelance writer
Showcase samples of your work across different genres to demonstrate your versatility
Regularly update your website with new samples or testimonials
Additionally, make sure to optimize your website for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords throughout your content.
This will help potential clients find you when they search for specific writing services or topics.
10) Start Guest Blogging and Submitting Writing Samples to Publications
Guest blogging is nothing but contributing content to other websites or blogs.
Guest blogging and submitting writing samples to publications are essential steps to becoming successful when starting out as a freelance writer with no experience.
These strategies not only showcase your expertise but also help you build credibility in your niche.
The simplest way to find Guest Posting opportunities is to search on Google for 'Guest Post + <Your Niche>'.
For example:
Guest Post + Travel
Guest Post + Technology
Guest Post + Fashion
Another effective way to gain experience and recognition as a freelance writer is by submitting your writing samples to relevant websites that pay you to write.
This could include:
magazines
newspapers
online platforms
literary journals etc.
Remember that when submitting writing samples, you need to tailor them according to the publication's guidelines and preferences.
Take the time to research each publication's submission process, tone of voice, and topics they typically cover.
You can also apply to the 10 best writing sites that pay daily to get paid fast for your work. Becoming a successful freelance writer takes time and getting paid instantly for your work helps you keep motivated.
By leveraging these opportunities effectively, you can expand your reach, attract new clients and ultimately establish yourself as a recognized freelance writer in your field.
11) Utilize Freelance Platforms and Job Boards to Find Writing Jobs
Freelance platforms are virtual marketplaces where clients post projects and freelancers bid on them.
Job boards curate job listings from various sources. They act as a hub where freelance writers can find gigs without having to scour the internet.
Now, you might be wondering how you can land gigs on these platforms or job boards without prior experience.
Start applying on the 25+ best remote job sites where you can find your perfect remote job, including freelance writing for beginners.
These platforms offer a wide range of freelance writing opportunities such as:
blog posts
articles
copywriting
product description writing
12) Network with Other Writers and Professionals
Networking with other writers and professionals in the industry is a crucial step for any freelance writer with no experience.
By building connections and relationships with fellow writers, you not only expand your network but also open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable insights.
Just look for local or online writing groups that align with your goals. These communities often organize meetups and networking events or have forums where you can interact with fellow freelance writers.
Facebook Groups, for example.
Facebook Groups offer virtual spaces for freelance writers to share ideas and connect. They also enable you to engage in discussions on relevant topics and reach out to build meaningful connections.
You can search on Facebook for 'Freelance Writing' or 'Freelance Writing Jobs For Beginners' to find various groups and join those that interest you.
By actively engaging with fellow writers and professionals in the industry, you will create a strong support system that can propel your freelance writing career forward.
13) Never Stop Learning
Learning is essential for continuous growth and freelance writing is no exception.
Whether you want to improve your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) skills or just improve your freelance writing abilities as a beginner, books are the best way to stay updated.
Here are some book recommendations if you want to learn more about how to become a freelance writer with no experience:
14) Read Every Day
Most passionate writers are good readers. Reading is very essential if you are aspiring to become a freelance writer with no prior experience.
Reading helps you:
understand various subjects
broaden your knowledge
refine your writing skills
By reading extensively, you gain access to a vast array of vocabulary and language patterns that can enhance the quality of your writing.
This also helps you develop a keen sense of storytelling techniques and learn how to engage readers effectively.
Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links, meaning you will help me grab a coffee at no cost to you if you sign up or make a purchase through them. Regardless, I only recommend products I believe will tremendously help side hustlers and freelancers. Thank you for supporting my blog :)
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Skills Needed To Become A Freelance Writer:
Writing is only one part of the job. As a freelance writer with no experience, you need to hone the below skills to become successful:
1) Grammar:
First and foremost, you need to possess excellent writing skills to convey ideas concisely, and persuasively.
It is important that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are impeccable to maintain professionalism and credibility.
2) Research Skills:
Strong research skills are crucial to becoming a successful freelance writer. As a beginner, you may have to write about various topics that might be new to you.
Therefore, you must be able to conduct thorough research to produce well-informed and accurate content.
3) Adaptability:
Adaptability is another important skill for freelance writers with no experience. For example, your clients may have specific requirements or guidelines that need to be followed.
In such cases, you need to be flexible and open-minded to meet their expectations while staying true to your writing style.
4) Time Management:
Time management is also key when working as a freelance writer.
As you gain experience and start juggling multiple projects with different deadlines simultaneously, you will have to prioritize tasks effectively and manage your time efficiently.
This will ensure that you deliver high-quality work on time.
5) Networking Skills:
Building relationships with clients, fellow writers, and industry professionals is important for gaining valuable connections and job opportunities in the freelance writing world.
And that is why your networking skills can significantly boost your success as a freelance writer!
FAQs On How To Become A Freelance Writer With No Experience:
#1. Can I become a content writer without experience?
Yes, everyone has a starting point. Remember that even the most successful freelance writers today had once started with no experience.
#2. Is it hard to become a freelance writer?
No, it isn't. If you have a passion for writing and are willing to put in the effort required for success as a freelancer, you can quickly become a freelance writer even with no experience.
#3. How much can you make as a freelance writer?
Well, this ultimately depends on several factors such as your niche, experience level, and ability to deliver high-quality work consistently.
As a freelance writer with no experience, you will typically start with lower rates. When you gain experience, you can command higher rates based on your track record of successful projects.
The more specialized your skills are, such as technical or medical writing, the higher you can set your rates due to the demand for niche expertise.
As per this Indeed report, the average salary of a freelance writer in the US is $22.70 per hour.
Another easy way to find out how much you can make as a freelance writer is to go to freelance websites such as Upwork and check out how much people are charging.
#4. How to find freelance writing jobs?
You can easily find freelance writing jobs on various job boards and freelance sites. Some of the best websites to find freelance writing jobs are:
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Final Thoughts On How To Become A Freelance Writer With No Experience:
Being a freelance writer is an exciting journey full of opportunities for growth and learning.
To become a freelance writer with no experience, you must:
stay curious
continuously learn and improve your writing skills
network and find writing opportunities
believe in yourself as a talented writer
With dedication and perseverance, the sky is the limit for your success as a freelance writer!
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