starting a writing services business

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Executive Ghostwriting

Jul 27, 2022

9 Steps to Launching a Profitable Writing Business

Updated: Jan 16, 2023

So, you want to start a writing business.

There are probably dozens of ways to do this, from selling ebooks to monetizing a blog. I'll tell you about the path that has worked for me for more than six years: Selling writing as a service.

Beginning a writing service business can be difficult. You will sometimes be bored of the subject you've been paid to write about. Some clients will hate your words (and tell you so). You will live project to project, sometimes feeling far too busy, and other times wondering if you have enough work to stay solvent.

But if you can endure the difficult bits, starting a writing business is one of the most fulfilling careers in the world for creative types. You get to set your own schedule, work from home, solve creative problems for a living, and work with inspiring people and brands.

Most important: you get paid (sometimes great money) to put pen to paper. If that sounds like a career you'd love, here's how to start a writing business.

(You may also be interested in my article about how to become a freelance copywriter .)

1. Understand the most common writing services

Most people hate writing. It's a chore for them. And since almost every person must at least sometimes write, that means anyone who finds pleasure in writing is already in demand.

If you're going to begin a writing business, start by learning the most common forms of writing that people and organizations outsource:

Blog writing

Website copywriting

Ghostwriting

Social media writing

Ad copywriting

Not all writing forms are created equal. Writing an A+ college essay requires different skills than writing an effective blog post. The best way to master any particular writing style is to read the work of people excelling in that niche. And then practice, practice, practice.

As you specialize in different forms of writing, you'll pick up certain skills (like brevity, simplicity, or more technical abilities like SEO). The good news is, you can learn as you go.

2. Tell everyone about your services

Your first writing clients will likely come from your network. You'll find them by telling everyone you know that you now offer writing services. Text friends. Post on social media. Announce your new business in the family Christmas card. No communication methods are off limits.

Yes, you may feel some imposter syndrome. No, that shouldn't stop you.

Didn't I tell you? Writing is a hard business. The good news is, you are capable of doing hard things. So, acknowledge that as a beginning writer, you may be an imposter. Then go tell your network about all the great writing services you offer (even if that makes you feel deeply uncomfortable).

3. Give your first clients a deal they can't refuse

You won't get rich on your first writing gig. (If you do, please tell me your secret.) My first paid project was $17 for an 800-word blog post.

It's okay to charge a low fee on your first few projects. The key is to not treat these assignments like low-paid work. This is your chance to overdeliver. Write the best blog post or website copy your friend has ever seen. Make them feel guilty for paying you so little.

Because these first projects aren't about the money. They're also not about impressing your friends. Your first paid writing projects are about building a great writing portfolio .

4. Showcase your work

As soon as your work goes live, create a portfolio. This is where future clients can see your past work to assess your skills.

Your portfolio can be a website, Google Doc, PDF, or freelance profile. It's any place where you can publicly show off your best writing samples. As you do more and even better work, you will gradually replace your worst samples with your new best.

Armed with a few portfolio pieces, you can raise your rates and find clients outside your network.

5. Find clients anywhere and everywhere

In my first year in business, I found clients on Craigslist, at events, on Upwork, through friends, in Facebook groups, on Thumbtack, and by contacting former colleagues. My point is: Writing clients are everywhere.

The best way to find clients in the beginning is to try a little bit of everything. You won't know your marketing strengths until you've tested many promotional tactics.

Join freelancer sites. Keep badgering your friends. Attend conferences and trade shows. Join online and offline communities. The key is to find what sticks. Test and invest.

6. Just pick a rate

A lot of beginning writers get stuck deciding their rates. My recommendation is to choose a rate quickly because you won't know if you're charging too much or too little until you begin pitching clients .

Just remember: You can always change your rates later, with the next pitch. There are a few ways to charge for your services. Most writers charge by the word or by the hour. I prefer charging a fixed fee by the project.

No matter how you charge, remember that as a pro writer (yes, I'm talking about you), your prices are subject to the whims of supply and demand. That's a fancy way of saying that the more people who want to hire you, the more you can charge for your writing services.

So, if you want to earn the big bucks, learn to generate more leads than you can handle.

7. Be professional

One unfortunate stereotype about freelancers is that they're unprofessional. They overpromise and underdeliver. They turn in work late (or not at all). Freelancers are often seen as employees between jobs who know nothing about professional services.

These stereotypes exist because they're often true. The good news is, you can use these negative stereotypes to your advantage. If you deliver good work, on time, and remain engaged beginning to end, you'll quickly stand out and get ample repeat business.

A little professionalism goes a long way in the writing services industry.

8. Build a reputation for quality

There's no shortage of bad content on the internet. No one wants to hire a subpar writer. But subpar writing is everywhere. That's why when companies work with a truly exceptional writer, they hold onto them forever .

If you love the craft of writing, and are willing to put in the work to consistently improve, you can set your work apart and develop a reputation for quality. There's no shortcut to becoming a great writer. It requires years of dedicated writing practice. But persistence pays dividends.

Businesses will pay good money for great writing. At the risk of sounding ostentatious, I earn a comfortable six figures profit writing and know other writers doing the same. It's not unrealistic to earn a good living from your words. But you will need to put in the work.

9. Play the long game

Successful writing careers aren't formed overnight. Even the best writers must pay their dues , working for low rates and unpleasant clients.

It's my experience that the best fruits of any writing business only begin to ripen after the second year. By then, you're working with better clients at higher rates. You're also more confident in your samples and abilities. Plus, by then you've developed the most important marketing tool in professional services: a reputation.

There's nothing magical about having two years under your belt. That's just when work starts getting more fun.

And the best part? Each year (mostly) gets a bit better after that. Your writing improves, your reputation expands, and more interesting projects find their way into your inbox.

Not to mention, your competition becomes irrelevant . The competition among low-paid, low-experienced writers is more fierce than among the most experienced and in-demand writers. That's because good writing is rare enough that truly great writers (who've put in the work to foster a strong reputation) seldom need to compete for projects. More businesses need great writing than there are great writers to fill that need.

In summary: if you want to enjoy the best that a writing business has to offer, master your craft and play the long game. Everything else will work itself out in time.

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How to Start a Profitable Freelance Writing Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 02, 2024

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a freelance writing business plan., 3. develop a freelance writing brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for freelance writing., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for freelance writing services., 8. acquire freelance writing equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for freelance writing, if required., 10. begin marketing your freelance writing services., 11. expand your freelance writing business..

Embarking on a freelance writing business begins with a thorough market analysis. This foundational step helps you understand your competition, identify demand, and tailor your services to meet market needs. Follow these guidelines to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the writing landscape:

Research your target niche by evaluating what types of writing are in demand, such as technical writing, SEO content, or creative work.
Analyze your competition by looking at other freelance writers or agencies, noting their strengths, weaknesses, and pricing strategies.
Identify your potential clients and understand their needs and content consumption preferences.
Explore various freelancing platforms and online communities to gauge where your services might be most needed.
Stay updated with industry trends, including popular topics and emerging writing styles or platforms, to offer cutting-edge services.
Consider the global market, but also focus on local opportunities that might offer less competition and a more personalized approach.
Conduct surveys or interviews with potential clients to receive direct feedback about what they look for in a freelance writer.

Are freelance writing businesses profitable?

Freelance writing businesses can be very profitable, depending on the type of services offered and the writer's ability to market themselves and build a client base. The potential for profit is determined by factors such as how much time and effort the writer is willing to put into it and how marketable their services are. Additionally, setting competitive rates that are commensurate with the type of work being done will also impact profitability.

Starting a freelance writing business requires careful planning and strategic thinking. A solid business plan will serve as a roadmap for your freelance journey, outlining your goals, strategies, and how you intend to operate your business. Here's a guide to help you draft a comprehensive freelance writing business plan:

Define your writing niche and services, considering your strengths and market demand.
Identify your target market, including potential clients and industries that require your writing expertise.
Research your competitors to understand their offerings and how to differentiate yourself.
Set clear business goals and objectives, both short-term and long-term, for growth and success.
Develop a marketing strategy that details how you will promote your services, including social media, content marketing, and networking.
Outline your pricing structure, taking into account your experience, the type of work, and industry rates.
Establish a financial plan, including anticipated income, expenses, and how you'll manage cash flow.
Create an operational plan that includes your business structure, administrative processes, and any tools or software needed for your writing business.

How does a freelance writing business make money?

Freelance writing businesses make money by providing written content for businesses or individuals who need text-based services. For example, a freelance writer could provide a step-by-step guide to help entrepreneurs start their own spice business. This could include information such as the steps to forming a legal entity, the tools and ingredients needed to get started, and best marketing practices for the business. Target audiences for this type of content would include aspiring spice business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking for resources on how to start their own business.

Developing a freelance writing brand is crucial because it sets you apart from the competition and communicates your unique value proposition to potential clients. A strong brand resonates with your target audience and can help you build a loyal client base. Follow these steps to create a memorable and effective writing brand:

Identify Your Niche: Focus on a specific genre or industry that aligns with your expertise and interests. Specialization can make you more attractive to certain clients.
Define Your Brand Voice: Determine how you want to present yourself in your writing and interactions. Whether it's professional, conversational, or quirky, your voice should be consistent across all channels.
Create a Professional Online Presence: Design a website and social media profiles that reflect your brand, showcase your portfolio, and provide an easy way for clients to contact you.
Develop a Unique Value Proposition: Clearly articulate what makes your services better or different from other writers. Highlight your strengths and the benefits clients will receive.
Consistency is Key: Ensure all your marketing materials, from business cards to social media posts, reflect your brand identity and message consistently.

How to come up with a name for your freelance writing business?

Coming up with a name for your freelance writing business is an important step in the process of becoming an independent writer. When searching for a name, it helps to reflect on what you want your brand to represent. Consider what kind of work you specialize in, and think about how that might fit into a clever name. Once you have some ideas, try out different combinations with words and phrases to create something unique. Finally, consider searching online for similar names or phrases to make sure you are not infringing on an existing business.

Once you've laid the groundwork for your freelance writing business, it's time to make it official. Registering your business is a critical step, ensuring that you're recognized by the government and can operate legally. Below are the key steps to formalize your business registration:

Choose your business structure: Decide whether you'll operate as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or partnership.
Register your business name: If your business will have a name other than your own, file a 'Doing Business As' (DBA) or similar registration with the appropriate state agency.
Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Even if you don't plan to hire employees, an EIN is important for tax purposes and may be required to open a business bank account. Apply for free on the IRS website.
Register for state and local taxes: Depending on your location, you may need to register for a sales tax permit, income tax withholding, or other state-specific taxes.
Secure necessary permits and licenses: Check with your city or county government to find out if there are any required permits or licenses for your type of business.

Resources to help get you started:

Explore vital resources dedicated to assisting freelance writing entrepreneurs with market trends, operational best practices, and strategies for business expansion:

The Writer's Market: A comprehensive guide offering access to potential markets for writers, including magazines, publishers, and more. Visit site .
Copyblogger: Provides articles, ebooks, and seminars on content marketing, writing, and SEO for freelance writers and entrepreneurs. Visit site .
Content Marketing Institute: This site offers resources, research, and advice on content strategy and marketing, valuable for writers looking to enhance their services. Visit site .
The Creative Penn: Hosted by Joanna Penn, offering podcasts, articles, and courses on writing, publishing, and marketing books. Visit site .
Freelancers Union Blog: Provides a wealth of articles on freelance life, including legal advice, health insurance information, and ways to run your freelance business more effectively. Visit site .

Beginning a freelance writing business involves understanding and complying with the legal requirements. Acquiring the necessary licenses and permits is crucial to operate legitimately and avoid any legal complications. Below is a guide to help you navigate this step:

Business License : Check with your local city or county government to determine if a general business license is required to legally operate as a freelancer in your area.
DBA (Doing Business As) : If you're operating under a name different from your legal name, you may need to file a DBA with the appropriate state or local agency.
Home Occupation Permit : If you plan to work from home, this permit ensures that your business activities comply with local zoning laws.
Professional Licenses : While typically not required for freelance writers, verify if your niche or type of writing service requires any special professional licenses.
Tax Registration : Depending on your location, you may need to register for a state sales tax license or a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), especially if you plan to hire subcontractors.
Other Permits : Research any additional permits that may pertain to your specific writing services, such as permissions for public signage if your freelance business has a physical location.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a freelance writing business?

In order to run a freelance writing business, you will need permits and licenses specific to the state you are operating in. Depending on your location, these may include a general business license, a seller’s permit, and a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Additionally, you may need a professional license if you are providing certain types of services that require specialized training, such as legal or medical writing.

Opening a business bank account is a crucial step in establishing your freelance writing business and helps to separate your personal and business finances. Additionally, securing the right type of funding can empower you to invest in essential resources and grow your business. Here are some steps to guide you through this process:

Research banks and credit unions that offer business banking services. Look for accounts with low fees, easy access, and good customer support.
Prepare the necessary documentation, which typically includes your business registration, EIN (Employer Identification Number), and personal identification.
Apply for a business bank account either online or in person, and deposit the minimum amount required to open the account.
Explore funding options, such as personal savings, loans from friends or family, small business loans, or lines of credit if you need additional capital to start or expand your business.
Consider alternative funding sources like grants for writers, crowdfunding platforms, or freelance marketplaces that offer advances on projects.
Maintain a clear budget for your business expenses and revenue to manage your finances effectively and plan for future growth.

Setting the right prices for your freelance writing services is crucial to attracting clients while valuing your expertise and time. Consider the following factors to determine a pricing structure that works for you and your clients.

Understand Your Value: Assess your experience, niche expertise, and the quality of your work. Consider how these factors differentiate you and allow you to command higher rates.
Research Market Rates: Look into what other freelancers with similar skills and experience are charging. This will give you a competitive benchmark for your own pricing.
Choose a Pricing Model: Decide whether you'll charge by the hour, by the word, or a flat rate per project. Each has its own advantages, so select the one that aligns with your work style and industry standards.
Factor in Business Costs: Your rates should cover not just the time you spend writing, but also the time and resources spent on research, revisions, communication, and marketing, as well as business expenses like software and taxes.
Be Flexible: Be prepared to negotiate and adjust your rates for larger projects, long-term clients, or higher volume work. Offering different packages or tiered pricing can also accommodate various client budgets.
Communicate Value Clearly: When proposing rates to clients, always highlight the value and return on investment your writing provides. This can justify your rates and demonstrate your professionalism.

What does it cost to start a freelance writing business?

Initiating a freelance writing business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $2150 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your freelance writing business.

As you embark on your freelance writing journey, having the right equipment and supplies is crucial for maintaining productivity and delivering quality work. You don't need a lot of fancy gadgets, but a few essentials can make a significant difference. Here are some must-have items to get you started:

Laptop or Desktop Computer: Invest in a reliable computer with sufficient processing power and memory to handle various writing and research tasks.
High-Speed Internet Connection: A fast and stable internet connection is essential for research, communication with clients, and submitting work.
Word Processing Software: Choose a software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener for writing and editing your documents.
Ergonomic Chair and Desk: Maintain your health with an ergonomic setup to prevent strain during long writing sessions.
External Hard Drive or Cloud Storage Service: Backup your work regularly to protect against data loss.
Notebooks and Writing Utensils: For jotting down ideas and brainstorming when you're away from your computer.
Planner or Digital Calendar: Keep track of deadlines, client meetings, and your writing schedule.
Noise-Canceling Headphones: Block out distractions and focus on your writing, especially if you work in a noisy environment.

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a freelance writing business:

Computer: $300-$1500
Internet Access: $30-$1000/month
Word Processing Software: Free programs like Google Docs, but Microsoft Office is $99
Accounting Software: QuickBooks Self-Employed starts from $5 per month
Project Management Software: Asana, JIRA, Trello and Monday.com are free for basic options and range from $9-$30/month for advanced versions
Marketing Tools: Hootsuite starts from free, Salesforce from $25/month
Storage Space: DropBox starts from free, iCloud from $0.99/month
Website/Blog Platform: Wix offers plans as low as $4.50/month
Image Editing Software: Adobe Photoshop is up to $20.99/month
Business Cards: Around $19.99 for 500 cards

As a freelance writer, obtaining business insurance can protect you from various risks, including liability and property damage. It's essential to assess the types of insurance required for your specific business needs. Here are some key steps to consider when seeking insurance:

Evaluate your risks: Think about the potential legal issues you could face, such as copyright infringement claims or client disputes over contracts.
Research insurance types: Common insurance types for freelancers include Professional Liability Insurance (also known as Errors & Omissions Insurance) and General Liability Insurance.
Compare quotes: Contact multiple insurance providers to compare coverage options and premiums. Look for policies tailored to freelance professionals.
Read the fine print: Carefully review the terms and conditions of each policy to understand what is covered and any exclusions or deductibles.
Consider bundling policies: Sometimes, insurers offer discounts if you purchase multiple types of insurance from them.
Review annually: Your insurance needs may change over time, so it's important to review and adjust your coverage as your business grows and evolves.

Now that you're ready to take your freelance writing business to the next level, it's crucial to attract clients and build your brand. Marketing your services effectively will help you stand out in a crowded market. Here are some strategies to get you started:

Develop a Professional Website: Create a website that showcases your portfolio, writing services, testimonials, and contact information. Ensure it's optimized for search engines (SEO) to increase visibility.
Utilize Social Media: Engage with potential clients on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Share your content, network with other professionals, and advertise your services.
Content Marketing: Start a blog or contribute to publications in your niche to demonstrate your writing skills and expertise, driving traffic to your site.
Networking: Attend industry events, webinars, and workshops to meet potential clients and collaborators.
Referral Program: Offer incentives for existing clients to refer new clients to you, expanding your client base organically.
Email Marketing: Build an email list and send out newsletters with updates, promotions, and useful content to keep your audience engaged.
Paid Advertising: Invest in targeted ads on social media or Google to reach potential clients actively looking for freelance writing services.

Expanding your freelance writing business is essential for building a sustainable career. With a focus on growth, you can increase your income, build a diverse client base, and establish a strong reputation in the industry. Consider the following strategies:

Network Strategically: Attend industry events, join writing groups, and connect with peers on social media to build relationships that may lead to new opportunities.
Refine Your Niche: Specialize in specific topics or industries where you can offer expert knowledge and command higher rates.
Invest in Marketing: Create a professional website, utilize SEO techniques, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn to attract clients.
Offer Additional Services: Diversify your offerings by including editing, content strategy, or social media management to provide more value to clients.
Seek Passive Income: Write ebooks, create courses, or start a blog to generate revenue alongside your client work.
Request Referrals: Encourage satisfied clients to refer others to you and consider offering incentives for successful referrals.
Outsource Tasks: Delegate administrative tasks to virtual assistants or collaborate with other freelancers to increase your capacity for more writing projects.

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Freelance Writing Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Become a Freelance Writer: A Beginner’s Guide

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on March 10, 2022

How to Become a Freelance Writer: A Beginner’s Guide

Investment range

$3,050 - $7,100

Revenue potential

$47,000 - $100,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$42,000 - $90,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Here are the most important things to consider when starting your freelance writing business:

Find your niche — Consider specializing in a specific niche (e.g., technology, health, finance, travel) to differentiate yourself and attract clients looking for expertise in that area. Stand out with human-generated content, especially now that AI is taking over the industry.
Build a portfolio — Create a portfolio showcasing your best writing samples. If you’re just starting, consider writing articles or blog posts on topics you’re passionate about to build your portfolio.
Use platforms — Sign up for freelance job platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and ProBlogger to find potential clients and projects.
Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN .
Project management — Use project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana) to keep track of deadlines, client communications, and project progress. Set a work schedule that allows you to meet deadlines while maintaining a work-life balance. Use calendars and reminders to stay organized.

Interactive Checklist at your fingertips—begin your freelance writing business today!

You May Also Wonder:

How profitable is a freelance writing business?

If you’re an experienced writer you can make up to $50 per hour or more. If you can do specialty writing, such as business plans, you can earn even more. The important thing is to put out great writing pieces and the money will follow.

Where can I find clients for content writing?

There are various ways to find clients for content writing, such as creating a professional website and showcasing your writing samples, networking on social media platforms, attending writing conferences and events, and using freelance marketplaces and job boards to find opportunities .

How can you ensure that your writing skills and expertise are in demand in the freelance market?

To ensure that your writing skills and expertise are in demand in the freelance market, it is important to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices, continuously improve your writing skills through reading and practice, and specialize in a niche or area of expertise.

What are some ways to manage your time effectively and balance multiple writing projects?

To manage your time effectively and balance multiple writing projects, it is important to prioritize tasks, create a schedule or to-do list, and set realistic deadlines for yourself. Utilizing project management tools and communication platforms can also help to stay organized and communicate effectively with clients.

How can you continue to grow and expand your freelance writing business over time?

To continue to grow and expand your freelance writing business over time, it is important to continuously market yourself and your services, develop new skills and areas of expertise, and establish long-term relationships with clients.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a freelance writing business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

Flexibility – Work from home on your own time
Follow Your Passion – Do what you love every day
Good Money – Excellent hourly rates
Inconsistent Work – Until you get regular gigs, you’ll have to hustle to find work
Massive Competition – Compete with writers all over the world

Freelance writing industry trends

Industry size and growth.

Industry size and past growth – Following years of steady growth, the freelance industry was worth a whopping $1.2 trillion in 2020.(( https://www.zippia.com/advice/freelancing-statistics/ ))
Growth forecast – Freelancing is expected to grow 14% more by 2026.
Number of businesses – In 2020, 59 million freelancers were working in the US.(( https://www.statista.com/statistics/685468/amount-of-people-freelancing-us/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends in the freelance writing industry include:

Writers with additional skills, such as marketing, social media strategy, and search engine optimization (SEO) are more in demand than ever.
Companies are looking for specialty writers, meaning writers who have specialized knowledge in topics such as business, fashion, finance, or entertainment.

Challenges in the freelance writing industry include:

Freelance writing is becoming competitive, with the proliferation of less experienced writers who are willing to work for less.
Re-writing is often necessary when job requests are vague, taking up valuable time for the freelancer.

What kind of people work in freelancing?

Gender – 48% of freelancers are female, while 45.5% are male.(( https://www.zippia.com/freelancer-jobs/demographics/ ))
Average level of education – The average freelancer has a bachelor’s degree.
Average age – The average freelancer in the US is 38 years old.

How much does it cost to start a freelance writing business?

Startup costs for a freelance writing business range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs include a website, a computer, and an initial marketing budget. If you already have a computer, you’re way ahead.

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Setting up a business name and corporation	$150 - $200	$175
Business licenses and permits	$100 - $300	$200
Insurance	$100-$300	$200
Business cards and brochures	$200 - $300	$250
Website setup	$1,000 - $3,000	$2,000
Computer	$1,000 - $2,000	$1,500
Initial marketing budget	$500 - $1,000	$750
Total	$3,050 - $7,100	$5,075

How much can you earn from a freelance writing business?

Rates for freelance writers vary based on experience and the complexity of the writing. Some charge $.05 to $1 per word, others $25 to $100 per hour. These calculations will assume an average hourly rate of $30. Your profit margin after marketing costs should be around 90%.

In your first year or two, you could work 30 hours a week, bringing in nearly $47,000 in annual revenue. This would mean more than $42,000 in profit, assuming that 90% margin. As you build up a regular clientele, you could get to 40 hours per week and up your rate to $50 per hour. With annual revenue of more than $100,000, you’d make a tidy profit of nearly $90,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a freelance writing business. Your biggest challenges will be:

Excellent writing skills are essential
Skills such as SEO are also often necessary
Specialized knowledge in a certain subject area adds real value

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a freelance writing business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research freelance writing businesses online to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the market is missing a technical writing business.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as business copywriting or fashion content writing.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away.

What? Determine your writing niche

Your writing services will depend on your skills and areas of knowledge. You can write all sorts of things, including:

Business plans
Case studies
Whitepapers
General SEO writing
Technical papers
Instruction manuals

How much should you charge for freelance writing?

Prices for writing vary greatly. If you write general articles, you can probably expect about $25 per hour. If you write more specialized content, such as business-related content, you may be able to charge $35 to $40 per hour. If you write business plans, you could earn up to $100 per hour. You could also charge by the word, from $.05 to $1. Your ongoing costs will be limited to marketing expenses.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will mainly be businesses. You can find business owners on sites like LinkedIn. If you message them or call them directly, you may find some freelance writing gigs. You should also use freelance writing job boards like Upwork and Freelancer.

Where? Choose your business premises

You’ll probably always want to run your business from home, but if you ever want to rent an office, you can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

Central location accessible via public transport
Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better
Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
Including keywords, such as “writing” or “freelance writer”, boosts SEO
Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Wordsmiths United” over “Ghostwriting Gurus”
A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Discover over 210 unique freelance writing business name ideas here. If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our business name generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these.

Find a Domain

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

Executive Summary: A brief overview of your freelance writing business, summarizing key points and objectives.
Business Overview: A detailed description of your freelance writing business, including its mission, vision, and the problem it aims to solve.
Product and Services: Clearly outline the writing services you offer, specifying the types of content, niches, and any additional services.
Market Analysis: Research and insights into the target market for your writing services, including demographics, trends, and potential client needs.
Competitive Analysis: Evaluate competitors in the freelance writing industry, highlighting your unique selling points and positioning in the market.
Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting your freelance writing services, reaching potential clients, and converting leads into paying customers.
Management Team: Introduce the key members of your freelance writing business, emphasizing their expertise and roles in driving the company’s success.
Operations Plan: Details on the day-to-day operations of your freelance writing business, including workflow, client communication, and project management.
Financial Plan: A comprehensive overview of the financial aspects of your business, including revenue projections, expenses, and funding requirements.
Appendix: Supplementary materials such as samples of your work, client testimonials, or any additional information that supports and strengthens your freelance writing business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to freelance writing businesses.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your freelance writing business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

Bank loans : This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
Crowdfunding : Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a freelance writing business.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Starting a freelance writing business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits.

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more.

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your freelance writing business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

General liability : The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
Business Property : Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
Equipment Breakdown Insurance : Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
Worker’s compensation : Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
Property : Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
Commercial auto : Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
Professional liability : Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
Business owner’s policy (BOP) : This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business.

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.

You may want to use writing project management software, such as ClickUp , Notion , or Monday , to manage your projects, workflows, and documents.

Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero .
If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google.

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

Website and SEO — Create an engaging website that showcases your writing portfolio, client testimonials, and your range of writing services. Optimize your site using SEO best practices for keywords like “freelance writing,” “content creation,” and industry-specific terms.
Professional Branding — Develop a cohesive brand that reflects your writing style and professionalism, complete with a well-designed logo, business cards, and a professional website.
Social Media Engagement — Utilize platforms such as LinkedIn for professional networking and Twitter to share insights about writing, content marketing, and industry trends.
Direct Outreach — Network with potential clients through LinkedIn, writing forums, and industry-specific networking events. Reach out directly to marketing agencies, publishers, and businesses that could benefit from your services.
Content Marketing — Maintain a writing blog to share informative posts about writing tips, content marketing strategies, and industry insights to establish your authority. Enhance your visibility through guest blogging on reputable sites within your niche.
Email Marketing — Send regular newsletters to keep your clients informed about your recent work, provide writing tips, and detail the services you offer.
Webinars and Writing Workshops — Host or participate in writing workshops and webinars to demonstrate your expertise and connect with potential clients.
Collaborations with Industry Professionals — Partner with graphic designers, marketing agencies, or SEO specialists to offer comprehensive services, enhancing your package offerings.
Client Referral and Loyalty Programs — Implement a referral program that rewards clients for bringing new business your way and offer incentives or discounts to repeat clients to foster long-term relationships.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your freelance writing business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your freelance writing business could be:

Professional business writing for any project
Content marketing and writing to accelerate your business
Reliable business writing & the fastest turn-around around!

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a freelance writing business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in freelance writing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections.

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in freelance writing. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But if you want to grow into a content writing or copywriting company, you will likely need workers to fill various roles Potential positions for a freelance writing business include:

Writers – write copy or content
General Manager – scheduling, project management, accounting
Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecr uiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Start Making Money!

If you’re a writer or just an aspiring writer, starting your own freelance writing business is a fairly easy process. If you already have a computer, it doesn’t take much to get started, and it’s a great way to work flexibly from home and make good money. If you have specialized knowledge or skills, you can make even more.

Now that you know the steps, it’s time to start freelancing your way to entrepreneurial success!

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How to start a freelance writing business

Learn how you can make your dream of making a living from writing come true by becoming a freelance writer.

Person sitting at a desk writing on a laptop.

What does a freelance writer do?

Freelance writers have many options. They write for different mediums and genres, working as digital writers, journalists, content creators, copywriters, and ghostwriters.

Most freelance writers work remotely rather than at the office of a company or publication. This gives them a lot of freedom. They mostly work on a contractor basis, and because of this, it can be feast or famine at times. Also, freelance writers generally have to pay self-employment taxes and pay for their own benefits.

Being a freelance writer means you’re constantly juggling your time. You write, research, and edit; you connect and hold meetings with clients; and do have office admin to do. You have to be an expert in time management. Some freelance writing jobs can be full time, while others may be a part-time side hustle.

What types of writing do freelance writers do?

Freelance writers can be generalist writers or specialists who focus in a particular niche.

There are many different platforms and types of writing. The possibilities for freelance writing work are numerous. Some of the popular places for freelance writing gigs include:

Print publications: Including articles for magazines and newspapers.
Websites: Including web pages, sales pages, blog posts, video scripts, and SEO writing to drive traffic to websites.
Business writing: Including press releases, emails, newsletters, technical writing, white papers, video scripts, and case studies.
Social media: Including writing copy for social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Writers who specialize in a niche mostly choose a broad niche that provides some variety. Niches can be by type of writing or the subject. Popular types of writing include email marketing, content marketing, sales pages, and technical writing. Popular topics include ecommerce , business-to-business (B2B), travel, software-as-a-service {SaaS), and cryptocurrency.

Step-by-step guide for starting a freelance writing business

Becoming a successful freelance writer is difficult. It can take years to build to a full-time job, so you may want to start out with writing as a side-hustle instead. If you don’t know where to start, follow this guide for some practical tips:

1. Get experience in the field

Build a portfolio to show that you can write. You may want to start a blog or Substack site to show your skills. A good idea is to focus on a topic you already know a lot about. You can write about topics you are interested in and even interview people for your site.

Some entry-level writing opportunities are listed on the web on sites like Upwork, Fiverr , and PeoplePerHour . While you may not make much money from them, it will give you clips for showcasing your writing.

2. Choose your specialty

Make a list of your interests and past experience. Having a specialty doesn't mean you don’t write about other subjects, but knowing a topic or subtopic reduces the amount of research you have to do when writing.

Choose a writing niche from your list. It can be a type of content or a topic area. You’re not locked into your niche forever, but it provides you with your point of difference and expertise that can help you become a “go-to” writer in that area. For example, if you have a background in marketing and advertising, you could focus your writing on marketing communications.

3. Get the basic writing equipment

You don’t need much equipment as a freelance writer. The basic tools of the trade are a desktop computer or a laptop. In addition, you need internet access for research, video calls, and social media marketing. You’ll also need a phone to communicate with your clients.

There are other “nice-to-have” tools like an additional monitor to connect your laptop to, and a printer for proofreading on paper, but you can manage without them.

Establish a writing area to work from with a comfortable and ergonomic chair. The kitchen table is fine in the beginning, but having a dedicated place where you don’t need to pack up everything each time is ideal.

4. Write some sample pieces

You’ll need to gain experience and develop your skills. Creating and adding pieces to your portfolio helps prove your writing ability. Here are some ways to develop your portfolio with writing samples:

Offer to guest blog for a business, charity, or a writer friend to something published online. This can be a low-pressure way to get your foot in the door.
Start your own blog to showcase your writing skills and develop your expertise in your chosen niche. WordPress and Substack are popular and free, and when you build up a following, you can charge for premium content there.
Study types of writing and clients you want to write for and try writing some spec samples in the same tone of voice or brand.

Unfortunately, you do have to be wary of scams. Comparitech provides advice on some common scams and scam artists who prey on people looking for work, such as freelance writers. Research potential clients online, avoid anything that seems too good to be true, and don’t give any personal financial information.

5. Find a place to host your writing portfolio

There are different hosting options for hosting your online portfolio that don’t need to cost a lot of money. Many freelance writers create a basic website. You can buy a domain name that matches your writing name and start a website on WordPress or Squarespace. Ideally, your portfolio should have a home page, about, services, and portfolio pages.

If you prefer not to have a website, there are other options. Some good ones include:

Clippings.me
Pressfolios

Add five or six pieces of your best work to your portfolio, and update it over time to reflect your experience with different clients.

6. Set your prices

Decide on the prices for your writing. You don't want to charge too little and undervalue your work, or too much and scare off potential clients. Also, decide if you want to charge by the word or by the complexity of the assignment. LinkedIn has some suggestions on how to determine your rate. In many cases, your client will determine how much they’re paying; you have the option to accept or reject the work. Determining your worth beforehand will tell you whether the job is work taking.

7. Find clients for your writing

Finding new clients , or your first client, takes time and effort. Some actions you can take to find writing clients include the following:

Check out job boards, especially online. Reliable places include LinkedIn jobs and ProBlogger. There are often job postings on social media, and if you follow editors and people who make hiring decisions, you can find out about job postings early.
Online forums such as Upwork and Fiverr can provide opportunities. However, they can be low-paying content mills, as you are competing against writers around the world, often from impoverished countries, who are willing to accept low wages. If you choose to use them, you’ll need to create an account to bid for jobs. Beware of scams or people looking for free samples.
Prepare an elevator pitch for speaking about your writing services. It can be handy to describe what you do in a nutshell when you network or meet people at events.
You might want to reach out to local businesses who might need freelance writers. Explain what you have to offer.
Start a spreadsheet to track your applications. Include the date, the site, and the original listing. This can be helpful for future reference.
For more experienced writers, to get regular work, you need to get comfortable with pitching your ideas. Cold pitching is a part of freelance writing and finding clients. Check online for the contact email address. Keep your pitch email short but clear, and think carefully about the subject line.

8. Market your freelance writing services

You will need to market yourself in order to get more freelance work. Here are some tips for effective marketing :

Create an online presence to market your writing services. Set up social media accounts for your writing. You don’t need all of them, but useful ones include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Threads.
Set up a LinkedIn profile with a link to your portfolio. You can add pieces of your work to the featured section. Follow other writers, as well as businesses you would like to write for.
Tell all of your friends and family about your freelance writing career. They’re often the best sources of writing jobs when you first start out.
Try attending small networking events and small business association meetings to meet and network with other business owners. Learn about their needs and their current pain points. It will help you pitch them for their business.

9. Get testimonials from clients

Ask your past clients and anyone you’ve written for to write a testimonial about your services. Post the testimonials on your website and share them on your social media. A good testimonial should be two or three sentences.

Some people struggle to give a testimonial as they don’t know what they are saying. Try asking them a few questions to help elicit a useful review, for example, What was your experience like using my services?

You can also ask clients on LinkedIn to recommend your writing skills or write a review. Having a variety of sources adds to your writing credibility.

10. Set up your business systems and processes

As a new small business owner, you need to establish systems and processes for your business. Check out Xero’s tips and advice for sole proprietors to set up the systems you need.

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.

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The Definitive Guide on How to Start Freelance Writing From Scratch

By craig cannings.

Are you looking for a side hustle or second career that allows you to work remotely and set your own hours? If so, freelance writing may be the perfect option for you. Whether it’s blogging, copywriting, ghostwriting, or technical writing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities out there if you know how to start freelance writing the RIGHT way!.

In this blog post, we’ll cover what exactly is involved in starting your own freelance business, including tips for success and some common challenges freelance writers face along their journey. We will also include a list of resources that will help you find clients and kickstart your new career. So, let’s dive into learning about how to start freelance writing today.

How to Start Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a form of self-employment that allows writers to work independently and earn money from their skills. It involves creating different types of written content for clients, like web copy, articles, blog posts, press releases, white papers, or any other type of written material.

Freelance writers can work with businesses in various industries or specialize in one particular field. They’re often paid per word, per project, or hourly depending on the agreement between them and their client. For example; someone could specialize in writing a certain number of blog posts per month for health and wellness coaches. The opportunities to niche down are endless!

Types of Freelance Writing:

As mentioned above, you can choose from many different types of freelance writing if you decide to follow this career path. In addition to article writing and blog post creation, you can specialize in ghostwriting books or ebooks, SEO content creation, editing/proofreading services, and more.

In our Writing Foundations course, we cover a number of additional writing specialties you may enjoy including:

– Website copy

– Email copy

– Business/ grant writing

– Video scripts

– Social media writing

– Technical copy (user experience [UX] writing)

– Sales pages / ad copy

– Course curriculum and quizzes

– Resume writing

– Blog posts

– Newsletters

With so many options, you can find a fulfilling, rewarding freelance writing niche that draws on your past experience and preferences!

Key Benefits of a Freelance Writing Career:

One major benefit to freelance writing is the ability to set your own hours and manage your workload according to your own schedule. Additionally, you have the potential to make a good income if you’re able to find consistent projects with high pay rates; some experienced freelancers even make six figures annually.

It also gives you the opportunity to hone your craft while exploring new areas within the industry that interest you most. You have the freedom to block out time in your schedule for other business activities while still meeting your client’s work deadlines.

As you can see, freelance writing is a great way to make money from home, and with the right skills and knowledge you can build a thriving business you love.

Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time career, freelance writing can be an excellent option for those who are self-motivated and have strong writing skills. Here are some tips on how to start freelance writing.

Develop Your Skills and Knowledge:

Before you start freelancing, it’s important to hone your craft by taking courses or reading books about the different types of writing. You should also consider developing other related skills such as SEO, copywriting, and content marketing that will help you stand out in the competitive freelance market.

At Freelance University, we offer training for writers and editors including the Writing Foundations course and more specialized courses in Copywriting, Blogging, Email Writing, SEO Content Writing, Website Writing, and Proofreading.

And we always recommend that freelancers become lifelong learners. So, once you’ve developed your skills, keep them up to date by seeking additional training along the way.

Find Clients and Projects:

Once you feel confident in your abilities, it’s time to find clients and projects that match your interests and skill set. Networking is key here; reach out to people in your industry through social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter, attend local events related to freelancing, or join online communities where potential clients may be looking for writers like you.

In the Writing Foundations course, we recommend asking for referrals from colleagues, clients, friends, and family. You can also develop your experience by seeking subcontracting opportunities with local agencies. Below we’ll discuss more ways you can network and promote yourself online.

Streamline Your Business Management Tasks:

Freelance work requires more than just good writing skills; you need to think of yourself as running a business too. This means using tools like Dubsado or Honeybook to set up contracts with clients outlining payment terms, deadlines etc., keeping track of expenses (including taxes) using accounting software like QuickBooks or Freshbooks , creating invoices for payments received, etc.

All these tasks can seem daunting at first, but once they become part of your routine, they won’t take long at all. For example, you can note your yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily tasks and goals in a journal, planner, or digital note-taking app. That way, you can prioritize each business management task without becoming overwhelmed.

Starting a freelance writing career is an exciting opportunity that requires dedication and hard work, but with the right strategies, you’re on your way to developing a flourishing business. Next up, we’ll explore tips for successful freelance writing to help you get ahead.

Tips for Successful Freelance Writing

1. create a professional writing portfolio..

Creating a professional portfolio is essential for any freelance writer. Your portfolio should include samples of your best work, such as articles, blog posts, and other writing projects you’ve completed. Having a well-crafted portfolio will help potential clients get an idea of the quality of your work and make it easier to land new gigs.

We recommend hosting your writing portfolio on your website, in a Google Docs or Dropbox folder, in the Featured section of LinkedIn, or on sites like Medium.com or Clippings.me .

And if you don’t have any writing samples yet, Robyn-Lee Samuels recommends creating “dummy projects” in her article, “ How to Start a Freelance Writing Portfolio with No Experience .” She says,

“This means you’ll write content that doesn’t have a client attached to it, but you’ll still treat it as if it does. In television and publishing it’s called writing on-spec (or speculation) and it’s a great way to get your feet wet and start building your portfolio.”

2. Network and Promote Yourself Online.

Networking and promoting yourself online are also important aspects of successful freelance writing. As mentioned above, you can research, follow, and connect with your target client audience on social media platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn .

It’s also helpful to join online communities related to freelance writing, like Facebook Groups, so you can stay up to date on industry trends and find new opportunities. Another way to promote yourself online is by setting up profiles on writing marketplaces like Upwork or specialty platforms like Contena and the Editorial Freelancers Association .

In a previous FreeU blog post, “ How to Gain Experience (and Credibility) When You Have None! ” we discuss the importance of sharing your education with your target audience. As you showcase your credentials on your website or social media, “you can talk about what you’ve learned and how it’s enhancing your services.”

3. Manage Your Time Effectively.

Managing time effectively is key to success as a freelancer. Allocate enough time each day for researching topics, pitching ideas, completing assignments, networking with other writers, etc., while still leaving some free time for yourself.

We often recommend using methods like time blocking to manage your productivity. For instance, you can designate one-hour blocks of time for different tasks. Set a timer if necessary, and don’t allow distractions until the timer goes off.

The key is to identify your distractions and choose a time management method that works for you. Improving your productivity and setting deadlines will help keep you motivated and ensure that all tasks are completed on schedule.

4. Develop an Efficient Workflow.

Hand in hand with time management is a freelance writing workflow that keeps you moving forward with your projects. In particular, batching different parts of your content writing in a particular order will help you use time wisely.

For example, instead of switching back and forth between research, writing, and editing, set up separate time blocks for each stage of writing. And most importantly, speak with your client to agree on deadlines that allow you to maintain your workflow.

5. Keep Learning About Language.

Since language changes over time, it’s important to learn about the current trends in grammar and vocabulary, especially if you specialize in online writing.

Some valuable resources to consider, in addition to updated courses and certifications, are Ann Handley’s revised and expanded book, Everybody Writes , and the Grammar Girl podcast. Keep your eyes open for any blog posts and articles in the freelance writing industry that will help keep your skills sharp.

Fortunately, with the right strategies and resources, freelance writing can be a successful and rewarding career. But it is important to be aware of common challenges faced by freelancers so you can plan accordingly.

Freelance writing can be a rewarding and lucrative career, but it’s not without its challenges. From writer’s block to difficult clients, freelancers must learn how to navigate these issues in order to succeed. Here are some of the most common challenges faced by freelancers and tips for overcoming them.

Overcoming Writer’s Block:

Every writer experiences moments of creative paralysis from time to time.

To combat this, try taking regular breaks throughout the day or switching up your environment when you feel stuck. It may also help to brainstorm ideas with other writers or take an online course on creativity and productivity techniques like FreeU’s Productivity Power course.

Another effective method is to use Ann Handley’s Writing GPS . Her advice to produce “The Ugly First Draft” is especially helpful. Since it involves writing badly and writing as if no one will read it, you’ll feel less pressure and are less likely to sit in front of a blank screen for hours. After that, Ann Handley recommends walking away and rewriting the draft later.

Dealing with Difficult Clients:

Working with demanding clients is part of being a freelance writer, but it doesn’t have to be stressful if you know how to handle it effectively. Establish clear communication channels upfront so that expectations are understood from the start, and don’t hesitate to set boundaries when needed.

For example, don’t be afraid to decline requests that go beyond what was agreed upon in the contract. You may also need to refuse unreasonable deadlines that don’t allow you to maintain your effective workflow.

Another option is to include a rush fee in your freelance writing contract for occasions when a client requests a shorter timeline.

Managing Your Business Finances:

Additionally, look into services like QuickBooks Self Employed , which provide helpful tools for tracking income and expenses as well as filing quarterly taxes quickly and easily online. This can help to ensure that you are staying on top of your finances and avoiding any surprises come tax time.

To keep track of your billable hours, expenses, and invoicing, you can also consider tools like FreshBooks, HoneyBook, PayPal, and Dubsado.

Writing About Challenging Topics:

Topics may be challenging for a variety of reasons. Sometimes when you start freelance writing, you realize you don’t know enough about the topic your client has requested.

In those situations, solid research skills will help. You don’t need to know about everything as long as you know where to find the information that will help you write for your client’s target audience.

Similarly, you may find you’re not always interested the topics you’re writing about. In that case, remember to focus on the audience.

Think of how you can make the topic interesting for them. Be creative, and soon you’ll enjoy each freelance writing project as way of serving both your client and the readers.

Although freelancing can be rewarding, you’ll need to be prepared for these common challenges faced by freelance writers. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help navigate these issues and ensure a successful career as a freelancer. Let’s take a look at some of those now.

Resources for Freelancers

As a freelancer, you can access a wide variety of resources, from professional organizations to courses and training programs. These resources can help you stay up to date on industry trends, find clients, and develop your skills.

Professional Organizations for Writers:

Professional organizations are great places for freelancers to network with other writers in the same field or niche. They also provide access to educational materials such as webinars, workshops, conferences, and more. Some popular professional organizations include Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) , National Association of Independent Writers & Editors (NAIWE), and American Society of Journalists & Authors (ASJA) .

Courses and Training Programs:

There are many online courses that offer comprehensive instruction on how to become a successful freelance writer. These courses cover topics such as writing techniques, marketing strategies, client management tips, financial planning advice, and more.

Popular course providers include Udemy, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera Plus Specializations. And, as mentioned above, we continuously update our Writer/Editor course offerings at Freelance University so you receive the most current training.

With the right knowledge, resources, and support, you can start freelance writing with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for ways to expand your current business, there are plenty of opportunities available in this field.

Remember that it takes time and effort to build up a successful freelance writing career, but if you stay focused on your goals and take advantage of all the resources available, you’ll know how to start freelance writing successfully.

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Copyblogger

A Framework to Start the Writing Business of Your Dreams: 15 Tips for Entrepreneurial Writers

You might have started your writing business because you love to write.

You might get a lot of positive feedback on your writing.

And you might have even picked up many great writing gigs over the years, solidifying your status as a professional writer .

But something is missing.

It’s difficult to balance writing for your existing clients and attracting new clients. Consequently, your writing income varies at different times throughout the year and the work you love to do never quite feels sustainable.

TET: the backbone of a sustainable writing business

Whether you’re just starting your writing business, or you’ve been building it for a while and are hoping to make it more financially secure, I have 15 tips that support a healthy, productive solopreneur venture.

To make the advice manageable, I’ll list five tips under three important categories for anyone working for themselves: Technology, Education, Tools (TET).

The success of a writing business depends on so much more than your ability to write.

Educating yourself on the business of writing and content marketing gives you a huge advantage over other (directionless) writers.

My Writing Business TET Talk below — not to be confused with a TED Talk 😉 — will show you how the right knowledge combined with the unique value you offer clients can create a powerhouse business that allows you the freedom to be yourself and do work you care about.

Want us to scale your traffic?

For the first time, The Copyblogger methodology is now available to a select few clients. We know it works. We’ve been doing it since 2006.

Writing Business Technology

Technology makes most modern writing businesses possible.

And getting set up with the right digital services doesn’t require a ton of technical knowledge. Instead, this section will focus on core business logistics that depend on some sort of technology.

My goal is to help you feel thankful for easy access to these solutions, rather than overwhelmed by a bunch of new things to learn.

As you’ll see, the main components you need are pretty simple.

1. Set up your internet, email, and phone accounts

We’re really starting at the beginning here, but I don’t want to skip the basics.

Intermittent, possibly not secure, internet access at a coffee shop just doesn’t cut it when you’re ready to get serious about your writing business.

Having a reliable internet connection at a place where you can always work — whether that’s at home or an office space — will give you peace of mind that you can communicate with your clients whenever you need to.

I also suggest having an email address and phone number for your business.

While you’re passionate about your work, separating business from personal communications is one step that can help prevent burnout.

Rather than having your entire day be one mix of business and personal tasks, you can get in the habit of managing business and personal items at different times.

2. Invest in hardware and software

This one is all about asking yourself questions to find out what you need to do your job well.

You can have a first-priority list with absolute necessities and a second-priority list for possible additions in the future.

To create your first-priority list, you may ask yourself:

Is my computer able to perform every function needed for my business?
Does the camera still work if a client requests a video call? What about my microphone and speakers?
Is the writing software I use sufficient? How about my accounting software?

To create your second-priority list, you may ask yourself, what would I need if I wanted to:

Start a podcast as a content marketing channel for my writing business?
Make YouTube videos?
Host live events?

3. Build a beautiful, secure website for your writing business

If you were setting up a brick-and-mortar business, you’d be checking out real estate at different locations.

One of the perks of a digital writing business is that you don’t necessarily need to rent or buy a physical space in order for you to do your work.

What you do need, however, is a beautiful, secure website that’s fast and easy to use. Then you’ll have a professional place to welcome prospects.

4. Prioritize your social media accounts

To complement your digital home, you’ll have social media accounts.

But attempting to have a presence on every site can be time-consuming and distracting.

Find out where your prospects hang out online and focus your social media efforts on those sites. Ultimately, you’ll share content on those platforms that will bring visitors back to your website.

5. Select a payment processor

What’s the best way for clients to send you money?

You don’t want to use a system that’s super easy for you but a pain for your clients, or vice versa.

Envision how your ideal scenario would play out once someone wants to hire you, and then select a digital payment processor, like PayPal or Square. That’ll be your standard procedure.

More on outlining your terms of service and payment policy below.

Writing Business Education

If you’re using content marketing and copywriting to build your writing business, you’ve probably already realized an unpleasant truth:

We live in a day and age when there is plenty of outstanding content to consume.

Your ideal customers and clients have multiple lifetimes worth of content to consume, right at their fingertips.

So it begs the question:

Why should an audience choose your great content over the competition?

That’s where having a broad understanding of digital marketing comes into play.

The good news is that we’ve narrowed down this range of competence to three core areas we teach inside Copyblogger Academy .

It’s what we call the trifecta of core skills

Writers with a good understanding of these three skills end up with higher-quality clients who are happy to pay a premium. These clients are also more likely to give you ongoing work.

This makes growing and scaling your writing business far easier.

Interested in mastering these three core skills?

Find out more about joining us inside Copyblogger Academy here .

Since ongoing education is crucial for writing business owners, let’s look at entrepreneurial actions you’ll need to learn about and perform.

1. Draft a budget

This is another one that helps you separate business activities from your personal life.

How much money do you need to run your business?

When you set aside funds for business expenses, you’ll have a realistic picture of what you can spend money on now and what you might need to hold off on until a later time. Then you’ll have an idea of how much money you need to save for certain items you eventually want to invest in.

Review your budget on a regular basis, since you may need to adjust how much money you spend on certain things.

For example, if an emergency expense comes up, you may have to borrow money from the amount you typically spend on social media ads, and pause those ads until you’re able to replenish the social media ads portion of your budget.

2. Determine your prices

Every project you work on will have different factors that affect how much you charge for your work, but the right type of preparation makes negotiating fees with clients much easier.

Check out our article 5 Stress-Free Steps for Pricing Your Services by Beth Hayden.

You’ll learn how to:

Perform research and determine your hourly rate
Estimate how many hours the project will take
Add some margin to cover additional expenses, overhead, and surprises
Communicate the price clearly to your client
Track your hours and adjust future pricing accordingly

3. Outline the terms of service and payment policy for your writing business

While “terms of service and payment policy” may sound like boring business details, I consider them a fun opportunity for you to stand out as a professional .

If you want to have an exceptional service business, you cannot casually respond to any form of business communication or informally agree to any business transaction.

Check out my article Service Business Fundamentals: Impress and Score Your Next Client .

You’ll learn:

How to become a master of assessing, communicating, and managing expectations
The “service business as go-to collaborator” model
How to present terms of service that help you convert prospects

4. Become the Editor-in-Chief of your website

You knew this one was going to be here.

Remember that beautiful, secure website that you built? That’s your publishing company, so make sure you manage it like an Editor-in-Chief.

My article Why Marketers Need Content Editors will show you how to become your own content editor, and you can pick up blog editing essentials in 40 Quick Editing Tips .

5. Avoid this common marketing mistake

I’m especially enthused about sharing this one with you because it will save you a lot of time.

Many new service providers (myself included, back in the day) create marketing materials that try to convince someone that they need a certain service.

For example, writers would speak to someone “who doesn’t know they need a professional writer” and try to persuade that person into thinking that hiring a professional writer is better than writing your own content and copy .

It’s a reasonable starting place for business newbies, and not a terrible mistake, but think about creating marketing materials for those who are already looking for a professional writer.

Prospects who already value professional writers are much easier to convert to clients.

Your job is convincing them that you’re the right person to hire. You don’t have to first convince them that they need to hire someone like you.

Writing Business Tools

Our final section will help you with the day-to-day activities of being self-employed .

These are practices that help you become more creative, productive, and confident.

Small changes to your writing habits can make a big difference when something unexpected happens and you have to roll with the punches.

Let’s roll …

1. Have an idea notebook

You’ll write down way more ideas than you’ll actually use, but it’s smart to document your thoughts about:

Content ideas
Marketing experiments
Potential business partners
Social media communities
Books you want to read
Your ideal clients
Extra value you can provide

The pages can look messy and only make sense to you, but the notebook is a resource you can open if you ever feel stuck and don’t know where you should put your effort next.

2. Break down writing business tasks into lists

I wish I could sell lists as my own product called “Overwhelm Begone!”

There are often many different parts to a project or many different steps you need to complete before you can finish a task or achieve a goal.

My simple method to immediately avoid overwhelm is listing out every step that needs to happen. If you need to delegate tasks to other people, map out their roles in a sublist.

I include even the tiniest tasks because once they’re written down, they’re out of my mind and I can use that portion of brainpower for something else.

If you only had one thing to do at all times, I understand that breaking down that one thing into a list would be unnecessary. But when you have a lot going on, lists help ensure that everything gets done properly.

3. Use systems and processes

Like lists, systems and processes help you swiftly take care of business.

Here are some examples:

A spreadsheet can help you monitor the stages of every project you have or organize your content marketing ideas.
Your email policy can inform clients upfront about how quickly you respond to emails, so you can prioritize your workload.
If you have trouble remembering to do a weekly task, assign it to a certain day of the week and stick to that routine.

4. Create a sample workday

Working for yourself gives you a lot of freedom, but it’s also stressful if you don’t manage your time properly. It will feel like you’re working all the time, and you’ll lack that balance I mentioned earlier.

So, if you keep the items you need to tackle on any given workday in mind, it’s a reminder that there’s a time to hustle and a time for leisure later in the day.

Your sample workday may include:

Responding to work emails
Writing for practice
Writing for clients
Meeting with clients
Reading blogs about writing, content marketing, and your industry (if you write for a specific niche )

5. Filter out unsolicited criticism

They mean well, but sometimes they’re just mean.

I’m talking about the people you interact with who will make negative comments about your professional writing services. You know, the ones who know nothing about your industry or actually being a professional writer.

I don’t want to get too snarky, because a lot of them likely just want to protect you.

It’s difficult for many people to understand how writers make a living, so it’s a lot easier to discourage a writer from going down a path of uncertainty.

But you’re smarter than that. You know you don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to go down a path of uncertainty.

If you want to start the writing business of your dreams, you’ve come to the perfect place. Copyblogger has helped accelerate the careers of writers just like you since 2006.

Enter your email address below to stay in touch …

Stefanie Flaxman

Stefanie Flaxman is an editorial director . Get her best tips for new writers at StefanieFlaxman .COM. Previously, Stefanie was Copyblogger's Editor-in-Chief for 9 years.

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Reader Interactions

Reader comments (18).

May 2, 2017 at 8:43 am

Good advice. I really need to start carrying a notebook with me for ideas as I’m like a goldfish at the moment.

May 3, 2017 at 5:09 am

As a fellow goldfish, I can attest that this is a useful practice. 🙂

May 3, 2017 at 12:40 pm

I could have called it a “focus” notebook too. 😉

Once you have your ideas written down in one place, it’s much easier to narrow down your top priorities and select one to focus on.

May 2, 2017 at 9:26 am

I loved this article Stefanie – give yourself a pat on the back!

I started carrying an idea notebook around a year ago and like you, I would recommend to anyone. It’s amazing how many ideas seem to pop into your head when you are relaxed and away from your workstation!

May 2, 2017 at 1:36 pm

It’s so simple, but so helpful. 🙂

May 2, 2017 at 3:48 pm

Simple clear advice. Thank you, Stefanie. I love lists and they are definitely a way to move forward when you are wondering what next.

May 2, 2017 at 4:15 pm

Nice article.

Speaking of secure sites (per the Technology point #3), does Copyblogger have any plans to switch to HTTPS?

May 3, 2017 at 3:03 pm

We’re looking at SSL for all of our site properties and any transactional portions are already secure.

May 2, 2017 at 5:59 pm

I love the part about creating marketing materials for those who are already looking for a professional writer. That must be one of the best demonstrations of the 80/20 rule there is. Rather than spend your time marketing to people who resist your service, wouldn’t you rather just be writing?

May 3, 2017 at 12:43 pm

I’m glad you liked that one, Michael! I remember how beneficial that shift was for me.

May 3, 2017 at 3:11 am

Lists always are the best way to manage all the tasks and perform to the fullest. Thanks for the article. Good Read!

May 3, 2017 at 3:35 am

Are these your secrets based on your experience, Stefanie? Because they sound so good – well planned and mapped out. I always believed that writing would be a great business; whether you build your own website or start as a freelance writer to gain experience and exposure. Sadly, some of those who go for freelance writing are often paid so badly (and cheap) by other companies that it discourages them in the long run. This article would surely encourage them to push on.

May 3, 2017 at 1:05 pm

Thanks, Brooke. The tips are based on my experience.

I’m glad you pointed out how writers can get discouraged if they are paid poorly.

I think a common theme throughout the post is having professional standards for your writing business. One standard I didn’t explicitly mention is knowing your worth and avoiding clients who aren’t a match for your services and don’t have the budget to pay for your high-quality work.

Our Certification program helps writers provide more value to their clients, so they don’t have to get stuck working for low rates. 🙂

May 3, 2017 at 6:17 pm

Good read! Thanks for the sharing! The ideas are all very practical! I once did a personality test and find out am actually a ESFJ personality. Surprisingly, I found myself maybe not a good fit for writing stuffs. Well, after reading this, I think I will find a way to figure out how to keep myself writing.

May 5, 2017 at 4:06 am

Thank you for all this infos. I usually have trouble breaking down tasks into lists, but i will try it and hope it will improve my work.

May 6, 2017 at 6:31 am

Great article!

I am a big fan of Copyblogger, you guys simply post great content on each topic. The article very well explains and the sub points are just amazing and very much useful.

Great work, Thanks!

February 23, 2023 at 12:02 pm

Point number 5 right on spot Stefanie. Whoever is looking for a good author/content creator will know who to hire by reading their content. If you are good they will come to you.

February 23, 2023 at 3:31 pm

I hardly breakdown tasks into a list and I usually end up mixing things up. Thanks for sharing.

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How to Build a Creative Writing Freelance Business

The problem with creative writing jobs is that they can be unpredictable.

Think about it.

You apply for dozens of screenwriting or technical writing jobs, and you finally receive an offer! You spend days negotiating a fair price and learning how to write in the format and tone of your new client.

But that creative writing “job” is nothing more than a short-term writing project. Every few months, you’ll find yourself starting the cycle all over again.

Search. Apply. Negotiate. Work. Repeat!

Are you ready to turn your passion for writing into a consistent living with a steady stream of clients and income?

To build a freelance creative writing business, you should:

1. Become a Student of the Craft 2. Develop a Business Plan 3. Create a Blog, Website, and Online Profiles 4. Dedicate Your Time to Lead Generation 5. Consider Hiring Subcontractors

Become a Student of the Craft

When those creative juices flow, you’re unstoppable.

You’re a natural creative writer. Your words connect seamlessly, and your short stories are convincing enough to provide readers a long-anticipated mental escape.

But there’s always room for growth.

Whether you have a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, some high school English courses, or none of the above, you should step back into the “student” role and:

Sharpen Your Research Skills

Nothing will ruin your credibility quite as much as inconsistencies, plot holes, and unreliable sources.

So, practice your research skills in your free time.

For example, you can vet sources for accuracy when you read blog posts or articles.

Or even research historical concepts in film and TV and look for scenes that don’t quite add up (like the lack of accurate Spartan armor in the movie 300 ).

Decide on Your Favorite Niches

When it comes to marketing your creative writing business, you’ll find that your ads generate more organic traffic when you have a specific niche.

For example, a director looking to develop a new television pilot is more likely to search for a “screenwriter” than a generic “creative writer.”

So, select a genre that puts your writing skills on full display, like:

Screenplays
Newspaper journalism
Magazine writing
Public relations
Short stories
Pop culture
Website content writing/blog posts

Of course, it won’t matter how engaging your content is if you don’t have the necessary tools to bring those pieces to fruition.

So, make sure you’re up-to-date on your technological resources (i.e., proofreading tools like Grammarly or Hemingway , high-speed internet, a laptop, and a printer).

Related: 11 Mistakes Freelancers Should Avoid

Develop a Business Plan

The biggest shock of becoming a business owner is … well … the “business” part.

As a freelance writer, your only concerns were submitting projects before the deadline and waiting for the check to clear 24 hours later.

Now, you have much more on your plate:

Business expenses , legal contracts, invoicing, and lots more.

So, your business plan should take into account:

There’s an ongoing debate regarding the best way to bill clients.

But if you want to ensure you never accidentally undercharge for your services, charging by the hour is the unofficial “gold standard.”

How to Set Your Rate as a Freelance Writer

Take out your calculator. Let’s do a little math:

Choose an ideal annual income: We’ll say $72,000.
Decide how many hours you’d prefer to work per week: Let’s go with 40, the standard for a decent work-life balance.
Multiply your number of weekly hours by 52 weeks: 2,080 hours
Take your annual income and divide it by the product of #3: $34.60/hour

Hold on! Keep that calculator out!

You’ll also want to factor in overhead costs, like your Grammarly subscription, virtual office fees, or bookkeeper wages.

So, if those additional costs total up to $2,500 a year, divide that by 2,080. This calculates out to an extra $1.20/hour to secure your desired $72,000 annual income.

Your Business Name and Logo

The average person sees over 5,000 ads per day .

So, you want to make sure that your ideal client sees your ad and remembers it after they click to another page.

The best place to start?

Choosing a memorable and creative business name and a matching logo, which you should have no problem with considering your career path!

But you must be careful not to use names or logos being used by another entity because doing so can result in trademark lawsuits. Trademarks are a brand’s or product’s identifiers, including brand names, slogans, logos, sounds, and symbols. However, it will help to first understand the meaning of various trademark symbols for you to identify what names or logos are trademarked

How to Choose a Name for Your Freelance Business

Look for words related to your niche and see how you can piece them together to convey your writing (i.e., “ScreamPlay” if you specialize in penning horror flicks).

Come up with a dozen or so, and jot them down on paper in order of your favorites. Starting at the top of the list, Google them to see if each one is taken. If someone already uses that name for their business, move on to the next.

The last thing you want is to choose a business name that someone’s already using!

Your Business Finances

Until recently, the only thing you had to worry about was earning enough monthly income to keep the lights on and pay your rent.

But now, the money will flow from your account in both directions. And that can be a scary thought if finances aren’t your strong suit.

To best manage the financial aspects of your creative writing business:

Establish Business Accounts

The one thing that’ll make tax season even more of a nightmare is having to thumb through piles of receipts and paperwork to separate personal and business expenses .

Never commingle your money!

Instead, open up a bank account and credit card strictly for your business venture!

Choose How You’ll Invoice Clients

You went through all that effort to determine a fair hourly rate. Now, you have to figure out how you’ll send your clients the bill when you finish their next order.

Our favorite invoicing tools are:

PayPal : Anyone who’s ordered from Amazon or DoorDash probably has a PayPal account up and running. Just be aware that there’s a 2.9% + $0.30 flat fee on all invoices you send (though we have a few workarounds ).
Wave : You can easily send professional invoices to clients while also tracking your receipts and business expenditures in one easy-to-use app!
Bloom : Okay, we’re biased because this is our product. But starting at $9/month, you can send unlimited invoices to clients while also streamlining client contact and your business’s workflow!

Since most invoicing tools require small fees, condensing multiple articles or batches into a single invoice can reduce your overhead.

Try Bloom for free today!

Your Legal Protections

Every business owner’s worst nightmare is facing a lawsuit or having a client go AWOL before paying their dues.

So, you want to pursue legal protections like:

Business Insurance

Accidents happen, even in the writing world.

So, when the USB drive holding your latest manuscript winds up in the washing machine or a client isn’t satisfied, a $100,000 lawsuit will put you underwater.

You need business insurance to provide ongoing legal protection for as little as $20/month!

A limited liability company (LLC) might be a little costly to set-up, but it’s the best way to protect your new business if you happen to get attorney papers in the mail.

Any lawsuit will be directed toward your LLC, not your personal bank account!

Legal Contracts

As much as you want to trust your best-paying client, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive payment unless you require it legally.

So, a legally-binding contract —fit with an e-Signature—is an absolute “must.”

Don’t begin working on a project until the client signs the contract, agrees to the price, and, in an ideal world, puts the money into escrow!

Learn more about protecting your business in case of broken contracts: How to Write a Force Majeure Clause

Create a Blog, Website, and Online Profiles

The best part about being a creative content writer is that your clients don’t have to put blind trust in your business.

That’s because your best work is already available online via social media, an up-to-date blog, or a professional website.

At least it should be!

Here’s what you need to know about honing your online presence:

Publishing Your Work Online

The best way to ensure your clients leave 5-star reviews on Yelp is by giving them a good sense of your tone, voice, and research style before they hire you.

So, publish regular writing samples on:

Wattpad (for stories, preferably)

Not only will your publications reach a far wider audience (which may include potential clients), but you can also garner feedback from your loyal readers!

Creating a Professional Website

You don’t need to hire a web designer or an SEO expert (although it certainly doesn’t hurt), but your business’s website should have an air of professionalism.

On top of regularly-scheduled blog posts, be sure to include:

SEO keywords related to your niche that your ideal client will find organically on Google (like “fictional story writer”)
Up-to-date contact information
Landing pages with gated content and a client intake form (collect those email addresses!)
A scheduling tool for planning out first meetings with new clients
A simple website domain (nothing screams “I put this together last night” quite like a .wordpress.com or .weebly.com domain)

And don’t forget that all of your online advertisements and social media profiles should link potential clients to your website!

Creating Social Media Profiles

Social media can be a little trickier for a writer than for a photographer, as people are far more inclined to look at an image than read a 5-minute article.

So, it’s all about using your online handles strategically.

For example, Tumblr is a unique artistic community that appreciates short stories, fanfic, and poetry.

Instagram and Twitter either have a cap on character count or prioritize images.

In that case, putting an excerpt from your latest work on a white background and turning it into an image will generate more interactions and shares!

And if your screenwriting, playwriting, or speech writing have been videotaped, add them to your YouTube profile so that potential clients can see your work in action.

A Note on Pen Names:

One of the best parts about being a creative writer is that you can pursue anonymity by using a pen name. It can also do wonders for your career if your real name is something common like John Smith.

That’s completely fine!

However, consistency is key.

So, make sure to post all of your work under the same name, whether that’s a Tumblr blog, Facebook profile, or your website.

Where to Find Freelance Creative Writing Jobs Online

Sure, it may take time for your website to show on the first page of search engines like Google, but it doesn’t have to take months or even years to start a blog and make money.

Additional jobs for creative writing experts on:

Freelancer.com
Writers Work

The trick is creating these profiles on all or most of these sites so that you don’t have to actively apply for jobs once you get your business running.

If you set your preferences to let the platform know what kinds of work you enjoy, then complete a few jobs to show them you do quality work, they’ll send you job alerts whenever they have a posting that might interest you.

Dedicate Your Time to Lead Generation

Now that you’ve ironed out the kinks and gotten your business off the ground, it’s time to secure even more work through lead generation .

We know what you’re thinking: “But I don’t know anything about marketing.”

No worries!

Here are a few tips to turn your freelancing career into a thriving business:

Reach Out to the Right People and Businesses

Take a second to think about who your ideal client is, where they are, and how you can get in contact with them.

If you’re a scriptwriter or playwright, reach out to local performing arts facilities like theaters and studios.

If you’re more of a copywriter, pay a visit to downtown businesses that might need advertising content.

Phone your local magazine and newspaper editors to find out if they’re looking to hire essay writers.

And if lyrics or speechwriting are more your things, local politicians or up-and-coming musicians might need your services.

Make a Sales Pitch

Ask yourself: Why should a client place an order with my creative writing business?

Is it your years of experience writing persuasive essays ?

Have you had publications in national magazines?

Do you fulfill all orders within four weeks?

Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. If you can’t fit it into an easy to skim email or brief phone call, you have a little work to do!

Start Marketing Online

Nothing beats talking to people face to face. But when you’re a creative writer, you might be working for people in New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, even if you don’t live in those places.

In other words, most of your business will be virtual!

So, begin marketing your services online for a much broader reach.

The obvious starting points on the marketing front are Google PPC ads and Facebook Ads . But it’s your approach to marketing that makes the biggest difference.

Get creative by:

Putting your best work on display (i.e., boosting Facebook posts of your samples, rather than just ads).
Automating your marketing efforts through regular email campaigns, advertising discounts, deals, and incentives!
Joining LinkedIn groups related to your niche and participating in conversations.
Submitting samples of your work into competitions that’ll give you exposure and more relevant search results.
Using relevant hashtags to get your content on your ideal client’s screens without having to spend a dime.

Soon enough, you’ll have referral clients knocking down your door and a fully-automated sales funnel to keep you busy and your bank account full.

Consider Hiring Subcontractors

The whole purpose of transitioning from a solo freelancer to a business owner was to get more clients and expand your earning potential.

But now, it feels like you’re spreading yourself too thin.

With a strict hourly rate, the only way to make more money is by sacrificing your free time and allowing your business to consume your entire life.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way!

It might be time to think about hiring subcontractors and creating a team of other skilled freelancers, like:

Other Writers

Short stories might be your forte, but you can’t seem to find your “salesperson hat” when you get a copywriting project.

Consider hiring creative content writers that thrive in your weaker niches to create an all-inclusive creative writing business!

Virtual Assistant

You may be stepping into the shoes of a “business owner,” but you’re maintaining an active role in your company as the head writer.

Think about hiring a virtual assistant to handle the behind-the-scenes tasks (lead generation, client communication , etc.).

You’ll never understand the financial aspects of running a business until you begin adding others to your payroll.

Bringing a part-time bookkeeper on board can help you track your ongoing business expenses and better prepare for tax filing.

Editor or Proofreader

Nobody said that your writing quality wasn’t on par, but it’s easy to let errors slip through the cracks.

Enlisting the help of a sharp-eyed proofread can ensure your writing is always top notch!

Where to Hire Subcontractors

Writers are more likely to scour job boards like Upwork , ProBlogger , or Fiver than to look at listings on Indeed or Monster.

So, those sites are the best place to start.

When writing listings, create clear job descriptions that detail precisely the type of person you want to join your “team,” like:

Number of hours per week
Starting pay (ensure your budget allows you to still profit)
Skills needed to be successful
Required technology (Grammarly, Hemingway, laptop, etc.)
Deadlines and flexibility requirements

Most of all, don’t forget to factor in these new overhead costs when you deliver project estimates to new clients.

So, if it costs you $1,000/month to pay your new hires and you average 200 orders a month, consider adding an extra $5 flat fee to every contract!

Now that you’ve proven your knack for writing and escaped the vice of entry-level creative writing jobs, it’s time to start working on building a business.

No matter where you envision your new business heading in the next few years, keep your sights on the most important thing:

Creating engaging content.

The more satisfied your clients are, the better reviews they’ll leave online. In the next six months, this “crazy” creative writing startup will be a lucrative business!

And to think you started as a part-time freelance writer!

Learn more about how Bloom can help you manage your business!

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How to start a freelance writing business from home

If you’re considering a career change or want to devote more time to your writing side hustle, you may be wondering how to start a freelance writing business.

Starting a freelance writing business isn’t an easy feat, but it has the potential to pay dividends. With the right plan (and some major dedication), you can get steady work, earn more money, and create your dream schedule.

Below, we’re sharing our step-by-step guide to starting a freelance writing business from home, including what you need to know before taking the leap.

What to consider before starting a freelance writing business

Starting a freelance writing business isn’t as simple as quitting your 9 to 5 and applying to a handful of online writing gigs. In addition to writing, you also have to dedicate time and energy to branding, networking, marketing, admin work, and financial management.

Before you throw yourself into building a writing business from scratch, take some time to weigh the pros and cons.

Pros of starting a freelance writing business

You don’t need a degree in business or writing to get started.
You don’t need much equipment or money to build your business.
Overhead expenses are low.
You can brand your business however you want.
You can build a roster of regular clients.
You can write full time.
You have the option to work with a wide range of clients or stick to what you know best.
You may gain more credibility as a writer.
You can outsource tedious tasks or hire people to help you.
You can create a flexible work schedule.
You are your own boss.
You can potentially work from anywhere , as long as you have a laptop and internet

Cons of starting a freelance writing business

It’s time consuming.
You have to be comfortable with business management and administrative work.
You need to pay business taxes.
It can take time to become profitable.
You may have to specialize in a particular subject or assign yourself one distinct niche to get traction.

You should consider starting a freelance writing business if:

You’ve already been freelancing for a while and have regular, well-paying clients.
You want to turn your freelance writing side hustle into a full-time gig.
You want to separate your personal finances from your business earnings.
You have business management experience and happen to be a good writer.
You want to start a business you’re passionate about.
You want to have a more flexible work schedule and freer lifestyle.
You have the time and energy necessary to build a business.
You’re skilled at client communications and negotiation.
You enjoy a challenge.
You want to use your writing skills to help people.
You have three to six months worth of savings.

14 steps to starting a freelance writing business from home

There isn’t just one path to success when it comes to starting a freelance writing business. The route you choose depends on your background, writing experience, and goals.

That said, there are certain key steps you need to take if you want to succeed—and our comprehensive guide outlines them all. Ready to get going? Follow these 14 steps to build your own freelance writing business from home.

1. Clarify your intentions

Identifying why you want to start a writing business is essential to building a business plan and setting realistic goals. Start by trying to pinpoint the driving force behind your curiosity and motivation.

Do you want to double your earnings as a writer, for example? Are you craving more freedom to spend time with your kids or pursue hobbies outside of writing? Do you want to help small businesses draw more customers to their websites?

As you reflect, consider the following questions:

What’s your mission?
What’s your dream work schedule?
What’s your goal income?
Which writing services do you want to offer?
Which niches do you want to specialize in?
Who are your ideal clients?

Your answers will do double duty as both guideposts and sources of inspiration when things get tough.

2. Do your research

Before you start marketing or building a website, you need to figure out whether or not your business idea is viable.

First, browse the websites and social media handles of the companies and business owners in your niche. Next, check out a handful of freelance writing job boards and employment sites to see which types of companies are hiring for the writing you want to do—and how much they’re willing to pay.

It’s also a good idea to search for annual marketing reports related to your niche and read up on the latest trends in marketing strategies and budget allocations.

Finally, take a cue from other freelance writers who have writing businesses. Search phrases like “copywriting company + [your location]” or “technical writing services for hire,” then browse other writers’ websites to see which types of writing they do and which clients they work with.

The information you gather should help you answer the following questions:

Is there a demand for your writing services?
Who are your target clients? What are their problems and goals?
Do your target clients need writing help? If so, what kind?
How much are your target clients willing to pay for the services you want to offer?

You might discover, for example, that small businesses in your niche are spending more money on blog posts and SEO than email campaigns. Or you might learn that the companies you wanted to target don’t actually invest in content marketing. From there, you can decide whether you want to embrace your initial business idea or pivot to something more lucrative or in demand.

3. Create a business plan and set goals

You may think you only need a business plan if you’re searching for business funding, but that’s not true. Writing a business plan is a great way to nail down your business’s offerings and outline an effective growth strategy. It doesn’t have to be long or complex, either. A detailed one-page business plan will do the trick.

Here are five components to include in your business plan:

This is where your elevator pitch goes. Depending on the direction you take, you might be a “full-service content marketing writing company that serves small businesses in the organic food service and beverage industry.” Or maybe you “provide technical writing help to emerging SaaS startups.” Or maybe you “specialize in creating tailored SEO landing pages for companies that need to attract and retain more customers.”

Describe your business in a nutshell, then explain what makes you unique. Are you a software engineer turned technical writer, for example? Do you offer content strategy consulting in addition to blog and article writing? Use this section to articulate your mission and services.

2. Market analysis

Drawing from the research you conducted in step two, use this section to talk about your client demographic. Briefly explain who they are, touching on their pain points and goals, then explain how your writing services can help them. Make sure you incorporate relevant data and statistics, like if you find out that customer success stories help B2B tech companies gain 15% more leads, for example.

3. Marketing and sales strategy

This section is a chance for you to explore how to position your writing services to your ideal clients. First, define your value proposition—which is the unique value you promise to deliver to your clients—then outline the different strategies you’ll use to market or sell your services, such as cold emails, blog posts, or social media ads.

4. Pricing strategy

Consider what you need to charge for your services in order to turn a profit. You can pull data from other writing businesses and look to resources like Who Pays Writers , ClearVoice , Contently , Salary.com , Indeed.com , and the Editorial Freelancers Association to get an idea of what writers charge.

Make sure you also list the different factors that influence your rates, including the type of writing in question, your expertise, how much research or specialization is required, how much time the work takes, and the cost of living in your location.

It’s fine if the pricing portion of your business plan is vague for now. You can always add more concrete information later.

The final section of your business plan should outline your business goals. Make sure all your goals follow the SMART format, meaning they’re specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

Set one or two long-term goals, like earning six figures within three years, as well as a handful of short-term goals, like acquiring five new clients by the end of the first quarter or getting 500 followers on your business’s Facebook page. For each goal you set, list the steps you’ll take to achieve it and explain how you’ll measure your progress.

4. Decide how you want to structure your business

You have two options for structuring your freelance writing business: 1) You can operate as a sole proprietor or 2) You can start a limited liability company (LLC).

With a sole proprietorship, there’s no distinction between you as an individual and you as a business owner. You own the business, receive all the profits, and are personally responsible for all your business’s debts and liabilities.

With an LLC, you’re taxed like a sole proprietor but get the liability protection of a corporation. That means your personal assets (like your house or car) aren’t at risk if you default on a business loan. With an LLC, you can also be a sole owner or one of multiple owners.

The structure you choose depends on your business goals and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

Your finances: If you want a distinct separation between your personal and business finances, an LLC can help.
Your time: When you incorporate as an LLC, you have to register with your state’s Secretary of State and file annual paperwork. When you’re operating as a sole proprietor, there’s no paperwork necessary to start your business.
Your business name: As a sole proprietor, your legal name is your business name. If you want to use a different name, you have to file an application for a DBA (“doing business as”). With an LLC, you can choose a different business name than your legal name.
Your hiring goals: You can hire employees as a sole proprietor, but there is more paperwork—and potentially more legal complications—involved. In general, it’s easier to hire employees when you’re an LLC.
Your ownership: If you want to start a freelance writing business with another person and share profits, you need to become an LLC.
Your protection: If you think you might face a lawsuit or have issues paying back a business loan, you may want to file for an LLC to protect your personal assets

5. Brand your business, choose a name, and build a website

The way you brand your freelance writing business will dictate how you structure your website, how you market your services, and how you reach out to potential clients.

Keeping your niche and target clientele in mind, consider what makes your business stand out. Try describing your writing style and strengths to a friend, or do some freestyle journaling or mind mapping to see what comes up.

If you’re marketing your copywriting services to apparel and lifestyle companies, you might want to brand yourself as fun, adaptable, and culturally savvy. If you’re doing content marketing writing for tech companies, you may want to sell yourself as a friendly but authoritative voice.

Remember: Your business’s brand doesn’t just relate to your value proposition and the writing you produce—it also informs your business name, website aesthetic, communication style, and work process.

Business name and email

Your business’s name reflects your brand and gives potential clients an idea of what to expect when they work with you. When you’re starting a freelance writing business, you can either operate under your legal, professional name or choose a specific business name.

If you opt for a new name, think carefully about the possibilities. Your business’s name should:

Be easy to pronounce and remember
Align with your brand
Match your website URL and professional email address
Boost your search engine visibility
Have lasting power

If you’re stumped, try searching different domain names and phrases on GoDaddy to see what’s available and what’s taken. Once you decide on a name, you can use Gmail , Zoho Mail , or GMX Mail to create a corresponding email account.

Once you have a brand and business name, it’s time to build a professional website that showcases your writing skills and convinces potential clients to take action.

When you’re mapping out the pages and sections to include, put yourself in your target client’s position. What information are they looking for? What do they need to see in order to trust you? What will make them continue clicking around?

Your website should be informative, interesting to look at, and easy to navigate. Potential clients should walk away from your website with a clear idea of who you are and what your business offers. Consider including the following sections:

Landing page: Hook your website visitors with interesting visuals and compelling copy that explains your value proposition.
About page: Briefly share your background and list any writing or niche-specific credentials you have.
Services: This is where you list the writing services you offer and explain the value each one of them brings. You may also want to include pricing here.
Testimonials: Peer recommendations are highly influential. If you have glowing testimonials from previous writing clients, include them here. If not, keep this page private for now until you gather a handful of positive recommendations.
Portfolio or writing work: Share a few samples of relevant writing projects you’ve done. If you don’t have any yet, consider doing some spec or volunteer work to get some.
Contact: Include your business’s email address and any other details a potential client would need to get in touch with you.

If you don’t have web design or coding experience, Squarespace , WordPress.com , and Wix make it easy to build a website from scratch.

6. Set up your business’s social media profiles

Social media is a great place to connect with potential clients and build a reputation as an expert in your niche. Depending on your clientele, you may want to create a LinkedIn business page, Facebook business page, Twitter business handle, or Instagram profile.

Make sure your account names and handles are as close to your business name as possible. It’s also a good idea to include a description of your business, your website link, and your contact information on every platform.

As you build out your profiles, aim to tailor your content to the specific platform you’re using, while still letting your brand voice shine through. For example, you may want to save memes and infographics for Instagram and use LinkedIn to share long-form posts and industry insights.

7. Get your finances in order

When you’re starting a business, it’s critical to be financially prepared. In addition to building up a cash reserve, it’s also smart to open a business bank account so you can easily accept client payments and track your earnings. Here are four steps to take:

1. Start saving

You need to make sure you have enough money to support yourself as you grow your writing business. A good rule of thumb is to set aside three to six months worth of savings to cover your regular expenses and account for any emergencies.

You also have to budget for the cost of website hosting and any supplies you might need, like a new computer or monitor.

2. Get a PayPal account

PayPal is one of the easiest ways to accept money from clients. If you don’t already have a PayPal account, consider signing up for one under your business name and email address. Keep in mind, though: as a business, you’ll be charged a 2.9% fee for every transaction.

3. Create an expense and income tracker

It’s helpful to track your business expenses and earnings, so you can see exactly how much money goes in and out of your business each month. Create two different spreadsheets: one for your expenses and one for your income.

Under expenses, include everything you pay for as a writing business—from website hosting fees and accounting costs to office equipment and business cards. You can sort your expenses by category, date paid, or amount.

On your income sheet, list any current projects you have, along with the fee, the date you send the invoice, and the date you receive the payment. You may also want to create a section to record the estimated taxes you’ll pay for each project.

8. Set your fees

There’s no perfect formula for pricing your services, but there are a few strategies you can use to figure out what works best for your business. In addition to researching your niche and industry, it’s helpful to calculate your minimum hourly rate (MHR). That’s the minimum amount of money you need to earn per hour to run a profitable writing business.

Here are the steps you can use to figure out your MHR:

1. Add up your business expenses

The prices you charge should cover the cost of doing business. To figure out how much you’ll be spending, revisit your expense tracker and add up your estimated costs. Your costs could include:

Internet subscription
Video hosting subscription
Computer or monitor
Desk and chair
Office supplies and equipment
Professional membership or subscription fees
Professional event and conference fees
Website hosting
Accounting fees
Business cards
Business incorporation fees
Software services
Business insurance fees

Payroll also falls under your business expenses. As the owner of a freelance writing business, payroll includes your salary, compensation for any contractors or employees you hire, your health insurance, your sick time, your paid time off, and your vacation time.

2. Determine the total cost of doing business

After reviewing your goals and calculating your personal expenses, let’s say you decide you want to earn $100,000 a year from your writing business.

If your business expenses add up to $8,000 a year and your benefits (including health insurance and vacation time) add up to an estimated $12,000 a year, then you’re looking at a total of $120,000 a year to run your business.

3. Figure out how many billable hours you can work

There are roughly 261 working days in a calendar year and eight working hours in a day, but you won’t be maxing out all of those hours. When you factor in sick time, vacation, appointments, errands, and non-billable work, the number of billable hours you can realistically work goes way down.

For example, let’s say you budget for 12 days of vacation time, seven days of sick time, and 10 days off for national holidays. That leaves you with 232 working days in the year. To figure out how many billable hours that gives you, it’s best to take a conservative approach.

You’ll likely be doing lots of non-billable work in the beginning, like marketing, admin, and client consultations. Plus, you have to budget for work breaks, distractions, and potential emergencies that pop up. Let’s say you can work four and a half billable hours a day on average while you build up your business.

232 working days x 4.5 billable hours a day = 1,044 billable hours in a year

4. Get your hourly rate

To get your MHR, divide the number of billable hours by your total cost of doing business.

$120,000 / 1,044 = $115

In this example, you need to be earning an average of $115 an hour for the writing work you do. That doesn’t mean you have to charge on an hourly basis, though. You can still set project rates, but you need to make sure they cover the total amount of hours you’ll be putting in.

Let’s say a client asks for your help with an email campaign project. You estimate it will take roughly 20 hours, which includes the time you spend creating invoices and hopping on client calls. In that case, you need to charge a minimum of $2,300 to make the project worth your time.

5. Consider the value you’re bringing

Your MHR is a great starting point for setting your prices, but it shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when evaluating a work opportunity. After all, a client isn’t just paying for your time and effort, but your expertise, too.

Every writing service brings a different amount of value to a potential client. Writing a landing page for a customer might only take you five hours, but if that landing page helps your client convert 20% more leads, it’s worth significantly more. As you think about your prices, consider the return on investment a client gets from your writing work.

And remember: rates are adjustable. You can tweak your pricing as you learn and gain more experience.

9. Get the right tools

You don’t need special equipment to run a writing business, but investing in a few helpful tools can save you time and increase your efficiency.

If your business does SEO writing, for example, you might want to purchase SEO software. If you have back problems, you might need an ergonomic desk chair or a standing desk so you can work comfortably for long periods of time.

Depending on the services you plan to offer and the environment you work best in, you may want to get some or all of the following items:

High-speed internet
Computer monitor
Standing desk
Ergonomic desk chair
Accounting software , such as Wave
Project management software, such as Trello or Asana
Social media scheduling tool, like Hootsuite
Time management software, like Toggl
Editing software, like Grammarly
Email marketing software, like Mailchimp of Zoho Campaigns

10. Start securing work

If you’re already working as a freelance writer, keep looking for new clients and assignments. If you’re starting from zero, now is the time to dedicate all your effort to securing a few decent writing projects and building your client base.

Here are some ways you can do that:

Use freelance writing job boards

Freelance writing job boards aren’t the best resource for finding long-term, well-paying clients, but they’re a good place to get started. Every morning, spend an hour or two browsing a few different job boards. Look for jobs that list the pay and fall within your niche.

Here are a few boards to check out:

Writers Weekly
FreelanceWriting.com
BloggingPro.com

Search for gigs on employment sites

Job search sites are usually home to full-time writing roles, but you can find the occasional freelance writing gig by filtering for contract work in your niche. Try the following sites:

We Work Remotely

Content platforms, which match writers with companies and clients, are great places to land ongoing work. The downside is that most content platforms don’t let you search for writing jobs; you have to make a profile and wait for someone to contact you about a writing opportunity.

Here are a few content platforms to try:

The Writer Finder
Online Writing Jobs

Search online writing groups

Online writing groups are perhaps the most underrated resource for finding great clients and interesting work. The trick is to steer clear of the groups on Facebook and Reddit that have tens of thousands of members. Instead, look for smaller, more niche-specific writing groups. Once you join a group, scan the discussion threads for job postings and tips.

Connect with prospects on LinkedIn

Reaching out to potential clients on LinkedIn is easy and effective. Choose the option to add a note to your connection request, then send along a sentence or two introducing yourself and asking if they need writing help. Make sure you include a link to your business’s website.

Ask your personal network for referrals

Send a friendly, professional email to your friends, family, and former colleagues asking for help finding leads for your business. Make sure you explain the services you offer, the subjects you specialize in, and who your target clients are. You should also include your contact information and a link to your business’s website.

Send cold emails to potential clients

Contacting prospective clients directly might seem intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways to build a client base for your writing business. Here are just a few of the benefits:

You can introduce yourself as a professional writer and business owner.
You can demonstrate your familiarity with the client or company you’re contacting.
You can offer writing services tailored to the client’s unique needs.

Start by researching the companies and clients in your niche. Perusing their websites, following them on social media, and signing up for their email newsletters will give you a better idea of their content needs.

As you gather information and find contact emails for each potential client, come up with one or two ideas of how your business could help them. You might discover that the health and fitness instructors you’re targeting need stronger, more shareable blog content, for example.

Once you’ve identified someone as a viable potential client, write and send your email. Include a personal greeting, an introductory sentence to establish familiarity, a sentence or two explaining your business services, and a link to your website.

Here’s an example of a cold email geared toward a fitness trainer:

I really love the in-depth workout guides on your website. The tutorials have been so helpful to me!

As I was browsing your site, I noticed your blog hasn’t been updated in quite a while. Do you need any help with that? I’m a content marketing writer and former Pilates teacher who works specifically with fitness trainers and health coaches to improve their site’s SEO and draw in more customers.

My company, SmarterContent, does full-service content strategy and blog writing to boost your website traffic. You can learn more about what I offer here [link to site].

If you have questions or would like to set up a time to talk about your content needs, please feel free to get in touch.

Jennifer Rodriguez

[Contact information]

11. Invest in your self-development and business knowledge

It doesn’t matter how much you know about writing—if you don’t understand marketing, networking, or negotiating, you won’t get very far as a business owner. That’s why it’s critical to invest in your business knowledge and professional growth.

Becoming more business savvy can help you produce better work, charge higher rates, and juggle your day-to-day tasks with less stress. Here are some ideas to work on your business management skills and professional development:

Take a business 101 course.
Expand your skill set by learning about email marketing, social media marketing, or project management.
Advance your writing skills by taking a course in copywriting, SEO writing, or technical writing.
Read online marketing blogs.
Stay up to date on news in your niche.
Read books on building online businesses.
Attend a conference in your niche.

12. Experiment with different marketing tactics

A good marketing strategy is the foundation of any successful business. Regular marketing is how you build brand awareness, stay relevant, and get clients to come to you.

When you’re starting your freelance writing business, you need to try a variety of different marketing tactics to see what works. Over time, you’ll figure out which distribution methods and approaches have the highest returns on investment—and which ones aren’t worth your time.

Start with these strategies:

Pitch a guest blog post

Writing a guest blog post is a good way to get in front of potential clients. Find a blog within your niche, then pitch an article that offers concrete, actionable solutions to your clients’ problems. You could pitch an article about how to write stronger social media ads, for example, or how to create the perfect “about” page for your website.

To get more mileage out of your piece, make sure it’s readable, shareable, and full of practical takeaways. It’s also crucial to plug your writing business in your author bio and include a link to your site, so potential clients can get in touch.

Pay for social media ads

When you pay for a business ad on Facebook, Instagram, or Google, not only can you target your ideal clients, you can also take advantage of ad analytics. These insights tell you how many people look at your ad, when they do it, and what demographic they fall into.

To create effective ads, you need to capture your audience’s attention and inspire them to act. Make sure you:

Use enticing visuals.
Lead with a hook or problem.
Mirror your writing style to your ideal client.
Suggest an action, like visiting your website.

Optimize your website for search engines

You’ll bring more potential clients to your website if you optimize it for search engines. To determine which keywords and phrases you need to include on your site, put yourself in your client’s headspace and act like you’re searching for writing help.

As you play around with different searches—like “hiring a copywriter” or “social media writing help”—take note of the phrases and questions Google autofills for you. You can use these to optimize your website.

Here are some basic SEO strategies:

Use keywords in your website page URLs.
Include keywords in your website description.
Incorporate keywords into your landing page copy.
Use relevant, informative page titles.
Make sure your site works well for mobile viewing.
Include an FAQ section on your website with questions from your Google searches.
Improve your website’s user experience.
Make sure your site is well designed for mobile viewing.

Advertise your services with a digital flyer

Marry old-school advertising with modern digital marketing and create a one-page PDF to share across social media. Structure it similarly to an ad: make sure it addresses your client’s needs or pain points, offers a solution, and explains how to get in touch.

Post on social media

It’s important to market yourself as an authority figure in your niche—and social media can help you do that. In addition to liking and commenting on other people’s posts, make sure you share your own insights and ideas. You can post writing tips, celebrate client success stories, link to articles you’ve written, comment on industry news, or share business announcements.

Start an email newsletter

Creating an email newsletter is a good way to show off your writing chops, provide valuable free content, and promote your services to prospective clients. When choosing a theme or direction, consider your specialty and your clients’ needs.

If you do technical writing for startups, for example, you could center your email newsletter on marketing trends in tech spaces. If you do web copy for small businesses, you could put out different newsletters on how to brand yourself or engage with customers through your website.

Remember: email newsletters aren’t blog posts or ebooks. They should be informative but concise. Work on creating compelling subject lines, including interesting visuals, and formatting your emails so they’re easily scannable.

Take advantage of virtual and in-person events to meet prospective clients and promote your business. Instead of searching for writing-related events, though, look out for industry or niche-specific webinars, conferences, and meetups.

13. Take care of your clients

The key to building a successful freelance writing business is establishing excellent working relationships with your clients. To do that, you have to take an active interest in your clients’ success and provide incredible customer service.

Here are some ways you can do it:

Offer a free consultation.
Ask your clients what their goals are.
Go above and beyond to produce high-quality work.
Respond quickly to questions and concerns.
Make sure your clients are completely satisfied with your work before wrapping up a project.
Check in with your clients every few months to see if they need help with anything else.
Send your clients an annual thank you note or small gift to thank them for their business.

If you have a positive experience with a client, ask them to write you a testimonial for your website or keep you in mind for referrals. Over time, you’ll benefit from the word-of-mouth marketing that comes from fostering great professional relationships.

14. Ask for help

To grow your freelance writing business, you have to be willing to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to turn to other business owners and writers for advice or to outsource work you don’t have the time or energy to do.

You might want to find a virtual assistant who can update your website and schedule client calls, for example. Or maybe you want to hire a researcher to outline your assignments so you can turn them around faster. You may even want to team up with other entrepreneurs, like freelance graphic designers and marketing consultants, to trade services.

When you lean on peers and other professionals for support, not only do you get invaluable help, you also free yourself up to focus more on growing your business.

Keep hustling

Starting a freelance writing business from home might seem like a pipe dream, but it’s not. With the right attitude and approach, you can build a successful business doing what you love. Use this guide to start creating a business plan and setting goals.

You might also enjoy this content

How to Start a Freelance Writing Business

Freelance writers generate written content about a variety of topics for readers of websites, newspapers, journals, magazines, books, and other publications.

You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas .

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee. Northwest ($29 + State Fees) DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a freelance writing business by following these 10 steps:

Plan your Freelance Writing Business
Form your Freelance Writing Business into a Legal Entity
Register your Freelance Writing Business for Taxes
Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
Set up Accounting for your Freelance Writing Business
Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Freelance Writing Business
Get Freelance Writing Business Insurance
Define your Freelance Writing Business Brand
Create your Freelance Writing Business Website
Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your freelance writing business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

What are the startup and ongoing costs?
Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Freelance Writing Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

Your state's business records
Federal and state trademark records
Social media platforms
Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Find a Domain Now

You must have a computer, a high-speed internet connection, a desk, and possibly a printer. A laptop, depending on the brand you choose and the word processing software that you use, purchasing a computer can cost up to around $1,500. Wireless internet connect costs an average of $50/month, but the cost can be significantly higher or lower depending on the wifi provider that you use and the speed of the connection that you desire. A desk and a printer are both optional purchases that can be bought at your preference.

What are the ongoing expenses for a freelance writing business?

Writers must pay for high-speed internet. This costs between $30 and $60 per month. Computer maintenance, repairs and replacement are also necessary. Budget at least $50 per month for these expenses. Ink for a printer will likely cost $20 to $50, depending on how frequently it is used. Certain online content mills force writers to pay fees to obtain access to clients. If you take this route, you will spend between $10 and $50 or more per month to gain access to clients.

Who is the target market?

The ideal client type is an organization that requires a steady stream of written content. Examples of such clients include online content mills, newspapers, magazines, and owners of small to medium-sized businesses who need online content optimized for search engines.

How does a freelance writing business make money?

Freelance writers make money by charging clients for the creation of content. The price of a piece is usually based on cents per word. Alternatively, it is possible to charge a client a specific price for an individual project regardless of its length.

You can charge a wide range of prices per word or project. The exact price hinges on the client's budget, the nature of the piece, your experience level and your desire to write about the project in question. In general, a 1,000 word article will pay between $25 and $175.

How much profit can a freelance writing business make?

A freelance writer can make upwards of $20,000 or more in his first year. Stick with the business and you can earn $30,000 or more in subsequent years. Continue to add clients and you might reach the $50,000 mark or higher after several years of hard work.

How can you make your business more profitable?

If you work for an online content mill that gives clients the option of rejecting pieces, do not delete those articles. There are other online content mills where you can post such rejected articles for purchase. Some busy freelance writers decide to outsource certain projects to other writers and skim a percentage of the pay off the top as a “finder's fee” of sorts.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your freelance writing business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they're a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business's debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business's liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your freelance writing business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We've negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

Form Your LLC Now

Note: If you're interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a freelance writing business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Freelance Writing Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Freelance Writing Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a freelance writing business

Press the flesh with local business owners and managers as well as those who are involved with local newspapers, magazines and other publications. Pass out your business cards to these individuals. Offer to write an initial piece at a reduced rate to prove your merit as a content creation specialist. If you work for online content mills, be sure to fill out your profile from beginning to end. Many of these profiles can be searched by clients who are on the prowl for new writers with specific talents, interests, and specialties. It will also help to establish social media accounts where you can post links to your published pieces. A friend in your social media circle just might pass on your link to someone who requires online or offline content for his business, website, or other endeavor.

How to keep customers coming back

Take every opportunity to show potential clients examples of your work. Build profiles on social media platforms, online content mills, and other online venues to show off your writing prowess. Retaining customers is as simple as generating thoughtful content that is free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. Be sure to submit each piece before the deadline to keep your clients happy.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is right for an individual who has an affinity for the written word and language in general. If you are a voracious reader, enjoy expressing yourself, and have a way with words, you should give consideration to working as a freelance writer. This line of work is also ideal for those who enjoy autonomy. The typical freelance writer does not have to deal with an overbearing boss. However, freelance writers must meet tight deadlines, satisfy clients' nuanced demands, and create captivating content.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a freelance writing business?

This individual reviews assignments for acceptance or rejection. He researches subject matter for the assignments he accepts. Freelance writers craft intriguing and informative content based on their research, personal opinions, existing knowledge, interviews, and other sources of information. Part of the day is spent interacting with clients. Another portion of the day is spent deep in thought, brainstorming content that will appeal to readers. Freelance writers are also tasked with finding new clients and searching out online platforms for writing opportunities. Most of the day is spent writing.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful freelance writing business?

You should have an expansive knowledge base that empowers you to write insightful content about all different subjects without performing time-consuming research. However, some topics will require a considerable amount of research. If you are an excellent web sleuth who enjoys uncovering information, whittling it down to what matters the most and subsequently crafting completely unique content, you will thrive as a freelance writer. You should also have excellent time management skills as this is a deadline-based business. A formal degree in English or writing can help you gain the skills necessary to succeed at being a freelance writer; however, you can also take classes online or at a local community college if you are looking for a more affordable, less time-consuming writing education.

It will also help to type at a fast rate of speed. The best freelance writers are able to express themselves in an efficient manner. These professionals typically type between 80 and 100 words per minute. As with writing, there are many affordable online options for training your typing skills. The bottom line is that you will be paid according to the quality and quantity of your output.

What is the growth potential for a freelance writing business?

This business has plenty of upward momentum. Freelance writers who specialize in producing online content have the opportunity to grow their business quite rapidly. As time progresses, people are consuming more and more web-based news, editorials, reviews, and other online material. Yet, there are also opportunities for traditional freelance writers who create offline content for newspapers, magazines, journals, scripts, books, etc. If you have an expansive vocabulary, a unique tone of voice, and a willingness to work hard, your freelance writing business will grow quite rapidly.

Not sure if a freelance writing business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a freelance writing business?

Establish a presence on multiple online content platforms. This way, if one platform lacks a steady flow of work, you can secure new writing projects on the other platforms. Get a set of business cards to pass out to those you meet. All sorts of businesses can benefit from an alliance with a freelance writer. The online content you produce for a new friend's blog, social media page, website homepage, or print publication just might end up paying a portion of your monthly rent. Establish as many relationships as possible. You never know if a friend, colleague, or other acquaintance will befriend someone who requires the services of a freelance writer. The quality of your work is of critical importance. Focus on generating high-quality pieces and submitting them by the deadline. A track record of successful pieces submitted in a timely fashion will convince clients that you are worthy of subsequent projects.

How and when to build a team

There is no need to build a team unless you are so successful that you become overloaded with work. Though it is possible to outsource writing projects to others, it is not advisable. The bottom line is that your name is attached to your submissions. If you outsource the work and the writing is low in quality, you probably won't receive repeat business from the client.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

Editorial Freelance Association
National Association of Independent Writers and Editors
Learn about more Online Business Ideas
List of Writers association

Real World Examples

Fine Point Writing

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

How to Start a Freelance Writing Business

Table of Contents

You are a long-time, avid reader of the Business Writing Blog. Grammar runs through your blood and writing engaging content is your passion. You’ve decided to take your love of the written word to the next level and start your own freelance writing business. In this article we will look at some basic steps you will have to take to get started.

As with any business, you’ll need to choose a business entity before beginning. Once you have chosen your business entity, you’ll need to develop your business strategy and portfolio. Next, it’s time to find clients. Let’s take a closer look at some of the basic steps on your journey to starting your writing services business.

Choosing a Business Entity Type

Before starting your freelance writing business, you should determine the type of business entity you want to create. There are several business entities.

Sole proprietorship
General partnership
Limited partnership
C corporation
S corporation
Limited liability company (LLC)

A graphic showing various business entities written on random geometrical shapes.

Each entity determines how your organization is structured and taxed, and comes with its pros and cons. It’s advised that you speak to a tax attorney in order to make a decision about which structure is best for you.

The most common entities for a freelancing writing business will be a Sole Proprietorship or an LLC.

Creating A Portfolio

Creating a portfolio is an essential step in growing a freelance writing business. In this competitive industry, you need to stand out from your competitors. It means making your writing portfolio as user-friendly as possible and presenting it in a way that can draw potential clients’ attention. Don’t include every sample of your writing; just the most compelling ones.

There are many ways to create an online portfolio. One option is to create an account with LinkedIn, an online networking platform that allows writers to connect with other freelancers. It is free and is a great place to find potential clients. Alternatively, you can create a profile on Pinterest, a visual discovery site. Your profile allows you to include links to your writing samples, a professional photo, and qualifications: writing help , blogging, or working as an editor for a journal. Another option is to use JournoPortfolio, an easy-to-use online portfolio. It includes a link to your writing samples and lets you upload multimedia files.

Here are some basic things your portfolio should include:

10-20 Writing Samples

These should consist of your most recent posts, as well as business and niche expertise.

Intuitive Navigation

Make sure that potential clients are not digging through your content trying to find that is relevant to their niche. Intuitive navigation is essential in keeping potential clients interested as they search through your portfolio.

David Knight, Chief Talent Officer for a London-based marketing company writes: “Because of the fast-paced nature of today’s business landscape, not to mention our social media driver attention span, if I end up spending more that two minutes looking through a portfolio in order to find pertinent information, I will end up skipping over to the next one.”

Make sure to include a short business biography . Essentially, this tells the potential client who you are, what you do and what are your credentials (highlights of past experience, academic achievements, etc.). Here are a few examples from our own writers, ranging in sizes from very short to multi-paragraphed.

James Smith

Described as an “English Guru,” James Smith holds a Master’s degree in English from Arkansas Tech University, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing with a minor in ESL. James is a sought after writer and editor with University teaching experience.

Audrey Horwitz

Audrey Horwitz holds a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She has worked with numerous companies as a content editor including Speechly, Compusignal and Wordflow. Audrey is a prolific content writer with hundreds of articles published for Medium, LinkedIn, Scoop.It and Article Valley.

Lynn Gaertner-Johnston

Lynn Gaertner-Johnston has helped thousands of employees and managers improve their business writing skills and confidence through her company, Syntax Training. In her corporate training career of more than 20 years, she has worked with executives, engineers, scientists, sales staff, and many other professionals, helping them get their messages across with clarity and tact.

A gifted teacher, Lynn has led writing classes at more than 100 companies and organizations such as MasterCard, Microsoft, Boeing, Nintendo, REI, AARP, Ledcor, and Kaiser Permanente. Near her home in Seattle, Washington, she has taught managerial communications in the MBA programs of the University of Washington and UW Bothell. She has created a communications course, Business Writing That Builds Relationships, and provides the curriculum at no cost to college instructors.

A recognized expert in business writing etiquette, Lynn has been quoted in “The Wall Street Journal,” “The Atlantic,” “Vanity Fair,” and other media.

Lynn sharpened her business writing skills at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a master’s degree in communication, and at Bradley University, with a bachelor’s degree in English. She grew up in suburban Chicago, Illinois.

Links to Social Media

Showcase your online presence with links to various social media profiles that serve your freelance writing goals. This will help build your credibility and authority and will give potential clients a sense of confidence. Some examples include LinkedIn, and Twitter. You can even include Instagram and Pinterest, if they highlight your portfolio or your network.

Call to Action

A powerful Call To Action (CTA) direct potential clients to take action — contact, subscribe, book.etc. In the case of a writing services business, it is to contact you. However, phrasing it as a CTA instead of just listing your contact information will help increase your writing portfolio’s conversion numbers.

Here are some examples of great CTAs:

Zoom: Why Zoom?
Domino’s: Delivery or Carryout
Lever: Let’s Talk
Patagonio: Take Action
Greek Sandals: Discover the Collection

Considering you run a writing business, your CTA should reflect your services such as proofreading, editing, copywriting, etc. It’s time to get creative and write a great Call To Action that evokes an emotional response and, most importantly, action!

Creating a business website

This is a no-brainer. Your business is going to need a website. There is a heap of information online about starting a website, so we will just give you some basic points you will need to consider.

You’ll require a quality theme, design and SEO plugins, and security components. Some plugins are must-haves, while others are optional. In addition, you’ll want a blog page.

You should have enough savings to pay for website hosting and computer supplies. It’s also wise to accept payments through PayPal, which is the easiest way to accept payments from clients. However, remember that you’ll have to pay 2.9% of every transaction, so make sure you budget accordingly.

After your website is set up, you should create pages that feature your best freelance writing work. The pages you create should contain information about your writing style and niche. The purpose of these pages is to entice prospective clients to contact you. Moreover, the pages on your website should be designed so that they’re easy to find by a Google search.

Remember since you are selling writing-related service, verbiage is very important. You need to make sure that the text is always engaging and reflects your abilities as a writer.

Naming your business

As a freelance writer, you may not need to have a company name, as your own name will be your brand. However, if you want expand and hire a team of writers, you will want to consider a name for your burgeoning firm. There are many ways to go, but consider these key factors:

Make sure to follow your state’s naming guidelines (yes, those exist!)
Avoid a name that’s similar to your competition
Make sure it is easy to spell and pronounce
Make it web-friendly
You have to be memorable, but no too unique

You can also get ideas from online name-generators. They have become quite creative!

Finding clients

Finding clients is one of the most challenging aspects of starting any freelance business. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be impossible. You can use several strategies to increase your chances of landing clients. The first of these is the aforementioned portfolio.

One of the most important steps in finding clients when starting a freelance writing business is to develop a network of connections. You can also try to find clients online by visiting websites that feature writing jobs and tips. Moreover, you can try to write a blog that showcases your writing style.

Conferences

Another way to find clients is by participating in professional organizations. There are many trade associations and trade shows where you can meet potential clients. You can also attend networking events and meet other writers. Attending these events can help you land your first client and many more. Participating in these events will make you better equipped to pitch to clients and build a better reputation. Here are just some writing conference out there (you can Google them for more information):

AMWA Conference

ASJA Conference

BIO Conference

Content Marketing World

Creative Non-Fiction Collective Conference

Digital Branding Summit

Non-fiction Writers Conference

Twitter is a powerful marketing tool, and many writers have found success with it. You should follow people in your target demographic and network with them. Additionally, when networking online, be careful to include hashtags.

Here is a quick summary of tips on finding clients:

Ask your clients for referrals
Offer discounts and incentives for new customers
Use online reviews to your advantage
Promote your expertise (publish your work elsewhere)
Offer your services to community events (does that Park Walk event need a copywriter for their promotional materials?)

Join the thousands who have sharpened their business writing skills with our award winning courses.

How to Start a Content Writing Business in 4 Simple Steps

Starting a content writing business is a great way to achieve financial freedom with very little investment. But that also means that it’s an increasingly competitive industry–one that’s hard to establish a new business in.

That’s why understanding how to set up your business the right way, attract high-paying clients, and compete with established agencies is essential to finding success. Once you start your business, you’ll be able to choose your own income, decide your working hours, and cherry-pick your clients–all from the comfort of your own home.

4 Steps to Start a Content Writing Business

This guide will cover the steps you need to take to start a content writing business that’s profitable, how to find clients, and how to compete with other agencies.

Make a plan
Organize the logistics
Find clients

The Difficult Parts of Starting a Content Writing Business

One of the hardest parts of any business is marketing, and a content writing business is no exception.

Content writing is a competitive industry, so finding a unique selling proposition (USP) can be difficult. You’ll have to find a way to stand out from established businesses and convince clients to choose you over cheaper writers.

Another aspect of starting a content writing business that many people struggle with is managing client relationships.

If you’ve never owned a business before, navigating client requests and demands can be difficult. Good writing can be subjective, and you might find clients who don’t know what they want or clients who undervalue you.

You’ll need to learn to think like a business owner, negotiate, and justify your services. You’ll also need to learn how to deal with rejection and criticism, and you may even have to fire clients or employees.

Step 1: Make a Plan

Before you even think about launching your business, there are a few things you’ll need to plan out. This includes creating a business plan, deciding on a niche, and choosing your business model.

Starting any business can be overwhelming, and this is especially true for content writing.

Content writing requires exceptional time management and organization skills, so you need to be crystal clear on all the details while still having time to get organized.

Your ability to market your business also relies on your having a clear plan from the start. You need to know what niche you’ll write in, who your business helps, be able to articulate your value, how much you can afford to spend, and how you’ll run your business day to day.

We have a detailed guide if you want some guidance on what to include in your business plan .

Choose a niche

People want to hire experts, and they’re willing to pay more for them. Niching down makes it easier for you to market yourself, find target clients, and charge higher rates.

When choosing a niche, you want to consider three things:

What do you have experience in (academically or professionally)?
What are you passionate about?
Is it profitable?

Create a list for each of the above categories, and if you find a correlation for all three, that’s a great niche to focus on.

To know whether or not something is profitable, research blogs in that niche. If lots of results come up, that means there’s a lot of interest in content writing in that industry, and it will be easier for you to find clients.

Another thing to do when looking at profitability is to look through various job boards for writers in that niche or industry. Are there a lot of postings? What rates are they offering?

If you’re going to hire writers, then prioritize profitability. If you are writing the content yourself, prioritize something you’re passionate about.

Content writing is time-consuming and requires patience and long-term concentration, so if you’re writing about something you hate, you won’t be able to stick with the business long enough to make a good profit.

Decide on a Type of Writing

Once you have an idea of which topics and industries you’ll write on, you can niche down into a TYPE of writing.

You might decide that your business will focus on writing blog posts, whitepapers, website copy, or email marketing copy. There are many different types of writing, and the one you choose will dictate how much you charge.

Whitepaper writing, for instance, is VERY profitable, with many writers earning $7000 per paper. But not all writers want to do that type of in-depth and specific writing.

Here are a few of the most profitable types of writing that you might want to niche into:

Blog and Article Writing
Copywriting
Video Script Writing
Whitepapers
Technical Writing

If you want to hire writers and expand your business quickly, you can cover all these writing styles in one industry and market yourself as the overall expert in your niche. Just be sure to hire writers who specialize in those types of writing because you want to build a reputation for creating high-quality work.

You must also pay those high-quality writers fair rates.

Set Your Budget and Goals

Even though starting a content writing business requires very little upfront investment, you should still put together a budget and set financial goals.

How much you’re willing (or able) to invest will dictate whether or not you hire writers and how many, for instance. Or whether you’re able to join a paid job board.

You’ll also need to set goals on how much you need, and want, to be making a month. This will determine how you run your business and which type of clients you’ll pursue.

You’ll find when you start working with clients that not everyone pays in the same way. Some clients will offer to pay on a per-project basis, some pay hourly, and some on a monthly retainer.

Some clients pay on a net-30 basis (30 days from receipt of invoice), and others might be paying upfront or upon completion. Your contract with each client will decide when and how you get paid.

Having clear goals in mind will help you decide what you need to quote in these situations to meet your income goals.

Choose Your Business Name

You’ll need to choose a business name so that you can set up your website and market yourself.

You don’t need to choose a complicated name. You’ll want to choose one that is available as a domain and across different social media platforms for consistency. If you’re starting a business as a solopreneur, you may just want to choose your own name, such as Firstname Lastname Writes. If you are hiring writers and functioning like an agency, consider including a keyword related to your niche in your business name, like CopyHackers or BlogPoint. You can use Bluehost’s domain checking tool to see if your name is available and then cross-check it on social media accounts like Twitter and Facebook to see if it’s a good fit.

Decide On Your Business Model

Once you’ve decided on a niche and your budget, you’ll need to get clear on how you’ll run your content writing business.

You might want to run your business as a solopreneur, where you do everything yourself, or you might want to work more like an agency and outsource the writing to other writers and focus on marketing your business instead.

Whether you want to work solo or hire writers will be based on whether you’re tight on time or tight on budget.

Hiring writers will save you time and allow you to expand your business faster and take on more clients. Doing the writing yourself will save you the cost of hiring writers (which can often cost more than $1000 per month per writer) but take more of your time.

It is important to note that being a solopreneur does not preclude you from later hiring writers and functioning more like an agency. If you’re tight on money right now and have the skills, start by writing the clients’ projects yourself, and as you make money, you can bring on outsourced writers.

This step also includes setting your prices. Research the market to see what other writers in your niche or industry charge. You don’t want to under or over-price yourself, as you may get taken advantage of or price yourself out of the market.

When setting your rates, start by deciding what you need to be making per year and per month to hit your annual goal. Then you can break it down further to set an hourly rate.

Remember, you won’t be able to charge for every hour you work, as some of your work will not be for clients, such as marketing, bookkeeping, and other administrative tasks. You might choose to charge per hour, per project, or monthly. It is up to you and your client.

Step 2: Get Set Up

The next thing you’ll need to do is set up the technical aspects of your business.

This includes creating a website, a portfolio of work, and your social media platforms.

One of the biggest perks of starting a content writing business is that you can do it all virtually. There’s no need to invest in offices or equipment.

But this does mean that your online presence is essential to success–it’s the only way clients will find you, and it’s the only chance you have to make an impression.

Here are some things you’ll need to set up before you launch your content writing business.

Your Website

You need to have a professional website with your own domain if you want clients to take you seriously.

Luckily, there are so many options for web hosting and site builders that it’s really easy and affordable to get set up.

Bluehost is the most popular web hosting company, and you can be up and running within a day. It comes with WordPress included, a free domain, and plenty of website templates to choose from. It also offers a site builder if you want to be more hands-on and 24/7 support if anything goes wrong. Alongside hosting, Bluehost has also started offering marketing services, like helping you optimize your website for SEO.

Bluehost is also known for being affordable, with plans starting at just $2.95 per month.

Bluehost web hosting provider pricing plans.

Your Portfolio

Before you can start approaching clients, you’ll need some writing samples to show them.

How you go about doing this will depend on whether you’re working as a solopreneur or hiring writers.

If you’re outsourcing, you can ask your writers to give you samples of their work or write test pieces, which you can then show clients.

If you are writing the content yourself, you’ll need three to five writing samples in your niche that you can show to clients to prove you know what you’re doing.

This is where many new content writing businesses struggle–trying to create examples before they’ve actually worked with any clients.

This is when hiring writers can be a good option–they’ll already have portfolios of work, so potential clients know your team is experienced. The other option is simply to look at your niche and write a few samples yourself.

For example, if you choose to focus on blog writing in the healthcare industry, write three content pieces on three different healthcare topics. Samples don’t need to be longer than 500-750 words.

If you want live links for your portfolio, consider adding a blog to your site, or guest posting for businesses in your target industry.

Your Social Media

The next thing you’ll need to do is set up your social media accounts so that potential clients can find you.

For most content writing businesses, the best platforms for finding clients are Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also use LinkedIn to find writers for your business. If possible, keep your social media handles consistent across all platforms.

When you set up your social media pages, keep them consistent. You can create a free logo on Canva for your profile picture and banner, and you should use keywords related to your niche in your bio.

ContentWriters search on Twitter example.

Step 3: Organize the Logistics

Once you have a business plan and you’ve set up your website, you can get started on the logistical side of your business, including registering it, hiring writers, and setting up a tax account. Even if you’re running your business as a solopreneur, it’s worth registering the company to look professional. It will also help you come tax time and taking payment from clients, as some platforms like PayPal require you to keep personal and business accounts separate. Here are some of the logistical aspects of your business you should organize pre-launch.

Register Your Business

If you want to hire writers and pay taxes as a business, you’ll need to register your business with your state and get a business number and EIN.

As your business is virtual and doesn’t use equipment, it’s unlikely you’ll need a license, but every state is different. Make sure to check your local requirements carefully, and if in doubt, contact a local attorney to find out what you have to do to keep your business legal. You can also choose to become an LLC, which provides personal asset protection.

Once you’ve registered your business, you can apply to have a business tax account. It’s always a good idea to keep your personal expenses separate from your business expenses, even as a sole proprietor.

Draw Up Contracts

You’ll need two types of contracts: one for your writers (if hiring) and one for your clients.

For writers you’re hiring, your contracts should include the payment terms, the scope of work, whether there’s an NDA, and whether they’ll be credited. The contact for your clients will be similar, but make sure you include a clause that protects you against liabilities and theft.

It’s worth working with an attorney or online legal service for this because contracts aren’t something you want to get wrong. For a list of the best online legal services, check out our guide .

Some clients may have their own contracts and NDA’s for you to sign when you work with them. It should go without saying, but NEVER sign anything without reading it in detail first.

Create an Onboarding Document

Having an onboarding document makes sure your client’s first impression is a good one.

It can also help give you structure during your discovery calls with clients and provide your team with consistent outlines.

What you need to include in your onboarding document will vary based on your business model and niche, but some things you may want to have are:

A brief step-by-step outline for how you’ll approach the project
A timeline of how long it will take and deadlines/milestones moving forward
The contract
Payment terms and invoicing schedule
Details about their first point of contact
Any restrictions or rules (e.g., whether or not your answer emails on weekends)

Step 4: Find Clients

Now that you’ve set up your site and registered your business, you can get down to finding your first client.

Because content writing is such a competitive industry, it can be challenging to feel confident enough to approach clients when you first start. It can also be difficult for clients to trust you while your business is new.

Once you get clients, you’ll start to get referrals and new projects through word of mouth. Until then, you should try looking for clients in as many places as possible. Here are some of the best places to look for clients for your content writing business.

Networking is a great way to find clients. You’ll make connections that enable you to send warm pitches to editors, business owners, and other writers, which have higher success rates than cold pitching.

You’ll also meet other writers in your industry and stay up to date with trends and startups. You can network in person, or you can join online networking groups to build connections.

Two places that are especially good for this are LinkedIn and Facebook groups.

LinkedIn content writing search results example.

Social Media

Social media isn’t just a goldmine for marketing–it’s also the perfect place to find clients.

Aside from networking, you can also reach out to clients through direct messages, create posts that add value and show your expertise, and even pay for ads for your business.

Social media also gives you another way to start connecting with clients before pitching them, which will help you build trust with them and improve your chances of success.

Cold Emailing

Cold emailing is another great way to find clients, no matter how much you might hate it.

Although not as successful as warm leads or networking, some businesses reach up to 20% success rates with cold emails. If you are sending cold emails, make sure that your strategy and pitch are well-researched and well-planned.

While you’re first starting, job boards can be a way to find clients that need content writing.

Job boards tend to be split into two types; paid and free ones.

The paid job boards have better leads and higher quality clients, but you’ll also have a lot of competition from established content writing businesses.

The free ones will have less competition, but you’ll also have to look through a lot of VERY low-paid work to find decent clients.

When searching job boards, try keywords like “freelance,” “remote,” and “anywhere.”

How to Start Freelance Writing (No Experience Needed)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 2, 2023

Freelancers | Occupations & Careers

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

Welcome to my guide on how to become a freelance writer and start a successful writing career.

I’m going to show you how to launch your writing business, get clients online, and start making money as a successful freelance writer even if you have no experience.

To save you time and hassles, I’ll also share the mistakes I made along my path to earning $5,000 a month through freelance writing.

Finally, I’ll reveal how much money you can expect to earn as a beginning freelance writer and which types of freelance writers make the most.

What is Freelance Writing?

Freelance writing is the act of being paid to write for people or businesses (i.e. clients) on a contractual basis rather than a full-time, permanent basis. Freelance writers can have multiple clients and can make their own schedules.

One downside to freelance writing is that you won’t receive benefits and health insurance from the employer, since you’re not a full-time employee. Freelance writers often make up for this by earning a higher wage than full-time, permanent employees.

In my experience as a recruiter , the typical freelancer is able to charge 25-60% more per hour than their full-time counterparts. However, this percentage/gap between freelance writing pay and full-time employee pay increases as you gain more experience, so you might not see quite as large a gap when you start your freelance writing career.

Next, let’s talk about how to get into freelance writing.

How to Become a Freelance Writer With No Experience

Build your writing skills.

There’s a myth that people are born great writers. The truth is if you want to become a better writer, then start writing a lot. You get there by practicing.

You can also take a writing course if you want to jumpstart your freelance writing career, but you can also learn to write by reading great writing online and practicing each day.

I was an awful writer when I started out.

I’m still not the world’s best writer, but I do earn a full-time income from this blog.

But when I wrote my first few articles, they were terrible. My boss at the time had offered to help me and give me feedback on my writing, since I told her that I wanted to start blogging here at Career Sidekick.

But when I showed her one of my first blog posts, she told me that it was so scattered and disorganized that she couldn’t even begin to help. She told me to rewrite the whole thing.

We all start as beginners. Step 1 to becoming a successful freelance writer is to write each day.

You also get there by reading great writing from other people, so you should do that as well if you’re planning to start a freelance writing career.

It doesn’t have to be books. You can read blog posts, etc. In fact, if you plan on taking writings gigs centered around blog post writing, then reading blog articles is more beneficial than reading books.

Don’t worry if you have no idea what type of freelance writing you want to do, either. I’ll help you with that throughout the rest of this article.

Choose a Writing Niche

One of the biggest mistakes that I see new freelance writers make is refusing to “niche down” or pick a specific area of focus.

They’re afraid of limiting themselves so they chase every possible project and have no clearly defined niche.

These are the freelance writers who struggle the most to get clients and struggle to break past $1,000 to $2,000 a month.

It’s alright to try many types of writing at the very beginning of your freelance writing career to see what you enjoy.

But once you’ve done that, I recommend picking one specific type of service to offer.

There are some big benefits to picking a narrow niche.

When you offer one particular service as a writer (like email copywriting, SEO blog writing, etc.) you get better at delivering the work and also at completing projects faster.

You also become better at pitching/selling your freelance writing services so you land more writing jobs with fewer sales calls.

In addition, you’ll build up relevant testimonials in this one niche faster, since it’s all you’re doing. Then you’re an even clearer/easier choice for your potential clients.

By niching down, you’re giving yourself a smaller potential market but making yourself a much clearer choice for that market.

The bottom line is: Choosing a niche is a key step to start earning more money from your freelance writing.

I did this myself, first choosing copywriting, then niching down into just email copywriting. Each project was similar so I got the work done (and got paid) FAST.

Coming up, I’ll share the various types of writing niches for content writing, copywriting, and more, so keep reading.

Lucrative Freelance Writing Niches

To help you choose a niche, here are some of the most common (and high-paying) freelance writing niches. I’ll share more about which ones earn the absolute most later in the article.

Website copywriting
Email copywriting
SEO article/blog writing
Technical writing
Ghostwriting
Business, sales, and annual report writing
Scriptwriting (sales video scripts and other scripts)
Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Press releases
White papers

Get One Successful Project Finished Quickly

Once you decide you’re interested in becoming a freelance writer, you should focus on getting your first client as quickly as possible.

Your first big goal should be to complete one project for a client so that you have a real result (and hopefully a testimonial) that you can leverage to get more clients. You can even build a case study showing the “before and after” of the project.

If you don’t feel you’re a good enough writer to earn a strong testimonial yet then practice and improve your writing skills more.

Then, do whatever it takes to land one writing gig to get a testimonial in your desired niche, even if you have to do it for free or at a deep discount.

It’s going to be much easier to grow your freelance writing business once you have a piece of published work that you can point to and say, “I just completed a successful project where I did ___.”

I did this and then used the testimonial everywhere… on social media , on my Upwork profile, and more.

Here you can see I led off with it on Upwork, just below the headline:

getting a testimonial to start freelance writing career

I’ll talk more about Upwork and the other best ways to start getting freelance writing clients next…

Get More Freelance Writing Jobs and Hone Your Skills

After you’ve got one completed project and testimonial, you can leverage that to get many more.

You can do this via freelance marketplaces like Upwork.com, social media, word of mouth, referrals, and more.

The best approach for you will depend on many factors including your writing niche, whether you have any existing connections on social media, whether you have an existing network outside of social media, etc.

Overall, though, job boards and freelance marketplaces are a good place to begin. They’re not the perfect long-term solution and you eventually want to be able to get referrals, send cold emails to pitch to businesses you’d like to work with, etc. But when starting out, job boards aren’t bad.

The Best Freelance Marketplaces and Job Boards

The best freelance marketplace to grow your writing business is Upwork.com. I personally built myself up from zero to $5K USD per month on Upwork, so that’s what I recommend. You can read my full review of Upwork here , which has many tips on how to succeed on the platform as a beginner.

Additional resources:

Upwork profile overview examples
Upwork proposal samples and templates

I also have a list of 18 remote job boards here and many feature writing jobs.

Price Your Services High

You may be tempted to offer low prices as you build your freelance writing business online. However, after completing at least one project, I recommend pricing the rest of your writing jobs high.

Never compete on price! It’s a race to the bottom that won’t end well. It’ll also attract the worst type of clients: Extremely cheap businesses who complain about every detail of your freelance writing work, request endless revisions, etc.

I can tell you from first-hand experience that the clients who pay more are easier to work with, more relaxed, and ask for LESS.

Aim to price yourself in the top 75-95% of the market. Price also implies quality. There are many business owners who simply look for the most premium, expensive service because they assume it’s superior.

Just make sure your freelance writing abilities are at a solid level! I’m not suggesting you go out and trick business owners into hiring you when you’re not competent. But once you’re a competent writer, charge high and go deliver great results and communication/service.

That beats offering low-priced writing jobs and competing on price any day!

Set a Clear Revision Policy for Your Writing

In your first year of freelance writing, I recommend having a clear yet generous revision policy. I used to tell clients on Upwork and other job boards that we’d keep working on the project until they’re completely happy.

I was working as a direct response copywriter, which is an area most clients didn’t know much about. So they just trusted my writing and asked for few revisions. So this policy was never abused.

If clients started to ask for too many revisions, I would have changed my policy to something like two rounds of revisions per project.

So start generous, and then adjust. You’ll land more new clients faster and more consistently this way, which is key to becoming a freelance writer that can support yourself full-time.

One other benefit to offering revisions: You’ll get fewer negative reviews on freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr.

I was always able to maintain a 100% job success score on Upwork, and this is due to the fact that I offered revisions for free if a client wasn’t happy.

Do everything you can to maintain a high job success score on Upwork if you end up using the platform as a part of your freelance writing business. If your score drops, it’s difficult to win projects and climb back up.

Get Paid Up Front

One of the most frustrating parts of freelance writing, or any freelance work, is completing a project and not being paid. Or, having to chase a client for weeks to finally get that payment.

This happened once to me many years ago and I decided: “never again.”

So I began asking for 100% of the payment up front. I did this successfully in blog post writing, email copywriting, website copywriting, and other content marketing services throughout my freelancing career.

Occasionally, if a client wasn’t comfortable, we’d settle on 50-70% up front. That compromise is still fantastic for you as the freelancer. You know that no matter what, the client has already paid for at least 50% of the work.

If a client is resistant to paying 100% of the money upfront, simply say:

“I ask for payment up front on all projects. I don’t stop working until you’re satisfied, but I’m in the business of writing great content, not sending invoices and worrying about collecting money, so I do request that projects be paid in advance before I start.”

If you’re more comfortable asking for 50% up front, you can say:

“For payment terms, here’s what I normally do: 50% up front, 50% upon final delivery.”

Don’t do any less than 50% to start! Ever. That’s my advice for new freelance writers with no experience in collecting payments.

And then don’t even begin researching their project until you’ve been paid! Sure, you get on a sales call and learn a bit about this client and their needs, and you want to do some basic preparation for this call to impress new clients.

But that’s for you, not them. Don’t get off this sales call and start preparing for the job, writing down ideas for this client, pouring over every page of their website, etc., until you’ve been paid. That’s just asking to have your time wasted. Start working for new clients when they’ve paid for your work.

Gather More Testimonials and Repeat

Testimonials will be your best friend as you look to become a successful freelance writer. Get written testimonials, video testimonials, case studies/examples, etc. Anything you can.

The best way to prove you’ll do a great job for your next client is to say, “I just completed a project for another client in your niche, and we were able to achieve ___ result.”

So don’t stop gathering testimonials as you start and build up your freelance writing career.

Do You Need a Website to Become a Freelance Writer?

You do not need a website to start a freelance writing career. There are plenty of other online platforms like Upwork where you can build a profile and find clients, and you can also use LinkedIn to build a profile, show writing samples and testimonials, and bolster your online presence.

Creating a website takes time and effort, and almost nobody is going to be visiting your site at the beginning of your new freelance career.

So you’re better off building your portfolio on sites that already have millions of visitors, like Upwork and LinkedIn, and then focus your effort on becoming a good writer, landing clients, and getting paid.

You can always circle back and create a website later, but to begin, I’d start by building out a LinkedIn profile (or customizing your existing profile) to suit your ideal freelance writing niche and then finding one or more freelance marketplaces like Upwork.com to build a profile on, too.

That’s the quickest path to making money and being able to earn a full-time income through online writing.

By the way, you can read my best LinkedIn profile tips here.

How Much Money Do Freelance Writers Make?

Hourly rates for freelance writers.

If you choose to charge an hourly rate for your freelance writing, you can earn anywhere from $10 USD per hour to $100 per hour and above. Your hourly rate as a freelance writer depends on whether you’re doing general content writing, copywriting, or another specialized type of work such as technical writing.

Freelance Content Writer Rates Per Word/Article

If you’re a freelance content writer in your first one or two years of working, then it’s common to charge 10 cents per word, or $100 USD per 1,000-word article.

However, more experienced freelance content writers with a great writing portfolio can charge much more. I’ve contacted writers recently for my own projects/needs and have been quoted upwards of 40 cents per word! So, there’s certainly an opportunity to charge more money for your freelance writing.

However, you may be surprised to find out that the best-paid freelance writers don’t charge per word, article, or hour at all…

Freelance Copywriter Rates

Freelance copywriters often charge per project or even receive a percentage of sales generated by their copywriting (if writing a product sales page, for example). For this reason, freelance copywriters are some of the top-earning writers in the world once they master their craft over the course of two to three years.

In particular, I recommend looking into “direct response copywriting,” which is writing (both online or offline) that’s designed to get a reader to take a specific action, such as buying a product, clicking a link in an email, signing up for a webinar, renewing their subscription, ordering a product via mail, etc.

I personally niched down into email copywriting and started charging a flat rate of $200 per email. I was helping businesses write B2B cold emails that they’d use to grow their own business, and I would sell a package of three to four emails at $200 per email.

I was no longer being paid for my time and could earn far more. I was able to create templates, too, so each project felt like it was half-finished before I even began.

This is a tip that deserves its own section, so I’ll share more about this topic very soon. Let’s recap what you can expect to earn in your first year, though:

How Much do Beginner Freelance Writers Make in the First Year?

In the first year, you can expect to earn between $20,000 and $60,000 USD from freelance writing. Your exact results will depend on the niche you choose and how successful you are in attracting clients. There’s a learning curve to pitching freelance clients and landing gigs when you first start out.

Different freelance writers will also have a different learning curve depending on whether you’ve sold services in the past. When I started, I was fortunate to have done some phone sales previously for employers I had worked for. So I was comfortable getting on the phone with potential Upwork clients and closing deals.

If you have no prior sales experience, this is another area you’ll need to become comfortable with and learn if you want to succeed in freelance writing.

The reality of your first year as a beginner freelance writer is that you can expect to spend 50% of your time obtaining clients and 50% doing the actual writing work. So writing is really only half of your job as you begin your freelance career.

How do Freelance Writers Get Paid?

As a freelance writer, you can use a payment processor like Stripe or PayPal to accept card payments from clients. You can also accept ACH bank transfers. I like PayPal because it allows you to sound a professional-looking invoice via email that the client can then pay via card or PayPal balance.

If you use freelance marketplaces like Upwork to start pitching and getting your first few paid writing clients, then the platform will handle payments for you. You’ll simply add your bank details to receive your payouts.

As you get started as a freelance writer, you’ll want to have a plan for getting paid, so iron out that plan before proceeding. It’s just as important as deciding what you want to write and how you’ll find clients.

How to Multiply your Earnings as a Freelance Writer and Grow Your Business

After you’ve had a good start to your freelance writing career, you should invest some time in creating systems, templates, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to help you complete each project faster.

This is yet another benefit to choosing one niche to operate in; it’s much easier to create templates and give yourself a head-start on each new freelance writing project that comes in.

This also makes it much easier to hire other freelance writers in the future if you’d like to build an agency and grow your revenue further or keep earning the same while working less.

Since this article is about how to start freelance writing and become a freelance writer with no experience, I won’t dive too much into building an agency and scaling to six or even seven figures potentially, but it’s possible, and creating SOPs/systems is the first step.

You can create systems for getting clients as well as for completing the writing work.

Is Freelance Writing a Good Career Overall?

Online writing and freelance writing are fantastic career choices that allow you to work from anywhere and earn a relatively high income. I know plenty of freelance writers (mainly copywriters) who earn six figures per year or who have gone on to build writing agencies that earn six or even seven figures.

While your success and earnings potential do depend on the type of writing you choose and how good you become at selling your services and building efficient processes, there are enough good niches and types of writing that getting started shouldn’t be a problem.

Plus, the difficulties in being a freelance writer would come with any other freelance career, too, such as software development or design. So, freelance writing is as good as any freelance career, in my opinion.

I also like how simple it is. You don’t need an ultra-high-speed internet connection, the most expensive laptop, or constant contact with your clients. You typically take a sales call, arrange payment, have them send over some details about what they need, and get to work.

So being a freelance writer is also simpler and involves less back-and-forth with clients than most other freelance careers, in my experience.

I enjoyed this work thoroughly and took full advantage by doing some of my freelance writing work from Thailand, Vietnam, and other distant locations while still having my writing business based in the US.

Websites and Resources to Become a Successful Freelance Writer

Below are some of my favorite websites and blogs that will help you in your writing and freelancing.

Copyblogger

A blog dedicated to copywriting, content writing, and mastering your craft as an online writer. They offer many free articles but also downloadable PDFs. I’ve used and saved these free PDF writing guides myself and they helped me tremendously.

Content Marketing Institute

CMI is a leading content marketing education and training website with articles covering a wide range of topics related to content marketing including SEO, social media marketing, and more. These will likely be key areas your clients are interested in if you plan on starting a freelance writing career online, and this website can help you build a foundation.

The Balance Small Business Freelance Writing and Consulting Resources

The Balance runs a number of large online sites on various topics (Small Business, Careers, etc.) and they have a thorough section of their Small Business site dedicated to freelance writing and consulting. This site can help you learn more about blogging, content marketing, how to break into freelance writing in general, how to earn more money from your writing gigs, and more.

Freelancers Union

The Freelancers Union offers a variety of information and services to help independent workers. Their content ranges from a contract-creator tool to free articles on topics like how to take vacation time as a freelancer and how to handle client onboarding. I recommend their blog in particular, which is the section of their site I linked to above.

They’ve also got an entire website section on resources for non-payment. But if you have read this guide to freelance writing step-by-step, then you know to get paid up front for each writing job, so this won’t be an issue.

Upwork Articles

Upwork, the popular freelance job marketplace, also has a blog/articles section with a lot of high-quality content on how to win more writing gigs and succeed after you land a writing job, too.

Their blog articles are not just dedicated to online writing, since many other types of freelancers use Upwork, too. However, the website has a lot of very high-quality information that’s relevant to starting out as a freelance writer. I’ve written some articles for their blog in the past, too:

How to ace your freelance job interview
3 marketing strategies to attract better clients as a new freelancer

Online Communities

I also recommend joining Facebook groups and Reddit communities centered around freelance writing. From there, you can start reading some discussions and asking any questions that you have. There are often many experienced people in these groups who are willing to “give back” and help new freelance writers.

Just make sure to ask specific, targeted questions. Don’t go on Reddit and ask, “How can I succeed as a freelancer?” That question is too broad and you won’t get high-quality answers.

Instead, ask a question like, “Freelance writers: Which freelance marketplace has worked best for you this past year?”

Or, “Question for fellow online writers: How do you decide which writing samples to provide a new potential client when they ask to see a portfolio?”

Next Steps: Start Freelance Writing

Becoming a freelance writer takes practice and hard work, but it becomes easier over time and can be a high-paying freelance career for anyone willing to put in the work.

To start, get your writing ability up to a high level, and then go land your first client via the steps mentioned above. Everything else will become easier after that, and you’ll slowly build your writing portfolio, your online presence, and your confidence as you pitch, close, and deliver more freelance writing jobs.

About the Author

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Are side hustles worth it, what i learned self-publishing an ebook on amazon: pros and cons, upwork proposal samples that get interviews (2 templates), 3 upwork bio examples to win jobs, 25 lucrative side hustle ideas for 2024, 12 good high income skills to learn in 2024, 1 thought on “how to start freelance writing (no experience needed)”.

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Should You Launch a Writing Business

Samantha Engman

10 min. read

Updated February 8, 2024

Free Download: Sample Content Creator Business Plan Template

“Every company is a media company,” Tom Foremski, ex-FT journalist and the editor of Silicon Valley Watcher, said a decade ago. He meant that increasingly, even companies that aren’t concerned with news or journalism must be able to make meaningful connections with customers with the written word.

Given the growth of content marketing, blogging, and social media, it seems pretty clear that the demand for good writers will remain high.

Starting your own writing business is easier than ever, but making it work as a full-time gig is still challenging. This article will help you think through whether making writing your primary occupation or looking at writing as a side gig might be a good opportunity in 2020.

Recently, I was helping a digital company in their search for a full-time copywriter. The search actually failed. Of the many professional writers around, none would consider full-time, long-term jobs.

Why?

They’re all self-employed now; they figured out how to make it profitable. In this era of omnipresent content, top-notch writing is in the highest demand—and freelancing has its benefits.

The broad market and flexible hours make this profession ideal for people with the right skill set. But before you dive in, evaluate your skills and be critical and honest with yourself. Are you a skilled writer? Are you ready to do full-scale customer service on your own? It’s one thing to write full time, but another to manage client relationships too. Are you knowledgeable enough in certain spheres to create compelling writing?

Yes? Good. Let’s look into details then.

What should you consider before you start a writing business?

The pay an aspiring writer can expect at first might seem discouraging when compared to any mid-level office position. Despite the demand for quality writers, and the increasing number of professionals in the field, there are not that many writers who actually make living exclusively from freelance writing. It’s not impossible, but to get there, they’ve been working hard for years. This isn’t meant to be discouraging, but it’s important to be real about what you can expect when you’re first getting started.

The professional, self-employed writer risks an irregular income. However, if you sign enough contracts and secure a couple of long-term gigs , you’ll be surprised at the potential. Think of each smaller writing gig as an opportunity to build a positive relationship with a company, so that you’re their first-choice for bigger and longer-term projects.

Pro tip: Don’t sell yourself short. Do some research so you can price your work according to your skill level and the scope of each project.

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2. Working with clients

The competition in the writing field is high. To create a lasting relationship, provide outstanding customer service. Go the extra mile to give your clients the special treatment they can’t get anywhere else. Make it a practice to underpromise and over deliver.

Always do what you’re expected to do—get clear on expectations right from the beginning. Sounds basic, yet it can be tricky. For each job, write a brief proposal listing the exact scope of work the client expects you to deliver, based on an in-person meeting or phone or Skype conversation.

Pro tip: Make a detailed questionnaire for yourself to guide your conversation with your and form the foundation of your scope document. Ask your client to sign the proposal before you begin, as a gesture that they agree that you’re both on the same page. Keep it on file and email them a copy.

3. Affordable growth

Writing needs relatively low startup investment, aside from the most valuable—your time and effort. A major in writing or journalism might help, but the certificates are not a must at all. You’ll need access to a computer, an internet connection, and a space that work that’s comfortable for you, where you can occasionally take phone or Skype calls with clients. If you like what you do, and your clients are happy, that’s all you need to run your business.

Establishing yourself as an authority is a sure way to increase your price tag. Pick the industry you feel most confident about, and become an expert. Do what you’re good at, and write about what you know. But keep learning. Find a mentor, preferably an exceptional editor that is willing to field your questions and help you build your skills. Keep an eye out for useful online courses and industry conferences . Don’t discount the value of a solid grip on grammar.

Pro tip: Writing experts generally have deep knowledge and engaging style. Work on your writing like you would on any business skills. Keep reading , blogging , and freewriting .

4. Flexibility

Most writers put having a flexible schedule at the top of their list of reasons to consider freelance writing. You can work from anywhere as long as there is Wi-Fi.

You’re also not linked to one employer. That gives you a wiggle room to set different hourly rates for different jobs. Say, social media management can bring you $15 per Instagram post, while a ghostwriting project can shell out something as pleasant as $15K in one run.

It probably won’t make you a millionaire unless you can figure out a way to scale your services without working 20 hours a day, but it does have some perks. The other benefit is that you don’t necessarily have to go all in and quit your day job while you build your writing business. You can start to scale it while you work your day job.

Pro tip: If you have the flexibility, think about moving to a country where the cost of living is adequate to your earnings. Thousands of writers choose Southeast Asia or the small European countries.

How do you get started?

Choose your niche

Here is a list of services that are in high demand now. Narrow it down to several options that you feel most confident about.

Commercial: business naming, slogans, commercial campaigns, public relations, advertorials
Social media: Insta updates, Facebook posts, profile descriptions
Web content: Personal and company blogs, feeds, community bulletins
Technical: Manuals, instructions, technical specifications
Business: Business plans, pitches, grant inquiries
Translations: If you speak a second language, this is a good area to consider
Fiction writing: Novels, short stories, poetry, plays
Ghostwriting: Biographies, memoirs, business books
Mobile and computer game writing: Dialogues, scripts, in-game interactive storytelling (a rare breed that you can find on niche bulletin boards)
Journalism: News, reports, corporate journalism
Reviews: Product reviews, experience reviews, book reviews
Children’s literature: Popular science, stories, poetry for children

Build a portfolio

Whichever writing category you choose, you need to build a relevant portfolio. Make sure it convinces your potential clients that you’re the best candidate for the job. A proper web page with your best writing samples is the foolproof solution. Even better if you can point to published writing samples.

A few easy to manage portfolio platforms are Contently , Journo , and Clippings.me .

Get your writing samples together

Browse through your Google Docs. The chances are high that you will find something good enough to kick off your portfolio.
Publish your work on a Medium blog and share it on LinkedIn.
Join a writing community and look for a mentor. College newspapers, for instance, are usually friendly to the aspiring writers. Try to get feedback from a professional editor.
If you’re running your own blog or business Facebook page, don’t be shy. Showcase the particularly good pieces.
As you get your first gigs, ask the clients if you can use excerpts from their orders in your portfolio.
How do you attract paying clients?

In general, bigger companies will usually have bigger budgets, so they can be more lucrative. Medical and business writing are charged top-of-the-range , so look into healthcare and business development industries for higher fees. If you plan writing for web publishers, the rates database from Contently is well worth looking through.

To start building your client base:

Use your personal network

Reach out to your friends, colleagues, community and online connections. Tell them that you’re looking for clients, and make sure that you’re making it easy for them to access your portfolio of work. Create some business cards and use them. The chances that someone in your circle needs writing services are pretty high.

Send pitches to local businesses

There are lots of benefits to finding local writing work. It can be easier for you to immerse in a company’s brand and voice when you can meet in person. Figure out the best person to contact and see if they need your particular writing skillset for any upcoming projects. Remember that a big part of writing for companies is understanding and being able to write in their brand’s established voice and tone.

Use online platforms

Clients you find using online freelancing platforms might not seem like they have quite the potential for building long-term relationships. But these platforms can be useful for drumming up occasional work. There’s always the possibility that a single project that goes well could grow into something bigger.

Upwork and Freelancer are popular platforms.

On Upwork , you create a writer’s profile and get updates through email when clients pick you to pitch for their projects. It’s fair to think you might get several calls per month if you took the time to write a quality profile.

Freelancer is full to bursting with opportunity, but the competition is crazy. You’ll need to stay constantly tuned in to get a good catch.

But be careful out there. The bad news is that both of those platforms have been regularly reported for scams. Use common sense, and remember that anything that seems too good to be true probably is. The good news is that there are new platforms popping up every day. Look into Fiverr , ProBlogger , and PeoplePerHour for starters.

Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn can be a good source of potential client leads. If you defined your niche already, you know the work and clients you want. Who would you like to write for? Say, hospitality? Finance? Go to LinkedIn and type it into the search bar. In the results window, switch to the “Companies” tab to see the list of businesses with your keyword. Pick a company, and click on “See all employees on LinkedIn” link to proceed.

Write a strong pitch that’s customized for each company, and send it out to the content officers. It feels more professional than cold emailing—and more convenient for the employers to send you an instant reply.

ProTip: You are guaranteed to get rejected. It will happen; it’s part of being a freelance writer. Not every gig is the right one for you. Don’t let it get you down. Use those rejections as opportunities to fine tune your pitch.

What you can do today to start your writing business:
Set your rates
Define your areas of expertise
Practice writing
Start a blog (Twitter helps, too!)
Shout out to your social circles
Write a pitch proposal
You can do it

Starting a writing business is challenging, yet no more challenging than starting any other business. Spend time on proper planning, outlining your roadmap, defining the obstacles, and deciding how you will overcome them. Now go for it.

Check out our content creator business plan example and free template for additional guidance.

Samantha Engman is a proficient digital copywriter. After ten years in marketing, she grew a strong commitment to the content creation and brand journalism for aspiring businesses.

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How to start a writing business

Writing may be an art, but it can also be a business. To make a go of it and succeed, writers need to think like a business.

Ready to start your business? Plans start at $0 + filing fees.

by Diane Faulkner

Diane is a writer, speaker, and human resource consultant with over 30 years of experience working in and covering em...

Wat types of freelance writers are there?

How do i find clients, how do i get paid, do i need a business license, or do i have to incorporate.

If you want to start a writing business, you'll have to do a lot more than follow your muse. For starters, there's invoicing, bookkeeping, and marketing—lots of marketing—along with other regular business tasks, like keeping your website up to date with your latest articles.

You'll also have to build business relationships with your clients—and learn how to fire them if need be. You'll have to figure out how to balance your administrative tasks, like transcribing interviews and researching topics, with actual writing so you can meet your deadlines. And you'll have to determine what form you want your business to take.

Before you write a single word, you have to figure out what kind of writer you want to be. "There are basically three big buckets that most of the paid freelance writing is in," says Carol Tice, freelance writer, ghostwriter, and founder of the Make a Living Writing blog and Freelance Writers Den . "One is editorial writing for publications. Not personal essays or poetry or fiction but reported articles that you are not the subject of—your opinion is not the subject of it. You are talking to experts and people affected by the thing you're writing about and forming them into articles. Then, there is writing for businesses, informational stuff [like e-books, white papers, case studies, and blogs]. And then there's sales writing, like sales pages and marketing emails."

Next, you have to know what to write about. Pick a niche. It's best to be passionate about the subject because you're going to live with it all day, every day. "The best way is to build on some kind of expertise," says Amy Buttell, CEO of Lake Effect Creative . "I developed some expertise in investing and had been in an investment group, so I started writing about investments for the investment club magazine. That gave me a way to get some clips—work samples—and make some money. Then, it was easier for me to branch out and find other clients."

It's difficult to find clients if you don't have any clips, but don't let that stop you. "I would create my own portfolio of work to show potential customers," says business book ghostwriter Derek Lewis . "Write up fictional website copy for a homepage or do a blog post. Clearly tell them it's fictional." Just have something to show. Your own website copy or up-to-date blog can also stand in for writing samples.

LinkedIn is an exceptional resource for finding clients. Carol Alexander , freelance home remodeling writer, says, "I go on LinkedIn, and I look up a company. Say I want to write in the construction SaaS field. I start looking for construction SaaS companies, send out connection requests, and just leave it at that. Sometimes they say, 'Oh, a freelance writer! Can you do this?' right off the bat. Sometimes they don't, and that's when you just start building relationships by commenting, liking, and tagging—not too frequently, just enough to keep you front of mind."

How you get paid—and how much you get paid—is set in your writing agreement. You negotiate a market rate, and usually invoice the client with your terms clearly stated, e.g., net 15 days with a 1.5% late fee.

To determine the market rate, connect with writers in an online community and see what they're charging. You want to consider that, as a business, you are paying for your own medical and business insurance, as well as your own hardware and software. Everything. So, your rates will be higher than the hourly rate you'd receive if you were an employee. "You don't want to write a bunch of $10 articles for a content mill. Those are great places to be heavily exploited. Those platforms are for hobbyists," warns Tice. "Freelance pros are usually making $100 or more on the back end of project rates they're charging." That said, freelancers usually don't charge by the hour but by the project.

Whether you need a business license depends upon your municipality. If you want a business bank account or want corporate work, you need to register your business name as a DBA or sole proprietor . If you want bigger corporate work or government work, you'll need to at least be an LLC, if not an S corp. or C corp., depending upon the company or state. And you may need a state or federal tax ID.

So, now that you know what to do pick a niche. Create some copy and a website, and get started as a freelancer .

12 Writing Services to Offer as a Beginner + Examples!

Interested in all the different writing services there are out there?

When you first start out as a freelance writer, it may seem that the only service worth offering is writing blog posts and articles.

The common misconception here is that writing for the web is limited to blogs. However, you’d be amazed at how many writing services you can offer as a beginner!

12 Writing Services to Offer as a Beginner + Examples!

As more and more businesses take to the internet to expand their growth and customer-based, the more they are realizing the value of having well-written content – whether it’s blog posts, landing pages, email outreach or even Facebook ads.

And, since most business owners don’t have the time or skills to do this themselves, they are willing to pay freelance writers to do the work for them.

This is great news for writers – especially beginners!

Check out this list of writing services you can offer as a beginner that will increase your portfolio, your experience and (most of all) your income.

Make Money With These Writing Services

1. facebook ads.

You may be wondering why anyone would pay a writer to create a Facebook ad. How hard can it be, right?

In today’s day and age, people are constantly bombarded with social media advertisements, posts and articles.

Businesses and clients want something that will grab their customer’s attention, compel them to click and create a relationship between business and customer – and they’re willing to hire writers to make this happen.

The key to writing Facebook ads that convert readers to buyers is knowing who your audience is, providing eye-catching visuals and using a compelling call-to-action.

This is a copywriting services and a niche that is high-paying since businesses pay thousands of dollars to run Facebook ads just to get people to their product pages.

Here is an example of a well copywritten Facebook Ad.

2. Social Media Posts

Writing social media posts kind of exists in the same vein as writing Facebook ads, but can be expanded to include other platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Plus, this writing service can lead to work as a social media manager!

When it comes to writing social media posts, businesses are looking for someone who can create written content to provide context to images, videos and other updates.

Otherwise, it’s hard to connect with online audiences.

If you can write short and engaging content, you can add social media posts to your writing services.

Here’s an example of social media writing service for Mod Cloth.

And, the more experience you gain in the workings of social media marketing, you can begin to add social media manager to your repertoire of services.

3. Transcriptions

You may think transcribing services are limited to the business and medical world, but many bloggers are beginning to seek and pay transcriptionists!

Because there is such a broad range of industries looking for transcribers, offering this as a writing service is a great way to make some extra income as a beginning writer.

Transcribing involves taking an audio or video recording, such as a YouTube video or podcast, and converting it to text. The transcriptionist is responsible for typing out the audio/video word-for-word with proper spelling, punctuation and grammar.

This is why this service is right up a writer’s alley! You do, however, need a good ear – and fast typing skills help too.

Here is an example of Pat Flynn’s podcast transcription on his site. When you click on a podcast episode you are taken to a page with the podcast, a written introduction and a transcribed version of the podcast that you can even download.

4. Editing and Proofreading

There is a difference between editing and proofreading, but they do require a good eye for spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Proofreading focuses mainly on spelling and grammar whereas editing can involve rephrasing sentences or restructuring sections of text.

Whether you choose to offer editing or proofreading services , these writing services cover a wide variety of content including web content, eBooks, white papers, student essays and user manuals.

Knowing what type of content you are editing and/or proofreading is important since blog posts, for instance, are structured differently than essays.

Clients will seek editing/proofreading services since, while they may have the time to write their own content, they may not have the time or skills to polish it for publication.

And as a freelance writer, taking these editing or proofreading jobs breaks up your day of writing. While I love writing, I do need to do other things like editing or creating Pin graphics to keep me motivated and free of writer’s block .

Write Your Way to Your First $1k course student Sue-Ellen shares all her writing services on her freelance writing website and includes editing and proofreading services.

5. Sales Pages and Landing Pages

In the world of online marketing, a landing or sales page is a single web page that promotes a service, product or opt-in.

Many companies use these types of pages to convert site visitors into paying customers, while site owners often use them to capture emails to build their subscriber list.

Sales pages and landing pages involve more than simply outlining what the business or site owner is offering.

Most include a pain point experienced by the reader (what the reader is struggling with), how the product/service can alleviate this issue and a call-to-action asking the reader to do something.

Some landing pages and sales pages include testimonials from previous buyers and customers. Overall, these pages emphasize the benefits of the product/service and is an easy writing service to offer.

Many businesses are open to paying a writer to create a compelling and converting sales and/or landing page. As a digital marketing writer this is a writing service many business and blog owners ask me to write for them or help them with.

Here is an example of one of my landing pages to grow my email list.

6. Guest Posting and Ghostwriting

It’s been proven that businesses with blogs on their sites attract more traffic and customers – so more and more businesses are adding blogs full of informative content.

However, many business owners don’t have the time to write their content or, as I mentioned above, don’t have the skill.

While guest posting and ghostwriting both involve writing blog content, guest posting means the article is posted on someone else’s site while ghostwritten articles are posted on the client’s site.

As a beginner, you are more likely to drum up business writing ghostwritten content. However, there are many site owners that want to grow their brand by guest posting.

Usually when they hire a freelance writer they will tell you it’s ghostwritten content and it’s up to the owner if they want to use your content for guest writing.

One thing to look out for is landing a freelance writing job and the owner expecting you to get guest posting spots on huge sites. This isn’t your job at all. They pay you for content and they go and guest post your ghostwritten article.

7. Email Outreach

Many businesses use email outreaching as a way to gain more customers and expand their business.

In order to save time and ensure that the emails are effective, businesses will hire writers to create cold emails to send to potential customers.

The alternative for businesses that don’t have the time is to resort to ready-made email templates. The risk here is that their prospects may have already received the exact email template from someone else.

Crafting an outreach email takes a certain skill – you need to be able to put yourself in the customer’s shoes and provide information that will resonate with them.

The content needs to be concise and clearly worded since many people don’t spend a lot of time reading emails.

For a beginning writer, however, this is not a difficult feat and email outreach is a service you can easily add to your repertoire.

I don’t personally offer this writing service but I do get many outreach emails from marketers, SEO specialists, and other bloggers or freelancers.

This outreach email is a template that I can only assume was written by a copywriter.

8. Newsletters and Emails

Good marketers know that their list of email subscribers is a goldmine for increasing sales and traffic. Most will try to send out an email once a week.

As a freelance writer, you can offer to write these newsletters and emails to save business owners time. And guess what? Many new writers love this type of project! Emails are fun to write, don’t take a lot of time to write and are a high-paying writing niche.

This is a very personalized service so you need to have a good understanding of the client’s voice and the message they want to convey. When you are just starting out in the world of freelance writing, this is a great way to drum up some consistent business.

9. Product Descriptions

Product descriptions may be short and sweet but, when a business is looking to launch multiple products at once, they may not have the time to write them all.

Product descriptions are different than landing and sales pages, since you need to highlight the main features of the product in a short piece of content.

Oftentimes, product descriptions do not have to go into great detail, especially if the functionality of the product is obvious. For instance, a t-shirt is pretty self-explanatory – you really only need to describe the material and fit.

However, more obscure products will need a bit more explanation to help potential consumers understand what it is and why they need it.

Writing product descriptions is a great writing niche that can help you make money writing as it’s a great way to earn some extra cash and get some experience under your belt.

I was hired to write product descriptions for Walmart and I had fun crafting toy descriptions in a fun way.

10. Resumes and Cover Letters

Resumes and cover letters are an important part of job-seeking since they help employers determine who they want to interview based on a quick snapshot of the potential job candidate.

Not everyone has a way with words and oftentimes an ill-crafted resume and cover letter can end their chances for their dream job immediately.

Enter the freelance writer! You can use your writing skills to help individuals create and polish their resumes and cover letters to help increase their chances of getting a job.

When you do create a resume for a client, remember to take the kind of job they are applying for into consideration. Some jobs, such as a graphic designer, may appreciate a fancy resume while others may just want something simple and straightforward.

Write Your Way to Your First $1k course student Amanda is a nurse and resume writer for other nurses and is even a twin mom too! She even has a podcast for nurses!

As for cover letters, these are very specific to the job being applied to so be sure to get a copy of the job description from the client.

There is a huge market for this and, as a beginning writer, you have the skills necessary to offer this writing service.

11. Slides and Presentations

If you’re handy with Google Slides or Microsoft PowerPoint, you could offer your services in creating slides and presentations for clients.

Bloggers may seek to have certain blog posts converted into a presentation or businesses may require training presentations to show their staff.

Even if you’re not adept at these programs, they are super easy to learn. You can use either to put together a presentation that features text, images, videos, audio and cool transitions.

Work with your clients to understand the style they are going for. Have them provide you with the information and any media they wish to include.

To get started with this writing service, create a few mock-up presentations to add to your portfolio!

Here’s an example of one of my many slide presentations I use for Youtube videos.

12. Online Course Content

Online courses are a hot commodity right now, with so many individuals excited about the idea of being able to learn new knowledge and skills right from the comfort of their homes!

However, people who have a skill or passion to share sometimes have a great idea but lack the skills to compile it into a successful course.

As a freelance writer, you can help these people by creating their course content. You can offer to write text-based pieces, scripts and even create presentations.

There is potentially a huge market for this writing skill since selling courses is a great way to make passive income. People want to get in on that but don’t know how to create the course material.

What Are You Waiting For?

Here are twelve amazing writing services you can begin offering today!

Start by creating some sample pieces, finding some clients and pitching your skills and services.

Did I miss anything on this list? Is there a writing service you are offering as a beginning writer I didn’t mention? Let me know!

Share this post with your friends!

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How To Start a Medical Transportation Business

The NEMT market in the US is booming , set to hit $24.1 billion by 2028.
Entry is relatively simple , but you'll need insurance and business savvy.
You'll work with multiple income streams from insurance, hospitals, and clients.
Tech matters — efficient route planning is key to your success.
You'll serve diverse clients , including elderly, disabled, and carless folks

Each year, almost four million Americans fail to arrive for their scheduled medical appointments . This huge number has serious consequences that ripple through the economy — patients' health suffers, productivity drops, doctor’s time is wasted and clinics lose money.

But it’s also an opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs to start a business that helps people get to and from their medical appointments. A medical transportation company can be both profitable and rewarding, and gives you a way to offer a valuable service to vulnerable members of your community.

There’s money to be made in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). The US healthcare transportation services market was valued at $15.3 billion in 2021 and has significant growth potential , with the market expected to expand to $24.1 billion by 2028. The NEMT segment of that market is even more promising — forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 9%.

So how do you launch your own NEMT startup business? In this article we’ll take you through the basics , including what you need to get started, how much you can expect to earn, and what the prospects are for future growth.

Understanding emergency vs non-emergency transport

Let’s begin by defining what kind of medical transportation business we are talking about:

Emergency medical services (EMS) systems are part of a city or country's public safety network. They are heavily regulated and involve various groups and government agencies working together to handle medical emergencies.
On the other hand, non-emergency medical transportation providers are usually hired by individuals who need reliable transportation to get to and from their medical and other appointments safely and on time. These are important, but not life-threatening trips.

Starting your own NEMT small business has nothing to do with ambulances rushing to the scene of an accident or to the hospitals, and everything to do with helping people get the best treatment possible .

A young woman helps a man push his wheelchair up a ramp into the back of a small van.

What do you need to start a medical transportation business?

NEMT drivers aren't considered medical professionals . You don't need the same certifications as emergency responders, which can be expensive and time-consuming to acquire.

NEMT drivers only need a valid driver's license and a clean driving record to be considered.

Once you have those basics covered, then you need to line up this list of essentials :

Proper insurance coverage
Access to medical equipmen t, such as a stretcher, wheelchair and oxygen tanks
A wheelchair-accessible van
A working smartphone
A first aid certification

What kinds of customers does a medical transportation business serve?

One of the biggest perks of this kind of business is meeting a wide variety of people . If you like people and want to be of service, you will love this work.

No one type of person needs help with transport. You can expect to be serving any of the following:

Elderly people who can't drive themselves
People with disabilities who have trouble using regular transportation
Patients recovering from surgery or illness who can't drive
People without access to a car or public transportation
Individuals who need special equipment like wheelchair lifts for transport
People with intellectual and other disabilitie s, stroke survivors or people with brain injuries
People in long term care
People with dementia

Safe, reliable, dignified transportation services can provide an invaluable lifeline to many people. It’s a privilege and a responsibility.

A young woman helps an older person get from their wheelchair into the passenger seat of a car

Can I do it alone, or do I need to employ people?

Starting a non-emergency medical transportation business can be done alone or with a few employees — it all depends on how big and profitable you want your operation to be .

Our advice is to go solo when you’re starting out . A sole proprietorship is an easy business structure to begin with, and you will be the driver, scheduler, and business manager all rolled into one. That way, you can see first-hand the problems and opportunities and find out if you are passionate about this work.

By taking this approach, you keep your costs low and set your hours. On the downside, it limits how many clients you can serve .

As your business grows, you'll likely need to hire employees . This could include:

More drivers to handle multiple clients at once
Office staff to manage schedules and paperwork
Maintenance workers to keep your motor vehicles in good shape

Having employees allows you to serve more potential customers and make more money . However, it also means more responsibilities like background checks, payroll, training, worker’s compensation and everyday management.

One Reddit user with experience in the NEMT business summed it up this way:

“Finding the right drivers requires thorough interviews to ensure their goals and customer service skills match your company’s standards. The best candidates for NEMT drivers had experience with FedEx routes and Uber, showing the importance of previous relevant experience in the industry.”

The choice of how big you want to be depends on your goals, budget, and how much time you can commit . Many NEMT business owners start alone and gradually add employees as they expand.

But however big you decide to start, getting ahead in medical transportation services starts with a solid business plan . So that’s where we’ll turn in the next section.

Writing your NEMT business plan

You may be tempted to rush out and start working straight away. But, like any other business, it’s worthwhile to take some time in the beginning to develop a strategy that works. There are plenty of online services to help you draft a business plan , so we won’t go into detail here — just cover the highlights that are specific to NEMT providers.

Here’s a 10-point checklist for starting your medical transportation business :

Learn your local, state, and federal regulations . What you need in Texas may differ from what you need in South Carolina, so do your research about your area before you lay any money down.
Learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA ), especially how it will affect your choice of vehicles.
Study all the ins and outs of billing to an insurance company and how to obtain the necessary licenses.
Make sure you have a working smartphone and a data plan so you can get notifications.
Research the market . You can start by speaking to local nursing homes, private facilities, hospitals, healthcare providers, and other users of medical transport within your proposed service area to determine the need.
Check out your competition . How much do they charge, and what do customers say about them? Consider how you will stand out.
Do your homework around the costs of an approved vehicle , and how much it will cost to hire drivers.
Find out how much it will cost to rent office space , and whether you can work from home when you’re starting out.
Get quotes from a few insurance companies about rates for NEMT liability insurance .
Find a lawyer and an accountant to help you set things up properly. Ask around your friends and family for recommendations, and look for someone who has experience with similar businesses.

Armed with this information and a team on your side, you’ve got a much better chance of creating a profitable business .

Medical transportation business costs and earnings

The next obvious questions are: What does it cost to start, and what will I earn ?

It’s hard to predict how much you’ll earn as a medical transportation provider. A lot depends on where you are, how hard you work and your business structure . For example, here are two quotes from contributors to a Reddit discussion who have directly opposing views:

“You know why there's a 'gap in the medical transport market'? The business is brutal, and nearly impossible to get a reasonable ROI.” — OK-Arm-362

“I made $200K with one van and private pay clients in California. Get your butt up and market your business.” — Sure_Philosopher3198

So as you can see, there is money to be made with an NEMT company — but nothing is guaranteed , and you need to do your homework.

Here are some of the costs and pitfalls to think about:

Fuel and vehicle maintenance are ongoing and unavoidable costs
If you decide to hire people, factor in all your payroll costs — including benefits, if you want to hire and keep the best.
Don’t neglect your marketing costs.
NEMT vehicle insurance is a legal requirement, to protect your customers, your employees and your business.

Two medical transport vans parked outside a Danish hospital. A older woman is supporting herself with a cane on the sidewalk.

How do NEMT providers get paid?

At this stage, you’re probably wondering, “ How does the money actually flow in this business ?” It’s a good question.

There are several ways to get paid as an NEMT business owner:

Some customers may pay directly — but these are likely to be a minority.
Medicaid and Medicare programs often cover NEMT services for eligible patients, meaning you'd be reimbursed by these government healthcare programs.
Private insurance companies may also pay for their policyholders who require your services.
Some hospitals, medical facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living centers may pay directly for transporting their patients or residents.

Understanding these various payment streams is key to building a sustainable NEMT business and could help you identify which market segments to focus on as you grow your enterprise.

Let’s recap what you need to do

If you’ve read this far, you’re serious about this business. Awesome! Let’s go over what you need to do .

To start your medical transportation business on the right track, follow these steps :

Start with market research .
Pick a business name that suits the NEMT industry.
Create a business plan that takes startup costs into account.
Get all the required business licenses and permits.
Acquire suitable vehicles and vehicle insurance .
Hire and train staff .
Create a marketing strategy , including a professional website and a way to get referrals.

Once you’ve done all that, you’re ready to start working.

Use route planning to provide timely, reliable NEMT services

Once you start researching NEMT business opportunities, you’ll see a lot of negative comments. Some parts of the industry have a really bad reputation : Drivers are notoriously late, or disinterested, or they arrive at a job high. Too often, NEMT services simply never show up at all!

That’s awful, and it proves there’s a huge gap in the market for responsible, caring individuals to make money and do good. If you can get it right and provide a reliable, consistent service, you’re likely to win new business through referrals quite easily.

Being on time is crucia l in the NEMT business. Late arrivals can cause patients to miss important medical appointments, leading to health risks and unhappy customers. Route planning software like Routific is a no-brainer: it helps drivers find the quickest routes, avoid traffic jams, and manage multiple pickups efficiently.

In a competitive market, the reliability that comes from good route planning can set your business apart and help you build a strong reputation. An app like Routific gives you accurate ETAs, and also sends automated notifications so your customers are kept informed. Ultimately, route planning software isn't just about being punctual – it's about providing better service and growing your business.

The rapid growth in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) service across the US proves that more and more people need these services. This might be because there are more older people who need help getting to medical appointments, doctors and hospitals are focusing more on preventing health problems, and there's a push to make healthcare easier for everyone to access. That all works in your favor.

Starting your own business in healthcare transportation is a smart move. It gives you various ways to make money and helps your company take advantage of a growing, necessary sector that is beneficial to a lot of people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of people succeed in non-emergency medical transportation.

‍ You need to be hardworking, responsible and have a lot of empathy for people who are struggling. Patience is required and there is often a lot of waiting around for patients to complete their medical visits. If you are self-motivated and compassionate, this is a good match for you.

What do I need to get into non-emergency medical transportation ?

You need a valid driver’s license, a clean record, a suitable vehicle, a smartphone with apps and route planning software, vehicle insurance, and a business plan that will help you thrive.

Why do non-emergency medical transportation services have a bad reputation?

Too many providers don’t care for their clients, they’re just in it to get paid. Take it seriously, be a good person and you’re already ahead of the curve.

Liked this article? See below for more recommended reading!

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9 Steps to Launching a Profitable Writing Business
Launching a profitable writing business involves several key steps: Identify Your Niche: Focus on a specific area where you excel and can offer value.. Develop a Business Plan: Outline your goals, target market, and strategies.. Create a Professional Website: Showcase your services, portfolio, and contact information.. Set Your Pricing: Determine competitive rates for your services.
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Step 5: Register Your Business. Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it's the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running. Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official.
How to start a freelance writing business
For more experienced writers, to get regular work, you need to get comfortable with pitching your ideas. Cold pitching is a part of freelance writing and finding clients. Check online for the contact email address. Keep your pitch email short but clear, and think carefully about the subject line. 8.
The Definitive Guide on How to Start Freelance Writing From Scratch
3. Manage Your Time Effectively. Managing time effectively is key to success as a freelancer. Allocate enough time each day for researching topics, pitching ideas, completing assignments, networking with other writers, etc., while still leaving some free time for yourself.
Starting a Writing Business: How to Structure Your Career as a
If you really want to succeed as an author, you have to think about more than just writing—you have to treat your career like a business. That means you'll need a business plan, complete with a target audience, marketing plan, and a clear deadline for your writing projects. Once those are in place, you also have to think about the more ...
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Every project you work on will have different factors that affect how much you charge for your work, but the right type of preparation makes negotiating fees with clients much easier. Add some margin to cover additional expenses, overhead, and surprises. Track your hours and adjust future pricing accordingly. 3.
Our 5-Step Guide to Building a Creative Writing Business
To build a freelance creative writing business, you should: 1. Become a Student of the Craft. 2. Develop a Business Plan. 3. Create a Blog, Website, and Online Profiles. 4. Dedicate Your Time to Lead Generation.
How To Start A Freelance Writing Business
Related Busines Ideas. Industry Summary. Steps To Start A Freelance Writing Business. Step 1: Write your Business Plan. Step 2: Register the Business. Step 3: Set Up Operations. Step 4: Create a Marketing Strategy. Step 5: Prepare to Launch! Common Questions When Starting A Freelance Writing Business.
How to start a freelance writing business from home
Briefly explain who they are, touching on their pain points and goals, then explain how your writing services can help them. Make sure you incorporate relevant data and statistics, like if you find out that customer success stories help B2B tech companies gain 15% more leads, for example. 3.
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We all start as beginners. Step 1 to becoming a successful freelance writer is to write each day. You also get there by reading great writing from other people, so you should do that as well if you're planning to start a freelance writing career. It doesn't have to be books. You can read blog posts, etc.
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The writing business requires an M.F.A., M.B.A., or some other extensive knowledge before you can start. ... Start writing today knowing you'll gather what you need throughout your days and career. The important thing is that you start writing today. So, at the very least, get down to two hundred words. It will make you feel fantastic ...
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Many NEMT business owners start alone and gradually add employees as they expand. But however big you decide to start, getting ahead in medical transportation services starts with a solid business plan. So that's where we'll turn in the next section. Writing your NEMT business plan. You may be tempted to rush out and start working straight ...
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Omsk
Founded in 1716 as a fortress on the Imperial Russia's expanding southern frontier, by 1850s Omsk grew to become the capital of Western Siberia and parts of Central Asia.The construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway in the late 1890s brought a rapid development boom, culminating in an extravagant 1910s World Fair, around the time of which Omsk acquired much of its neoclassical architectural ...
Omsk
Omsk (/ ˈ ɒ m s k /; Russian: Омск, IPA:) is the administrative center and largest city of Omsk Oblast, Russia.It is situated in southwestern Siberia and has a population of over 1.1 million. Omsk is the third largest city in Siberia after Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk, and the twelfth-largest city in Russia. [12] It is an important transport node, serving as a train station for the Trans ...
Looking for a partnerinvestor to create startup business
Looking for a partner-investor to create (start-up) business in Omsk Oblast, Western Siberia, Russia. Necessary sum of money is $ 80.000. The payback period of a project is 1 year. It is planned to organize the collection and processing of pine nuts, approximately 20 - 50 tons per year (in the future the collection and processing of berries and ...
A Preview of OMSK content coming in Battle on the Ice! (Brave ...
Jesus Fucking Christ. This is a straight-up Burgundy level event. the appeal of omsk is that their hatred of the Germans feels realistic, but this feels like "we will be evil for the sake of being evil!!!!!!!" As we know, a rigid military dictatorship full of rabid fanatics never uses excessive violence.

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9 Steps to Launching a Profitable Writing Business

1. Understand the most common writing services

2. Tell everyone about your services

3. Give your first clients a deal they can't refuse

4. Showcase your work

5. Find clients anywhere and everywhere

6. Just pick a rate

7. Be professional

8. Build a reputation for quality

9. Play the long game

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Business Steps:

Are freelance writing businesses profitable?

How does a freelance writing business make money?

How to come up with a name for your freelance writing business?

Resources to help get you started:

What licenses and permits are needed to run a freelance writing business?

What does it cost to start a freelance writing business?

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a freelance writing business:

How to Become a Freelance Writer: A Beginner’s Guide

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Freelance writing industry trends

Trends and challenges

What kind of people work in freelancing?

How much does it cost to start a freelance writing business?

How much can you earn from a freelance writing business?

What barriers to entry are there?

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Why? Identify an opportunity

What? Determine your writing niche

How much should you charge for freelance writing?

Who? Identify your target market

Where? Choose your business premises

Step 3: Brainstorm a Business Name

Step 4: Create a Business Plan

Step 5: Register Your Business

Choose where to register your company

Choose your business structure

Form Your LLC

Step 6: Register for Taxes

Step 7: Fund your Business

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

Essential software and tools

Develop your website

Focus on USPs

Step 12: Build Your Team

Step 13: Start Making Money!

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How to start a freelance writing business

What does a freelance writer do?

What types of writing do freelance writers do?

Step-by-step guide for starting a freelance writing business

1. Get experience in the field

2. Choose your specialty

3. Get the basic writing equipment

4. Write some sample pieces

5. Find a place to host your writing portfolio

6. Set your prices

7. Find clients for your writing

8. Market your freelance writing services

9. Get testimonials from clients

10. Set up your business systems and processes

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The Definitive Guide on How to Start Freelance Writing From Scratch

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How to Start Freelance Writing