How to Become a Freelance Writer in 2024: From Zero to Hero

Jesse Sumrak

Want to learn how to become a freelance writer? Lucky for you — you’re in the right place.

Freelance writing is more than just a job — it’s a gateway to professional independence. As a freelance writer, you’re the captain of your own ship, choosing your projects, setting your hours, and working from anywhere with an internet connection.

That’s not just hyperbole, either — I would know. I live in Ouray, Colorado (Google it), and that wouldn’t be possible without my freelancing career.

Whether you dream of crafting compelling blog posts, penning engaging articles, or developing sharp marketing copy, the world of freelance writing offers endless possibilities. And 2024 is prime time to get started:

Digital Boom: The ongoing digital transformation has created an insatiable appetite for quality content across industries.
Remote Work Revolution: Companies are increasingly comfortable with remote collaborations, opening doors for writers worldwide.
AI Assistance: While AI tools are on the rise, they’ve actually increased the demand for human writers who can add that critical personal touch.
Diverse Opportunities: From technical writing to creative storytelling, the variety of writing niches continues to expand.
Global Reach: Online platforms (and thank goodness for LinkedIn) have made it easier than ever to connect with clients from around the world.

How to Become a Freelance Writer: Step-by-Step Process

Now, let’s set expectations from the get-go: you’re not going to become an overnight successful freelance writer.

It doesn’t work like that.

Becoming a freelance writer is a process, and the process takes time. If you’re not willing to be patient and suffer some setbacks, this might not be the right fit for you.

I’ve been freelancing for close to a decade now, but it took me years (yes, years — not months) to see real success.

Still, I’ve learned a thing or two, and hopefully this roadmap will accelerate your journey to becoming a freelance writer and help you avoid some of the stumbling blocks that tripped me up.

Remember, we all started somewhere — and there’s a very good chance you’re starting in a better position than I did.

1. Evaluate Your Skills (and Interests)

Take time to reflect on your writing skills.

Are you a whiz at crafting compelling narratives? Do you excel at breaking down complex topics into digestible content? Perhaps you have a knack for persuasive copywriting.

Recognizing your strengths will help you focus on the right opportunities.

While versatility is valuable, specializing can set you apart in the competitive freelance market. Consider these factors when selecting your niche:

Expertise: What subjects do you know inside and out?
Passion: Which topics excite you and keep you engaged?
Market Demand: Where are the lucrative opportunities in the current writing landscape?
Experience: Do you have professional or personal experience that gives you unique insights?

You don’t have to be married to any of this forever. Your niche can evolve as you grow in your career. Start with areas where you feel confident, but don’t be afraid to expand your horizons as you gain experience.

2. Build Your Foundation

Becoming a freelance writer includes more than just a knack for words. Here’s your starter kit:

Reliable Computer: Your primary workstation — invest in one that won’t let you down.
High-Speed Internet: Essential for research, communication, and meeting deadlines.
Writing Software: Google Docs usually does the trick — that’s what I’m using as I write this.
Grammar And Style Checkers: Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can help polish your prose. I prefer Grammarly.
Time Management Tools: Try Trello or Asana to keep your projects on track. Asana is my go-to.

Now that your digital space is ready, it’s time to prepare your physical space. Consider these factors:

Dedicated Space: Carve out a corner that’s just for work — it helps shift your mindset.
Ergonomics Matter: Invest in a comfortable chair and proper desk setup to avoid strain.
Lighting: Good lighting reduces eye fatigue and boosts mood.
Minimize Distractions: Choose a quiet spot or use noise-canceling headphones if needed.

Start with the essentials and upgrade as you grow. The key is creating a space that helps you focus and inspires your best work.

When you feel like a boss, you write like a boss — and that’s pretty important if you want to become a freelance writer.

3. Develop Your Writing Skills

As a freelance writer, you’ll (naturally) need to become a good writer.

Shocker, right?

However, there are so many different types of writing, and you don’t need to be good at all of them. The best poet might make for the worst freelance writer, and you could imagine the opposite would be true, too.

Familiarize yourself with these common types of writing:

Blog Posts: Engaging, informative content for websites
Articles: In-depth pieces for magazines or online publications
Copywriting: Persuasive writing for ads, websites, and marketing materials
Technical Writing: Clear explanations of complex topics or processes
Content Marketing: Creating valuable content to attract and retain customers
SEO Writing: Crafting content optimized for search engines

You might ultimately develop skills in all these forms of writing, but try to pick one and develop it to an expert (or mastery) level when you’re starting.

You can take online writing courses (here’s mine), attend workshops, or join writing communities, but nothing beats practice, practice, practice.

If you want to become a better freelance writer, you’ll need to write (a lot). Write every single day!

Great writers are also great readers. Immerse yourself in the type of content you want to create. Analyze what makes certain pieces effective and learn from the best in your chosen niche.

4. Create Your Online Presence

Now that you can write (granted, that’s an ongoing process), it’s time to show potential clients that you can write. And to do that, you’ll need an online presence.

First, build your own website. Right now, you’re on mine — if you like it, you might hire me as your freelance writer (or not, that’s up to you). Regardless, it’s my opportunity to show you what I can do.

Next, leverage social media platforms. Really, the only one I use is LinkedIn, but you might find success on other platforms, too. Use these social tools to network with potential clients and apply for gigs.

Remember, quality trumps quantity. It’s better to maintain a strong presence on one or two platforms than to spread yourself thin across many. Choose the platforms where your target clients are most active.

5. Build Your Portfolio

The website and the social media platforms are merely tools to get clients to see your real work: the portfolio. Your portfolio is your professional showcase. Here’s how to make it shine:

Quality Over Quantity: Select 5-10 pieces that represent your best work.
Variety Matters: Include samples from different niches or writing styles you’re proficient in.
Relevance Is Key: Tailor your portfolio to the type of work you’re seeking.
Update Regularly: Keep your portfolio fresh with your latest and greatest pieces.

Now, your portfolio can be a bit of a chicken and egg situation. Clients want to see a healthy, good-looking portfolio before they hire you, but you need to win clients before you can build your portfolio.

If that’s your problem, consider these opportunities:

Guest Posting: Reach out to blogs in your niche and offer to write for free.
Personal Blog: Start your own blog to showcase your writing style and interests.
Volunteer: Offer your services to non-profits or local businesses.
Spec Pieces: Write sample articles or copy for imaginary clients or products.
Rewrite Existing Content: Take a published piece and rewrite it in your own style (just don’t pass it off as published work).

For me, I started my own website way back in the day: Fallout Fitness (don’t bother searching for it — I sold it and they changed the domain). It was a great place for me to practice writing and build a portfolio to win over my early day clients.

Pro Tip: For each piece in your portfolio, include a brief description of the project, your role, and the results (if available). This context helps potential clients understand the value you can bring to their projects.

6. Find Your First Client(s)

Brace yourself — this is the hardest part. I always liken becoming a freelance writer to pushing a snowball uphill. Gosh, it’s hard and painful in the beginning, but when you crest that summit, it picks up momentum fast as it hurdles down the other side.

Begin by tapping into your existing network. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your new freelance writing career, and reach out to friends, colleagues, past employers, and even family members. You’d be surprised how often these connections can lead to your first writing gig or a valuable referral.

Sometimes, a simple conversation can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Remember, people generally want to help — give them the opportunity by clearly explaining what you do and the kind of work you’re seeking.

Seriously, you’ve heard it a million times but it deserves repeating — it’s not about what you know; it’s about who you know.

If your network doesn’t immediately yield results, it’s time to cast a wider net. Sites like LinkedIn Jobs and Indeed often list freelance writing opportunities. While the competition can be fierce, these job boards offer a more direct line to potential long-term clients than freelance platforms.

If you’re still struggling to land your first gig, freelance platforms like Upwork or Freelancer.com can be a starting point. I consider these content mills a last resort. While these platforms often offer lower-paying jobs and high competition, they can help you get your foot in the door.

View these platforms as a temporary stepping stone. Use them to build a portfolio of published work and gain some initial experience. Even if the pay isn’t ideal, having your name on published pieces can provide leverage when applying for better opportunities in the future.

7. Set Your Rates

You’re not becoming a freelance writer just for fun (probably). Let’s be honest — a lot of it is about the money. Without the money, it’s not possible to make this a career. And for me, it wouldn’t be worth it.

Sorry, clients. But you understand.

Before you can set your own rates, you need to understand what the market typically pays for your type of work. Look at job postings, ask fellow freelancers, and consult industry reports. Remember, rates can vary widely based on factors like niche, experience level, and client type.

Don’t just focus on the average — look at the range. You’ll find some writers charging pennies per word and others commanding premium rates. Your goal is to position yourself realistically within this spectrum.

I charge $0.35 to $0.65 per word depending on the niche, difficulty, and technicality of the content. However, if you’re just starting out, you likely won’t be able to demand those rates (yet). And that’s okay — you have to start somewhere.

As a newcomer, you might be tempted to undercut the competition to win jobs. While this can help you get your foot in the door, it’s not a sustainable long-term strategy. Instead, consider these approaches:

Value-Based Pricing: Focus on the value you provide to clients, not just the time you spend. If your writing will significantly impact a client’s business, your rates should reflect that.
Per-Word vs. Per-Project: Decide whether you’ll charge by the word or by the project. Per-word can work well for straightforward content, while per-project often makes sense for more complex assignments.
Tiered Pricing: Offer different rates for different types of work. For example, you might charge more for technical writing than for blog posts.
Starting Point: While it varies by niche, many beginning freelance writers find success starting around $0.05-$0.10 per word for general content. As you gain experience and expertise, you can steadily increase your rates.

8. Manage Your Freelance Business

Time is money. The more efficient you run your business, the more money you’ll make — it’s as simple as that.

I was still turning in a 6-figure salary back when my clients only paid $0.25 per word, and that’s because I ran a streamlined business. I had a healthy pipeline of clients, and I mastered their voice and writing style to churn out content faster than a hungry sourdough bread starter.

Without a boss looking over your shoulder, you’re responsible for meeting deadlines and balancing multiple projects. Here are some strategies to keep you on track:

Time Blocking: Dedicate specific hours to different tasks. For example, mornings for writing, afternoons for client communication and research.
Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused 25-minute bursts, followed by short breaks. This helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.
Project Management Tools: Use apps to organize tasks and deadlines. These visual tools can help you stay on top of multiple projects.
Set Boundaries: Establish work hours and stick to them. It’s easy to overwork when your office is at home.

Unfortunately (for me at least), running a freelance business involves more than just writing.

9. Scale Your Freelance Writer Career

Once you’ve established yourself, it’s time to think about growth.

How can you get more done faster? How can you make more money in less time?

Here’s how to expand your client roster:

Referrals: Happy clients are your best marketers. Don’t be shy about asking for referrals or testimonials.
Content Marketing: Practice what you preach. Use your writing skills to create blog posts, articles, or social media content that showcases your expertise and attracts potential clients.
Networking: Attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage in online communities. Building relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Diversify Your Services: Consider offering related services like editing, content strategy, or social media management to become a one-stop shop for your clients.

As your skills and reputation grow, so should your rates. Here’s how to approach rate increases:

Gradual Increases: Raise your rates incrementally. A 10-15% increase annually is often reasonable and helps clients adjust.
New Clients, New Rates: Start by charging higher rates to new clients. This allows you to gradually phase out lower-paying work.
Communicate Value: When raising rates with existing clients, focus on the value you provide. Highlight your track record of success and any new skills or certifications you’ve acquired.
Be Prepared to Negotiate: Some clients may push back. Be ready to justify your new rates or find a middle ground that works for both parties.

Scaling your freelance writing career is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, persistent, and always focused on delivering value to your clients. With time and effort, you can become a freelance writer — anyone can do it.

Ready to Launch Your Freelance Writing Career?

Knowing how to become a freelance writer is one thing — doing it is another.

Following the steps outlined in this guide, will help you on your way to building a successful freelance writing career.

But why stop here? If you’re ready to fast-track your success and avoid common pitfalls, I’ve got something special for you.

Introducing: The Ultimate Freelance Writing Bootcamp: From Zero to Hero

This comprehensive course distills my years of experience as a six-figure freelance writer into an actionable, step-by-step program. Here’s what you’ll get:

In-depth modules covering everything from niche selection to advanced client acquisition strategies
Real-world case studies and examples from my own freelance writing career
Templates for pitches, contracts, and client communication that you can use right away

Don’t spend years figuring it out on your own. Join The Ultimate Freelance Writing Bootcamp and transform your writing passion into a thriving freelance career.

Remember, every successful freelance writer started exactly where you are now. The only difference? They took action. Will you?

Share the Post: