How to Start a Freelance Writing Career with No Experience

TL;DR

• Start Small and Build Confidence: No experience? No problem. Create writing samples, explore topics you enjoy, and showcase your skills with a simple portfolio.
• Find Clients and Set Rates: Pitch magazines and use platforms like LinkedIn and freelance marketplaces to land your first gigs. Charge fair rates that reflect your value.
• Learn and Evolve: Invest in skill-building and stay adaptable. Freelance writing is a journey, and every step you take strengthens your expertise.

Starting a freelance writing career or side gig can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re ready to earn money doing something you love, freelance writing is a good option (even for beginners!). It offers unlimited opportunities to grow, learn, and earn income as you develop your skills. Let’s break down exactly how to get started.

Start Where You Are—No Experience Needed

The biggest misconception about freelance writing is that you need years of experience to land your first gigs. That’s not true! Everyone starts somewhere, and clients care more about the quality of your writing than a long resume.

Action Tip: Start small. Write for your blog, contribute guest posts to websites, or create content samples in your niche of interest. These samples will serve as your portfolio.

Remember, every great writer was once a beginner. Your unique perspective is your superpower.

Pick a Niche (But Don’t Stress About It)

Choosing a niche helps you stand out, but it’s okay if you’re not sure where to focus right away. Experiment with topics you enjoy, such as travel, technology, parenting, or personal finance, to see what resonates with you.

Action Tip: List your hobbies, skills, or professional experiences. Use this as inspiration for potential writing niches. For example, you could write about customer service strategies or small business tips if you’ve worked in retail.

It’s okay to start without a niche and find your groove along the way. Explore as you learn!

Build Your Portfolio

Your writing portfolio is your ticket to landing clients. It showcases your skills and style, giving potential clients a reason to hire you. It’s also a central place where you can direct editors and potential clients to view your work at a glance. Use this quick freelance portfolio guide to get started!

Action Tips:

• Create 3-5 writing samples tailored to the clients or publications you want to attract.
• Use platforms like Clippings.me or create a simple website with tools like WordPress or Squarespace.

A great portfolio doesn’t have to be fancy—just clear and professional. Even unpublished work can wow clients.

Find Your First Clients and Assignments

Landing your first client is a big milestone, and there are many ways to do it. Freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr can be good starting points but don’t stop there. Pitch magazines and online publications. Reach out to small businesses and offer writing services. Connect with designers, web developers, and marketing agencies to find out if they need freelance writing help.

Action Tips:

• Join Facebook groups for freelance writers and look for job postings and writing requests.
• Pitch directly to small businesses or blogs in your niche.
• Use LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and share writing-related content.

Rejection is part of the process, so keep a positive outlook! Every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.”

Set Your Rates (Without Fear)

Setting your rates can feel intimidating, but don’t undervalue yourself. Research industry averages and charge a fair rate for your time and effort. (Here’s a beginner’s guide to setting rates!) Don’t be afraid to turn down work that doesn’t pay. At the same time, don’t price yourself so high that you can’t land work.

Action Tip: For beginners, it’s common to see rates of $0.05 to $0.10 per word or $20–$50 per hour, depending on the project. Adjust as you gain experience and confidence.

Remember, you’re providing value. Clients are investing in your expertise, not just your words.

Learn and Grow

Freelance writing is a journey, and there’s always more to learn. Focus on building your skills over time and understanding client needs. These ten books on copywriting can help you learn audience behavior and marketing tactics beyond the page.

Action Tip:

• Take free or low-cost courses on platforms like Coursera.
• Stay updated on trends that impact freelance writers, including digital marketing and SEO best practices.

Every article you write makes you a better writer. Trust the process and celebrate small wins!

Freelance Writing Resources to Help You Succeed

• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): A fantastic resource for improving writing skills.
• Freelancers Union: Offers tools, advice, and support for freelancers.
• And, of course, there are freelance writing courses here!

You’ve Got This!

Starting as a freelance writer might feel daunting, but the most important step is starting. Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s—that’s a good thing! Keep writing, keep learning, and trust in your ability to grow. The freelance writing world is big enough for everyone, including your unique perspective.

Want more advice on getting started? Download the free Freelance Writing Starter Kit (no email required!)