Hey everyone! Today I have a post from an excellent fellow blogger. Many of you have asked about staff writing, so this article is perfect for anyone considering that career path. Enjoy!
One of the questions I get asked most often is, “How do you get hired as a staff writer for blogs?” I’m happy to share practical strategies I use to find job openings and to actually get hired. My path wasn’t an instant success story; it developed gradually as I gained experience, improved my craft, and grew my reputation in my niche.
My first staff writing position, two years ago, paid just $10 a post. I wrote on a wide range of topics from saving money to beauty tips — yes, even an in-depth piece on how to correctly pop a pimple. Though that topic makes me cringe now, the role provided invaluable experience. Over time I became the site’s beauty editor, and by the time I left for a higher-paying opportunity, they had published more than 115 posts I wrote.
Build a Portfolio
This story highlights how crucial it is to build a portfolio. A blog is one of the best ways to showcase your writing. If you don’t have a blog yet, there are many guides available that walk you through starting one. Publish high-quality content on your site and include links to those posts whenever you apply for staff writing jobs. The more sites you write for, the broader your portfolio becomes, demonstrating versatility and reliability to potential employers.
When applying, send direct links to published work so editors can assess your voice, tone, and consistency. If you’re new to freelancing, create a few strong posts on relevant subjects in your niche that highlight your ability to research, structure ideas, and meet readers’ needs. Even small-scale work can prove your professionalism and readiness to handle regular assignments.
Search Far and Wide
I find many staff writing jobs on boards like ProBlogger’s job listings, but I also look for opportunities in less obvious places. Check bloggers’ “Hire Me” pages: those pages often reveal where a writer contributes and which sites pay contributors. Larger sites with “Contributors” pages can also indicate regular hiring; if you see multiple contributors listed, it can be appropriate to reach out via email to inquire about openings.
Not every website posts job openings publicly. Some editors recruit by noticing consistent commenters, guest posters who stand out, or writers who publish on other sites. So, be visible: comment thoughtfully on articles, share your work where appropriate, and cultivate a presence that editors can notice. You can use general marketplaces like Upwork (formerly Odesk), Freelancer, and Craigslist, but those platforms are highly competitive and often drive down rates. Targeted, strategic outreach often yields better results.
Treat It Like a Real Job Interview
Too many applicants treat staff writing like casual, side work and submit informal, unfocused queries. Instead, approach applications professionally: write a concise, polished pitch that explains who you are, how long you’ve been writing, the topics you cover, and your availability. Include links to your best work so editors can quickly evaluate your fit. Presenting yourself as reliable and organized signals you’ll meet deadlines and deliver quality content.
Avoid sending vague messages like, “Hey, check out my blog — let me know if you want to hire me.” Instead, summarize relevant experience, offer a few post ideas tailored to the site, and indicate how often you can contribute. That saves editors time and demonstrates that you understand their needs.
One important caution: never give away original writing for free as part of an unsolicited “sample.” Legitimate sites that want a tailored piece will typically pay for it. Often, strong links to existing published articles are sufficient to prove your skills.
Starting an online writing career requires patience and steady effort. It isn’t a quick path to riches; success depends on consistent quality, professionalism, and persistence. Although I began by writing inexpensive posts, the work led to more opportunities and exposure. Recently I even had an article published on a major outlet, which was a thrilling milestone and a sign that the time invested can pay off.
If you have questions about any of these tips, feel free to leave a comment — I’ll be happy to respond and share more specifics from my experience.
Catherine Alford is a personal finance freelance writer currently based in the Caribbean. When she isn’t writing about frugal living and smart money habits for other sites, she shares lifestyle and finance tips on her blog, BudgetBlonde.com.