Hey everyone! Today I’m sharing a guest post from a fellow blogger who recently quit her job to pursue freelance writing full-time. Enjoy!
Like many who make the leap, she found the transition both terrifying and exhilarating. A large portion of her self-employment income now comes from freelance writing, and she’s learned practical strategies that helped her grow from a beginner into a steadily working writer.
If you’re just getting started, know that progress takes time, but with the right steps you can build a sustainable freelance writing career. Below are three concrete actions to begin with, followed by encouragement to persist when things get tough.
#1 – Build a Portfolio
The most important thing you can do to land freelance writing work is demonstrate two things: 1) you can write competently, and 2) you can collaborate professionally. A strong portfolio proves both.
Guest posting is one of the fastest ways to build that portfolio. Publishing articles on other blogs gives you exposure, helps you establish credibility, and shows potential clients you can adapt your voice to fit different audiences.
Target blogs and websites in the niche you want to write for. After you publish guest posts, collect those samples in an online portfolio—there are several free platforms for showcasing writing—or display them on your own blog if you have one. With a portfolio ready, you’ll have a professional place to send potential clients when they ask for writing samples.
#2 – Start With What You Know
A common mistake for new freelance writers is applying to every kind of writing job they can find. Casting too wide a net often results in repeated rejections because many clients prefer niche specialists over generalists.
Focus on topics where you already have knowledge or experience. For example, the author began by concentrating on insurance-related work because she had been a personal lines insurance agent. Over time she expanded into personal finance writing via her blog. Today her clients are roughly 60% personal finance and 40% insurance-related.
Even if your preferred topic isn’t the most glamorous, writing about what you know is the fastest way to get initial assignments and build credibility in a niche. Once you’ve established yourself, you can branch out.
#3 – Find Jobs
With a portfolio and a niche in place, it’s time to find work. Two approaches have proven most effective: directly pitching blog owners and applying to job listings on freelance job boards.
When pitching, email the site owners you want to write for, introduce yourself, highlight relevant samples, and offer specific post ideas or a service proposal. For job boards, customize your applications—use a concise, targeted message that shows you read the job description and explains why you’re a good fit. Many writers use a reusable email template and tweak it for each opportunity to save time while keeping pitches personalized.
Neither method guarantees success. Expect many rejections; freelancing involves hearing “no” far more often than “yes.” Persistence and steady refinement of your approach are key.
Stick With It
Freelance writing is not an overnight success story. Even well-known writers started at the beginning and gradually built their businesses. It takes time to develop a reliable client base and a steady income stream. That makes freelance writing an ideal side hustle you can scale up into full-time work when you’re ready.
If you’re prepared to start, begin today by creating or curating samples, focusing on a niche you know, and actively pitching or applying to jobs. The most important step is to keep going—even small, consistent efforts add up.
What’s holding you back from starting freelance writing? Share your concerns and I’ll try to address them.
About the author: Alexa Mason is a blogger, personal finance freelance writer, and aspiring internet entrepreneur. She shares her experiences as a single mother building an online income at Single Moms Income.