How to Find Freelance Writing Jobs Online
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If you’ve recently started freelance writing, the to-do list for your business is probably a mile long. After polishing your portfolio and setting up a website, your next step is to build a client base. But where do you start? If you’re feeling overwhelmed with options, stop! We’ve put together a list of the best ways to find freelance writing jobs online:
- Sign up for freelance marketplaces.
- Check out job boards.
- Register with a staffing agency.
- Cold pitch to businesses.
- Join a writing group or society.
- Develop your online presence.
1. Sign Up for Freelance Marketplaces
Freelance marketplaces, such as Fiverr and Upwork, can be great ways to connect with clients, especially if you’re new to the freelance game. They allow you to create a profile and list your services, and then clients can contact you, or you can bid on available projects. One benefit of these marketplaces is that they often take care of the administrative side for you, providing services such as invoicing clients. However, some freelancers find the competition steep and the rates low, so it’s worth researching specific sites and reading reviews before signing up.
2. Check Out Job Boards
Similar to the classifieds in a newspaper, a traditional freelance job board is a website where clients post available jobs and hire freelancers. While a job board may initially sound just like a freelance marketplace, the two have some key differences.
On a job board, you don’t need to create a profile to advertise yourself or bid against other freelancers for projects. Using your resume and a portfolio link, you simply apply directly to individual postings. Doing this can be a great way to find long-term work and build connections with businesses, but standards tend to be high for clients who post ads on job boards, so you’ll need strong writing samples and a solid proposal. Two popular freelance writing job boards with lots of available work are FlexJobs and ProBlogger.
3. Register with a Staffing Agency
Signing up for a staffing agency is another option for finding writing jobs. Recruiters at staffing agencies typically match writers with companies looking to hire freelancers or employees. If the agency thinks you may be a match for one of their clients, they’ll pitch your resume to them on your behalf.
Since companies hire agencies to find candidates for them, they’re much more likely to consider your resume if it comes directly from a recruiter. If you’re interested in this method of finding work, try casting a wider net by signing up with multiple staffing agencies at once.
4. Cold Pitch to Businesses
Cold pitching is sending out targeted emails to businesses you’re interested in working with. While this method can be intimidating (since you’re essentially reaching out to strangers), it can be effective for new freelancers. By reaching out to businesses that haven’t posted advertisements, you’re drastically cutting down on your competition, and some companies may appreciate your initiative.
While it’s fine to use a general template for cold pitches, make sure to personalize your introduction email as much as possible. Mention specific ways you can benefit their business, such as by implementing SEO strategies to reach more potential customers.
Another cold pitch tactic is to find a business that has a blog on their website and offer to write a guest post for it – something that would immediately provide value to the company.
5. Join a Writing Group or Society
Writing societies, such as the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors, can be a great resource for professional development and networking. While freelancing has a lot of benefits, it can be isolating at times, so writing groups and societies can help you build a community of other writers. They also provide training opportunities and advice from seasoned professionals.
If you’re interested in specializing in a specific subject, such as finance or medical writing, you can join a society targeted to your niche. Most groups also help their members find work by sending out newsletters containing job prospects or by posting on their internal job boards.
6. Develop Your Online Presence
These days, many clients use social media sites, such as LinkedIn, to post jobs and connect with freelance writers. Make sure you keep your profile updated so you can respond to job postings or message potential clients. You can also use the Open to Work feature to let recruiters know to contact you about freelance writing jobs. In addition to using social media, consider creating your own website to promote your services. You don’t need to be a tech whiz to design a website – lots of website builders and customizable templates are available.
Becoming a Freelance Writer
Are you interested in freelancing and pursuing a flexible and rewarding career? Our freelance writing course will teach you everything you need to know about launching your business. Sign up here!
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