Many aspiring freelance writers turn out to be discouraged after making use of to a whole lot of jobs on job boards and receiving zero responses.
The issue isn’t essentially that you simply’re a foul author.
You’re simply not utilizing the suitable technique to land your first freelance job.
Even if you happen to use the most effective apply recommendation, like personalizing your pitch and sharing related writing samples, it’s nonetheless laborious to face out on a job board.
For those who really feel discouraged and desire a more practical technique to discover a freelance writing job, this submit will present you precisely tips on how to discover and land a high-paying freelance copywriting job in 2023.
Why You Ought to Skip On-line Job Boards For Your First Writing Job
Freelance writing job boards, like Upwork, ProBlogger, and even Certainly, are extremely crowded, with numerous writers vying for a similar alternatives.
For instance, this single job advert has over 400 candidates. There’s a superb probability that the hiring supervisor gained’t even see your software:
Talking from private expertise, most hiring managers choose the primary first rate applicant they obtain somewhat than sifting via a number of hundred functions.
Secondly, lots of the greatest freelance writing purchasers discover their writers via referrals and suggestions from their networks, so that they don’t actively publish job listings.
Listed below are a number of more practical strategies that make it easier to land higher freelance writing jobs in much less time (and a few may even flip into full-time jobs if you want!).
7 Finest Methods To Discover Entry-Stage Freelance Writing Jobs
As somebody who has been on each the hiring and making use of facet of the method, I’ve used quite a few strategies to land and fill freelance writing gigs. Listed below are essentially the most profitable strategies I like to recommend for touchdown extra high-paying freelance work.
1- Use LinkedIn To Discover New Writing Purchasers
Most very best purchasers are already on LinkedIn, however chilly pitching methods hardly ever work. I personally obtain a whole lot of LinkedIn pitches from completely different freelance writers, and I’ve by no means responded to certainly one of them.
Nonetheless, I’ve employed loads of freelance writers via LinkedIn.
The secret is to construct a LinkedIn following to appeal to potential purchasers. After getting a following, you’ll have a gradual movement of purchasers, and even when one consumer churns, you gained’t should spend hours cold-pitching purchasers.
As an alternative, you’ll nonetheless have a gradual movement of inbound leads, and your follower depend will really proceed to develop exponentially as you construct a presence. In distinction, if you happen to rely solely on cold-pitching purchasers, you’ll have to begin once more from floor zero when a consumer churns.
An ideal instance of a person who has constructed her freelance writing profession on LinkedIn is Romana Hoekstra. She frequently posts useful content material on LinkedIn and has constructed a loyal following of SaaS entrepreneurs.
So how do you get began? First, arrange your LinkedIn profile.
Set Up Your LinkedIn Profile
Do all of the fundamentals like importing a high-quality headshot photograph, an attention-grabbing banner picture, and a headline that clearly communicates that you simply’re a contract author for (your trade) like SaaS or ecommerce.
Under is a wonderful instance of an amazing profile image.
I additionally just like the banner picture of Elisa Silverman, who makes use of the logos of manufacturers she has written for prior to now.
Subsequent, concentrate on the 80/20 of what makes a profile actually glorious. Craft an attention-grabbing abstract in your LinkedIn Profile, often known as the “About” part.
Use this house to relate your distinctive story and the way your expertise positively impression the folks you collaborate with. Right here is a good instance of a LinkedIn profile abstract for inspiration:
Begin Constructing Connections
Subsequent, join with folks you understand personally, comparable to colleagues, associates, classmates, and former purchasers.
These connections can present a basis for increasing your community and make it easier to get new purchasers by sharing suggestions. LinkedIn endorsements act as social proof and will help your profile stand out from a pool of different writers in your trade. Constructive critiques in your LinkedIn profile can even increase your credibility as a contract author.
When reaching out with connection requests, take the time to personalize every message. Point out how you understand the particular person or clarify why you’d like to attach. A personalised message is extra prone to be well-received and accepted.
Be a part of Writing Teams
Be a part of LinkedIn teams targeted on writing, content material creation, running a blog, and freelancing. Examples embrace “Freelance Writers” or “Content material Writing Professionals.”
Actively have interaction in group discussions and supply helpful insights that would assist different content material entrepreneurs. Networking inside these teams can result in potential job alternatives, and hiring managers be aware of individuals who share nice insights and ask nice questions.
Some writing teams could have devoted sections for job postings or freelance gigs. Keep watch over these alternatives to seek out new writing tasks.
I’ve loads of associates who’ve employed new writers from these teams, so if you happen to share insightful content material, you may discover them extremely efficient.
Write the Excellent LinkedIn Outreach Message
Earlier, I discussed that cold-pitching purchasers don’t work.
Nonetheless, if you happen to’ve put within the work and constructed a powerful LinkedIn following, you’ll have a reasonably good shot at getting employed if the corporate you’re focusing on is on the lookout for a brand new freelance author. It’s because a following is basically social proof, so that you’ll instantly stand out to potential purchasers.
To get began, analysis and determine potential purchasers who suit your writing providers.
Then, take into consideration how one can present worth to them first.
I wish to ask for a quote from that particular person or present them that I linked to their firm in a special consumer’s article. Most individuals will reply to those messages since you’re providing them free press.
They love these messages!
After you present worth to them and open the dialog, it’s very straightforward to say that you simply’re on the lookout for extra freelance purchasers and ask in the event that they know of anybody on the lookout for freelance writing work.
Right here is an instance template that you should use to construct connections:
Message #1
Hello [Recipient’s Name],
I used to be writing a submit on AI advertising instruments and located [company name] within the course of. I added you to the record and linked to your weblog submit on X. I write plenty of content material on AI advertising and could be joyful to incorporate you in additional future posts, so let me know if you’d like me to alter how I place the product or add any extra data.
Finest,
[Your Name]
Message #2
Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll make these changes sooner or later! Additionally, I’m on the lookout for extra freelance writing work. In case you have any associates hiring, I’d love a connection! Thanks!
This pitch is more likely to obtain a optimistic response since you’ve already supplied super worth to them (free promotion and a hyperlink!) they usually’ve additionally seen your writing, so that they know you’ll be able to write nicely.
2. Supply Your Providers For Free
For those who begin with low-paying jobs on a platform like Upwork or Fiverr, you’ll in all probability be working with low-quality purchasers which might be tough to handle.
It could appear counterintuitive, however providing your providers without spending a dime to your very best purchasers is definitely the quickest technique to land a high-paying job.
Actually, that is how I obtained my begin as a contract author. I reached out to my very best consumer with a accomplished weblog submit related to their area of interest and instructed them I may proceed sending them content material prefer it without spending a dime in trade for a testimonial.
After a number of free items of content material, this consumer started paying me (very nicely!) and referred me to their associates.
Consequently, I had a handful of high-paying, low-maintenance purchasers in a really quick time period.
It additionally made it straightforward for me to win different dream purchasers via chilly pitching, as I may use the model title from my preliminary free job to realize on the spot credibility.
Right here’s a visible illustration of what it would appear like if you happen to begin with a free job versus a low paying job:
If I used to be beginning a contract writing enterprise in the present day, that is nonetheless the technique I’d use.
3. Method Digital Advertising Companies
Digital advertising companies want dependable freelance writers, and plenty of are keen to take an opportunity on trainable new writers. I’ve additionally discovered that working for an company can enhance your writing expertise as they typically present extra suggestions and processes.
Begin by researching digital advertising providers in your goal market or trade. Search for firms that align along with your writing area of interest or the kind of content material you excel at creating. As an example, if you happen to concentrate on SaaS or ecommerce, you’ll be able to method companies providing SaaS or ecommerce providers.
Go to company web sites in your space and familiarize your self with their vary of providers, present purchasers, and the sort of content material they create.
Then, create an optimized writing portfolio showcasing your greatest samples associated to the goal area of interest.
Kristen Bateman’s style writing portfolio is an inspiration to all beginner writers as to how your portfolio ought to appear like:
Subsequent, be sure to method the suitable particular person. In any other case, your message will in all probability be deleted.
You possibly can e mail the corporate director or the president in case you are approaching smaller companies. For bigger companies (10 plus folks) e mail the content material supervisor or the advertising director. You could find this data on their About web page, just like the one proven under:
Once you attain out to this particular person, make sure the pitch is related and personalised. Right here are some things to remember:
- Keep away from mass emails. As an alternative, ship personalised and tailor-made emails to every company you’re approaching.
- Keep away from submitting subpar or irrelevant writing samples, as it may possibly create a damaging impression. Select your greatest and most related work.
- Comply with up politely after an affordable interval to specific your continued curiosity in working collectively.
4. Be a part of Related Fb Teams
Fb teams are a superb technique to community and promote your writing providers as a freelancer.
Leverage Fb’s search bar by inputting related key phrases associated to your writing area of interest. Attempt phrases like “freelance writing,” “content material writers,” “bloggers,” or the particular industries you aspire to put in writing for. This may make it easier to uncover related teams, pages, or people inside your writing pursuits.
Among the finest ideas is to ask for suggestions on a few of your writing samples, because it isn’t a direct pitch however helps you get your work in entrance of your very best viewers. It additionally exhibits that you simply’re hungry to study and teachable.
5. Create Your Personal Web site To Generate Inbound Writing Leads
One of the best ways to enhance your writing expertise is to put in writing.
You’ll additionally discover that rising an viewers makes it a lot simpler to generate inbound freelance writing alternatives so that you simply by no means should chilly pitch for leads.
So think about creating your individual web site and frequently publish content material on numerous content material advertising and writing subjects.
There are a number of web site builders and CMS platforms out there that cater to customers with out coding data. Some fashionable choices embrace:
- WordPress.org: Affords a easy and intuitive interface with pre-designed templates and customization choices.
- Wix: Offers a drag-and-drop web site builder with ready-made templates for simple customization.
- Squarespace: Recognized for its visually interesting templates and user-friendly interface.
- Weebly: One other drag-and-drop web site builder that simplifies the web site creation course of.
After choosing a web site builder, join an account. Most web site builders supply area registration providers, so you should purchase your area via them immediately. Select a website title that displays your writing model or area of interest. Maintain it quick, memorable, and related to your writing providers.
Right here is an instance of a primary freelance writing web site, the place the author describes his background in writing together with a CTA permitting prospects to contact for writing assist.
It’s best to have the next pages in your web site:
- House Web page: That is the principle touchdown web page of your web site and serves as an introduction to your writing providers. It must be participating, concise, and convey what you supply as a contract author.
- About Me: This web page is devoted to introducing your self as a author. Share your background, experience, expertise, and keenness for writing. Make it private and spotlight what units you other than different freelance writers.
- Providers: The providers web page outlines the writing providers you supply. Clearly record the sorts of writing you concentrate on, comparable to weblog posts, articles, net content material, copywriting, technical writing, and so forth. Keep in mind that purchasers need to rent specialists somewhat than generalists, so decide simply two or three providers to supply.
- Portfolio: Showcase your writing samples in a devoted portfolio part. Embrace solely your greatest writing samples. Most individuals solely learn two or three samples earlier than hiring, so be certain that these two or three items they learn are your absolute best work. It’s additionally necessary to make sure samples are related to your very best purchasers.
- Testimonials: Show testimonials or critiques from glad purchasers. Constructive suggestions from earlier purchasers can construct belief and credibility with potential purchasers.
- Contact: This web page ought to present numerous methods for potential purchasers to get in contact with you. Embrace a contact kind, your e mail tackle, and any related social media profiles or different communication channels.
Alternatively, if you happen to really feel overwhelmed by the prospect of constructing a web site, think about making a publication on a platform like Beehiiv.
Now it’s time to begin creating content material.
Start by researching key phrases associated to “freelance writing” that your potential prospects may search when seeking to rent a author.
For instance, writing a weblog submit focusing on a subject like “hiring a B2B freelance author” may generate some leads as that’s a query many potential purchasers could search.
You may also use web optimization key phrase analysis instruments like SEMrush or Ahrefs to seek out these key phrases.
My favourite trick is to take a look at the highest web sites rating for freelance writing phrases, enter the URL into the search bar, after which have a look at the key phrases they’re focusing on. Then, create your individual distinctive weblog submit for that key phrase.
For instance, The Author Finder covers plenty of freelance writing subjects, so I put that URL into Ahrefs, and listed below are among the key phrases it’s focusing on that you possibly can additionally goal:
For instance, “enterprise weblog submit concepts” and “tips on how to outsource content material writing” may be good key phrases because the searchers are in all probability enterprise house owners needing a superb content material author.
When you’ve selected a key phrase, listed below are some web optimization tricks to comply with:
- Embrace goal key phrases naturally in web page titles of related pages.
- Guarantee titles precisely characterize the content material of every web page.
- Write compelling meta descriptions with focused key phrases.
- Use key phrases in headings and subheadings for higher web page construction.
- Incorporate key phrases naturally all through your content material.
- Keep away from key phrase stuffing to take care of optimistic search rankings.
- Maintain URLs easy, descriptive, and embrace goal key phrases if attainable.
6. Method Companies Trying For Writers Utilizing Google Search
Certainly one of my favourite hacks to seek out freelance writing jobs on-line is to enter the key phrase “on the lookout for writers” in Google and seek for firms involved in hiring freelance writers.
Ignore the listicles and informative articles and filter the record of firms which have posted precise job data on their web site.
As an example, once I searched with the key phrase “on the lookout for writers” [in double quotes], I came upon that Alternative of Video games LLC is actively on the lookout for writers:
I clicked on it to learn the job description and apply on-line.
Equally, you’ll find such direct writing alternatives utilizing a wide range of queries, like:
- “freelance writers wanted”
- “Want technical writers”
- “writers wished”
You may also search key phrases related to your area of interest like “on the lookout for SaaS writers” or “on the lookout for ecommerce writers”.
You may also automate the complete course of by setting Google Alerts. Go to Google Alerts, enter your key phrase, and click on “Create Alert.”
Then, filter alerts primarily based in your necessities. As an example, you’ll be able to change the settings to inform Google when to e mail the search outcomes to you – as soon as a day or week or because it occurs. You may also choose the area to get essentially the most related writing job alternatives delivered to your inbox every day.
Whereas I normally advocate towards making use of to job boards, this technique can work as I discover web sites normally don’t obtain as many functions as on-line job boards.
7. Write Visitor Posts To Construct a Sturdy Portfolio
Many hiring managers don’t even hassle posting jobs due to the overwhelming variety of functions. So most hiring managers merely rent the most effective writers who’ve written for his or her opponents.
For instance, if I’m a hiring supervisor at a advertising analytics SaaS firm, I would browse different respected martech firm blogs like Sprout Social or HubSpot and attain out to these writers.
To get in entrance of those hiring managers, supply to put in writing visitor posts for essentially the most respected firms in your trade. That is additionally a good way to bolster your freelance writing portfolio.
As well as, the businesses you write visitor posts for may supply to rent you in the event that they just like the work.
To seek out visitor posting alternatives, decide the particular subjects and industries you concentrate on or are obsessed with. This may make it easier to goal web sites and blogs related to your experience.
Use engines like google to seek out web sites that cowl subjects just like your writing area of interest. Discover blogs accepting visitor posts or have a “Write for Us” web page.
Under are some related Google search queries to seek out visitor posts:
- “write for us” + [Your Niche/Industry]
- “submit a visitor submit” + [Your Niche/Industry]
- “turn out to be a contributor” + [Your Niche/Industry]
- Inurl: “write-for-us” key phrase
- Inurl: “guest-post” key phrase
You may also attain out to your dream firms immediately, even when they don’t publicly supply visitor posting alternatives.
Then, attain out to the content material supervisor immediately with a personalised visitor submit pitch that matches their very best target market.
Start Your Dream Freelance Writing Journey
Discovering freelance writing jobs will be difficult, particularly for freshmen.
Whereas the trail to touchdown your first freelance writing job is comparatively easy (simply comply with the steps above!), that doesn’t imply it’s straightforward. In order for you extra steering and assist, think about becoming a member of the Copyblogger Academy.
You get direct entry to me (a author, advertising company proprietor, and content material creator) and a vibrant group of freelance writers providing assist, recommendation, and peer-to-peer accountability.
You’ll additionally discover numerous self-paced programs to enhance your writing expertise, and also you’ll have entry to unique interviews with among the greatest content material creators of the day, like Steph Smith, Justin Moore, and others.
You possibly can bounce into the academy in the present day risk-free to see if it’s the suitable match for you. For those who’re not 100% glad within the first 30 days, tell us, and we’ll provide you with a full refund.
Whether or not you simply desire a facet hustle to usher in a number of additional thousand {dollars} otherwise you need to construct a full-time freelance writing profession, your future self will thanks for the funding you make in the present day! See you contained in the Copyblogger Academy!
