writing jobs online

Here are 5 Ways to Find Writing Jobs Online

Don

• 5 min read
Here are 5 Ways to Find Writing Jobs Online

Outline

What Is Freelance Writing?

Popular Online Platforms for Writing Jobs

How to Position Yourself Better to Find Writing Jobs Online

Create an Impressive Portfolio:

Enhance Your Writing Skills:

Tailor Your Proposals:

Network and Follow-Up:

Consistently Deliver Quality Work:

Summary

If you're eager to launch your freelance writing career, there are plenty of online avenues to explore where you can find writing gigs. No matter if you're just starting or you’ve got some experience, these platforms can help you showcase your talents and earn money. 

Here’s a breakdown of five effective ways to find writing jobs online:

Freelance Writing Websites: These sites are like bustling marketplaces where businesses and startups come to find writing talent. They connect you with clients looking for writing services and offer job boards full of opportunities platforms simplify the job search process and help you build a strong portfolio. 

You can quickly find various gigs, gather referrals, and get recommendations from happy clients. Here's a list of freelance writing websites [publish an article detailing top freelance writing websites] you can check out.

Cold Pitching: Cold pitching means reaching out directly to potential clients or companies through email or social media. Craft a persuasive pitch that showcases your skills and explains how you can meet their content needs. 

While it takes initiative, successful cold pitching can lead to rewarding long-term opportunities. Tip: Research the company or person you're pitching to so you can tailor your message specifically to their needs.

Job Boards and Listings: Regularly browse job boards and listings that focus on writing gigs. These platforms frequently update their opportunities, offering a variety of freelance jobs. Examples: Sites like Remote4Africa and Problogger list current writing opportunities.

Guest Posting: Guest posting involves writing articles for other websites or blogs. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and gain exposure.

Guest posts typically include a byline with a link to your own website or portfolio, helping you attract more clients. Tip: Target websites within your niche and pitch ideas that are relevant to their audience.

Utilize Your Website: If you have a personal website or blog, make sure to use it to highlight your writing skills. Create a portfolio section to showcase your best work. Potential clients can visit your site, review your samples, and contact you directly. 

Tip: Optimize your website for search engines (SEO)  to draw in more organic traffic.

With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to finding writing gigs and building a successful freelance career.

What Is Freelance Writing?

Freelance Writing  is all about getting paid to write without being tied to a company’s payroll. As a freelance writer, you enjoy the freedom to work with multiple clients at once, either as your boss or as a subcontractor for others.

Payment Structures:

Freelance writers have several options for how they get paid:

  • Per Word: You agree on a rate for each word you write. Starting rates are around $0.10 per word, and they can go up depending on your experience.
  • Per Hour: Some clients prefer to pay by the hour, though this isn’t the most common approach.
  • Per Project: This is often the most straightforward. You agree on a set fee for a complete project, no matter how long it takes or how many words are involved. It’s simple and efficient!

Day-to-Day Tasks:

As a freelance writer, you’ll juggle various responsibilities:

  • Content Creation: Crafting articles, blog posts, marketing copy, and more.
  • Client Acquisition: Finding new clients through networking and pitching your services.
  • Research: Digging up accurate information to back up your content.
  • Editing and Revisions: Fine-tuning your drafts to perfection.
  • Invoicing and Payments: Handling the financial side of things.

Benefits:

  • Flexibility: Set your own hours and choose projects that spark your interest.
  • Variety: Dive into different industries and topics.
  • Independence: Be the captain of your own career and steer it in the direction you want.

Freelance writing offers a dynamic and rewarding career path, full of opportunities for those who love to write and thrive on self-management.

If you’re on the hunt for writing gigs, here are some great online platforms to check out:

Upwork:

Upwork (formerly oDesk) is a go-to platform for a wide range of writing jobs. Whether you're interested in content creation, copywriting, or something else, you'll find plenty of opportunities here. 

It’s an excellent starting point for launching your freelance writing career and connecting with clients from various industries.

BloggingPro:

BloggingPro is a free job board that sorts writing gigs into categories like freelance, internship, contract, part-time, or temporary. It’s easy to navigate, so you can quickly find jobs that match your skills and interests.

Writers Work:

Writers Work pulls together writing gigs from different sources and displays them on one convenient dashboard. You’ll find opportunities in copywriting, ghostwriting, content writing, and journalism. It’s a handy tool for applying to the right gigs and keeping track of your applications.

These platforms can help you find the perfect writing job and get your freelance career off to a strong start.

How to Position Yourself Better to Find Writing Jobs Online

To effectively position yourself for freelance writing jobs online, follow these steps to make a lasting impression:

Create an Impressive Portfolio:

Your portfolio is your chance to shine. Fill it with top-notch writing samples that highlight your skills and range. 

Whether you're showcasing blog posts, articles, or copywriting, make sure your portfolio is a true reflection of your best work. Consider using platforms like Contently or your own blog to present your writing.

Enhance Your Writing Skills:

To attract high paying writing gigs, continually refine your skills:

  • Get comfortable with SEO to write content that grabs attention from both readers and search engines.
  • Focus on proofreading to ensure your work is polished and error-free.
  • Write efficiently, hit your deadlines, and have strategies in place to tackle writer’s block.
  • Craft engaging headlines and back up your points with solid examples.
  • Hone your communication skills to build strong client relationships.

Tailor Your Proposals:

Customize each proposal to fit the job you're applying for. Highlight your relevant experience and explain exactly how you can meet the client's needs. Make sure to showcase what makes you unique, whether it’s your niche expertise or a distinctive writing style.

Network and Follow Up:

Become an active member of writing communities, both online and in person. Connect with fellow writers, share leads, and build valuable relationships. After submitting your application, don’t be afraid to follow up with a friendly reminder—it can often make a difference.

Consistently Deliver Quality Work:

Your reputation is built on the quality of your work. Always strive to deliver outstanding content on time. Happy clients and positive reviews will pave the way for more opportunities and referrals.

By taking these steps, you'll not only stand out in the freelance writing world but also build a solid foundation for a successful career.

Summary 

To stand out in the freelance writing world, here’s how you can position yourself for success:

Build a Strong Portfolio:

Showcase your top work on platforms like Contently or your blog. Make sure it truly reflects your best writing and versatility.

Hone Your Skills:

Get comfortable with SEO, proofread thoroughly, and communicate clearly. Sharpen these skills to make your writing irresistible to clients.

Customize Proposals:

Tailor each proposal to fit the job. Highlight your relevant experience and show how you’re the perfect match for the client’s needs.

Network and Follow-Up:

Join writing communities and connect with others in the field. After applying for gigs, don’t hesitate to follow up with a polite reminder—it can make a big difference.

Deliver Quality Consistently:

Your reputation is everything. Always aim to deliver top-notch work on time to keep clients happy and coming back for more.

By focusing on these areas, you'll set yourself up for a thriving freelance writing career.