Step-by-step Guide on How to Find Content Writing Work from Home

One of the demanded work-from-home skill and most popular jobs among freelancers and remote workers is content writing.  If you are reading this, it is obvious that you are interested in delving into a content writing career, or you already building a career but have no idea how to find a content writing gig. This article intends to guide you while breaking down the steps needed to find a remote content writing job. If you would love to go further, this e-book titled "How to become a freelance writer" should be your go-to.

What is content writing?

Content writing is the process of creating written material for online platforms such as websites, blogs, social media, and more. A content writer produces engaging, informative, and relevant content to attract and retain a specific audience.

As an interested person in content writing, it is important to know that content writers do not write alone. Most times, they often research topics, structure their writing for readability and SEO (search engine optimization), and aim to communicate messages effectively to their target audience.

What are the types of content writing?

There are different types of content writing, and picking a niche makes it easier for you to know where to apply pressure in your search and also how to design your portfolio. The most common types of content writing are blog posts, articles, website content, social media content, SEO content, eBooks, product descriptions, how-to guides and tutorials, email newsletters, and ad copy.

The demand for content writers

According to the US Bureau of Statistics, content writing is going to experience a lot of growth in the coming years. This is also backed up by Upwork, which lists copywriting as one of its most popular freelancing niches. These surveys have proven that there is a high demand for content writers. We created a detailed article on how to get remote freelance writing jobs.

How do I find content writing work from home?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to find content writing work from home:

1. Assess your skills and interests: evaluate your writing skills and interests; that will determine what type of content you will excel at writing. You could decide to specialize in blogs, articles, copywriting, product descriptions, technical writing, etc.
2. Identify Your Niche: Decide on the niche or industry you want to focus on. Specializing in a particular area can help you stand out to potential clients.
3. Build a professional portfolio: create a portfolio that showcases the best work that you have done. If you don’t have prior experience, you can write sample pieces that are relevant to the niche you are interested in.
4. Set Up Profiles on Freelance Platforms: sign up for freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. Complete your profile with relevant information and upload your portfolio. You can check other profiles on these platforms to be able to pick a competitive rate for your service.
5. Network: join online communities and forums related to content writing. Participate in discussions, offer advice, and connect with other writers. Networking can lead you to meeting potential clients or people that could link you up with job opportunities.
6. Cold Pitching: research businesses, websites, and blogs that may need content writing services. Craft personalized pitches showcasing how your skills can benefit them, and reach out via email or social media.
7. Utilize Job Boards: regularly check job boards such as ProBlogger, Indeed, and FlexJobs for content writing opportunities. While some of these platforms offer writing gigs, many of them are not available and attentive to freelance content writers in Africa. That is why Remote4Africa has a job board with job listings that offer remote writing opportunities to Africans.  You can set up alerts for relevant keywords to receive notifications for new listings.
8. Create a Professional Website: For an added air of professionalism, you can develop a professional website showcasing your services, portfolio, testimonials, and contact information. This can serve as an additional platform to attract clients.
9. Provide quality and exceptional service. Deliver high-quality work on time and communicate effectively with clients. Building a reputation for reliability and professionalism can lead to repeat business and referrals.
10. Seek Feedback and Improve: Solicit feedback from clients to identify areas for improvement. Use constructive criticism to enhance your skills and refine your approach to content writing. Positive feedback can also serve as testimonials to promote your business to potential clients.

There are major steps that can help you increase your chances of finding content writing work right from the comfort of your home. By following all of these steps, you will be able to build a sustaining and successful career in content writing. As you progress in the career, you would also be able to garner more experience that would make it easier for you to branch into the various types of content writing.