online writing business

How to Write a Professional Business Email

Writing effective business emails begin with good organization and a great opening. Just as you prepared in school to write a perfect essay, so you must prepare in the working world to write a business email. Sometimes the old school approach of beginning with a blank paper to write on is in order. This allows you to create a brief outline to best frame your message. Then flesh out the outline as you compose the email at your computer. By taking this simple preparation step, you’ll produce a much more professional write up. Read on for more tips to help you write great business emails.

Just as you target product design and marketing strategy for a particular audience, so you must design your email for that email’s “audience.” The person receiving the email might be your boss, a subordinate, peer, or it may be someone outside of your firm. All come from different backgrounds and have different priorities in mind as they read through their emails. One of the first places to start in capturing interest is to ensure your Subject is substantive enough to peek interest. But be careful that substance doesn’t end up being so long that the recipient can’t read it in their summary list. Because objective one is to have your email rise above the masses and receive an opening click. But don’t resort to trickery. That is sure to work against you in the end.

Begin with a salutation just as you would in a business letter. The formal “Dear James” or less formal “Good Morning James” salutation sets up the email with the desired tone. If emailing a peer with whom you are collaborating on a project, be more informal in the greeting. Even beginning with a “Great work on the Ellison project, James” would be appropriate. It would also be a good start for a congratulations email to a subordinate. But when emailing someone outside of your firm, keep a more professional tone.

One Purpose per Email

Each email should serve one master. If you share information on two widely different topics – say you are looking for feedback on a recent staff presentation, do not also ask for recruits for the company softball team. These topics require two separate emails.However, one topic can also have several related components. Then a bulleted list is in order. Your email body is not the place for a lot of detail. If a reference piece is necessary to provide information needed for decision making, attach a document.

Is Email the Right Medium for this Message?

When delivering bad news, a telephone call or in-person visit is always preferable, followed by written communication to document the action. Never email someone that their services are no longer required – whether it is an employee or an outside product provider. This is just poor form and does not reflect well on you or your firm.

Another topic to avoid in email is information that is particularly sensitive. Emails are easily forwarded. If you would not like to have this information shared in writing, don’t send it in a medium that allows sharing with a keystroke.

A similar caution is offered for long email strings where the sender has emailed a group and the group members are responding to all. Sometimes it’s better to jump out of the email string and write an individual message back to the sender.

Email Messages and Email for Business Development

Email is a valuable means of communication. You wonder how anyone waited for snail mail just a few short years ago. Use email to congratulate, thank, request information, provide information and also to solicit new business.

There are even online services that conduct massive, but highly targeted, email campaigns to generate new business for your firm. They will regularly send email on your behalf. Firms such as Constant Contact provide easy to use email templates and can even capture addresses through your online sites. A full-service contact management system, their email program allows for excellent customization of a message. And their emails are designed to produce. Constant Contact also believes in the “you get what you measure” mantra as they provide detailed reporting on activity and results.

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Writing a Business Plan

While it may be tempting to put off, creating a business plan is an essential part of starting your own business. Plans and proposals should be put in a clear format making it easy for potential investors to understand. Because every company has a different goal and product or service to offer, there are business plan templates readily available to help you get on the right track. Many of these templates can be adapted for any company. In general, a business plan writing guide will recommend that the following sections be incorporated into your plan.

The executive summary is the first section that business plans open with, but is often the last section to actually be written as it’s the most difficult to write. The executive summary is a summary of the overall plan that highlights the key points and gives the reader an idea of what lies ahead in the document. It should include areas such as the business opportunity, target market, marketing and sales strategy, competition, the summary of the financial plan, staff members and a summary of how the plan will be implemented. This section needs to be extremely clear, concise and engaging as you don’t want the reader to push your hard work aside.

Company Description

The company description follows the executive summary and should cover all the details about the company itself. For example, if you are writing a business plan for an internet café, you would want to include the name of the company, where the café would be located, who the main team members involved are and why, how large the company is, who the target market for the internet cafe is, what type of business structure the café is, such as LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, what the internet café business mission and vision statements are, and what the business’s short-term objectives are.

Services and Products

This is the exciting part of the plan where you get to explain what new and improved services or products you are offering. On top of describing the product or service itself, include in the plan what is currently in the market in this area, what problems there are in this area and how your product is the solution. For example, in a business plan for a food truck, perhaps there are numerous other food trucks in the area, but they are all fast –food style and unhealthy so, you want to introduce fast food that serves only organic and fresh ingredients every day. This is where you can also list your price points and future products or services you anticipate.

Market Analysis

The market analysis section will take time to write and research as a lot of effort and research need to go into it. Here is where you have the opportunity to describe what trends are showing up, what the growth rate in this sector looks like, what the current size of this industry is and who your target audience is. A cleaning business plan, for example, may include how this sector has been growing by 10% every year due to an increase in large businesses being built in the city.

Organization and Management

Marketing and sales are the part of the business plan where you explain how you will attract and retain clients. How are you reaching your target customers and what incentives do you offer that will keep them coming back? For a dry cleaner business plan, perhaps if they refer customers, they will get 10% off their next visit. In addition, you may want to explain what needs to be done in order for the business to be profitable. This is a great way of showing that you are conscious about what clear steps need to be taken to make a business successful.

Financial Projections & Appendix

The financial business plan section can be a tricky one to write as it is based on projections. Usually what is included is the short-term projection, which is a year broken down by month and should include start-up permits, equipment, and licenses that are required. This is followed by a three-year projection broken down by year and many often write a five-year projection, but this does not need to be included in the business plan.

The appendix is the last section and contains all the supporting documents and/or required material. This often includes resumes of those involved in the company, letters of reference, product pictures and credit histories. Keep in mind that your business plan is always in development and should be adjusted regularly as your business grows and changes.

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Your Guide to Writing a Business Plan

If you’re starting a new business, then you need an effective plan. Not only does this enable you to plan your company, but it also gives potential clients an insight into how your business works. A business plan is also vital if you want to attract investors or secure a loan from the bank. Drafting a business plan is a complex process, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide will ensure you create a definite plan to impress investors and clients. 

When creating your business plan, there are some essential elements you must include. The Executive Summary provides a description of your business, and what you hope to achieve. People usually write at least one page, but leave their Executive Summary until last.

You’ll also need to detail what your business offers and define your target audience. This makes it easier for people to see whether your company has a chance of succeeding. The opportunity section is also an excellent way for you to see what competitors offer and how you can create a USP to stand out from the competition. 

Appealing to Investors

Every business that wants growth and prosperity must ensure they promote themselves to potential investors. Business plans aren’t just about what the business is, but who is part of it too. Detail your current team members and explain what they bring to the company. Investors want to know they’re making a wise investment.

Your current finances and financial forecast are also essential aspects of your business plan. Look at your products, how much you’re selling them for and what kind of profit margin you expect to gain. It’s also vital you detail your outgoings and look at how various economic situations could affect your finances. 

Writing a Winning Executive Summary

There are problems in every market, and a successful business solves that problem. If you can show how you’ll be able to offer solutions in your business plan, you’ll appeal to investors. Choose your target audience based on research and ensure you show your research. There are many ways to conduct market research including defining SOMs, SAMs and TAMs. 

TAM stands for Total Available Market and comprises everyone you want your product to reach. Your Segmented Addressable Market (SAM) is a specific portion of the market you’ll target. This is important because it shows you’re able to direct your product at the right people and not just everyone. Your SOM (Share of the Market) is what you feel you’ll gain with your product.  

How to Determine Pricing

Pricing your product is one of the most challenging things you’ll have to do. There are many things to consider, such as how much it’s worth and making sure you don’t charge unrealistically. Many new businesses believe undercharging is the best way to go, but doing this can undermine your company’s authority and cause fewer people to be interested in investing.

Market-based pricing involves looking at your competitors and evaluating their prices. Which company has the most customers? How does their pricing match others? These are all vital aspects you should consider. Remember, customers expect quality and a fair price, so make sure you combine the two. 

Future Goals

Investors and banks want to know that you’ve considered what the future will hold for your company. When you write your business plan, be sure to take into account how you see the company growing, what you’ll do to ensure it thrives and that you understand the potential risks. Banks and investors want to know that you can build a business and are aware of the obstacles you’ll have to overcome.

Starting your own business doesn’t have to be difficult. If you ensure you produce a robust business plan, it can be an exciting process. Your business is part of your future, so start by outlining your goals and look forward to seeing results. 

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How I Built a $5,000/mo Freelance Writing Business in 4 Months (Month-by-month Breakdown!)

Just over a year ago, I was sitting at a job I hated, wondering how I’d ever escape.

I was stressed out, overworked, underpaid, and constantly dealing with office politics.

(I even developed a  stress-induced eye twitch  from my work situation… Not. Cute.)

Then, I unexpectedly got fired. The same day my husband’s contract ended at the SAME workplace.

Aaaaand this happened about a week after I found out I had skin cancer on my leg.

The rotten cherry on top of a smelly sundae, right?

…It could have been.

But instead, I chose to use this difficult time as an opportunity to do what I had ALWAYS wanted to do:

Become self-employed as a freelance writer.

Within 4 months after getting fired, I had my first $5,000 month – all from freelance writing clients. 

This free class will teach you the EXACT process I used. Click and open it in a new tab so you can take it after you’re done reading this blog post! 🙂

…Even though I was:

 Broke, clueless about freelancing, and had NO college degree (still don’t!).

(And this blog post will teach you what I did to grow my business so quickly and get clients each of the 4 months.)

Today, I’m running my freelance writing business from my apartment.

• Make my own work schedule
• Pick my own clients
• ONLY take on projects I enjoy.

…Running my own business has enabled me to take mental health days when needed (as someone who has struggled with anxiety for many years, thats a BIG plus!), travel to awesome places, and have control over my career and financial situation.

Big improvement, right?

Now, you might think that this is the process that will actually happen if you try to build a profitable freelance writing business:

1. Chug coffee and swear you’ll launch your business.

2. Binge-watch Netflix instead.

3. Enter fetal position.

4. Wipe tears with English degree.

But I built a $5,000/mo freelance writing business in 4 months without doing any of those things.

(Minus the occasional Netflix binge… I’M ONLY HUMAN, OKAY??)

Today, I’m going to walk you through what I did each of those four months so you can launch your own profitable freelance writing business — no fetal position required.

First, there are a few things you should know about my leap into freelance writing.

1.      i started freelancing because i got fired from my full-time job..

I got fired in April 2015 and started getting into freelancing right away. My husband’s contract at his job had just ended too (bad timing, right?), so I knew I had to hustle and make things happen if we were going to pay the bills.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I always knew I’d become a full-time freelancer eventually, and I had even snagged a few freelance writing clients while still working at my full-time job.

But I definitely didn’t have a freelance writing business plan or know what I was doing.

I was forced to jump into freelance writing, which sounds stressful, but it actually made me more motivated.

Another thing to note:

If you’re thinking, “Wow, must’ve been easy for you to get started with copywriting experience!”

…No. The place I worked at was a content mill masquerading as an “agency.” *barf*

So definitely don’t think that you need writing job experience to become a full-time freelance writer!

I literally learned NOTHING about copywriting from my full-time job.  The copywriting skills I learned before I started freelance writing was 100% stuff I taught myself.

2.      I never took a course to learn how to become a freelance writer.

That’s right – I learned everything I know by devouring books about freelance writing, reading countless blog posts, and just trying different strategies until I figured out what worked.

Loooooots of trial and error, my friend.

The whole reason I’m writing this blog post is to help eliminate some of the trial and error for  you  so you can succeed faster and have a solid, step-by-step plan for landing clients!

3.      I started out with no degree, no connections, and no clue how to build a freelance writing business.

I had only worked as a writer for about one year when I started out — I certainly didn’t feel ready to go full-time.

And I didn’t have a degree.

In fact, I’m a 3-time college dropout.

We all have to start somewhere, right?

My point is this:

You don’t need a degree or experience to start freelancing and make a full-time income. You just have to be willing to learn how to market yourself, implement what you learn, and invest time/money into your business.

Now, before we get started, a quick announcement:

I have a totally FREE class that’ll walk you through the 3 steps YOU can take to make your first $1,000 writing in 45 days or less :

It’s FULL of actionable advice, and over 7,000 writers have gone through it, with MANY letting me know the class helped them land actual paid writing clients work.

So don’t miss out – click here and sign up for instant access to the class so you can take it after you’re done reading here ! 🙂

How I Built a $5K/Mo Freelance Writing Business (Month-by-month Breakdown!)

One of the first and most important things I did was set a crazy goal.

I gave myself 4 months (well… technically 4 1/2 since it was mid-April to the end of August) to make $5,000 per month from freelance writing work.

And guess what?

That’s exactly what happened.

If I hadn’t set that goal, I wouldn’t have pushed myself nearly as hard.

So, don’t underestimate the effectiveness of setting an income goal for yourself!

Research shows that documenting your goals will make you WAY more likely to achieve them.

Make sure your goal realistic… but a bit crazy too. You want to push yourself!

I recommend setting an income goal with a clear timeline.

You can also put your “why” at the end, like this:

“I will make $3,000/mo freelance writing within 5 months so I can travel full-time.”

Got your goal written down?

Now, let’s talk about what happened in the first months of my freelance writing business, and I’ll tell you exactly what I did to quickly build it up to $5K/mo.

(I’m not sharing this to brag, by the way! I just want to show you that it’s possible to quickly make good money from freelance writing quickly – WITHOUT content mills and bidding sites like Upwork.)

I got fired around the middle of April – just a few days after I found out I had a Stage 1 Melanoma on my leg.

I’m super fortunate that it wasn’t worse, but still…

I was an anxious mess. My health and financial situation had suddenly become 2 major concerns.

I mostly kept my mind occupied by throwing myself into creating my freelance writing business . I kept my $5,000/mo income goal in mind and told myself I was going to do whatever it took to meet my goal and turn freelance writing into a career.

Even if it meant I had to work at a minimum wage job during the day and stay up all night building my business.

(No, that never happened, but I truly  would have done it because I wanted to become a freelance writer so badly!).

As far as what I actually did to build my business, I spent most of April (after getting fired) building and working on my freelance writer website and soaking up as much knowledge as I could on how to market myself.

I also picked a narrow, high-paying niche:

Writing copy for IT service providers and technology companies.

I’ve said it a million times on this blog already, but I’ll say it again because it’s just that  important:

Picking a high-paying niche is one of the most important things I did – if not THE most important thing I did – to grow my freelance writing income fast.

No doubt about it.

Related: Learn how to pick a profitable niche, and discover the proven, step-by-step process for making your first $1,000 freelance writing (even with NO EXPERIENCE) in my FREE class (taken by over 7,000 writers like you!) .

This was a big month for me. I had the melanoma removed from my leg, and the margins came back all clear (meaning it hadn’t spread!).

I was SO. RELIEVED.

I also landed 3 new freelance writing clients.

One of those clients came from the ProBlogger Job Board.

The other two clients were technology companies I found on LimeLeads, which is a huge database of leads that you can filter by industry. I gathered their contact information, cold emailed them, and they responded and hired me to write for them.

I was THRILLED about landing those clients.

I had heard great things about cold emailing, but to see it actually work?

It felt like a miracle!

Cold emailing was my #1 most successful method of getting high-paying clients at first.

I wasn’t making enough money to pay my bills and live comfortably yet, but I could see the path to becoming a full-time writer!

And I was discovering that it was possible to grow my freelance writing income fast without resorting to penny-per-word Upwork gigs or content mills!

I made $1,582 from freelance writing this month. And I could NOT believe it.

It may not sound like much, but it was a lot to me. Especially considering how little I knew about freelance writing when I started out.

I landed one of my biggest clients ever this month – an agency who hired me to write blog posts for their clients (I definitely suggest working with agencies this way — it’s often high-paying, consistent work!) .

I found them on the ProBlogger Job Board, and I still work with them today.

Another of my biggest clients found me on LinkedIn.

He said he liked my writing style and wanted me to write a paid test piece for him, so I did.

This connection happened because I had optimized my LinkedIn profile to make it easy for potential clients to find me and published a few posts to my profile using LinkedIn Publisher (an awesome way to show off writing samples!).

I also found some other clients using cold emailing.

I kid you not – I was a cold emailing machine.

It was becoming an everyday thing for me, and I was learning what worked and what didn’t with every rejection and response.

I made $3,100 this month — all from freelance writing work. More than I was making at my previous full-time job!

This happened mostly because the clients I had landed in June started giving me more frequent work.

But I also had another client find my LinkedIn profile and hire me to write blog posts for her clients (she worked at a marketing firm) – she ended up becoming one of my biggest clients for several months and was awesome to work with.

And no – I never pitched her or anything like that. She simply found my LinkedIn profile (because I had optimized it based on my niche) and reached out to me (because she liked my LinkedIn Publisher samples).

Another thing I started doing a lot this month was outsourcing my editing.

I realized that I was spending way too much time obsessing over whether or not my work was perfect, and hiring an editor was a HUGE time-saver.

I still hire an editor to look over my client work today!

Yes, hiring someone is an investment.

But here’s the thing:

As a BUSINESS OWNER, you WILL invest.

It’s up to you whether you invest time or money.

For example, if you don’t want to invest in an editor because of the money, then self-editing your work is going to cost you TIME.

…And that’s time you could spend working for higher-paying clients instead.

It’s so, SO important to think like a business owner when you start freelance writing.

Make smart investments (a website, an editor, a copywriting book, a course/coach, etc.) that will help you grow your business faster! I invested in my business BEFORE it was making money. You HAVE to invest if you want to see growth!

Think about the return on your investments and spend money on your business WAY before it feels comfortable.

August 2015

My income this month came out to a grand total of…

*drum roll*

That’s twice what I was making at my full-time job just four months earlier!

I landed 2 new clients this month.

One of them found my website and emailed me via my contact form, and the other was a client I found on the ProBlogger Job board.

At this point, I was charging about 13 cents per word and mostly writing blog posts for clients.

I was pretty overworked at this point, so I raised my rates soon after.

I don’t regret taking on tons of work though, because it helped me understand the importance/process of raising my rates and scored me some pretty sweet connections.

I also learned how to write more productively (you  have  to when you’ve got a ton of work due all the time!) and use apps like BaseCamp to plan my weeks/days better.

And that, my friend, is the story of how I reached my freelance writing income goal. 🙂

5 Important Takeaways from My Experience Starting a Freelance Writing Business

I’m not going to sit here and act like building a $5K/mo freelance writing business is easy peasy. It’s not.

But guess what?

It also wasn’t nearly as difficult as I thought it’d be.

Sure, I had some 12-hour days and 60-hour work weeks starting out (Probably for the first month or month and a half. I was building my site and just starting to market myself, which required tons of upfront time and effort.)

But once I was making the monthly income I wanted, I slowed down a bit and tried to keep regular business hours.

Because you don’t have to work 60-hour weeks forever to build a profitable freelance writing business – put in the bulk of the work at first (building a website and an online presence), and the success will follow.

Here are some other key things you should take away from this blog post to help you build your own profitable freelance writing business:

1. Set an income goal, and tell yourself that you’ll do what it takes to reach that goal.

Make it a bit more than you think you should. For example, if you’re thinking $3K/mo, challenge yourself to hit $4K/mo. And make sure you pick a month you want to reach your income goal by – that way, you’ve always got that timeline in the back of your head.

2. Pick a narrow niche at first. You can widen it later like I did.

I know how difficult it is to find clients when you’re a new freelance writer. That’s why I always recommend picking a narrow niche and marketing yourself as an expert in that niche at first.

The point of this is to make a client who sees your site/social profiles think:

Wow, this writer knows my industry and can give me exactly the content I need!

No one will think that if you market yourself as a general freelance writer or a freelance writer who specializes in “B2B and B2C content” (because that’s basically everything!).

3. Realize that you’re a business owner and ditch the employee mindset.

The “employee mindset” means that you view your clients as employers. You treat freelancing like “just another job.”

The problem with that?

An employee mindset won’t make clients respect you and view you as an expert. Instead, they’ll see you as another replaceable employee who can be bossed around and walked all over.

So, say it with me:

“I AM A BUSINESS OWNER.”

Because you are! And you have to act like it if you want to command respect and high rates.

That means no more writing your pitches and social media profiles like you’re a desperate job-seeker. Instead, approach everything you do as a confident business owner who has something amazing to offer.

4. Do all the heavy work when you first start your freelance writing business.

Seriously. Work HARD first month you get serious about freelance writing. Get obsessed with making it work, and it will .

Start by building a professional website that helps you get the leads you want ( more on that here!) .

Don’t know how to create a freelance writer website?

It’s easy to do it in a drag-and-drop interface Wix or Weebly (which is what I used at first) if you have no web design/development experience. You can always transition to a more robust site in WordPress or Squarespace later.

Once you’ve got your site, market yourself to your target audience like crazy.

Sounds obvious, but it really works if you pick the right niche.

5. JUST TAKE ACTION.

That’s the most important thing you can do.

Stop obsessing over perfection, and start writing some samples.

Stop being afraid of rejection, and start sending out cold emails.

…Every day.

Don’t give yourself the option to fail.

If I can do it, then you can too. 🙂

One final reminder:

I have a FREE class on how to make your first $1,000 writing in 45 days or less – even with NO experience !

No fluff – just crazy actionable advice.

Click here to join and get INSTANT access to the class, taken over by 7,000 writers – with LOTS of ’em getting actual client work from my strategies !

See you there! 🙂

Do you have any questions about how I built my freelance writing business? Ask away in the comments below!

Setting up a Freelance Writing Business

All you need to know about starting and running your business.

In this article

What is a Freelance Writing Business?

The freelance writing industry is thought to have an estimated value of £1.2 trillion globally. There are currently more than 2 million people working as freelancers in the UK, with writing being one of the most popular freelancing professions.

Freelance writing is the practice of writing for money while working on an individual basis, rather than for a specific company or organisation. You will be working as a contractor and may work as a one-off writer or on a short-term or long-term basis for a specific client or company. However, you will always be working as an individual entity.

Freelance writing allows you to undertake a diverse range of projects, on a variety of topics or industries for a number of different clients.

Freelance writers can choose to work in a variety of industries, including:

You may choose to focus on topics and industries that you have prior experience and knowledge of. Alternatively, you could opt to write about topics you find interesting. Some freelance writers write across a number of topics and industries.

There are different types of writing you can specialise in as a freelance writer. For example:

• Blog writing: A blog is an online journal or informational website that includes regularly updated content about a specific topic or topics. Blog writers usually write in a more informal, conversational style and will add updated content to the website regularly.
• Article writing: An article is an instructive, persuasive or explanatory original piece of non-fiction writing that is written for a wide audience. Articles are written for an online or physical (for example, newspapers, magazines and academic journals) publication.
• Book writing (including ghostwriting): Freelance writing can include writing fictional or non-fictional books for publication, either physical or as an e-book. If you work as a ghostwriter, you will write material without receiving credit as an author.
• Copywriting: A copywriter is a professional writer who writes text or copy that is used for marketing and promotional material. Copywriting is an essential element of advertising and marketing. It is designed to motivate people to take a specific action. It involves writing digital content for different areas of a website, such as landing pages, product pages and blog posts.
• Journalism: This is the activity of researching, assessing, creating and presenting news and information. You will likely provide single stories, contract work or regular pieces to a news organisation (either online or print).
• Business-to-business (B2B) writing: This involves creating articles, emails and white papers that businesses sell to other businesses. It often involves brand writing, informational writing and sales writing.
• Business-to-consumer (B2C) writing: This refers to any writing that you write specifically from a business to a consumer. This type of writing is often more informal than B2B writing.
• Technical writing: This involves writing technical (and often complex) communication that is used by professionals to share information about specialised topics. It might include providing instructions or explaining technical concepts.
• Video script writing: Video script writing is designed to create the narrative, foundation and message of your video. You may be asked to write the scenes, setting action and dialogue of the videos and any voice-overs.
• White paper writing: This involves writing a marketing and sales piece that a specific business will use to explore the subject matter, a problem or a solution related to its products or services. The business will use your paper as a marketing strategy to increase brand awareness and generate leads.
• Email marketing: Email marketing writers write actionable emails as a form of direct marketing to promote a business’s product or services. It is also used to promote customer loyalty. You may be asked to design, build and optimise email marketing.
• Instructional writing: You will provide specific instructions on how to do something, for example, assembling furniture, operating machinery or completing a craft. Cooking and baking recipes are also types of instructional writing.
• Social media content writing: This is the process of writing content for audiences on social media. You will most likely write content across multiple social media platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok). Your content will likely be used for advertisements.

You may choose to specialise in one specific type of writing or engage in two or more types of writing.

Starting up a writing business can be extremely lucrative, particularly because this type of business has low investment requirements, and you may already have a lot of the required equipment. You can choose to run your business independently and complete all writing, editing and administrative tasks yourself or hire employees or other freelancers.

There are several tasks and responsibilities associated with setting up and running a writing business, including:

• Searching for clients.
• Consulting with clients.
• Conducting research.
• Writing, creating, proofreading and editing content.
• Using editing programmes.
• Completing invoices and handling payments.
• Creating and maintaining a portfolio.
• Advertising and marketing.
• Completing business and administrative tasks.

If you are considering starting up a freelance writing business, there are certain skills that are necessary. These include proficiency in your chosen language, good written communication skills and research skills, attention to detail and strong editing skills. Good verbal communication skills, perseverance and business skills, such as effective advertising and marketing strategies, will also be beneficial.

Types of Customers

Identifying your target market and the typical customers that your business wants to attract is a key step when creating your business plan and setting up your business.

The types of clients your business typically attracts will be determined by multiple factors, such as:

• The type of writing you specialise in.
• Your chosen industry or industries (e.g. medical, business or travel).
• Your skills, qualifications and experience.
• How established your business is.
• Your portfolio.
• Your price points (e.g. your price per hour, per word or per project).
• Your branding, advertising and marketing strategy.
• Your availability (e.g. the size of the projects you are able to undertake).

How and where you offer your writing services can also have a significant impact on your customer base. For example, if you offer your services on freelancer and writing platforms, such as Upwork or Freelance UK, your typical client base will likely be other users of these platforms. If you have your own business website, you are more likely to attract clients who are looking for a specialised writer for larger projects.

Equipment You Will Need

The equipment requirements for a freelance writing business can vary, depending on the size of your business and whether you hire employees.

The majority of freelance writers operate their businesses remotely (usually from their homes). However, some people opt to set up a physical business, for example, by opening an office or another type of writing premises. If you choose to do this, your equipment requirements will grow.

You may already have some of the equipment you require for freelance writing. If you decide to use your existing equipment, ensure it is in good working condition.

Below is an approximate list of equipment requirements for a freelance writer:

A laptop or desktop computer

You will need a high-specification, reliable laptop that can handle the amount of time you will be using it each day. Alternatively, you could opt for a desktop computer, although they are less ideal if you need to attend in-person meetings or plan to work from different locations. A high-spec laptop can cost between £500 and £3,000.

A website is a way for potential clients to see your skills, experience and areas of expertise. Your website can act as your online CV and portfolio, showcasing your best work, with links to online publications or with information about your previous clients or projects. Ensure your website includes your contact information so potential clients can connect with you. You should also include an about page, a contact page, a blog and testimonials.

A secure storage system

Only storing your previous and current work on your laptop doesn’t offer you complete protection. In the event of your laptop breaking or being lost or it contracting a virus, not having a secure storage system could result in you losing all of your work. You may sometimes work with confidential information. The vast number of projects you undertake will likely require you to invest in secure Cloud storage. You should ensure the storage you opt for is password protected and encrypted. Cloud storage ensures everything is backed up externally to protect the information in the event of a technological issue. You can expect to pay between £2 and £10 a month for Cloud storage.

A Microsoft Office subscription

Microsoft is a must-have for freelance writers. A subscription gives you access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive and more. Office Business subscriptions range in price from £4.50 to £16.60 per month, depending on your needs.

An email service

Setting up your own email service using your own domain may be beneficial as your business grows. A business domain can make your business seem more professional and official. Using a public email domain such as @google or @hotmail can look less professional compared to using your own business domain. You will need to make sure your email service is fully secure and encrypted and abides by email security policies in the UK. It costs approximately £10 to set up an email domain.

Invoice software

You will likely need to issue invoices to your clients and keep them for your own records (and for when you submit your taxes). Digital invoice software allows you to create electronic invoices, send them to your clients and store them safely. The software can be purchased for £5 per month.

High-speed Wi-Fi

If you run your business remotely, you will need to ensure your Wi-Fi is reliable and high-speed. If you ever video-chat with your clients, you will need to ensure it doesn’t cut out in the middle of a session. You will also need Wi-Fi to conduct research and run your website. Wi-Fi prices usually range from £20 to £50 per month depending on your provider and your required speeds.

There are several pieces of stationery that can be beneficial to your business and that can make it easier for you to make notes and plan projects. Some stationery you can purchase includes:

• Pens and pencils.
• Paper and notepads.
• A diary and/or calendar.
• Highlighters.
• Post-it notes.

A work phone

A smartphone can be used for keeping in contact with your clients, having constant access to your emails and even conducting research on the go. Having a work phone also helps to keep your business separate from your personal life.

Business cards

Business cards are an important marketing tool and can be given to new or existing clients. Your business cards should include your business name, contact information, location and the types of services you offer. 500 business cards can cost as little as £20.

Work-from-home equipment

Some of the other equipment you may require if you run your writing business remotely includes:

• A laptop stand.
• A larger desktop monitor.
• Noise-cancelling headphones.
• A printer, scanner and fax machine.
• A paper shredder.
• Appropriate lighting.
• Stationery, such as pens, pencils, notepads, diaries, highlighters and post-it notes.
• A transportable document holder.

Office furniture

Whether you set up an at-home office or open an in-person office, investing in high-quality, comfortable furniture can help to protect you from strain or injury. Ensure the furniture is an appropriate height and doesn’t require you to strain your neck or back. Your minimum furniture requirements will be a desk and ergonomic office chair, although you may also opt for additional furniture, such as secure filing cabinets and bookshelves. If you hire employees, you may need to purchase additional equipment.

Typical Costs

When starting up a freelance writing business, an important consideration you will need to make is the start-up costs and running costs. Determining the typical costs associated with a writing business allows you to calculate your initial investment requirements, your pricing strategy and your profit goals.

There are multiple costs associated with setting up and running a writing business. Some of these costs will be one-off initial costs that you will need to pay when you are setting up your business. Other costs will be ongoing costs you will need to pay regularly – usually weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.

Some of the costs associated with setting up and running a freelance writing business are:

Your equipment is an important purchase, as without it you will not be able to work as a freelance writer. You may have some of the equipment already and as long as it is in good working condition, this can allow you to purchase less equipment initially and expand or update your equipment as your business grows. The cost of your equipment can vary significantly, depending on how much equipment you require and the specification.

Monthly and annual equipment costs and subscriptions

Your monthly and annual subscription costs could include your Wi-Fi, website, email service and your secure storage. Depending on which subscriptions you require and the specifications of the ones you choose, expect to pay between £40 and £150 per month.

Your business website

A business website is an essential advertising tool, as it allows potential clients to find your services online and view your skills, experience and portfolio. You should ensure your website is attractive to customers and use search engine optimisation (SEO) so that your website ranks highly on search engines, such as Google. Your website will need regular monitoring, updating and upgrading. You also need to make sure your website is secure, particularly if you will be collecting any customer information or banking details. You may choose to set up and run your website yourself or hire someone to do this for you. You can expect to pay between £20 and £100 per hour for someone to set up and run your website.

Platform fees

If you find clients through freelancing platforms, such as Upwork or Freelance UK, you can expect to pay platform fees. While some platforms charge you a monthly fee, the majority take a percentage of your earnings (often up to 20% + VAT). When calculating your monthly earnings, consider how much of your money is reserved for your platform fees. For example, if you earn £2,000 per month on Upwork, you may only receive £1,600.

Maintaining, repairing and replacing equipment

Repairs, maintenance and replacements are ongoing costs you will need to factor into your budget, as without your equipment you will not be able to run your business. Factor repair and replacement costs into your annual budget.

A physical location

If you decide to set up physical premises for your business, this will likely be your biggest expenditure. You will likely need to rent your premises on a monthly or yearly basis. Rental prices can vary significantly, depending on the location, the size of the premises and the on-site facilities. City centre locations and newly built premises usually have the highest rental costs. Rental costs are often calculated per square metre. They can range significantly, from £500 to £15,000 per square metre annually.

Branding is an essential expenditure for your business. It can help you to establish your business’s identity and set you apart from your competition. Branding could include creating your business’s visual identity, a logo, and your business name, and creating your business website. You can hire a professional to help you with branding or do some of the work yourself. Branding can cost between £500 and £10,000, depending on the amount of branding you require.

Advertising and marketing

To ensure your writing business attracts customers and creates maximum profits, you will need to invest in advertising and marketing. It is recommended that you spend between 1%-3% of your annual turnover on marketing. For example, if your annual turnover (or your desired annual turnover) is £50,000, you should spend between £500 and £1,500 on advertising and marketing. You may need to invest more money when you initially set up your business or when you are trying to grow your business.

You may initially operate your business independently and then hire other writers as your business grows. You could hire staff as permanent employees or as independent freelancers. If you hire staff permanently, you will need to pay them at least the national minimum wage of £9.50 per hour and account for other expenses such as holiday pay, sick pay and maternity/paternity pay.

Insurance is recommended to help protect your business, your equipment and your clients. Online businesses can be vulnerable to hacking. Insurance can also protect you if there is an issue with your equipment, if a client fails to pay you or if any of your writing causes you legal troubles.

Some coverage options that can protect your business include:

• Public Liability Insurance.
• Personal Accident Insurance.
• Business Equipment Insurance.
• Portable Equipment Insurance.
• Cyber and Data Risk Insurance.
• Cyber Liability Insurance.
• Freelancer Assist.

Insurance costs typically start at £10 per month but can rise, depending on the coverage you choose and your insurance provider.

Typical Pricing for Customers

Once you have calculated the typical costs associated with setting up and running your freelance writing business, you can then determine your pricing policy. Your pricing strategy will be dependent on multiple factors, such as:

The type of writing you do

Certain types of writing are paid significantly more than others. For example, copywriters, book writers and journalists are more highly paid compared to freelancers who write product reviews and product descriptions. This is likely related to the increased skills and knowledge you need, the higher research requirements and the demand for certain types of writers.

The industry or niche you specialise in

As the list above shows, there are many different industries you can choose to write in, such as education, health and entertainment. Certain industries are more saturated than others, whereas other industries are in higher demand. Your pricing can therefore depend on the industry you choose to specialise in.

Your advertising and writing platform:

Certain platforms result in higher pay than others. For example, if you have your own business website, you are likely to attract higher-paying clients.

How much time each project takes

Your time needs to be factored into your pricing. You will likely have different pricing tiers, depending on how long your work takes. Writing tasks that are more laborious and time-consuming and require more research or editing will be higher paid.

Your typical clients

The types of clients you attract will have a significant impact on your pricing. Larger businesses, publications and websites are usually willing to pay higher prices to freelancers.

Safely Running a Freelance Writing Business

Safe practices in your freelance writing business can help to protect you, your equipment and your clients. Many of the safety practices relating to this type of business aim to protect you from risks related to technology and the internet.

Some safe practices you can adopt in your writing business are:

Follow ethical codes

This is particularly applicable to writers who are working as journalists. Ethical guidelines are designed to protect you and the general public.

Some ethical guidelines to follow are:

• Ensure your writing is accurate and double-check your sources.
• Protect vulnerable people, such as children and those with disabilities.
• Do not use hidden recording devices.
• Protect public health and safety.
• Do not knowingly misinform or mislead.
• Expose crimes or dangerous events (within reason).

Create client contracts

Although contracts are not a legal requirement, creating a legally enforceable contract with your clients ensures that any terms are laid out straight away and both parties are aware of the project’s expectations and timeframes and the agreed-upon payment amount. Contracts also help to protect you in the event of a dispute and make your business appear more professional.

Install anti-virus software

Anti-virus software can detect and remove malicious codes and intrusions on your computer or laptop. This can protect you and your business against viruses and malware. If your laptop becomes infected with a virus, this can cause irreparable damage to your equipment, can delete your computer’s data and cause you to lose money and business. Anti-virus software should be installed on all of your devices and your Wi-Fi.

Use a firewall

A firewall helps to protect any information stored on your devices. It prevents any unauthorised access to your device or accounts and sends you an automatic alert if someone attempts to access your information. Some computers and laptops come with a built-in firewall whereas others may need you to install or enable a firewall.

Install anti-spyware software

Spyware can monitor and collect your personal information and any information stored on your computer or electronic devices without you realising. Some types of spyware can even detect your passwords and gain access to financial information. Ensure all your devices have anti-spyware software to protect your business and your clients.

Always install updates on your browser, operating system and applications

One of the reasons why updates are released is to keep up to date with new security risks. Failure to install updates could make your computer vulnerable to hackers.

Secure your Wi-Fi network

Don’t simply set up your Wi-Fi and use the pre-given password. Choose your own secure password and ensure your Wi-Fi network is encrypted to prevent anyone from accessing or hacking it. This is particularly important if you are using your Wi-Fi network to access client records.

Properly maintain and set up equipment and ensure it is safe to use

Ensure all equipment is set up and used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions and that safety standards are being met. This includes your office furniture, which should be safe and supportive to prevent injuries and strain. You should also ensure electronic items, plugs and chargers comply with all electrical safety regulations.

Carry out risk assessments

Although risk assessments are only a legal requirement for businesses with more than five employees, they are recommended to all businesses to ensure the safety of you, your staff and your customers. Risk assessments can help you to identify any potential hazards and risks in your business and how these can be reduced or eliminated. As part of your risk assessment, you should:

• Identify hazards.
• Determine who could be at risk.
• Evaluate any potential risks.
• Implement relevant safety measures.
• Record the results of the risk assessment.
• Review the risk assessment regularly.

Legal Requirements

Complying with any legal requirements and regulations is essential when setting up and running your business. The legal requirements can change depending on the type of freelance business you set up. Some factors that can impact the legislation you need to comply with include:

Some factors that can impact the legislation you need to comply with include:

• Whether you work for any overseas clients.
• Whether you hire employees.
• Whether you have business premises.
• How and where you offer your writing services (e.g. your own website or a freelance platform).

Some legal requirements and regulations you should be aware of are:

Comply with copyright laws

You automatically get copyright protection if you create any original literary content. Copyright prevents people from copying your writing, distributing your writing without permission or making any adaptations to your work. While copyright laws protect you and your writing, you also must make sure that you don’t advertently or inadvertently copy anyone else’s work.

Comply with invoice requirements

When sending invoices to your clients, there are certain pieces of information you must include:

• The word ‘invoice’ and a unique invoice number.
• Your business name and address.
• The client’s name and address.
• A brief description of your work.
• The total you are charging the client and when the payment is due.
• The payment method.

Keep in mind that if a client pays you later (after the date specified on the invoice), you have a legal right to interest and a debt recovery fee.

Ensure your website is disability friendly

Under the Equality Act (2010) , all websites in the UK must be accessible to people with disabilities. You must make reasonable adjustments to your website to ensure it is accessible, for example, having text-only versions of each page so that they can be read by text converters.

Ensure your website complies with guidelines

If you set up a website, there are several guidelines you need to comply with, including:

• Privacy policies.
• Cookie legislation.
• Service descriptions.

Comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (DPA)

You must comply with both pieces of legislation when storing or sharing personal information, such as your clients’ personal information, contact details and banking information. You must also apply for a Notification to Process Personal Data Licence. If you process or store personal information such as personal details and banking information, you will need to apply for a licence with the Information Commissioner’s Office and renew your registration every year.

Publishing certain information

As a freelance writer, you must take care that you do not publish any information that could be considered unethical or confidential.

For example:

• Personal information, such as addresses.
• Information relating to children, such as the school they attend.
• Information that is protected by privacy settings.
• Information that is not suitable for the public domain.

Be aware of the legal limits to confidentiality

You may have confidential sources or learn confidential information as part of your research. Although you may wish to protect your sources or may not want to report or publish certain information, you should be aware of your legal duty relating to reporting certain illegal activities, such as:

• Drug trafficking.
• Money laundering.
• Child abuse.

Register your business

You must register your business with HMRC before you begin operating. You can register as a sole trader or as a limited company. You will need to register your business name and any other relevant information.

Register for self-assessment tax

This allows you to calculate and pay your own taxes each year. You will need to track your finances every month and submit any expenses as part of your tax assessment. As part of your tax responsibilities, you must:

• Record all sales, incomes and expenses.
• Complete an annual self-assessment tax return.
• Register for VAT if you earn above the threshold (currently £85,000).
• Pay National Insurance contributions.
• Keep a record of your business accounts for the previous five years.

If you open an office or another physical location as part of your business and if you have employees or other freelancers working on your premises, you will have additional legal guidelines to follow, such as:

Comply with fire regulations

If you run your business from an in-person location with other staff, you must ensure fire safety measures are implemented on-site. There are multiple fire regulation requirements you must ensure you comply with. For example:

• Perform a fire risk assessment.
• Comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 .
• Implement any necessary fire safety measures.
• Implement emergency procedures and ensure these are clearly displayed on your premises.

Comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

These regulations apply to you and any employees you hire. You must ensure any equipment is fit for purpose and is maintained and inspected regularly. You must also ensure that health and safety risks are minimised to an acceptable level, that you have the correct knowledge and training to use the equipment, and that protective measures are put into place. You must also ensure the equipment is used under appropriate conditions.

Comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)

The Electricity at Work Regulations state that any workplaces that use electricals must construct electrical systems in a way that prevents danger, maintain electrical systems to ensure they are safe, ensure electrical equipment is checked by a competent person annually and conduct Portable Appliance Tests (PAT). This includes any electrical equipment such as computers and printers.

Comply with employment legislation

If you employ any staff, you must ensure you follow employment legislation, including the Employment Rights Act (1996 ) and the National Minimum Wage Act (1998) . You must also comply with legislation relating to recruitment, working hours, sickness, discrimination, dismissals, and maternity or paternity pay.

Comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act lays out the duties of all employers in the UK regarding ensuring the health, safety and welfare of everyone in your workplace. As you are the business owner, you will be responsible for protecting the health and safety of your employees and any clients or visitors to your business.

Positives of Owning a Freelance Writing Business

Starting up a freelance writing business can be rewarding in many different ways.

Some of the main positives of this type of business are:

Flexibility

Freelance writing gives you the flexibility to work as little or as often as you want. You can design your own schedule and have the flexibility to change your schedule from day to day and week to week. You could choose to take on more work at certain times and work less or not take on any work at other times. You can also take on as many or as few clients as you choose. Freelancing gives you a huge amount of freedom and flexibility.

High income potential

Freelance writers charge per word, per hour or per project. You can set your own rate of pay, based on your experience, knowledge, area of expertise and reputation. You can also raise your rates periodically to reflect your increased experience and the cost of living. Depending on the type of freelance writing you do, you will likely charge between £0.04 and £1 per word (or between £20 and £200 an hour). If you outsource writing work or hire other freelancers, you will take a cut of their pay or charge them a fee. You have the potential to earn a very high income while working flexibly.

Work from anywhere

One of the biggest advantages of freelance writing is that you can work from anywhere. Whether that’s working in your home, from your local coffee shop, in a park or even from another country. All you need is your laptop and a good Wi-Fi connection to conduct your business.

Low start-up costs

A freelance writing business is a low-investment enterprise. You will have very few equipment requirements and low set-up costs and running costs. You can initially use equipment that you already have in your home and buy more equipment as your business grows. You also likely won’t need to invest in business premises and can initially set up your business without hiring staff. Low initial investment requirements will mean you won’t require any outside investment and can begin turning a profit earlier.

Great opportunities for growth

As your business becomes more successful, you can hire additional writers and editors, allowing you to expand your business. Having more writers allows you to take on more work and maximise your profits. If you operate remotely, you can also work with writers and clients all over the world, which expands your potential reach.

Pick and choose your clients

Being aware of your target market and the types of clients that are going to be most beneficial to your business will enable you to maximise your opportunities. As the business owner, you can pick and choose the clients you work with and decline any clients that you don’t think will be beneficial to your business’s growth and profits or that will be more difficult or time-consuming to work with.

Gain exposure and experience

Building an impressive portfolio, having work published under your name, writing for high-profile clients and having good reviews from previous clients will result in you gaining exposure and attracting more clients. Better-paying clients are more likely to work with writers that have established success or have a strong online presence. You can gain exposure and become well-known within your chosen industry or industries.

Build relationships

You can connect with other people in your industry and create beneficial business connections. You could also work with many of the same clients for extended periods of time, creating strong business relationships. Connecting with other people in your industry who have the same interests as you can be rewarding in multiple ways.

Work in a range of industries

Freelance writers work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, fashion, beauty, business, sports, travel, psychology and IT. You can work on projects in a number of industries to keep your work varied and interesting or opt to specialise and become an expert in one industry.

Capitalise on your knowledge and interests

Because you can choose your own clients and the projects you accept, you can choose to focus on topics that you are knowledgeable about and interested in. Not only will this make your work more interesting and enjoyable, but clients are also usually willing to pay extra if the writer has experience in that specific field.

Be your own boss

Being your own boss gives you the opportunity to control the growth of your business, manage your own time, and gain more self-confidence and job satisfaction. Owning your own freelance writing business also means that all your profits will belong to you, and you will be in control of creating your ideal business.

Minimal skills and experience required

You can begin working as a freelance writer without having any prior experience (although your pay will likely be lower). You also don’t need any formal qualifications or training. Freelance writing is an accessible industry, making it easier to break into.

It can be rewarding

Many people who set up a writing business are passionate writers and passionate about the industry they are working in. Doing something you love can be extremely rewarding and make work feel less like work.

Design your dream business

As the business owner, you can create your dream business, from the type of writing you want to do, the industry you want to work in, the clients you choose, your business’s brand and aesthetic and your writing platform. Creating your dream business can be very rewarding.

Negatives of Owning a Freelance Writing Business

Although working as a freelance writer can be rewarding in many different ways, there are some negative aspects to this type of business that you should be aware of.

These can include:

Work can be irregular

It can be difficult to plan your finances, predict your profits and plan your schedule when you cannot predict the amount of work you will have. There could be certain times of the year when you have few or no projects on the go, which can have a significant impact on your overall profits.

It can be time-consuming

As well as the time it takes to complete any writing projects, you will also need to spend time building up your client base, networking, searching and applying for jobs, building a portfolio and creating an online presence. You will also be responsible for administrative duties such as managing your website. If you don’t have regular clients, you will spend a lot of time searching for work. All of these tasks can be time-consuming and are unpaid.

It can be isolating

As a freelance writer, you will spend the majority of your working time alone. You will have no or very little face-to-face contact with other people and even if you have employees, they will likely also work remotely. Writing involves sitting in front of your laptop alone and this can be lonely and make it difficult to motivate yourself.

Getting started can be difficult

Establishing a reputation and creating a portfolio can be laborious and take a long time. When you first begin writing, you will likely have to accept jobs that are significantly underpaid, just so you can begin building your reputation. It can take several months before you can begin charging higher prices, which can be very difficult if you have bills and expenses to account for. Many freelance writers give up before their business takes off because they cannot sustain the initial low pay.

Oversaturated market

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the freelance writing industry has exploded in popularity. More people than ever want to work from home and freelance writing platforms are now filled with writers. Not only can this make it more difficult to find work, but it has also made it increasingly competitive, lowered the demand and lowered the pay rates. This can make it more difficult for your business to succeed.

Your income can be unreliable

Because you may not have set hours and projects every week, your income can be unreliable. Certain times of year are quieter than others, with less work available. Additionally, during holidays, such as Christmas, much of the writing industry closes for an extended period of time. Because you won’t be working, you won’t be earning any money, forcing you to take unpaid time off.

You are reliant on your clients

Even if you have set clients that you work with long-term, you are still relying on them to send you projects in a timely manner. If there are any delays in them sending you your tasks, you can have days where you aren’t working and aren’t earning an income. On the other hand, there can be times when you are inundated with work as multiple clients have sent you tasks at the same time.

Constant education and research are required

Even if you are writing about a topic you are familiar with, you will still need to conduct extensive research and stay up to date with theories, information and laws. Failing to keep up to date can result in incorrect or not factual writing, which could open you up to liability issues.

Some clients may be difficult

Some clients may have a lot of demands and expect too much from you. They may be demanding and difficult to deal with and expect you to complete a lot of tasks, complete projects in unrealistic timeframes and request constant changes and edits. This can be stressful for you and have a negative impact on your time availability for other clients.

It can be stressful

Freelance writing can be stressful, particularly when you are trying to manage your workload and please your clients. Not only is there a lot of pressure to write the perfect piece every time, but as the business owner, you will face the additional pressure of being responsible for your business’s success. You will have a lot of important responsibilities, such as running your website and handling administrative duties.

High risk of your business failing

Starting up your own business can be risky. Many new businesses fail which could result in you losing money or getting into debt. Your business could fail for several reasons, such as high competition, an ineffective business plan or if the UK encounters another recession or a period of financial difficulty.

No benefits

As you are self-employed, you won’t receive benefits such as pension contributions. You will also be responsible for doing your own taxes and organising your National Insurance contributions. You will also have a lack of job security.

Planning Your Freelance Writing Business

If you are considering starting up a freelance writing business, an effective and well-designed business plan is essential. A business plan can help you to focus on the specific steps that will help your business succeed, plan your short-term and long-term goals, determine your financial needs and help your business to grow.

Your business plan should contain information such as:

• Your company information.
• Your company description.
• The services you will provide.
• Your branding, marketing and advertising plan.
• The structure of your business.
• The operational plan for your business.
• The financial plan for your business.

When creating your business plan, there are some important factors you should consider:

The type of writing business you are going to set up

As the list above demonstrates, there are many different types of writing you can choose to specialise in, such as blog writing, journalism, article writing and B2B writing. It is recommended that you focus on one or two types of writing, in order to grow your reputation and specialise your business. Consider your experience, skills and interests, as well as the demand and the average pay when deciding which type of writing business to focus on.

The writing industry you are going to specialise in

Some people choose to write across a variety of topics and industries, whereas others choose to focus on one industry. For example, you may choose to write about the health and fitness industry. Consider your interests and current knowledge, the most in-demand niches (and the typical pay associated with each niche) and your competition. If you do decide to specialise in one industry, ensure you conduct thorough research before finalising your decision.

Where you will advertise your writing services

Will you set up a business website? Will you advertise your writing services on a freelancing platform? Will you utilise professional networking, such as LinkedIn? How you choose to run your business will have a significant impact on your typical customer base, your start-up and running costs and your pay. You could also choose to use a combination of different selling approaches in order to increase your business.

Your typical client base

Determining your typical client base can help you to plan your advertising and marketing strategies and help you to make your business most attractive to prospective clients. The types and sizes of the clients you target will also help you to calculate your pricing.

Your brand and unique selling point (USP)

Creating your brand is a key way to ensure you stand out from other writers. Branding can help you to focus your target audience, attract clients and concentrate your marketing and advertising strategies. Some ways you can create your brand are by determining the type of writing business you are going to set up, focusing on your business’s visual identity and creating a brand story. Your business name and logo are also part of your branding so ensure you consider these when creating your business plan. A USP can also be part of your brand and can help your writing business stand out from your competitors. Consider what can make you stand out and how this fits into what defines your business.

Your advertising and marketing strategies

There are many ways you can choose to advertise your business. These can include utilising freelancing platforms, networking with other professionals, advertising on social media and using paid online ads. Your marketing and advertising plan should detail what your brand is and how you plan to promote your business. As part of your marketing strategy, consider the most effective way to reach your target audience and attract potential customers. Create an advertising plan that is specific to the type of business you are going to run and how you plan to operate.

Your competition

Your competition will be other writers and freelance writing businesses. When you analyse your competition, consider the ways they have grown their business and how they have attracted clients. You should also look at their pricing policy and their typical pricing. You could also look at what you think your competition does well and what you think they could improve, as well as how you could stand out from your competitors.

Your approximate start-up costs and running costs

Consult the list above to calculate your approximate start-up costs and running costs. Determining your approximate costs enables you to calculate your initial investment and what your monthly or annual running costs will be. Creating a budget is a key part of your business plan. Once you have determined your approximate costs, you can then calculate your pricing policy and determine your profit forecast.

Your pricing policy and sales strategy

Will you charge per word, per hour or per project? What will your typical pricing be? Will you offer an editing service and if so, what will the additional charges be? How often will you increase your pricing? These are all important considerations you will need to make when setting up your business. You should also create a sales strategy to help you maximise your sales and target your customers successfully.

Your sales forecast

How many hours do you plan to work each day, week or month and how many projects/clients can you realistically take on? These considerations can help you to create a sales forecast. Consider how demand could affect your sales forecast and whether certain factors could change the number of projects you have, for example, the time of year.

A strategy for growth

This is your business’s plan for overcoming any future challenges and realising your sales goals and your goals for expansion. For example:

• Hire other freelance writers to enable you to take on more work.
• Outsource some writing for a lower price.
• Target a new audience.
• Target larger and more established businesses, publications and websites.

Your business goals

Determining your business goals is an essential part of creating your business plan. Your business objectives highlight the targets and goals of your freelance writing business and help you to create a one-year, three-year, and five-year business plan.

Your business objectives should be SMART:

• S = Specific
• M = Measurable
• A = Achievable
• R = Realistic
• T = Time-bound

Check you have complied with all legal requirements

Consult the list of legal requirements above to check you have complied with all requirements and regulations and that all your paperwork is accurate. Failure to comply with legal requirements could have a detrimental effect on your business or could result in a fine, the forced closure of your business or, in serious cases, prosecution.

Download our business plan

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The Art and Business of Online Writing: How to Beat the Game of Capturing and Keeping Attention Paperback – August 29, 2020

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★ From the #1 writer on Quora, 15x Top Writer on Medium, and Top 10 columnist for Inc Magazine ★

What are the secrets to writing online?

Why do some writers accumulate hundreds of thousands, even millions of views on their content—and others write and write, only to go unnoticed?

Nicolas Cole, one of the most viral columnists on the internet with more than 100 million views on his writing, is pulling back the curtain. After becoming the #1 most-read writer on all of Quora in 2015, a Top 10 contributing writer for Inc Magazine from 2016 to 2018, and one of the most popular writers on Medium in more than 15 different categories, Cole went on to build a multi-million-dollar ghostwriting company publishing thousands of articles on the internet for more than 300 different Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, C-level executives, New York Times best-selling authors, Olympic athletes, Grammy-winning producers, and renowned industry leaders.

By using his own personal toolkit of writing strategies, headline structures, formats, and proven styles, all of which were mastered over a 10-year period.

“This book contains everything I know about online writing,” says Cole. “From going viral, to building a massive library of content that will continue to pay you dividends well into the future.”

In this book you will learn:

✓ Why you should NOT start a blog—and where you should be writing online instead.

✓ How to beat “the game” of internet publishing—and the 7 levels of success.

✓ How “going viral” on social platforms works (and how to not give up in the process).

✓ The Endless Idea Generator: How to never run out of things to write about.

✓ The Perfect Post: How to write headlines people can’t help but want to read.

✓ How to create your own “Content Roadmap,” and position yourself as an influential voice in your industry or niche.

✓ How to turn proven online writing into longer, more valuable assets (books, ebooks, physical products, paid newsletters, companies, etc.).

✓ And the 1 habit very single writer today needs to master in order to become successful.

This book is the Ultimate Guide to writing in the digital age.

• Print length 340 pages
• Language English
• Publication date August 29, 2020
• Dimensions 5.5 x 0.77 x 8.5 inches
• ISBN-10 0998203491
• ISBN-13 978-0998203492
• See all details

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Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nicolas Cole (August 29, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 340 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0998203491
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0998203492
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.53 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.77 x 8.5 inches
• #15 in Business Writing Skills (Books)
• #25 in Authorship Reference
• #56 in Writing Skill Reference (Books)

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About the author

Nicolas cole.

Nicolas Cole is Digital Writer and serial Writing Entrepreneur.

He is best known for his conversational style of writing and has accumulated more than 100 million views on his work to date.

Cole rose to internet stardom in 2015 when he became the #1 most-read writer on Quora, accumulating tens of millions of views on his viral articles about personal development. His work has been republished in TIME, Forbes, Fortune, Business Insider, CNBC, The Chicago Tribune, Harvard Business Review, and many more of the internet's most popular publications.

In 2016, Cole became one of Inc Magazine's Top 10 contributing writers, accumulating millions of views on his business & creativity column, and in 2017 he founded a ghostwriting and thought leadership agency called Digital Press, writing on behalf of more than 300 Silicon Valley founders, company executives, venture capitalists, Grammy-winning musicians, Olympians, NYT best-selling authors, international public speakers, and more.

Today, in addition to regularly authoring new books and articles online, Cole is the co-creator of Ship 30 for 30, a cohort-based writing program for people who want to start writing online:

www.ship30for30.com

He currently lives in Los Angeles, but will forever be from Chicago.

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How to Become a Freelance Writer in 2024 (Make $5k/Month!)

What does a freelance writer do? They are someone paid to write.

Here’s how it works: a person hires you to create content for them. They give you some instructions, “write a 1,000 word post with these keywords, ” you write the content, send it off to them, and get paid.

It’s that simple. Now, it doesn’t mean it’s easy, but the process of freelance writing itself is relatively straightforward.

The cool thing about freelance writing is there are so many possibilities for you to get started. That’s not only because there are so many different styles of writing, but there are so many niches to write in too.

There’s more opportunity than ever to get started with freelance writing — from copywriting to proofreading to content repurposing — there is something out there for you.

Here’s what you need to know.

Table of Contents

Step by Step: How to Become a Freelance Writer in 2024 

All the information you need to get started as a freelance writer is right here.

Read through this post, and then reread it.

Start slow. Go through each step. And, most importantly, take action.

But first, there are a few places we think you need to start:

• A website (or a place to put your writing samples).
• 3-5 samples on that site that you can include in your job applications and the emails you send to potential clients introducing yourself.

The first thing you need to know is that any potential client will want to see a few writing samples.

If you don’t have writing samples, no one will hire you. So you need those, and then somewhere to put them. That’s what we’re going to cover first.

Depending on your available time, set aside one to two weeks to take care of this part.

Step 1: Create a Freelance Writing Portfolio Website

First, get a website up and running. Here’s how to do that.

Your freelance writing website is your home base. It’s a way for potential clients to learn a little bit more about you, check your writing samples, and hire you.

Make your site as simple as possible.

You don’t need sliders, fancy themes, and stuff with tons of customization. Instead, a one-page theme will give you exactly what you need.

Here’s what you need:

• A little bit about you
• Why a potential client should hire you
• Your samples
• How to get in touch

Very simple. Don’t go overboard here.

And when you’re writing for these pages, try to put yourself in your potential client’s shoes. What do they need? Someone who can help them save time, reduce headaches, and make more money.

You can deliver that by giving them great content that doesn’t need edits, and is well-researched, factual, and engaging. Even if you’re brand new to freelancing. You can help take some of this headache off someone else’s plate, saving them time to do other projects.

Step 2: Write 3-5 Samples

Once on your site, the first thing potential clients look at is your writing samples. This is the thing that makes or breaks you at the start.

If they like the way you write, they’ll hire you.

This post (and video) will walk you through exactly what you need to create good writing samples to help you get started.

Take some time to go through some sites you read and admire. See how posts are formatted and the flow of the content. Then, use these posts as inspiration to create your posts.

Here are some tips to get started with this part:

• Have 3-5 samples on your site. You need this amount at the minimum, ideally more if you can.
• Spend time on your samples. Don’t slap something up there that you put zero energy into. This will probably be one of the more time-consuming parts of getting started.
• Have a variety of samples. For example, make a long-form blog post (over 1500 words), a list post, and a few medium-length blog posts (700-1000 words). That will cover a lot of potential clients’ needs.
• Write to your niche. If you have a topic you want to get into, like finance or home improvement, make sure all of your samples are about that topic. The same goes for the type of writing. For example, if you want to write long-form content, have all your samples be long-form.
• Update your samples. You can always add new pieces and remove old ones, especially if you change or switch niches.
• Use your blog. You can use the blog feature on your website to write samples. Here’s how to write a blog post.

Now, the next big question. Do freelance writers need a niche?

No. You don’t. The truth is having a niche can make things easier, but at the start, it’s fine to toss everything at the wall and see what sticks.

Here are two quick examples for you, one with a niche and one without.

Diego is a freelance writer with no experience , so he wants to take a generalist route to get his feet wet and learn about freelancing. On his site, he has 5 samples:

• 750 word how to post about saving for an emergency fund
• 2000 word list post rounding up great productivity tools for small business owners
• 1500 word ultimate guide post about picking the right real estate agent
• 1000 word tips post about starting a new diet
• 1000 word product review post of his Bluetooth keyboard

These cover a range of topics but highlight the most popular types of posts clients will have on their sites. So Deigo may want to target content marketing agencies as clients to show he can write well about a variety of topics.

Kara is also new to freelancing, but she’s been working for an insurance company for years. So she knows a lot about the topic and has decided to try that as her niche.

She follows the same steps for writing samples and has 3 pieces up on her site:

• 750 word explainer post about term life insurance
• 1500 word list post highlighting the pros and cons of life insurance
• 1200 word tips post about how to pick the right insurance broker

Kara can now use her three posts  plus  her experience working in insurance to start her marketing process.

If you have been working in a job for a little while, you can absolutely use that experience as a niche to help you get started.

And remember, you’re not marrying a niche for life. It’s just for getting started right now, you can always switch it up later.

Action step: Start building your freelance writing website.

If you don’t have the funds to get a website up right now or know you’re going to get lost and frustrated, a quick fix is setting up an online portfolio.

The following sites let you put up free portfolios (some of them will limit the number of pieces you can put up for free):

• Journoportfolio
• Pressfolios

Each of these can show your work professionally.

If you have a bit of money, someone on Fiverr may be able to help you get a website up and running, and Carrd makes very simple drag-and-drop websites that look nice too.

Finally, sites like Medium and even LinkedIn let you write articles and post them.

Looking for a good checklist of everything to include on your portfolio website?

Here you go:

Reading more your thing? Here’s our 17 Point Freelance Portfolio Site Checklist.

Step 3: Market Your Freelance Writing Business (It’s not as Hard as it Sounds)

This is the part of freelancing that people don’t like. But without a doubt, it is the most important part.

If you do not market your business, making any money is incredibly difficult.

When you are a new freelancer, you have one priority (after your samples are written and posted online) let brands and sites know you exist.

This step should devote 95% of your time until you start landing clients consistently.

Don’t tweak your website endlessly, watch a million YouTube channels, read blog posts, or panic about a niche.

Market yourself.

Because that will solve 85% of your problems.

When you work for yourself, you are in the sales business .

You must sell yourself and your skills all the time. Then, hopefully, you’ll start getting more people who come to you through referrals and word of mouth, and you won’t have to sell quite as much.

But at the end of the day, remember this: no one, and I mean this, no one, is going to market for you.

You have to do it yourself.

So, you need to set aside time every day (at the start) to do  some form of marketing.  The goal here is to make marketing as natural as brushing your teeth; it’s just something you do every day.

The freelancers who work on figuring out how to best use their time to market consistently tend to get a lot more work than those who don’t .

What Goes into Your Marketing Mix

Ed Gandia has a great concept called a Marketing Mix. He lists a bunch of tasks that fall under marketing, including:

• Sending follow-up emails
• Sending letters of introduction (LOIs)
• Updating LinkedIn
• Tapping into your network to ask for work
• Connecting with other freelancers
• Content marketing
• Going to conferences/meetups
• Connecting with agencies
• Word-of-mouth marketing

Learn to Love Cold Emails

The most important of these is sending cold emails . You must get comfortable with this because you will send hundreds of cold letters of introduction (LOIs) and cold pitches to potential clients.

Sometimes people use “pitch” and “LOI” interchangeably, but they’re different things.

A pitch asks for a specific job or assignment, like sending a proposal to a magazine to write an article or a website to do a guest post.

On the other hand, an LOI is introducing yourself and getting on someone’s radar, whether it’s a potential client, an agency, a job board listing, or even an editor.

An LOI is just letting them know you’re available and interested in potentially working together, while a pitch is asking them to hire you right now.

We recommend sending lots of LOIs and adding some pitches to the mix.

Here’s an example of an LOI to a local content marketing agency.

Hi Potential Client, I’m a freelance content [use your niche instead of the word content if you have one] writer [copywriter, social media writer]. I’ve worked with marketing firms [companies] like [biz] and [biz] to create content that helps their clients reach their target audience [get clicks, and conversions, educate readers, create engaging content, get more email sign-ups, grow their social media profile, etc.]. [If you haven’t written for clients you can say something like: I have experience in xyz industry/I’ve been involved in xyz hobby for x years/I’m a generalist content writer with incredible reserach skills] Do you work with freelance writers? You can find recent samples of my writing here: [link to your website’s portfolio page, if you don’t have a site, link to 2-3 RELEVANT posts/samples you’ve written] I’d love to chat about your content [copywriting, newsletter, social media, etc.] needs and where I can help. Thanks!

This type of email is called a letter of introduction or LOI. It’s a simple 5-6 sentence that says who you are and the kind of writing you do and asks if they work with freelancers.

Read more about LOIs here.

Get used to LOIs, because you are going to send out thousands of these over your career.

After a few days, if you haven’t heard anything back, send a follow-up email. And repeat your follow-up emails on a consistent schedule.

One approach is:

• Day 1 – Send the first LOI
• Day 5 – Send first follow up
• Day 20 – Send 2nd follow-up
• Day 50 – Send 3rd follow-up
• Day 100 – Send 4th follow-up

When you have a list to keep track of your emails or use a tool like Streak for Gmail, it’s much easier to schedule your follow-ups to go out on a regular basis, increasing the chances of you landing the gig.

The vast majority of freelancers never send a follow-up. So even if you limit it to two, you’re still putting yourself in a better position to get paid to write.

It looks something like this:

Hi potential client, I know you’re busy so wanted to get back to the top of your inbox about potentially working together. Here are a few recently published articles in the [niche] you may be interested in: 1 <– Link to a new article 2 Happy to chat more if you think I could be a good fit for the site.   Thanks!

Again, personalize where you can, but keep it to a sentence at the top.

If you haven’t written anything new or don’t have new links to share, say you’re following up, and you’d love to chat more.

Start sending.

Making Time for Marketing

What you need to do is block out time daily and do a combination of these marketing tactics. If you have an hour every day, then use it to send as many LOIs, cold emails, and follow-ups as possible. Use additional free time to connect with brands and freelancers on social media.

As you start, use a spreadsheet to create lists of potential clients to target or sites you want to write for. Do this at night when you’re watching tv and don’t have to think.

Spend all your free time adding to this list.

Then when it’s time to start doing your marketing tasks, and you’re squeezed for time, you can work off of that and get results vs. wasting your time searching for emails or info.

Here’s an example of some target sites I might pitch.

So when I say marketing, do this:

• Create a spreadsheet for marketing tasks. The way you do it doesn’t matter. Airtable, Streak for Gmail, Excel, gdocs, whatever works for you.
• Schedule time in your calendar marketing. This is your sacred time, and you need to make it clear no one can bother you.
• Pick your marketing mix for the day. Then, send out whatever combo of the marketing mix you’re working on that day and note it in your spreadsheet.
• Send emails. Start at the top of your spreadsheet and send LOIs. Do the same if you have pitches if you want to send new story ideas to a blog you love.
• Send follow ups. If a few days have gone by and you haven’t heard anything, follow up to your original email by replying to it. Keep following up until you get a gig or are told to stop.

You are going to do this endlessly over the next few months. The more you do this, the closer you are to getting a job. The people who send out 50 LOIs a week tend to get work a lot faster than the people who send out 2.

Once you have a system set to track your outreach, it’s so much easier to send follow-ups and get a rhythm going.

A big part of freelancing success is figuring out repeatable systems for outreach.

Action step: Set time aside each week, put it in your calendar, and devote it to marketing yourself until it becomes second nature and just what you do.

Your marketing block is for activities that can directly result in getting clients. Reading a blog post about how you should be marketing does not count as marketing outreach. You actually have to do stuff.

One last thing to discuss on this: rejection.

Here’s the hard and fast truth. You are going to get rejected constantly . It’s part of the business. The best freelancers get rejected. It happens. So you need to let go of that fear of rejection. The sooner you do it, the better off you’ll be over the long term.

Where Do You Find Freelance Writing Jobs?

There are a couple of places to start to get freelance writing jobs . Here they are:

Content Marketing Agencies

You can work directly with content marketing agencies. In this case, they do most of the marketing and finding the client and leave you to do the writing.

You won’t get a full fee like you do if you’re out on your own. But for a lot of people, the tradeoff is worth it. Working with an agency means you can try out a bunch of different types of work and get some good clients under your belt.

A lot of successful freelancers will have a couple of agencies they work with on a regular basis. And if you’re good at content repurposing? There may be even more opportunities for you.

Hop on Google and do a search for agencies and send them LOIs.

I like to start with local agencies, which give you a bit of an automatic connection. Start an email like this with one personal sentence versus copying and pasting the same thing to everyone.

Once you have contacted the agencies in your city or town, spread out to your region and then the country.

There are tens of thousands of agencies out there that hire writers. So you have no excuse to say you can’t find places to start sending emails.

Social Media Can be a Goldmine of Freelance Work (If you know where to look)

For freelance writers, Twitter is an amazing tool for getting work, making connections, and befriending other freelancers. Check out a few examples of how Twitter works for freelancers in this post .

When you’re on Twitter, be on the lookout for posts like this:

My quarterly (yearly?) reminder that we're always looking for new pitches/writers at @BusinessInsider . If you love tackling topics like retail, tech, transportation, careers, entrepreneurship, economy, and more, and have a story to tell, email me at akalish[at]insider[dot]com. https://t.co/2RFqNSMonX — Alyse Maguire (Kalish) (@Alyslice) December 7, 2022

You’ll see posts like these on social media every day.

Lots of freelancers can tap into social media and use it to connect directly with editors, so that is probably something you might want to explore too.

Tapping into LinkedIn

However, there is one social media site I really love for finding potential clients, and that’s LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is my go-to social media channel for prospecting new freelance writing clients. Here’s how to get started with LinkedIn.

Once you’ve created a LinkedIn profile, here’s how to use it:

• Find a company that would be a good target in your niche.
• Check out their blog and website.
• Pop over to LinkedIn and then click on ‘jobs.’ Sometimes you’ll get lucky, and they might be looking for a freelancer if not…
• Click ‘people.’ This gives you a list of all the people who work at that company
• Do a quick scan for anyone who has marketing or content in their title
• Click to connect, and then in the note, send an introduction

Here’s an example:

Hi X, I was reading the “Company name” blog and came across your name. Would love to connect, I’m a freelance writer and have been working with some finance and insurance brands like Client 1 [Again if you have no clients yet use personalization here instead]. I thought I’d reach out and say hello. Have a great weekend. [If you have space here add your email or website URL to make it really easy to connect]

That is it.

It’s all about building connections over time.

You do that by saying hello first, not immediately asking for a job.

Action step: Create a LinkedIn profile and get on Twitter.

Professional content marketing companies.

Contently , Skyword , ClearVoice , and nDash are some of the most popular sites that hire writers.

We’ve written quite a bit about Contently; you can read more about it here.

These sites are great for beginners because you don’t have to do any marketing. The clients are connected with you. And you’ll typically have an editor who is the middleman between you and the client.

The negative with these sites (besides nDash) is you have to wait to be found. There is no feature for you to go in and search for available jobs.

Create a profile and make sure you have keywords about your niche in it. Then post up your samples. Set time in your calendar every month to go in and add more samples or update the descriptions of your posts and profile.

Freelancer’s Friend Newsletter

Don’t have time to spend searching through social media or job boards? We’ve got you covered.

The Freelancer’s Friend Newsletter is just that — your best friend for finding a source of good freelance writing jobs for beginners .

Every week, you’ll get an email with between 15-20 gigs we’ve sourced online. That will give you an automatic head start, both on time and with jobs delivered right to your inbox.

We know where to look, so we’ve saved you hours trying to find this stuff.

Interested? Learn more about Freelancer’s Friend here.

Another place for beginner freelancers to find writing jobs are job boards.

There are a million of these places. So the quality varies.

But job boards have one big thing going for them: you know these companies are hiring.

So make sure to add these into your marketing mix.

Here’s a list of our five favorite freelance writing boards .

Remember, you can use your LOI writing skills here too. Whenever you apply for a gig from a job board, include a note just like an LOI introducing yourself and your skills.

Most people skip this part, so it can set you ahead of others.

Local Business Owners

As you’re searching for new freelance writing clients , don’t forget to look locally too. Yes, I know something not online? Crazy.

But chances are, even if you live in a small town, there are a handful of business owners who really need some content marketing help. That’s where you come in.

Offer to help them write blog posts, update the copy on their website, craft social media, and revamp their email list. There are tons of opportunities here. And, being they are local to you, there’s already a little bit of built-in trust; you’re from the area, so you know their client base.

So don’t ignore these business owners. For example, help 4 businesses send out monthly emails and charge $250 a pop. It probably won’t take you more than 10 hours a month, all in, and now you’ve got $1,000 coming in.

These businesses are sending out better emails and getting more clients, and you’re getting great experience you can take to higher-paying clients. It’s a win-win.

A Freelance Writing Business  is  a Business. Treat it Like One.

Getting into the right mindset about running a six-figure freelance writing business can take a long time.

This is what you need to do, too. One of the biggest keys to success in growing your business is to stop thinking of yourself as ‘just’ a blogger and instead as a small business owner.

When you think like a business, you start to run things like a business. And that means getting a focus, attracting the right clients in that area, and getting them to pay you real dollars (not $.03 a word) for the content you create.

In reality, becoming a paid freelance writer is not rocket science. It just takes focus and consistency. It is not difficult, but it takes a lot of hard work.

Once you start making money from freelance writing, it helps you shift your mindset.

The me who was making $.05 a word and the me who makes $1+ a word are in two different mental places. A big part of that hinged on building the confidence that I could be a writer and make real money.

To do that, bust out of your shell, get focused, and start marketing yourself as a serious business owner.

To make it in this business, you need to do the same.

Will AI Make Freelance Writers Obsolete?

I’ve received the same question over and over again for about two years:

“Will freelance writers become obsolete because of AI?”

Check out my thoughts here:

And the short answer is no.

Yes, AI writing tools are popping up everywhere.

Yes, they’re getting better, and they are amazing resources to  help  you be a better writer and get more done in less time.

But even the very best AI tool I’ve used, Content at Scale , is still not capable of coming close to a high-quality human writer.

Yes, I could see it taking some of the super low-level SEO writing jobs, but for anything super meaningful and well-paid, we still have a long ways to go.

That said, these tools are most beneficial in the hands of a competent blogger or freelance writer. If you get good at using a tool like Content at Scale or Jasper, you can use it as a base to create content that you can edit yourself. It will give you a draft, and you can then add personality and personal details to make it extremely high quality.

When using a tool like this, you can double or triple the amount of content you can create in any given session.

But will it replace you? No.

Here are more of my thoughts on the future of freelance writing.

How to Become a Freelance Writer in 2024: Final Thoughts

Alright, you made it!

Yes, that was a lot of information, but if you’ve gotten this far, you should have an excellent idea of how to become a freelance writer. And you can start right now.

Go through each of the steps and follow the tips and advice. You can get your freelance writing business up and running in no time.

Check out our 6 day FREE COURSE on starting a freelance writing business.

Get our FREE 6 day email course all about how to build a lifestyle business that lets you spend more time doing the stuff you love to do in life.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

This post was updated for accuracy in November 2023.

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How to Start a Freelance Writing Business & Become a Writer!

If writing comes naturally and you just seem to have a way with words, have you considered freelance writing as a business venture?

Freelance writing gives writers the opportunity to take on a diverse range of projects from a variety of different clients.

Whether you are looking for a side hobby that makes some extra cash or a full-time career – this is definitely a viable option.

Some freelance writers choose to focus on specific topics or niches while others like to select topics based off what interests them in the moment.

This is what makes freelance writing such a great business venture – it is both creative and flexible.

You can decide what and when to write.

Examples of freelance work include writing content for local business websites, writing for online or print magazines, perhaps guest blogging on different sites, or maybe even writing out a campaign for an upcoming conference or show – the possibilities are endless.

If you’ve been looking for a way to turn your writing talent into more than a random hobby, you’ve come to the right place!

Today we are going to go over the steps to starting a successful freelance writing business!

If you love writing, working from home, being your own boss, and a flexible schedule, let’s get started!

1. Find your Niche(s)

While you don’t have to stick to one niche, it is good to at least identify the ones that you are most interested or perhaps most knowledgeable in.

By choosing a niche that you are already familiar with, you will save time on research and can generate some really awesome and quick content.

Here are a few popular niches that freelance copywriters meddle in:

• Relationships
• Family and Parenting
• Health and well-being
• Diet and Fitness
• Cooking and Baking
• Technology and Software
• Creative hobbies

This list doesn’t include everything, but it includes many of the popular niches and topics you may come across.

2. Create a Website

Successful freelance writers almost always have a website or blog where potential clients can see their portfolio.

Writing your own blog is one way to show your writing style and talent, or simply having a website as your portfolio to showcase your best work works too.

You can setup a blog or website for free via WordPress and they have a lot of pretty awesome themes that you can purchase and personalize.

Find a domain starting at $0.88

powered by Namecheap

3. Create your Portfolio

If you don’t already have a portfolio of writing pieces, you will need to create sample work to share with potential clients.

Many freelance artists publish new content on a blog either daily or weekly or perhaps they write for other blogs and online publications.

To develop a reader base, share your work with your family and friends and look for any feedback and suggestions.

Spend some time writing different pieces that showcase your talent and potential.

When you start taking on clients, you will have a solid portfolio to share and shine.

4. Officially Form your Business

Write a business plan.

Often time small business owners don’t spend time developing a business plan but writing a business plan has many benefits.

Starting a freelance writing business isn’t too complex, so your business plan can be simple and doesn’t need to be super elaborate.

Here are a few things that a good business plan will include:

• Long and Short term Goals – these can be milestones or tasks like when your website will be completed, or how many new clients you want to reach out to each week.
• How to you plan on making money? – this is your business strategy.
• Target Market – who are your potential clients and who do you plan to reach out to?
• Analyze your competition – this will help you know who you are up against and you can gain insight into what is working well for others.
• Define your Services – what type of freelance writing do you plan on doing?
• Establish your Rates

Writing out these few key aspects of your business will help you identify your strength, challenges, and any areas that need more improvement or development.

A business plan maps out the specifics of your business and can shed light on unknown factors that could negatively impact your business down the road.

Choose a Business Name

Choosing a business name is important because it is what people will remember you by!

For that reason, your business name should be easy to remember and easy to spell.

Some freelance writers choose to use their first and last name and that is ok as well.

Once you decide on a name, if you aren’t ready to form your business right away, you should consider reserving your business name so that it doesn’t get taken by someone else.

Reserving your business name is simple and can be done online via your local secretary of state website.

It is usually called a “Name Reservation Request” and the filing fee is between $10 – $25 per name reservation.

You will also want to make sure your name is available as a domain so that your website and business name are the same.

You can check domain names here:

A Name Reservation Request will give you name exclusivity for up to 90 days.

Form Your Business Entity

Now that you have a name, you can decide on your business structure or better known as your business entity .

The most common business entity types are sole proprietorship, limited liability companies (LLC), partnerships, or corporations.

If you are not sure which business entity to choose, you can consult an attorney or use a business formation service , which will be much cheaper than hiring an attorney.

However, most small business owners choose to form their business as a limited liability company .

LLCs provide limited liability protection to you as the owner which means that should your freelance writing business be sued,  your personal assets are protected.

LLCs are easy to form and easy to maintain and are the most popular choice of business entity type.

Learn more about LLCs here.

Checklist to Complete to Form Your Business:

• Select a business entity type: Sole proprietor , LLC , Corporation , etc.
• Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS – once your online application is complete, you will receive an EIN instantly.
• Register your business locally in the State in which you will be conducting business. This is done with the Secretary of State in the State in which you will be doing business.
• Obtain any business licenses or permits required in your State to operate a freelance writing business. These can also be found at your local Secretary of State website or by simply doing a Google search.

Set up the Business

The following things will help you finish setting up your business:.

• Open a business checking account (you will need an EIN to do this)
• Setup a way to manage your accounting whether it be a software program or spreadsheet to begin. This will help you track your income and expenses as well as invoice clients.
• Create a “media kit” that outlines your freelance writing services.
• If you plan on having employees work for you, setup a payroll system or a way to pay your 1099 writers.

You can learn more about setting up a business in our step-by-step guide here .

5. Create a Legal Contract

As a freelance writer, you will want to create some sort of contract that clients will need to complete and sign when engaging in work with you.

This document can be like a Scope of Work that clearly outlines the work your client will receive from you.

A contract outlines the services you’ll provide, the timelines for completing the work and the amount your client will pay you for your services.

It also should include any rights to your work and whether of not your work can be reproduced or copied.

6. Marketing

In order to build a client base, you are going to have to market yourself.

Spend some time building your website, portfolio, business cards and perhaps flyers that you can hand out.

In addition, you will want an e-mail address and easy way for clients to contact you.

Attending business and marketing events and conferences is another great way to build relationships and gain new clients.

Your marketing materials should provide pricing and a service list so customers know what you offer and how much it will cost.

7. Customer Reviews and Referrals

Customer reviews are an excellent way to build credibility and grow faster.

Encourage your customers to leave you a Google or Yelp review or leave a review on your website.

You can incentivize them by offering a discount on their next project for sending you referrals.

8. Build a Great Reputation

The best way to do this is by providing an excellent service at a fair price.

Showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and following through on your promises is also part of building a great reputation.

Happy customers will be returning customers and they will also be the ones that send you referrals by word of mouth.

Tips on becoming a Successful Freelance Writer

Freelance writing is a great way to make extra money or make a living.

It provides flexibility and the growth potential is huge.

Here are some tips to make being a freelance writer successful and profitable:

Avoid writing mills or content mills

Writing and content mills offer work like blog writing on content marketing materials to freelance writers at very low rates.

Not only do these companies pay very little for your work, they expect a quick turnaround time.

Many new freelance writers use this method thinking it will lead to more clients, but it rarely does.

Content mills have a ton of turnovers, mostly because of the low rates, and so these jobs are rarely worthwhile and rarely lead to higher paying gigs.

Writing and content mills are not a realistic way to make a living.

Instead focus on creating solid writing pieces and a solid portfolio to convince potential clients that you are worth charging a higher rate.

We aren’t saying to stay away from writing mills and content mills completely, in fact, you can do a few here and there to help build your portfolio.

We are just saying that you shouldn’t expect it to lead you to a lucrative writing career, think of it as more of a stepping stone.

Keep track of your time

As we mentioned before, freelance writing give you control over your schedule.

This also means that you need to be more intentional about your time.

Track how long client projects take you so that you can make sure you are charging enough to be worth your time.

Tracking your time can also help you see ways that you can be more productive, focused, and on track.

After all, time is money and you want to make sure you get the most of your time.

Never stop marketing yourself

While yes, word of mouth is an awesome way to get new clients, you should never stop actively marketing yourself.

A great way to do this is to allocate a certain amount of time each week or month to reach out to new clients or perhaps showcase your work on forums or social sites.

Think globally

The wonderful thing about freelance writing is that you can literally reach clients from all over the world.

Don’t limit yourself to just your region.

If you live in the United States, start looking into other English speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.

Many other countries all over the world are also on the lookout for solid English writers.

Research thoroughly

Clients may ask you to write about topics you are not familiar with.

Make sure to thoroughly research the topics and only use factual information.

The last thing you want to do it turn in a writing piece that isn’t accurate.

FundsNet requires Contributors, Writers and Authors to use Primary Sources to source and cite their work. These Sources include White Papers, Government Information & Data, Original Reporting and Interviews from Industry Experts. Reputable Publishers are also sourced and cited where appropriate. Learn more about the standards we follow in producing Accurate, Unbiased and Researched Content in our editorial policy.

SBA.gov " Business Structures - Limited Liability " Page 1 . July 22, 2021

SBA.gov " Choose a business structure " Page 1 . July 22, 2021

IRS.gov " Limited Liability Company (LLC) " Page 1 . July 22, 2021

COACHING + PUBLISHING

FORMATTING + DESIGN

FREELANCE COMMUNITY

• Make Money Writing: 14 Business and Entrepreneur Sites That Pay $50-$2,000

Evan Jensen

1. Entrepreneurship Life

2. 99 designs, 3. work online blog, 4. iworkwell, 5. income diary, 6. starting business, 7. coaches training blog, 8. homebiz junction, 9. copyhackers, 10. liisbeth, 11. getabstract, 12. freelance mom, 13. technical.ly, 14. smart business trends, hustle to make money writing.

It’s a hot niche where you’ll find industry moguls, start-ups, and innovators hustling to make their mark, generate revenue, and build a brand. (And that’s a good thing if you’re a freelance writer.)

Right now, Amazon-style success is what a lot of businesses and entrepreneurs are trying to replicate in their own niche.

From the solopreneur to corporate CEO, they’re interested in the day-to-day stuff about how to run a business more efficiently, manage people, improve product development and customer service, and establish a business model that will be profitable for the long term.

If you want to make money writing about business and entrepreneurship, there’s no shortage of sites that will pay you to write about it. Here are 14 sites that pay writers $50 to $500 per assignment, and cover a wide range of topics in this niche.

If you want to make money writing for one of these sites, study the guidelines, get familiar with the site and its target audience, and start pitching:

Robert Farrington knows what it’s like to work a retail job, deal with in-your-face customer service issues, make minimum wage, and wish things were different. So he hustled to make it happen, achieved some success and launched Entrepreneurship Life (and several other businesses) to help other people.

Want to write about your own entrepreneur journey or report on business, branding and entrepreneurship? Pitch your story idea to Robert Farrington . Pay based on assignment.

Every start-up obsesses over logo design and branding. And at some point, almost every established company will plan a complete redesign of its logo, website, messaging, or all of the above. 99 Designs founders Mark Harbottle and Matt Mickiewicz launched the company in 2008, and now it’s a hub for designers and entrepreneurs.

Want to write for 99 Designs? Tips, advice, and how-to design topics are the staple of this site’s content. But 99 Designs also covers the business of freelancing, entrepreneurship, and crowdsourcing. Pitch ideas to Brand Content Manager Antonia Zimmerlich . Pay based on assignment.

Freelance writing isn’t the only way to make money online. That’s what Dhireshan (Dee) Gadiagellan discovered when he left his day job as a robotics and automation engineer.

After a lot of trial and error, he launched The Work at Home Blog to help other people by providing content, training, and resources to build an online business.

Have an idea for a work-at-home article? Follow the guidelines to pitch your idea. Pays $50 per assignment.

It didn’t take long for Harvard grad Robert Padulo to realize that a lot of companies struggle with hiring and keeping great people. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The iWorkwell blog provides readers with content about how to do just that, along with many other topics related to human resources essential to running a successful organization.

If you’re not a subject matter expert on all things HR-related, you can still write for iWorkwell by interviewing someone who is and pitching an idea. Pays up to $250 per assignment.

In today’s Internet-driven environment, business owners need to know how to leverage technology to be successful. And that’s what Income Diary founder Michael Dunlop aims to help business owners with at the Income Diary.

“We write about creating awesome websites, driving traffic, social media or making money online,” says Dunlop.

Follow the guidelines to pitch a story idea. Pays up to $200 per assignment.

This business consulting practice aims to help start-ups and established businesses with all the planning, legal requirements, strategy, accounting, recruiting and investing associated with building and growing a business. Pitch an idea for the Starting Business Library. Pay based on assignment.

If you want to add coaching to your business or turn your industry knowledge into a coaching program or service, where do you start? That’s what Coaches Training Blog founder Jeffrey Sooey teaches people via his blog, videos, courses and training.

Have an idea for a blog post or video about coaching? Follow the guidelines to submit your idea. Pay based on assignment.

As a freelance writer, you probably already know there’s a lot more to freelancing than just writing. Marketing, web design, email automation, customer service, networking, lead nurturing, taxes and accounting, etc.

Those are topics you can write about for HomeBiz Junction, but the site covers more than just the technical side of running a home-based business.

“We also do our best to uplift entrepreneurs to give everything and grasp success for themselves,” says HomeBiz Junction founder Cathy Bryant. “We know that the startup world is a difficult one, so we’re here to make things easier.”

Have a story idea about running a home-based business? Study the website and guidelines. Then pitch [email protected] . Pay based on assignment.

Drill down to the basics of running a successful business , and one common element will emerge that’s critical to build a brand, create a following, make sales, convert subscribers into paying customers, establish authority…copywriting.

“We’re here to teach you how to write copy you’ll be proud,” says Joanna Wiebe, who co-founded Copyhackers with Lance Jones. “It [copywriting] reflects your brand and vision, and it moves units. Or gets sign ups. Or whatever conversion looks like for you.”

Study the guidelines. Seriously. You’ll see Copyhacker covers classic topics related to copywriting and branding. But the site also accepts guest posts about running a business, user interface design, A/B testing, and digital marketing strategies.

Pitch your idea to [email protected] . Pays $325 per assignment.

Can you carve out a niche that’s even more specific than entrepreneurship? That’s what the online magazine LiisBeth has done.

“We look for journalistic, edgy, positive, well-informed articles that offer readers’ a feminist’s perspective on entrepreneurship and innovation happenings, including policy and politics,” says LiisBeth Managing Editor Margaret Webb.

If you want to write for LiisBeth, here what you should do. Study the guidelines. Read past articles and content on the site. Digest the About page and the LiisBeth Manifesto.

Once you know the voice and target audience of LiisBeth, pitch an idea to Margaret Webb . Pays $100 to $2,000 per assignment.

When Rolf Dobelli, Patrick Brigger, and Thomas Bergen were trying to climb the corporate ladder, reading books by gurus about business, mindset, and success strategies seemed liked a good idea.

But if you’re ultra busy, how much time do you actually have to read a book. That’s what sparked the idea to launch GetAbstract.

It’s a site that summarizes books into bite-sized chunks into a specific format to help someone get all the essential details in a fraction of the time. And they use freelance writers to do it.

To land an assignment, you have to apply first . Once accepted, GetAbstract pays up to $300 per book review.

Lisa Stern runs the Freelance Mom website designed to help moms build a freelance business to make money from home.

Blog posts include a mix of personal experience and how-to guides to teach moms how to run a freelance business. Plus, every post includes a 20 to 30-minute action plan to help moms take the next step, instead of the classic, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” (which really means never) response.

If you want to write for The Freelance Mom, study the guidelines and send a pitch to [email protected] . Pays $75 to $100 per assignment, plus potential $150 bonus for traffic.

You’ll need to know the intersection of business and technology in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Delaware, Baltimore and Washington, D.C, to write for Technical.ly.

This niche business site features content about start-ups, data analytics, Internet activism, and new ways to leverage social media, among other topics. Recent stories covered eSports teams based in Philadelpia, Yelp’s influence on Baltimore’s restaurant industry, the most popular programming languages for 2018, and more.

Want to write for Technical.ly? Study the site and guidelines. Then pitch your idea to Editor-in-Chief Zack Seward . Pay based on assignment.

What’s the best…? Fill in the blank (WordPress theme, hosting service, content management system, email automation software, employee review process, etc).

Entrepreneurs and business owners ask those kind of questions all the time. And Smart Business Trends has positioned itself as the resource to provide thoughtful answers.

Want to write for Smart Business Trends? Study the site content, and pitch your idea . Pays $100 to $200 per assignment.

If you want to make money writing about business and entrepreneurship, start hustling . This is a short list of just a few sites that pay for articles, blog posts, and content in this niche. But there are many more sites, magazines, and businesses that need your help, too. Start pitching. Get some clients. Make money writing.

What business and entrepreneur sites do you recommend?   Share on Facebook or LinkedIn .

Evan Jensen is the blog editor for Make a Living Writing. When he’s not on a writing deadline, or catching up on emails, he’s training to run another 100-mile race.

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Op-Ed Writing: 10 Markets That Pay Freelancers for Views & Opinions

Ever have an idea for an op-ed?

If your mind jumps to the old-school newspaper section with editorials, opinion pieces, and letters to the editor, you’re probably thinking it’s a waste of time.

But writing op-ed pieces is still a thing. I’ve done it. And if you know where to look, the right markets pay well.

Getting paid $300 to $1,500 for opinion pieces, essays, and editorials is still happening.

Let the ideas begin to percolate…

Maybe you’ve learned a few lessons at the School of Hard Knocks. Maybe you’ve got some insight, views, expertise, or opinions about issues in your niche. Or maybe some comment on social media is so hot, you’ve got to take a stand.

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How to Find the Right Clients for Your Freelance Writing Business

Starting a freelance writing business is a great way to turn your passion for writing into a profitable career. But as any freelance writer knows, finding the right clients is key to success. Without a steady stream of projects, you're unlikely to make a sustainable income. So, how do you find the right clients for your freelance writing business? In this article, we'll explore some tips and strategies for attracting the right clients, so you can build a thriving freelance writing business that meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your client base, this guide will help you get on the right track and find the clients you need to succeed.

Understanding your target audience

"Understanding your target audience" is a crucial step in finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. It refers to taking the time to research and get to know the people you're hoping to work with. This includes understanding their needs, pain points, interests, and preferences. When you have a clear understanding of your target audience, you'll be better equipped to tailor your marketing efforts and connect with clients who are a good fit for you.

For example, if you're a freelance writer specializing in health and wellness, your target audience might be individuals and businesses in the health and wellness industry. To understand them better, you might research their common needs, such as creating blog posts, case studies, or product descriptions. You could also look into their preferred tone and style, as well as the channels they use to communicate with their audience. By taking the time to understand your target audience, you'll be better able to create content that resonates with them and stand out as a valuable solution to their writing needs.

Building a strong portfolio and online presence

"Building a strong portfolio and online presence" is another key step in finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. A portfolio is essentially a collection of your best work, showcasing your writing skills and experience to potential clients. Your online presence , on the other hand, refers to your online reputation and how easily you can be found online.

Having a strong portfolio and online presence is crucial because it helps you establish credibility and showcase your skills to potential clients. A well-crafted portfolio demonstrates your writing ability and highlights your unique style and strengths. Additionally, by having a strong online presence, you increase your visibility and make it easier for potential clients to find you. This includes having a professional website, creating profiles on relevant platforms, and building an active social media presence.

By investing time and effort into building a strong portfolio and online presence, you'll be able to attract the right clients and showcase your writing abilities. This can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing projects that are a good fit for you.

Networking and connecting with potential clients

"Networking and connecting with potential clients" is an effective way to find the right clients for your freelance writing business. Networking refers to the process of building relationships and making connections with people in your industry or niche . This can be done in person, through online communities, or at events and conferences.

When it comes to finding clients as a freelance writer, networking can be especially helpful because it allows you to connect with potential clients and build relationships with them. This can help you understand their needs and preferences, and increase your chances of landing projects that are a good fit for you.

Connecting with potential clients can also help you stay top of mind and establish yourself as a valuable resource. For example, you could attend events and conferences, reach out to individuals and companies you admire, or participate in online discussions and forums related to your niche. By connecting with potential clients, you can build relationships, demonstrate your expertise, and increase your chances of landing projects.

Ultimately, networking and connecting with potential clients is an important part of finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. By investing time and effort into building relationships, you'll be able to attract clients who are a good fit for you and grow your business over time.

Utilizing social media and online platforms for marketing

"Utilizing social media and online platforms for marketing " is a crucial component of finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. Social media and online platforms offer a vast array of opportunities to promote your business, reach potential clients, and showcase your skills and experience.

By having a presence on popular social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, you can connect with potential clients, share your writing, and demonstrate your expertise. This can help you build your brand, attract the right clients, and increase your visibility online.

In addition to social media, there are also several online platforms specifically designed to help freelancers connect with clients. For example, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to create a profile, showcase your portfolio, and bid on projects posted by potential clients. By utilizing these platforms, you can reach a wider audience and increase your chances of finding the right clients for your business.

In conclusion, utilizing social media and online platforms for marketing is an effective way to find the right clients for your freelance writing business. By investing time and effort into promoting your business online, you'll be able to reach a wider audience, build your brand, and increase your chances of landing projects that are a good fit for you.

Joining freelance writing communities and forums

"Joining freelance writing communities and forums" is another useful strategy for finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. Freelance writing communities and forums are online spaces where freelance writers can connect, network, and exchange ideas and information.

By joining these communities, you can gain valuable insights into the industry, connect with other freelance writers, and potentially even find new clients. For example, you might participate in discussions, share your writing, or ask for advice from more experienced writers. This can help you build relationships, expand your network, and increase your visibility as a freelance writer.

Additionally, these communities and forums can also be a great place to showcase your skills and experience. For example, you might share your portfolio or writing samples with the community and receive feedback from other writers and potential clients. This can help you build your reputation, establish yourself as a valuable resource, and increase your chances of finding the right clients for your business.

In conclusion, joining freelance writing communities and forums is a valuable strategy for finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. By participating in these online communities, you can build relationships, expand your network, and increase your visibility as a freelance writer. This can help you find clients who are a good fit for you and grow your business over time.

Offering free samples or low-priced projects

"Offering free samples or low-priced projects" is a smart strategy for finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. By offering potential clients a taste of your writing, you can demonstrate your skills, build relationships, and increase your chances of landing projects that are a good fit for you.

For example, you might offer to write a free sample for a potential client or work on a low-priced project for a new client. This can give them a sense of your writing style and abilities, and help build trust and rapport. If they like your work, they might be more likely to offer you additional projects in the future.

Offering free samples or low-priced projects can also be a great way to get your foot in the door with a new client. Once you've established yourself as a valuable resource, you can negotiate higher rates for future projects.

It's important to keep in mind that when offering free samples or low-priced projects, you should still maintain a professional demeanor and deliver high-quality work. Your goal should be to make a good impression and build a positive relationship with the client, rather than simply cutting corners and sacrificing quality for the sake of a low price.

In conclusion, offering free samples or low-priced projects is a smart strategy for finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. By demonstrating your skills and building relationships with potential clients, you can increase your chances of landing projects that are a good fit for you and grow your business over time.

Creating a clear and professional proposal

"Creating a clear and professional proposal" is a critical step in finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. A proposal is essentially a document that outlines your qualifications, experience, and ideas for a particular project, and is used to convince a potential client to hire you.

Creating a clear and professional proposal is essential because it showcases your professionalism, demonstrates your expertise, and provides the client with a clear understanding of what you can offer. A good proposal should be well-organized, easy to understand, and tailored to the specific needs of the client.

When creating a proposal, it's important to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, and to provide specific examples of your writing skills. You should also include a detailed description of your ideas for the project, and discuss your approach to the work. Additionally, you should clearly outline your timeline, budget, and payment terms.

Finally, it's important to make sure your proposal is professional and polished. This means paying attention to details like grammar, formatting, and presentation. A professional proposal will help you stand out from other freelancers and increase your chances of landing the project.

In conclusion, creating a clear and professional proposal is a critical step in finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. By presenting yourself in a professional and confident manner, you can demonstrate your expertise, increase your chances of landing projects, and build your reputation as a valuable resource.

Following up with potential clients in a timely manner

"Following up with potential clients in a timely manner" is a key part of finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. Once you've submitted a proposal or made contact with a potential client, it's important to follow up in a timely and professional manner.

Following up shows that you're serious about the opportunity and demonstrates your professionalism. It also gives you the chance to answer any questions the client may have and provides you with an opportunity to further build the relationship.

When following up, it's important to be polite, concise, and to the point. You should avoid being overly pushy or aggressive, as this can turn off potential clients. Instead, focus on building a positive relationship and showing the client that you're the right person for the job.

It's also important to be timely in your follow-up. This means responding in a reasonable amount of time, and not leaving it too long between contact. For example, you might follow up with a client a few days after submitting your proposal, and then follow up again a week later if you haven't heard back.

In conclusion, following up with potential clients in a timely manner is a key part of finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. By demonstrating your professionalism, building relationships, and being timely in your follow-up, you can increase your chances of landing projects and growing your business over time.

Staying organized and tracking your progress

"Staying organized and tracking your progress" is an essential aspect of finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. As a freelancer, you'll be working with multiple clients, proposals, and projects at any given time, and it's important to have a system in place to keep everything organized and under control.

One effective way to stay organized is to use a project management tool that allows you to track your proposals, deadlines, and communication with clients. This will help you stay on top of your work, and ensure that you meet all of your commitments.

In addition to staying organized, it's important to track your progress so that you can see what's working and what's not. This will help you identify areas where you can improve, and give you a clear understanding of what you need to do to grow your business.

To track your progress, you might consider setting specific goals for your business and tracking your progress towards these goals. You might also keep a record of the number of proposals you submit, the number of projects you complete, and the amount of money you earn. This information will help you understand your progress, and give you a clear picture of your business over time.

In conclusion, staying organized and tracking your progress is an essential aspect of finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. By having a system in place to keep your work organized and by tracking your progress, you can increase your chances of success, grow your business, and become a more successful freelance writer.

Continuously learning and refining your approach

"Continuously learning and refining your approach" is an important part of finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. In any field, it's essential to continuously learn and grow, and freelance writing is no exception. As the industry evolves and changes, it's important to stay ahead of the curve and develop new skills to meet the demands of clients.

One way to continuously learn and refine your approach is to read industry-related blogs, attend webinars and workshops, and join online communities for freelance writers. These resources can help you stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques, and give you new ideas and strategies to try out.

In addition to learning from others, it's important to reflect on your own experiences and approach. By regularly reviewing your work and client feedback, you can identify areas where you can improve and make changes to your approach. For example, you might find that you need to improve your proposals, or that you need to focus more on building relationships with clients.

Finally, it's important to be open to new ideas and to try out new approaches. This means being willing to experiment and take risks, even if you're unsure of the outcome. By doing this, you can continuously refine your approach and find new and innovative ways to connect with clients and grow your business.

In conclusion, continuously learning and refining your approach is an important part of finding the right clients for your freelance writing business. By staying up to date with the latest trends, reflecting on your own experiences, and being open to new ideas, you can continually grow and improve as a freelance writer, and attract the right clients for your business.

Final thoughts

Finding the right clients for your freelance writing business can be a challenge, but with the right approach, it's possible to build a thriving business. In this article, we've covered several key steps that can help you find the right clients for your freelance writing business. These steps include: understanding your target audience, building a strong portfolio and online presence, networking and connecting with potential clients, utilizing social media and online platforms for marketing, joining freelance writing communities and forums, offering free samples or low-priced projects, creating a clear and professional proposal, following up with potential clients in a timely manner, staying organized and tracking your progress, and continuously learning and refining your approach.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success and build a successful freelance writing business. Remember, finding the right clients takes time and effort, but with persistence and determination, you can achieve your goals and become a successful freelance writer.

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