7 Practical Tips To Get Freelance Writing Jobs With No Experience

I’ve been a writer for more than five years now. It’s a job that I absolutely love. I set the hours, I decide whom to work for and I set my rates, too. It’s a great career and there’s very little I’d change about it.

The worse days for me as a freelance writer were when I was new. I didn’t know where to find clients, at all. I mean, everyone wanted to see some experience but then again, how do you get your first freelance writing job?

I struggled for quite a few months, to be honest. I eventually did get work and things have worked out brilliantly but I’ve never forgotten the sheer desperation I felt back then.

However, over the years, I’ve learned quite a lot and today, if I were starting new, I know exactly what I would do.

So, that’s what this blog is about. It’s about how to get freelance writing jobs with no experience. How do you land that first freelance writing job?

I’ve compiled a list of 7 things that you can do.

Let’s get started.

Getting a writing job with no experience — getting started

Write a blog — it’s cliche but it works

Everyone tells you to do it. It’s genuinely a cliche. But it’s a cliche because it works. A blog is a platform, your stage, to show the world what you’re good at and how good you’re at it.

The magic of starting a blog is threefold. First, it provides a platform for you to hone your writing skills (what skills exactly?). Think of it as your personal writing dojo, a place to practice, experiment, and refine your craft.

Second, a blog is your personal portfolio in action. It's a living, breathing showcase of your abilities and style.

Lastly, it creates your online presence, a beacon that attracts potential clients (here are 6 ways to find them!) right to your digital doorstep.

A blog is more than just words on a page; it's your voice, your brand, and your ticket into the freelance writing arena.

How to Start a Blog

Now, onto the real business: how to start a blog.

Don't worry; it's easier than it sounds.

Choose Your Niche:

The first step is to identify your niche. What are you passionate about? What topics do you want to write about? Whether it's tech, travel, fashion, or finance, pick something you love and can write about confidently. Remember, passion shines through words!

Select a Blogging Platform:

Next, choose a blogging platform. There are several options available, such as WordPress, Blogger, or Medium. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so research and select one that fits your needs best.

Design Your Blog:

Here's where you can let your creativity shine. Design a blog that reflects your personality and writing style.

Make it fun, make it personal, make it interesting. But most importantly, make it easy to use. You can write the greatest articles on the planet but no one will read them if the blog isn’t easy to use.

Write Your First Post:

Now, it's time to write. Your first blog post should be an introduction to you and your writing. It's your chance to show your readers what they can expect from your blog.

Writing great articles is a skill, no doubt. But if you want your blog to truly grow, make sure you engage with the readers. Encourage people to leave comments, answer when they ask questions, and generally engage with them. Strive to create conversations. That will grow your blog quicker than anything else.

Consistency is Key:

Regularly update your blog with fresh, engaging content. Writing your first blog might feel like you’ve achieved something — and you have. But the real key to success is to keep writing.

The more you write, the better. Search engines like Google will start to show your content more when your blog is updated regularly. And that’s what you are aiming for.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you just spam your blog with low-quality content. Quality over quantity, always. But don’t ignore quantity too much, either. It’s a game of balance.

What to Write About

When it comes to what to write about, the world is your oyster, really.

You could share personal experiences, insights, or opinions. You could provide tips or tutorials, review products or services, or comment on industry news or trends.

Make sure whatever you choose aligns with your niche and appeals to your target audience.

Remember, your blog is your brand. Make it a true reflection of your unique voice and style.

You should take freelance platforms seriously

You have a blog and you’ve written a few posts on that blog. Now, it’s time to start making money with freelance writing. And the first step is to get on freelance platforms. Fiverr, UpWork, Freelancer — you get the idea.

The fact is that these platforms are usually a race to the bottom, in terms of price. The competition is ridiculous (here’s a state-of-the-industry article if you want to read further) and if you’re new, you won’t make good money. In fact, you’ll have to work hard to just get a job. What’s more, the deadlines are usually ridiculous. And if you read the blogs of popular bloggers, they’ll tell you to just stay away from these platforms.

So, why should you be on freelance writing platforms?

You should try getting jobs on these platforms because they’re the best way to get your first job as a freelance writer.

Getting a few jobs on freelancing platforms will allow you to create a portfolio. We’ll look at portfolios shortly but in essence, if you have paid jobs that you’ve done, and if you can find the links where your writing has been published, you can market that writing.

That’s why you should get on freelance writing platforms. You won’t be paid a lot and it’s grueling work but it’ll allow you to get published works online.

Popular platforms to find freelance writing jobs

There's a world of freelance platforms out there, and while each has its unique features and benefits, the goal is the same: to connect freelancers with potential clients. Here are some of the most popular platforms you should consider:

1. Upwork: Known for its diverse range of job categories, Upwork is a great place to find both short-term and long-term freelance writing projects.

2. Fiverr: This platform is famous for its gig-based structure. You set up 'gigs' offering specific services, and clients can directly purchase them.

3. Freelancer: With a massive global user base, Freelancer offers opportunities in numerous categories and hosts regular contests to showcase your skills.

4. ProBlogger Job Board: A haven for writers, the ProBlogger Job Board lists writing and blogging jobs from around the world.

5. Contently: Contently focuses on connecting high-quality writers with clients looking for top-notch content.

Setting Up a Successful Profile

Now that you're familiar with the platforms, let's focus on creating a profile that commands attention:

• Professional Picture: A professional photo gives your profile a personal touch and helps to establish trust.

• Engaging Bio: Your bio is your chance to sell yourself. Highlight your skills, experience (including your newly established blog!), and what makes you unique as a writer. Be confident, be concise, and be compelling.

• Skill Tags: Make use of the skill tags offered by the platform. They help clients find you based on the specific skills they're looking for.

• Portfolio: Showcase your best work in your portfolio. This is where your blog comes in handy. Link to your most engaging blog posts to give clients a taste of your writing style and abilities.

• Testimonials: As you complete projects, request feedback and testimonials from your clients. Positive reviews can significantly boost your credibility.

• Rates: Setting your rates can be tricky. Research what other freelancers with similar skills and experience are charging to get an idea.

Remember, your profile is like your shopfront. It should be inviting, professional, and a true reflection of you and your services.

Guest blogging — the ultimate authority-building exercise

Trust is a huge factor when it comes to getting freelance writing jobs. Your potential employers must be able to trust that you can actually write, that you can write well and that you are an expert at your craft.

Of course, you’re writing your own blog and you probably have a few pieces that are published online. It’s not enough, though. At least, not if you want high-paying writing jobs.

For that, you need to build social credibility.

And one of the best ways to do that is to do a bit of guest blogging. You’ve probably heard of the term. It’s a practice where you write on someone else’s blog.

What’s the advantage?

Well, the blog where you write as a guest gets high-quality content for their site. You, of course, get exposure to a new audience. It's like being invited to speak at a conference - you're recognized as an authority, and you get the chance to impress a fresh crowd.

The Benefits of Guest Blogging

The perks of guest blogging are manifold:

• Exposure to a Larger Audience: Guest blogging gives you access to an established and relevant audience that you might not reach otherwise. It's an opportunity to show off your skills to a whole new crowd.

• Builds Authority: When you're invited to guest blog, it's because you're recognized as having something valuable to say. This recognition helps to establish you as an authority in your niche. It helps build your brand as a writer.

• Portfolio Expansion: Each guest post is another feather in your cap, a new piece to add to your growing portfolio.

• Networking Opportunities: Guest blogging can open doors to new professional relationships, collaborations, and even job opportunities.

• Improved SEO: If the blog owner allows, you can include backlinks to your own blog in your guest post. These backlinks can boost the SEO of your blog, helping it to rank higher in search engine results.

Finding Guest Blogging Opportunities

So how do you find these golden guest blogging opportunities? Here's how:

1. Start with Your Network: Reach out to bloggers or businesses within your network and offer to write a guest post. If they know and trust you, they're more likely to say yes.

2. Use Search Engines: Use targeted search queries like "[your niche] + guest post" or "[your niche] + write for us" to find blogs that accept guest posts.

3. Leverage Social Media: Join industry groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Members often post guest blogging opportunities.

4. Check Out Blogging Platforms: Many blogging platforms and content marketing sites have sections dedicated to guest blogging opportunities.

5. Pitch Directly: If there's a blog you love and follow, why not pitch directly to them? Make sure to provide a unique and exciting post idea, and show them how it would benefit their audience.

Remember, when guest blogging, always respect the guidelines and audience of the host blog. You're a guest in their house, after all.

Social media — it really is that important

I won’t go into the importance of social media and all that. The fact is you need to be on social media.

Promoting Your Work and Networking on Social Media

As a freelance writer, your words are your product, and social media is your digital megaphone. Here are some tips to promote your work and network effectively on social media platforms:

• Showcase Your Work: Share snippets from your latest blog post or a link to your guest post. Show your audience what you're capable of. Remember, the internet loves good content.

• Engage with Your Audience: Don't just broadcast, interact. Respond to comments, ask questions, and create discussions. Social media is about building relationships.

• Share Valuable Content: Curate and share content that your audience will find valuable. This establishes you as a resource and keeps people coming back for more.

• Join Industry Groups: Most social media platforms have groups or communities centered around specific industries or interests. Join these groups, participate in discussions, and make valuable connections.

• Follow Industry Leaders: Follow and engage with industry leaders and influencers. Not only can you learn from them, but their followers can become your followers too.

Focus on LinkedIn

When it comes to professional networking and connecting with potential clients, LinkedIn is the king. It's the world's largest professional network and a goldmine of opportunities for freelance writers.

We’ve got a comprehensive guide on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile as a freelance writer. You can read it here. For now, a quick summary:

1. Optimize Your Profile: Your LinkedIn profile is your digital resume. Make sure it's up-to-date, professional, and showcases your skills and experience. Don't forget to include your portfolio and a link to your blog.

2. Network Actively: Connect with industry professionals, join writing and content marketing groups, and participate in discussions. LinkedIn is a networking event that never ends.

3. Post Regularly: Share your latest work, industry news, or valuable insights. Regular posting keeps you visible in your network's feed.

4. Leverage LinkedIn's Blogging Platform: LinkedIn allows you to publish long-form posts. This is a great way to showcase your writing skills and get noticed by your network.

The Gift of Giving: Volunteering Your Writing Services for NGOs

As a freelance writer starting out, you're looking for experience, exposure, and a chance to prove your skills. But did you know that there's a way to achieve all this while making a difference in the world?

Enter the realm of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), where your writing can have a profound impact.

Why Volunteer Your Writing Services to NGOs?

Volunteering your writing services to NGOs offers numerous benefits:

1. Portfolio Building: Volunteering gives you real-world writing assignments that you can add to your portfolio. This not only enhances your portfolio but also shows potential clients your ability to work on meaningful projects.

2. Experience: Working with NGOs provides a wealth of experience. You'll face real deadlines, work with a team, and learn to tailor your writing to specific audiences and goals.

3. Networking: NGOs often have a wide network of supporters and partners. Volunteering opens doors to new connections and potential future clients.

4. Skill Enhancement: NGOs might require different types of content - blogs, press releases, fundraising letters, and social media posts. This variety helps to diversify and strengthen your writing skills.

5. Making a Difference: Lastly, and this is important, your writing can make a real difference. NGOs work towards noble causes, and your writing can help them reach their goals.

Finding NGOs That Need Volunteer Writers

So how do you find NGOs that are in need of your writing skills? Here's how:

1. Local NGOs: Start with NGOs in your local community. They'll appreciate the support, and it's a great way to make local connections.

2. Volunteer Websites: Websites like Idealist, VolunteerMatch, and UN Volunteers list numerous volunteer opportunities, including writing and communication roles.

3. Reach Out Directly: If there's an NGO whose cause you're passionate about, reach out to them directly. Show them how your writing can help further their mission.

4. Social Media: Many NGOs post volunteer opportunities on their social media platforms. Follow NGOs you're interested in to stay updated.

5. Networking: Leverage your network. Ask around to see if anyone knows of NGOs that could use a volunteer writer.

Populate your portfolio

A portfolio - it's the cornerstone of your freelance writing career, your testament of talent, and your ticket to success.

A portfolio shows potential clients not just that you can write, but that you can write brilliantly. So, let's delve into the art of building a professional portfolio, even with no experience.

Why a Portfolio Matters in Freelance Writing

In the world of freelance writing, your portfolio is your showcase. It's where potential clients can see your style, gauge your skills, and assess your versatility.

It's your evidence of expertise, your proof of proficiency, and your demonstration of creativity.

A compelling portfolio can make the difference between getting a nod of approval or a shake of the head from potential clients. It's not just important; it's indispensable.

Building a Writer Portfolio with No Experience

Every job that you’ve taken becomes vital at this point. All the steps we looked at earlier are going to help you create a great freelance writing portfolio. Here’s how:

• Leverage Your Blog: You’ve been writing a blog for a while now. This is where it pays off. The best blogs will go into your portfolio.

• Guest Blogging: Every guest post you’ve written is another piece for your portfolio. It also adds variety to your portfolio, showing that you can write for different audiences and formats.

• Create Sample Pieces: If you still don’t have a lot of content, don’t worry. Portfolios don’t always have to contain published pieces. Create sample articles, blog posts, or whatever type of content you want to be hired to write. Show potential clients what you can do.

• Volunteer Your Skills: If you’ve been able to write for a few NGOs, now’s the time to show off.

• Freelance Platforms: Those little jobs that you found on freelancing platforms? Well, this is where they’re going to be really important. You don’t have to say how you got these jobs. It doesn’t matter. You have published works on the internet. Make sure you show them off.

Creating Your Portfolio

Now, let's get down to the business of creating your portfolio:

1. Choose a Portfolio Platform: There are numerous online platforms where you can create a professional-looking portfolio, such as Contently, Journo Portfolio, or even LinkedIn.

2. Select Your Best Work: Your portfolio is a reflection of your best work. Choose pieces that demonstrate your writing skills, versatility, and the range of topics you can cover.

3. Organize Your Portfolio: Arrange your pieces in a way that's easy to navigate. You could categorize them by type of content, topic, or even by client.

4. Keep It Updated: As you produce new work that you're proud of, add it to your portfolio. Keeping your portfolio fresh shows potential clients that you're active and continuously improving.

Be a part of the community — network with other writers

The best jobs I’ve got (and the highest-paying ones) have all come to me because of my network. There’s nothing, and I mean nothing, that comes close to networking when it comes to finding high-paying clients.

Networking isn't just beneficial; it's instrumental in building a successful freelance writing career.

Why Networking Matters in Freelance Writing

Networking in the freelance writing industry is a game-changer. Here's why:

• You get to learn from others: Other writers have a wealth of knowledge and experiences. By networking, you can learn from their successes and mistakes, gain new insights, and keep up with industry trends.

• Job Opportunities: Writers often share job opportunities within their network. You might hear about a writing gig that you wouldn't have found otherwise.

• Support and Motivation: Writing can be a solitary endeavor. Having a network of writers provides a sense of community, support, and motivation.

• Collaboration: Networking can lead to collaborations. You might co-author a blog post, work together on a project, or provide services for each other.

• Referrals: If a writer in your network is too busy to take on a job or if a job isn't quite their niche, they might refer the client to you.

How to Network Effectively with Other Writers

Networking might seem daunting, but with these tips, you can network like a pro:

• Join Writing Groups and Associations: There are numerous writing groups and associations, both online and offline. Join these to meet like-minded writers, participate in discussions, and learn from the community.

• Attend Writing Events: Writing workshops, seminars, and conferences are excellent places to meet other writers and industry professionals. Plus, you can learn a lot from these events.

• Leverage Social Media: Follow and engage with writers on social media platforms. Join writing groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Comment on posts, start discussions and share valuable content.

• Guest Blogging: Guest blogging not only exposes you to a new audience but also connects you with the blog owner and other contributors.

• Reach Out Directly: If there's a writer you admire or whose work you enjoy, don't hesitate to reach out to them directly. Compliment their work, ask for advice, or propose a collaboration. Remember, flattery will get you everywhere.

• Reciprocate: Networking is a two-way street. Share opportunities, provide support, and offer help when you can. What goes around, comes around.

Conclusion

If you’ve read the blog fully and you’re now thinking that all this will take a lot of time and effort, you’re right. There’s no shortcut, unfortunately. You simply have to go through the process.

Once you have things in place, you should start looking at high-paying freelance writing jobs. Simple Job Listings can help you with that. We list remote writing jobs that pay really well.

So, check out Simple Job Listings and find your dream freelance writing job. Good luck!