How to Become a Freelance Writer with No Experience

As the demand for quality content soars, particularly in the digital sphere, freelance writing has become an enticing career option for many people. The flexibility, autonomy, and potential for growth make it an attractive pursuit for aspiring writers, recent graduates and professionals looking for a career change.

But for those with no prior writing experience, breaking into the field can seem daunting. If that’s how you’re feeling, don’t sweat it: Our guide is designed to help beginners navigate the process of starting a freelance writing career from scratch, no experience required.

One of the most common misconceptions about freelance writing is that you need years of experience to get started.

The truth is, many successful content writers and copywriters began their journey without any direct experience in the field. What sets them apart is their dedication to honing their craft, learning continuously and delivering quality content.

So, if you’re an aspiring writer with no formal experience, the key to success is to focus on developing your skills and stay persistent.

The process of starting a freelance writing career with no experience can be broken down into nine actionable steps, all of which we’ve designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to kickstart your freelance journey.

From educating yourself on the intricacies of the industry to honing your writing skills and finding your niche, here’s your step-by-step guide for finding success as a freelance writer, whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time occupation.

Begin by immersing yourself in the world of freelance writing. Explore the various types of writing, from copywriting to content writing, and familiarize yourself with industry standards and practices. Resources such as blogs, online writing classes, podcasts and books can provide valuable insights into the freelance writing landscape.

Writing is a skill that improves with practice, so be sure to dedicate time to writing regularly. You can do so through journaling, starting a blog, writing practice articles or creating short stories—whatever sounds best to you. Also, take advantage of free resources and courses that can help enhance your grammar, style and overall writing quality, such as Grammarly and Wordtune.

Choosing a freelance writing niche is essential for establishing yourself as an expert in a specific area and zeroing in on the type of content you want to write. Consider your interests, passions and expertise when selecting a niche. Whether it’s technology, healthcare, lifestyle, history or something else entirely, focusing on a niche (or two) can help you stand out and attract prospective clients seeking specialized content. 

A strong portfolio is your ticket to showcasing your writing skills to potential clients. Start by creating writing samples that are relevant to your chosen niche. You can also start your own blog, leverage platforms like Medium or submit guest posts to publications to showcase your work. (Psst: Skillshare offers classes that provide in-depth writing projects you can use to flesh out your portfolio.)

Establishing a professional online presence is crucial for attracting clients and showcasing your portfolio. Start by creating a LinkedIn profile to highlight your writing skills, and also consider building a simple website using a tool like Squarespace or WordPress to serve as your online portfolio. Make sure to regularly update your profiles with new projects and achievements.

Understanding the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) can make you more marketable as a freelance writer, and even promote your freelance writing business more effectively. Familiarize yourself with keyword research, on-page optimization and content formatting to create content that ranks well in search engines, and take advantage of resources like online classes and tutorials to help you master the fundamentals of SEO. 

Setting your freelancing rates can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting out. Begin by researching industry standards and consider factors such as your level of expertise, the complexity of the project and the client’s budget.

When searching for your first few gigs, for instance, you may want to set your rates relatively low in order to incentivize potential clients. Then, as you gain experience and receive feedback, don’t hesitate to adjust your rates accordingly. 

Pitching is an essential skill for freelance writers. Look for job postings on freelance platforms, job boards and social media (more on that in the next section), and always tailor your pitches to each client’s needs. Be prepared to take rejection in stride, and use any feedback you receive to refine your pitches and improve your chances of landing future gigs. 

Networking can open doors to new opportunities for freelance writing work. Join online communities, participate in writing forums and connect with fellow writers and industry professionals on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. By doing so, you’ll be able to build relationships and engage with others, which means you’re more likely to get referrals, collaborations and recommendations.

Once you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to get your first client. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

Tap into your existing network of contacts, friends and family members who may need writing services or know someone who does. And if you know any business owners in need of online content, offer your writing services to them—it may end up serving as an ideal starting point. 

Utilize job boards like ProBlogger, Contena and JournalismJobs to find beginner-friendly freelance writing jobs. Use filters to narrow down your search, and keep an eye out for gigs that align with your skills and interests. 

Create compelling profiles on freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr, and tailor your proposals to showcase your personality and expertise.

Try leveraging community platforms like Medium to publish original content and gain visibility in your niche. Be sure to consistently produce high-quality articles and engage with the community to attract new clients and opportunities. 

Marketing agencies often require freelance writers for various projects, from writing blog posts to creating social media content to executing email marketing campaigns. Reach out to agencies and professionals in your niche, and offer your writing services to meet their content needs.

Maintain an active presence on social media and connect with other writers, editors, and publishers. Share your work, engage in conversations, and leverage your network to uncover freelance writing opportunities and collaborations, attract potential gigs and drive referrals.

Becoming a freelance writer without prior experience is entirely achievable with the right approach and mindset. By following these steps and continuously refining your skills, you can kickstart a successful freelance writing career. Keep in mind that perseverance, hard work and a willingness to learn are the keys to success in this dynamic field, so never stop trying and always be open to learning.

And there’s no better place to learn new writing skills than Skillshare. Our vast library of online writing classes are waiting to inspire, encourage and challenge you, and many of the industry experts who teach them were once in your shoes.