Freelance Writing Jobs in 2023: Your Blueprint for Success

Are you looking for a way to make money from home, have flexible hours, and work on projects you enjoy on freelance platforms like Upwork? If so, freelance writing might be the perfect career for you. Freelance writing is a type of self-employment where you write content for various clients and get paid per project or word. Depending on your skills and interests, you can write about anything from travel to technology.

But how do you get started as a freelance writer? What are the best types of freelance writing jobs? How do you find clients and set your rates? And what skills and tools do you need to succeed in this competitive field?

In this guide, we’ll answer all these questions and more. We’ll show you how to create a freelance writing portfolio, apply for freelance writing jobs on different platforms, and deliver high-quality work on time. We’ll also share some of the latest freelancing stats and trends for 2023 and beyond, as well as some of the highest paying freelancing jobs and most in-demand freelance writing niches.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced writer looking to level up your game, this guide will help you achieve your freelance writing goals in 2023 on Upwork alternatives for freelancers. Let’s get started!

Freelancing Stats in 2023 and Beyond

Freelancing is not a fad or a side hustle, it’s a serious and growing career option for millions of people around the world. According to a report by Upwork, the largest online platform for freelancers, there are over 60 million freelancers in the US alone, making up 36% of the workforce. By 2027, this number is expected to reach 86.5 million, or 50.9% of the workforce.

The report also reveals some benefits and challenges of freelancing in 2023 and beyond. Some of the benefits include:

• More flexibility and control over work schedule and location
• More opportunities to learn new skills and expand professional network
• More income potential and diversity of income sources
• More satisfaction and happiness with work and life

Some of the challenges include:

• Finding enough work and clients
• Managing income fluctuations and cash flow
• Dealing with isolation and lack of social support
• Balancing work and personal life
• Handling administrative tasks and taxes

As a freelance writer, you can enjoy the benefits and overcome the challenges of freelancing by following some best practices, such as:

• Creating a professional website and portfolio to showcase your work and attract clients
• Networking with other freelancers and potential clients online and offline
• Setting realistic goals and tracking your progress and income
• Charging what you’re worth and negotiating your rates
• Diversifying your income streams and saving for emergencies
• Taking care of your physical and mental health
• Investing in your education and skill development

Why Should You Consider Writing as Your Freelancing Career?

Writing is one of the most popular and versatile freelance careers out there. You can write about almost any topic that interests you, from fashion to finance, health to history. You can also choose from different types of writing, such as blog posts, articles, ebooks, newsletters, social media posts, sales pages, white papers, case studies, scripts, stories, and more.

Writing has many advantages as a freelancing career, such as:

1. It’s easy to start: You don’t need any formal education or certification to become a freelance writer. You only need a computer, an internet connection, a passion for writing, and a website similar to Upwork freelance.
2. It’s in high demand: Content is king in the digital age. Businesses need content to market their products and services, educate customers, build brand awareness, and generate leads and sales. According to HubSpot, 70% of marketers invest in content marketing in 2021.
3. It’s profitable: Freelance writing can be a lucrative career if you know how to market yourself and deliver value to your clients. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a freelance writer in the US is $63,213 as of December 2021. However, this can vary depending on your experience level, niche, location, and client base.
4. It’s fun and rewarding: Freelance writing allows you to express your creativity, share your knowledge, help others solve their problems, and make an impact with your words. You can also learn new things every day, explore new topics and niches, and grow as a writer and a person.

Types of Freelance Writing Jobs

As a freelance writer, you can choose from various writing jobs depending on your skills, interests, and goals. Here are some of the most common types of freelance writing jobs:

• Blog writing: Blog writing is among the most popular and in-demand freelance writing jobs. Blog writing involves creating engaging and informative posts for websites and blogs to attract and retain readers, generate traffic, and convert leads. Blog writing requires good research, SEO, storytelling skills, and a clear understanding of the target audience and the client’s goals.

• Article writing: Article writing is similar to blog writing but usually more formal, factual, and in-depth. Article writing involves creating content for online or print publications, such as magazines, newspapers, journals, newsletters, etc. Article writing requires strong research, analysis, reporting skills, and a good grasp of the topic and the publication’s style and guidelines.

• Copywriting: Copywriting is the art of writing persuasive and compelling content that motivates the reader to take a specific action, such as buying a product, signing up for a service, subscribing to a newsletter, etc. Copywriting involves creating content for various marketing materials, such as sales pages, landing pages, emails, ads, brochures, etc. Copywriting requires excellent writing, marketing, and psychology skills and a deep understanding of the client’s brand voice and value proposition.

• Content writing: Content writing is a broad term encompassing any type of writing that creates value for the reader and the client. Content writing can include blog posts, articles, ebooks, white papers, case studies, reports, guides, etc. Content writing requires good research, writing, editing, formatting skills, and a clear sense of the purpose and goal of the content.

• Creative writing: Creative writing is the type of writing that involves using imagination and originality to create fictional or non-fictional stories or poems. Creative writing can include novels, short stories, scripts, essays, memoirs, etc. Creative writing requires excellent writing, storytelling, literary skills, and a passion for the craft.

Highest Paying Freelance Writing Jobs

The amount of money you can make as a freelance writer depends on many factors, such as your experience level, niche, location, client base, and niche. However, some freelance writing jobs tend to pay more than others because they are more complex, specialized, or in demand. Here are some of the highest paying freelance writing jobs, according to ZipRecruiter and Upwork:

White paper writing

White papers are authoritative and informative documents that solve a specific problem or challenge. Businesses use them to showcase their expertise, educate their audience, and generate leads. White paper writing requires strong research, analysis, and writing skills and a good understanding of the topic and the client’s industry. The average pay for a white paper writer in the US is $69,290 per year or $33 per hour.

Technical writing

Technical writing involves creating content that explains how to use a product, service, or process. It can include user manuals, guides, tutorials, FAQs, etc. Technical writing requires good writing, editing, formatting skills, and high technical knowledge and accuracy. The average pay for a technical writer in the US is $60,236 per year or $29 per hour.

Grant writing

Grant writing involves creating proposals that request funding from various sources, such as foundations, corporations, or government agencies. Grant writing requires good research, writing, persuasion skills, and a clear understanding of the client’s goals and the funder’s requirements. The average pay for a grant writer in the US is $49,092 per year or $24 per hour.

Copywriting

Copywriting involves creating content for various marketing materials, such as sales pages, landing pages, emails, ads, brochures, etc. Copywriting requires excellent writing, marketing, and psychology skills and a deep understanding of the client’s brand voice and value proposition. The average pay for a copywriter in the US is $48,559 annually or $23 per hour.

Things to Know Before Applying for Freelance Writing Jobs

Before you start applying for freelance writing jobs, there are some things you need to know and prepare to increase your chances of landing your dream gigs. Here are some of them:

1. Know your niche

A niche is a specific area or topic you focus on as a freelance writer. For example, you can write about travel, health, finance, technology, etc. Choosing a niche can help you stand out from the crowd, showcase your expertise, attract your ideal clients, and charge higher rates. Consider your interests, passions, skills, experience, and goals to find your niche. You can also do market research to see popular and profitable topics.

2. Create a portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your best work that showcases your skills and abilities as a freelance writer. A portfolio can help you impress potential clients, demonstrate your value, and prove your credibility. You can use platforms like Contently, Journo Portfolio, or WordPress to create a portfolio. You can also create your website with your domain name and hosting service. Your portfolio should include work samples relevant to your niche and target clients. You can also include testimonials from previous clients, awards or recognitions, and contact information.

3. Set your rates

Your rates are how much you charge for your freelance writing services. Your rates can depend on various factors, such as your experience level, niche, project scope, deadline, client budget, etc. You can charge by the hour, by the word, by the project, or by the value you provide. You must research what other freelance writers in your niche charge to set your rates. You can also use tools like Bonsai’s Freelance Rate Explorer to understand the market rates. When setting your rates, you should also consider your expenses, taxes, and desired income.

4. Find clients

Finding clients is one of the most challenging and important aspects of freelance writing. You must find clients willing to pay you well, respect your work, and give you consistent projects. There are many ways to find freelance writing clients, such as:

• Browsing a freelance website like Upwork, such as IBDA3X.
• Pitching to online or print publications, such as magazines, newspapers, journals, etc.
• Networking with other freelancers and potential clients on social media, forums, events, etc.
• Creating and promoting your blog or website to showcase your work and attract organic traffic.
• Asking for referrals from previous or existing clients, friends, family, etc.

5. Deliver quality work.

Once you land a freelance writing job, you must deliver quality work that meets or exceeds the client’s expectations. Quality work can help you build trust and reputation, get positive feedback and testimonials, and secure repeat or long-term projects. To deliver quality work, you need to:

• Follow the client’s instructions and guidelines carefully.
• Do thorough research and use credible sources to support your claims.
• Write in a clear, concise, and engaging manner that suits the tone and voice of the client.
• Use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting.
• Check your work for errors and plagiarism using tools like Grammarly or Copyscape.
• Edit and proofread your work before submitting it.
• Meet the deadline and communicate with the client regularly.

How to Get Your First Job as a Freelance Writer and Deliver It on Time?

Getting your first job as a freelance writer can be daunting, especially if you have no experience or portfolio. However, it’s not impossible if you follow some tips and strategies. Here are some of them:

Start with low-paying or pro bono gigs

If you’re new to freelance writing, you may have to start with low-paying or pro bono gigs to build your portfolio, gain experience, and get some testimonials. These gigs are found on Fiverr, IBDA3X, Upwork, or VolunteerMatch. You can also offer your services to local businesses, non-profit organizations, friends, and family. However, don’t undervalue yourself or stay in this stage for too long. You can move on to higher-paying gigs once you have some samples and confidence.

Pitch to potential clients

Pitching is sending a proposal or an email to a potential client, explaining who you are, what you do, and how you can help them with their writing needs. Pitching can help you land freelance writing jobs not advertised or posted on job boards. You can pitch to online or print publications, blogs, websites, businesses, etc. To write an effective pitch, you need to:

• Research the client and their audience, niche, goals, challenges, etc.
• Craft a catchy subject line that grabs their attention.
• Introduce yourself briefly and highlight your relevant skills and experience.
• Explain why you’re interested in working with them and what value you can provide.
• Include a link to your portfolio or attach some work samples.
• Include a call to action that invites them to reply or hire you.
• Keep it short, professional, and personalized.

Apply for freelance writing jobs on job boards.

Job boards or freelancing platforms like Upwork are websites that list freelance writing jobs from various clients and sources. Job boards can help you find freelance writing jobs that match your skills, niche, and rates. You can apply for these jobs by sending your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or pitch to the client. Some of the best job boards for freelance writers are:

• IBDA3X
• BloggingPro
• FlexJobs
• Freelance Writing Gigs
• Contena

Deliver your work on time.

You must deliver your work on time once you get hired for a freelance writing job. Delivering your work on time can help impress the client, build trust and reputation, get positive feedback and testimonials, and secure repeat or long-term projects. To deliver your work on time, you need to:

• Understand the project scope, deadline, requirements, and expectations.
• Plan your work schedule and set milestones and reminders.
• Break down the project into manageable tasks and prioritize them.
• Avoid distractions and procrastination while working.
• Communicate with the client regularly and update them on your progress.
• Ask for feedback or clarification if needed.
• Review your work before submitting it.

Important Skills Tools and Apps for Freelance Writers

As a freelance writer, you must have certain skills, tools, and apps that can help you improve your writing quality, productivity, efficiency, and professionalism. Here are some of them:

1. Skills

• Writing skills for freelance writers: Writing skills are the most essential skills for a freelance writer. Writing skills include grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, style, tone, voice, structure, clarity, coherence, etc. Writing skills also involve knowing how to write for different purposes, audiences, formats, and niches. To improve your writing skills, you must practice regularly, read widely, learn from feedback, and study the best practices of successful writers.
• Research skills for freelance content writers: The ability to find, evaluate, and use relevant and reliable information for your writing projects. Research skills include using search engines, databases, libraries, sources, citations, etc. Research skills also involve knowing how to analyze data, synthesize information, and avoid plagiarism. To improve your research skills, you must develop a research strategy, use credible sources, keep track of your sources, and cite them properly.
• Marketing skills for freelance writers: The ability to promote yourself and your services to potential clients and readers. Marketing skills include creating a portfolio, writing a pitch, crafting a resume, building a personal brand, networking with others, using social media, etc. Marketing skills also involve identifying your target market, understanding their needs and pain points, and communicating your value proposition. To improve your marketing skills, you must have a clear goal, a unique selling point, a compelling message, and a consistent strategy.

2. Tools and apps

• PayPal: PayPal is one of the most popular and widely used tools for receiving and sending payments online. PayPal allows you to create an account, link your bank account or card, and accept payments from clients in different currencies and countries. PayPal also offers invoices, reports, security, and customer support features. PayPal charges a small fee for each transaction, but it’s worth it for the convenience and reliability.
• Grammarly: Grammarly is one of the best tools for improving writing quality and accuracy. Grammarly is an online writing assistant that checks your grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, style, tone, etc. Grammarly also offers suggestions for enhancing clarity, coherence, readability, and engagement. Grammarly has a free version that works with most browsers and platforms and a premium version with more advanced features.
• Evernote: Evernote is one of the best tools for organizing your work and life. Evernote is an online note-taking app that lets you capture, store, and access your ideas and information in various forms, such as notes, images, audio, video, etc. Evernote also allows you to sync your data across multiple devices, share your notes, and integrate with other apps and tools. Evernote has a free version with limited storage and features and paid plans with more benefits.
• Canva: Canva is one of the best tools for creating stunning visuals for your writing projects. Canva is an online graphic design app that allows you to design anything from logos to flyers to infographics to ebooks. Canva has a huge library of templates, fonts, icons, images, etc., that you can use for free or a small fee. Canva has features such as a drag-and-drop editor, collaboration tools, cloud storage, etc.
• Google Docs: Google Docs is one of the best writing tools for freelancers for creating and editing writing projects. Google Docs is an online word processor that allows you to write, format, and collaborate with others in real-time. Google Docs also allows you to access your documents from any device, save them to Google Drive, export them to different formats, etc. Google Docs has many features that can help you improve your writing, such as spell check, grammar check, voice typing, suggestions, etc.
• Trello: Trello is one of the best tools for managing your work and projects. Trello is an online project management app that allows you to create boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks and workflows. Trello also allows you to add due dates, labels, attachments, comments, etc., to your cards. Trello can help you keep track of your progress, prioritize your work, communicate with your clients and collaborators, etc.

How to Apply on the Best Freelance Platforms Like Upwork

Freelance platforms like Upwork are websites that connect freelancers with clients who need their services. Freelance platforms can help you find freelance writing jobs that match your skills, niche, and rates. You can apply for these jobs by creating a profile, bidding on projects, sending proposals, etc. Some of the best freelance platforms for freelance writers are:

IBDA3X

IBDA3Xis one of the fastest-growing freelance platforms in the world. IBDA3X has thousands of clients and freelancers across various categories, including writing, design, development, marketing, etc. IBDA3X allows you to create a profile that showcases your skills, experience, portfolio, ratings, etc. IBDA3X also allows you to search for jobs, send proposals, chat with clients, track your time, receive payments, etc.

Fiverr

Fiverr is one of the world’s most innovative and creative freelance platforms. Fiverr allows you to create gigs that offer your services for a fixed price, starting from $5. Fiverr has thousands of clients and freelancers across various categories, including writing, design, development, marketing, etc. Fiverr allows you to create a profile that showcases your skills, experience, portfolio, ratings, etc. Fiverr also allows you to browse gigs, send offers, chat with clients, deliver work, receive payments, etc. Fiverr charges a service fee of 20% for each transaction.

Contently

Contently is one of the world’s most professional and high-quality freelance platforms. Contently connects freelance writers with premium clients who need content marketing services. Contently has hundreds of clients and freelancers across various industries and niches. Contently allows you to create a portfolio that showcases your work and expertise. Contently also allows you to apply for projects, chat with clients, submit work, receive payments, etc. Contently does not charge any service fee for freelancers.

To apply on these freelance writing platforms, you need to follow some steps, such as:

• Create an account and verify your identity.
• Create a profile highlighting your skills, experience, portfolio, ratings, etc.
• Search for jobs or gigs that match your criteria.
• Send proposals or offers that showcase your value and interest.
• Chat with clients and negotiate terms and rates.
• Accept contracts and start working.
• Deliver quality work on time and according to specifications.
• Receive feedback and payments.

FAQs About Freelance Writing

Freelance content writing is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice but comes with questions and challenges. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about freelance writing and their answers:

How do I start freelance writing?

To start freelance writing, you need to have a passion for writing, a niche or topic that you want to write about, a portfolio or samples of your work, a website or blog to showcase your work and attract clients, a resume or pitch to market yourself and your services, a network or contacts to find opportunities and referrals, a contract or agreement to protect yourself and your clients, an invoice or payment system to receive payments, and a plan or strategy to grow your business.

How do I find freelance writing jobs?

To find the best freelance writing jobs, you can use various methods, such as:

• Browsing freelance job boards, such as IBDA3X, ProBlogger, BloggingPro, or FlexJobs.
• Pitching to online or print publications, such as magazines, newspapers, journals, newsletters, etc.
• Networking with other freelancers and potential clients on social media, forums, events, etc.
• Creating and promoting your blog or website to showcase your work and attract organic traffic.
• Asking for referrals from previous or existing clients, friends, family, etc.

How much do freelance writers make?

The amount of money you can make as a freelance writer depends on many factors, such as your experience level, niche, location, client base, and niche. However, some general guidelines are:

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a freelance writer in the US is $58,333 as of June 2023. However, this can vary depending on your experience level, niche, location, and client base.

According to PayScale, the average hourly rate for a freelance writer in the US is $24.08 as of Mar 2023. However, this can vary depending on your experience level, niche, location, and client base.

According to ClearVoice, the average per-word rate for a freelance writer in the US ranges from $0.10 to $1.00 or more, depending on your experience level, niche, and project type.

How do I improve my freelance writing skills?

To improve your freelance writing skills, you must practice regularly, read widely, learn from feedback, and study the best practices of successful writers. You can also use tools and apps that can help you improve your writing quality and accuracy, such as Grammarly, Hemingway, etc. You can also take courses or workshops to help you learn new skills and techniques, such as Udemy, Coursera, etc.

Takeaway

Freelance writing is a great way to make money from home, have flexible hours, and work on projects you enjoy. However, it also requires hard work, dedication, and professionalism. To succeed as a freelance writer in 2023, you need the right skills, tools, and strategies to find and land freelance writing jobs in 2023 that pay well and match your goals. You must also deliver quality work that meets or exceeds your client’s expectations and deadlines.

We hope this guide has given you useful tips and insights on becoming a successful freelance writer in 2023. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you!