Instead of settling for some platforms that rip off your earnings, brilliant writers now rely on vetted SEO freelance writing platforms for direct connections to clients.
When you search online, you will find hundreds of job boards, but most won’t help you build a sustainable income. That is why this guide cuts through the noise by highlighting the most reputable platforms and how they actually work.
Regardless of what you’re after, a steady income or premium clients, you can find your platform match here. Let’s start from scratch.
What is a freelance writing platform?
Think of a freelance writing platform as a virtual arena where writers can connect with clients, package their skills into services, and make a living from their expertise.
Interestingly, these sites don’t just host job listings; they also offer built-in tools and features that support your professional development as a writer.
Take, for example, platforms like WriterAccess and ClearVoice come with brief-building and content strategy features that benefit users. Below, you’ll find platforms that will help you earn as a freelance writer.
List of the best SEO freelance writing platforms
Chances are you already have an active LinkedIn profile. But are you using it to find clients?
Contrary to popular belief, LinkedIn doesn’t just exist for virtual networking. With the right strategy, you can meet potential clients and secure real jobs.
As a freelance writer, LinkedIn remains my go-to app for frequent job postings from clients worldwide. You can use this tip: type Hire SEO writer ” in your search bar, filter by date, and you’ll find dozens of fresh opportunities.
On LinkedIn, timing matters. Applications submitted within the first 24 hours of a posting receive faster responses. You can earn from $50 upwards per project, depending on the scope.
Upwork
This is the most popular SEO freelance writing platform on this list. Upwork is a full-scale marketplace connecting freelancers to clients across 180+ countries.
One major advantage this site offers is that you can create two separate profiles (not accounts). For example, one for writing and one for editing, allowing multi-skilled freelancers to earn extra income.
However, it is not the easiest job site to navigate. If you dive in headfirst without learning profile optimization and proposal writing, you will lose time and money. Thankfully, Upwork’s official site and free YouTube tutorials can show you the ropes.
Upwork runs a Connect system, allowing you to bid on projects for a small token. Here’s how it works: you use Connects to give your proposals a chance in the pile. The more you invest, the greater your visibility.
You can purchase additional Connects for $0.15 each if you can’t manage the free ones you receive each month. Note that they’ll be handy during peak hiring seasons.
Another good feature Upwork offers is escrow protection. Instead of wasting time chasing clients for payment, you can focus on your work, knowing your payment is secure. Upon completion of each project, Upwork deducts a service charge before releasing your pay.
Overall, this platform is ideal for writers who value stability, income protection, and a wide variety of job opportunities.
Fiverr
Fiverr mainly favors new writers who need portfolio samples fast. It’s one of the few SEO freelance writing platforms that allows you to create gigs for as low as $5. Of course, some clients will seize the opportunity to undervalue your skill. Expect requests like a 2000-word SEO article for $10.
Don’t let the low rates discourage you. Always work with your end goal in mind: to land clients, secure samples, and most importantly, collect glowing reviews for your portfolio.
Once you’ve achieved these three, start transitioning to sites where articles pay at least $100. Unless writing is your side hustle, consider Fiverr a stepping-stone option, especially because they deduct 20% of all your earnings.
Contently
Contently is an invitation-only marketplace that connects expert writers to Fortune 500 companies. Imagine writing SEO content for IBM, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft. That’s the caliber of clients you will find there.
Usually, no membership fee is required to join the talent network. However, only applicants who pass the strict vetting stage will receive an invitation to the big league.
To apply, you must submit 5 published SEO articles and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Once approved, you’ll be linked to a client directly without any form of bidding.
This site also includes a built-in portfolio system to showcase your best work. With over 16000 creators, you must deliver consistent quality or risk losing access to clients on the network.
Contently writers earn $500 to $2,500 per article, which is one of the highest rates in the industry. Finally, this platform provides more support to niche writers than to generalists.
Compose.ly
Without paying membership fees, Compose.ly writers can access unlimited SEO freelance writing jobs. Also, you get to work for clients across different industries, including tech, healthcare, and finance. Projects extend beyond SEO posts to include white papers, product descriptions, and e-books.
What sets Compose.ly apart from other SEO freelance writing platforms is its attractive rates. Most assignments range from $0.10 to $0.14 per word, which equals $100 to $140 for a 1000-word article.
Unlike LinkedIn and Upwork, where you practically hunt for gigs, Compose.ly brings you jobs based on your star rating. Only this time you can’t choose topics. What you get is what you write, regardless of your niche.
Like Contently, simply signing up isn’t enough. You also need to pass an online assessment upon registration to get accepted. This platform is best suited for intermediate writers who can’t handle the hustle and bustle of constant pitching.
WriterAccess
WriterAccess hosts content writers from different parts of the world. Businesses hire experts here to handle a variety of writing projects from blog posts to email campaigns.
New entrants must submit writing samples and complete a rigorous online skills assessment. From here, they receive a star rating based on their portfolio, strengths, work samples, and test scores.
While WriterAccess doesn’t have the largest client pool, users still compete for the limited number of available jobs. However, they make up for this by offering valuable professional development programs, including webinars and workshops.
Rates depend on your star rating, but a standard 1000-word article pays between $40 and $100, depending on your rating. This works well for writers who want to improve their skills while they earn.
More SEO freelance writing platforms
Scripted
If you’re an advanced SEO content writer, Scripted may be worth your effort. Here you will find top clients across 37 industries, including L’Oréal, IBM, Adidas, and LinkedIn.
To register, you’ll need a LinkedIn account and at least two writing samples. After setup, you have to pass a ten-minute quiz covering SEO basics to gain entry.
Writers here are often booked and busy because 70 percent of clients need recurring content and pay accordingly. Pay may range from $0.05 to $0.10 per word, but your expertise level ultimately determines your rate.
So, if the idea of a stable income and retainer gigs appeals to you, this platform is just what you need.
Medium
Medium is more of a publishing platform than a traditional job board. Think of it as a mini blog where all your published articles can stay in one place.
It’s perfect for brand builders looking to create a public portfolio. Start by writing optimized posts educating young writers on how to optimize meta descriptions or how to conduct keyword research. From here, real clients can find you or reach out for high-paying gigs.
Now, here’s the catch: Medium pays based on reading time. However, only full members are eligible for monetization. Membership costs as little as $150 a year.
In my opinion, posting on Medium may not be as lucrative as the gigs you secure on other SEO freelance writing platforms. In fact, building an audience may take six to twelve months, and only if you’re consistent.
Serious writers can earn between $50 and $500 per month, depending on their reach. While the inbound leads from this blog are worth it, it’s unwise to rely on it entirely for immediate income.
Problogger
Problogger has an entirely different approach. Here, you don’t just find employment offers but also get an opportunity to connect with actual businesses and clients. Most SEO freelance writing platforms accommodate other remote workers, but this one is designed solely for writers, both beginners and experts.
Additionally, every job listing is manually reviewed to reduce the risk of scams or low-quality gigs. Writers here can access a supportive community where they share experiences and learn from colleagues.
However, its real value lies in the balanced mix of part-time and retainer opportunities. Although entry-level writers start applying for jobs with a free account, niche experts take the most lucrative offers paying from $300-$500 per project.
Problogger is designed for writers who prefer to pitch directly to businesses and skip intermediaries.
Smart Blogger
As an education hub, Smart Blogger takes a different route from other SEO freelance writing platforms. It teaches aspiring writers how to monetize their skills and provides opportunities to apply these lessons in real-world roles.
Writers also receive free resources, such as email courses on pitching and templates for client onboarding. Somehow, Smart Blogger consistently posts jobs with better rates than traditional job sites.
Last but not least, students benefit from an enabling community of freelance writers and life-changing training programs that foster all-around growth.
Tips for success on SEO freelance writing platforms
Build a convincing portfolio
A strong portfolio gives you an edge on all SEO freelance writing platforms. Remember, clients will only choose experts who can truly deliver results. Don’t just parade a title; showcase your best-optimized articles to command attention.
Optimize your profile
Be intentional about optimizing your profile, as it often determines whether you are hired. Start with a friendly yet professional photo, then follow it with a compelling bio.
Make sure to target keywords that align with your skill set so the platform’s algorithm matches you with the right clients. You want to use terms like SEO content writing, keyword research, and on-page optimization. Finally, attach an organized link to your portfolio.
Niche down
The truth is, being a generalist will not earn you much on any platform. You are more likely to attract clients and command higher rates if you specialize in a specific area. So your profile shouldn’t just say ‘writer’ when ‘SEO writer’ sells more.
Customize every pitch
Stop recycling the same proposal for every job. It’s okay to have a template; however, you must customize each one for specific job descriptions. Over the years, I’ve noticed that addressing issues in job postings earns me positive feedback.
For example, mentioning that I noticed you need SEO-optimized articles for your new health blog demonstrates that you truly read the brief.
Set clear boundaries on revisions
Before accepting any gig, be clear about how many revisions you can offer. This way, you avoid back-and-forth with clients going forward.
Manage your time smartly
When juggling multiple clients, time management is as important as your skills. Late replies and missed deadlines will tank your profile ratings. Before you apply for your next job, learn how to manage time better and prioritize tools like Asana or Google Calendar to help you stay on track.
Upskill
The truth is, you need more than your writing skills to survive the SEO freelance marketplaces. Improve your content optimization skills and develop additional skills. Stay up to date on Google’s algorithm changes to ensure your content meets current standards.
Request feedback
Writers with positive reviews have more clients than those with zero reviews. For instance, a five-star rating on Upwork or Fiverr can increase your profile visibility by 300%. Always ask satisfied clients to leave reviews.
Nurture client relationships
If you value stability, start building relationships with clients now. Don’t work haphazardly, keep to deadlines, and check in from time to time. Soon, they’ll send additional jobs or referrals, which is every freelancer’s dream.
Promote your profile outside the platform
You can manually increase your visibility by sharing links to your profile on social media. If you haven’t already, get active on X, Instagram, or Facebook and start building publicly. Eventually, serious clients will find their way to your profile.
To wrap up, don’t commit to a single platform if you are serious about increasing your earning potential. Most six-figure writers manage three to five profiles simultaneously.
So, instead of putting your eggs in one basket, take advantage of this list to build multiple streams of income. Save this guide and revisit whenever you’re ready to land your first high-paying job.
Merry Christmas
