As a beginner writer or someone looking to niche down, you may have weighed blogging vs freelance writing to determine where you can anchor your writing boat. Hear me out: blogging and freelance writing both offer great opportunities.
You get to work from home, enjoy work flexibility, and the best part, earn online. However, these two writing paths are not the same in the grand scheme of things.
Blogging lets you build your platform and personal brand, while freelancing allows you to write for clients. So, which one makes sense for someone starting from scratch?
This is where I come in with this blog post. I break down the key differences, how much you can expect to earn, the work involved, and what skills you’ll need to thrive in each.
I hope this helps you make an informed decision in the end. Let’s get the ball rolling.
Blogging vs Freelance writing: What’s the difference?
While blogging and freelance writing both revolve around writing, they operate in slightly different worlds.
Blogging is when you create and publish articles on your website or blog. You’re writing for an audience you build over time to drive traffic, build a community, or monetize through ads, affiliate links, digital products, or services.
On the flip side, freelance writing involves getting paid to write for other people’s websites, blogs, businesses, or publications. You don’t necessarily need a blog or online platform to start freelance writing.
Clients assign you topics, you write based on their brief, and they pay you.
The difference between blogging and freelance writing comes down to ownership and income sources.
Blogging is long-term and self-driven, while freelance writing is client-driven and typically pays faster. Now that we’ve established the basics, let’s dive deeper.
Is blogging or freelance writing better for beginners?
This is a popular question: Is blogging better than freelance writing for someone just starting out? The answer depends on your personality, goals, and how soon you want to start earning.
If you want to start making money quickly, freelance writing might be a better route. You can pitch clients, land gigs, and start earning within weeks (sometimes days). You also get to explore different niches and learn how to write professionally.
However, blogging might be the better fit if you’re more focused on building your personal brand or creating a business that grows over time. With blogging, you’re playing the long game. It takes time to grow your audience, rank on Google, and make money, but the rewards can be more passive and scalable later.
So, if you ask for my opinion between blogging and freelance writing for beginners, I’d say choose freelance writing if you want a quicker income. Choose blogging if you’re ready to grow something that’s yours, even if it takes time.
Which one pays more: Blogging or freelance writing?
Now, let’s talk money.
Freelance writing generally pays more upfront. Depending on your experience and the type of content you write, you can earn anywhere from $50 to $500+ per article.
Tech, finance, and marketing niches often pay the highest.
Meanwhile, blogging starts slowly. In the beginning, you might earn little to nothing. But once your blog starts getting traffic, your income potential opens up.
Bloggers make money through ad revenue, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, online courses, ebooks, and services. Some bloggers earn a full-time income, but it often takes 6–12 months (or more) of consistent effort.
Freelance writing is more like a job—you get paid for each project. Blogging is more like a business—it can pay you continuously from past efforts.
So, in terms of immediate income, freelance writing wins. However, in terms of long-term earning potential, blogging could outshine if done right.
Pros and Cons of Blogging for Beginners
Let’s look at the pros and cons of blogging vs freelance writing, starting with blogging.
Pros of Blogging
You own your platform: Everything you publish is yours.
You control your schedule: You decide what and when to write.
You can diversify income: From affiliate links to digital products.
It builds your authority: People start seeing you as an expert in your niche.
Cons of Blogging
Takes time to grow: SEO, traffic, and engagement won’t happen overnight.
Requires learning multiple skills: Writing, SEO, email marketing, etc.
No guaranteed income: Especially at the start.
If you’re passionate about a specific niche and are willing to learn and stay consistent, blogging is a great path to explore.
Pros and Cons of Freelance Writing for Beginners
Now, let’s break down freelance writing.
Pros of Freelance Writing
A quick way to earn online: You can start making money even as a beginner.
Less setup required: You don’t need a blog; you just need to write samples.
Variety of niches: You can explore different industries and types of content.
Builds your writing chops: Working with editors and clients improves your skills fast.
Cons of Freelance Writing:
Client dependency: Your income depends on getting and keeping clients.
Not always flexible: Deadlines and client briefs rule your writing schedule.
Inconsistent income: Some months may be better than others.
So, if you enjoy researching, writing, and meeting client expectations, freelance writing might suit you well.
How to Decide Which Path to Take
Still not sure which to choose? Here are a few questions to guide you:
Do you want to earn money quickly? → Start with freelance writing.
Are you willing to build something over time? → Go for blogging.
Do you enjoy writing about various topics? → Freelance writing.
Do you want to write in your voice and grow a community? → Blogging.
Do you have limited time? → Freelance writing might be more structured.
Do you like experimenting with digital marketing or online business? → Blogging could be a better fit.
You can also consider what excites you more, such as participating in other people’s projects or creating something entirely your own.
Can you do both blogging and freelance writing?
Absolutely! In fact, many successful writers do both. I do too.
You can start freelance writing to earn money and support yourself while building your blog on the side, and this is exactly how I started.
Over time, your blog can also serve as your portfolio to attract higher-paying clients. This combo allows you to benefit from the best of both worlds.
Just make sure you manage your time well. Freelance projects can be time-consuming, so set aside a specific day or time each week to work on your blog.
Skills needed for blogging vs freelance writing
Whether you choose blogging or freelance writing, specific core skills will serve you well:
For Blogging
Basic SEO knowledge: To help your blog posts rank on search engines.
Content planning: Knowing how to choose topics and organize your blog.
Email marketing & social media: To grow and nurture your audience.
Monetization strategies: Understanding affiliate marketing, product creation, and more.
For Freelance Writing
Client communication: Knowing how to send proposals and emails and meet expectations.
Research skills: To write accurately on different topics. You may still need to learn basic SEO.
Editing and proofreading: Clients expect polished work.
Following briefs: Every client has their style and requirements.
Consistency, meeting deadlines, and continuously improving your craft are non-negotiable regardless of your chosen path.
Lastly, the most important thing is to start, whether you choose blogging or freelance writing as a beginner. Both paths offer meaningful opportunities and can open doors to a fulfilling writing career.
The key is matching your personality, goals, and current situation to the path that makes the most sense.
And remember, you’re not stuck with one forever. Your writing journey is yours to shape. Take the first step, stay curious, and keep learning.
Let’s connect in the comment section if you want to discuss your choices or learn how to write.
Are you leaning toward blogging or freelance writing? Drop your thoughts below, too.
