With the rise of remote work and the demand for high-quality content across various industries, freelance writing side hustle has become a viable path for anyone seeking to supplement their income or transition into a full-time writing career. We give thanks to today’s digital exposure, as it has played an enormous role in enabling writers to enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and the potential for substantial earnings.
Now, opportunities abound for every writer who knows their onions to connect with clients globally and offer their services for a fee. Outside of freelance writing platforms, writers can also apply directly to companies and business owners for writing jobs. Still, we cannot rule out the role these platforms played in shaping the ‘Work From Home’ narrative and simplifying trust and communication.
Let’s talk if you wish to join the bandwagon of those who write and earn well from the comfort of their locations. We will explore the essentials of starting your freelance writing journey, including identifying your niche and building a compelling portfolio. More so, you will learn about strategies for finding clients, setting competitive rates, and managing your workload effectively.
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to kickstart your freelance writing side hustle and begin earning from the comfort of your home. Let’s get the partey started.
How can I start freelance writing with no experience?
Starting a freelance writing side hustle without prior experience may sound intimidating, but it’s doable, and thousands of writers have successfully done so. The key is to start where you are and build strategically.
Here’s what you need to do:
Choose a niche
Niching down helps you position yourself as an expert, but choosing a niche that pays will keep you in business. Niches like health, lifestyle, tech, finance, parenting, and career advice are always in demand.
Start gathering writing samples
When it comes to writing, you don’t need clients to start. In fact, taking on a writer’s badge does not guarantee immediate jobs. You can sign up on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn to publish insightful articles that show your writing style and knowledge. You can also create sample articles on Google Docs and store them in a well-organized folder. In my opinion, this is a good start.
Create a portfolio
A portfolio holds your best works as samples. To create one, utilize free tools like Contently, Clippings.me, or a simple Google Drive folder to store your samples. As a beginner writer, these samples can be the assignments you gave yourself or the little gigs you did for family and friends. When giving yourself an assignment, imagine it came from a company where you are expected to excel and showcase your writing skills.
Use social media to your advantage
Many writers have achieved financial freedom because they decided to show up on social media. Join writing groups in your local area and beyond. Engage on platforms like X (Twitter) purposefully, and let people know you’re open to writing gigs. It works every time.
Apply directly
Pitch your services to websites, blogs, and business owners even if there’s no opening. Yes, it works, too, and it is called Cold pitching. A simple, polite email introducing yourself and linking to your samples can get you a job.
For example, if you’re a student passionate about tech, you can write 2–3 short opinion pieces on trending gadgets and upload them to Medium. With those links, start applying to tech blogs or pitch editors looking for writers. However, you must do your due diligence and ensure you have a good understanding of the business before pitching.
Once you get your first small gig, treat it like gold. A solid testimonial or referral can snowball into multiple writing opportunities. To get to the point of building a portfolio or starting a freelance writing side hustle, you need to learn and own your skills. You can tick off the following skills to equip yourself for the journey ahead.
What skills are needed to succeed in freelance writing?
You don’t need to be a literary genius to thrive in the freelance writing world. What you need are skills that allow you to deliver value, communicate clearly, and work professionally.
Here are the top skills you should hone:
1. Writing and Editing
First, you need a good command of grammar, clarity, and storytelling. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can help polish your content. But the real skill is in knowing how to explain complex topics in simple, relatable language. While these tools are designed to enhance your skills, it is essential to understand content structuring. So, even without the tools, you can write, edit, and still present content that is finely written.
2. Research
I often say this: writers are researchers. Clients expect accuracy. Knowing how to find credible sources, current data, and original insights will make your writing stand out from the crowd. This skill requires patience, as a researcher must approach tasks methodically and diligently.
3. Time Management
As a writing freelancer, you’ll juggle deadlines, revisions, and sometimes multiple clients. Therefore, learn how to use Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion on your own ahead of when a client shows up. You will need these tools to manage your workload effectively.
4. SEO Basics
Even if you’re not a full-blown SEO writer, you must understand how keywords work, why headers matter, and how to write content that ranks. This helps your clients’ content be discoverable.
5. Adaptability
Freelancers who write for multiple niches first master the art of adaptability. For example, today, you’re writing a blog post; tomorrow, it might be a product description or LinkedIn post. Learn how to tailor your tone and format your content to suit your client’s audience. You are now ready to explore and step outside your family and friends. These writing platforms can get you started. Let’s check them out.
What are the best platforms for freelance writers?
The internet has democratized access to online writing opportunities worldwide. Whether you’re in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, these platforms can connect you with clients looking for writing talent.
1. Upwork
Upwork is a competitive platform; you need to be aware of this. However, it remains one of the best platforms for freelance writers. Build a strong profile, complete your bio to 100%, set your rate, and apply for smaller jobs first to build credibility.
2. Fiverr
On Fiverr, you create gigs for services. It’s ideal for writers who want to package specific services, such as blog writing, product descriptions, or email marketing.
3. Freelancer.com
Another global marketplace where you can bid for jobs. The key strategy to excel on Freelancer is to personalize your proposals and show why you’re the best fit.
4. ProBlogger and BloggingPro Job Boards
These are well-vetted job boards. Job boards post writing jobs daily, often with clients willing to pay fair rates. You can subscribe to their newsletters and have them sent directly to your email.
5. LinkedIn and Twitter
Yes, these are social platforms, but people frequently post job opportunities there. The smart way to see job posts is by using the Boolean search method, which uses the ‘AND’, ‘OR’, and ‘NOT’. Also, search for phrases like “looking for a freelance writer” and turn on notifications for writing-related hashtags. Thousands of companies are on these platforms seeking blog writers, copywriters, creative writers, and more.
Best platforms for freelance writers in Nigeria:
- Contentre
- Asuqu
- Jobberman (search for remote writing gigs)
Don’t forget to apply directly to websites or brands. Sometimes, the best gigs come from outside the platforms.
How much can I earn from freelance writing as a side hustle?
This is one of the most asked questions—and for good reason. The answer depends on your niche, experience level, location, and client budget.
Let me give you a rough idea:
- Beginners/Entry Level (0–6 months): $0.03–$0.10 per word
- Mid-Level/Intermediate (6–24 months): $0.10–$0.25 per word
- Experts/Professional (2+ years): $0.25–$1.00+ per word
If you write 1,000 words for $100, that’s an extra $400–$500 monthly if you land one gig per week. Scale that up with more clients or larger projects, and you can comfortably cross the $1,000/month mark.
Some writers even earn $3,000 or more per month from their writing side hustle, especially if they diversify into e-books, ghostwriting, SEO content, or content strategy services.
Remember, the first gig might not pay a lot, but it opens the door to higher-paying opportunities. The following question may have crossed your mind, and I have an honest reply for you.
Is freelance writing a good side hustle for beginners?
Oh, yes —and here’s why:
Low barrier to entry: You don’t need a college degree or certificate to begin and thrive. Only master the skills I mentioned above and own them.
High demand: Every online business needs content. I honestly can’t think of a business that does not require written content, can you?
Location flexibility: You can write from your bedroom or the beach – your choice. I mean it.
Scalable: Upskilling is a thing, and you must genuinely seek growth. Therefore, as your skills grow, so does your rate.
Control: Freelance writing is one of the few remote writing work options that allows you to control your work schedule.
How to earn money from freelance writing
There are multiple ways to monetize your freelance writing side hustle beyond writing blog posts:
SEO Content Writing – SEO writing is the most in-demand service. Learn the basics of SEO and pitch to businesses.
Email Copywriting – High-paying niche. Brands often require emails for launches, newsletters, and nurturing sequences. You may consider writing email copies as your freelance writing side hustle.
Ghostwriting – You write, someone else gets the credit (but you get paid well).
Ebook Writing – Charge a flat rate to write ebooks for brands or coaches and make good money.
Affiliate Writing – Promote products through blog posts and earn commissions when someone buys through your link.
You can also combine freelance writing with personal branding. For instance, post helpful writing tips on LinkedIn. Before long, someone will DM you, asking if you offer writing services.
How do I set competitive rates as a new writer?
Start by calculating your hourly worth. Even if you charge per word, having an hourly benchmark keeps you from being underpaid. For example, if you want to earn $20 per hour and you write 500 words in an hour, then your rate should be at least $0.04 per word, minimum.
Research competitors in your region and tailor your rates according to your expertise.
How do I find and retain clients?
Use a simple funnel. I did this during my freelance writing days:
- Pitch 10 leads per week
- Follow up with the warm ones
- Deliver above expectations
- Ask for referrals or testimonials
Clients love consistent, deadline-driven writers. Offer discounts for long-term work. Send weekly updates if you’re handling ongoing tasks. Have a structure, as clients appreciate it.
Should I have a contract as a freelance writer?
Yes, if you think you need it. A simple one-page contract protects both you and the client. It should include:
- Payment terms
- Scope of work
- Delivery timeline
- Revisions policy
If you’re unsure how to create one, use templates from platforms like Bonsai or AND.CO. My final tips for beginner freelance writers.
Tips for beginner freelance writers
- This may sound offish, but it’s important. Offer writing samples for free to get testimonials.
- Read content from top blogs, such as BingeOnBee, HubSpot, or Neil Patel, to understand good formatting.
- Charge what you’re worth—don’t underprice, even at the beginning.
- Join local writing communities for support.
As you dive into your freelance writing side hustle, know this: you’re building a business. Show up with professionalism. Stay consistent. And always keep learning.
Your words are your currency. Now’s the time to cash in.
