FreelancingOnline

Freelance Writing

Write blog posts, articles, and web content for businesses

Startup Cost

None

Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Time to First $

2–4 weeks

Income Range

$1,000–$3,000/mo

What This Side Hustle Is

Freelance writers create content for businesses, including blog posts, website copy, email newsletters, social media content, and marketing materials. Work with agencies, startups, or direct clients across various industries.

Who This Is Best For

  • People who enjoy writing and have decent grammar skills
  • Those with expertise in specific industries (tech, finance, health, etc.)
  • Anyone looking for flexible, remote work
  • Beginners willing to start with lower rates and build up
  • People who can meet deadlines consistently

Step-by-Step: How to Get Started

1

Choose 1–2 niches where you have knowledge or interest

2

Create 3–5 writing samples (publish on Medium or your own blog)

3

Set up profiles on Upwork, Contently, or Fiverr

4

Start with content mills (Textbroker, WriterAccess) to build portfolio

5

Apply to 15–20 jobs per week with tailored pitches

6

Price at $50–$100 per article initially

7

Deliver quality work and ask for testimonials

8

Raise rates to $150–$300 per article as you gain experience

9

Pitch directly to businesses in your niche

Income Potential

First 2 months: $300–$800 at $50–$100 per article. Months 3–6: $1,500–$2,500 at $150–$250 per article. Experienced writers: $3,000–$6,000/month at $300–$500 per article with specialized expertise.

What Drives Earnings:

  • Per-article rate (increases with experience and niche)
  • Writing speed and efficiency
  • Client retention and recurring work
  • Niche specialization (technical writing pays more)
  • Portfolio quality and testimonials

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Staying in content mills too long instead of raising rates
  • Not niching down and trying to write about everything
  • Missing deadlines or delivering sloppy work
  • Not asking for referrals from happy clients
  • Underpricing to compete instead of showcasing value
  • Ignoring SEO basics (many clients want SEO-optimized content)

Where This Fits on Your Radar

No startup cost, 10–20 hours/week, online, beginner-friendly. Pairs well with: Skill Matcher, Income Hourly Checker, Job Replacement Calculator.

Ready to Get Started?

Use our free tools to plan your path and see if this hustle fits your goals.

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