Freelance writing is one of the best ways to start making money online. But landing that first client can feel impossible!
How do you prove your skills with zero experience?
How do you stand out against thousands of other writers?
I’m pleased to inform you that you don’t need years of expertise to get started. You need a smart strategy.
Let’s break down how to get your first freelance writing client step by step.
Adopt the Freelance Writer Mindset to Land Your First Client
Yep, that’s the first step to get your first freelance writing client.
I’ve learned that becoming a successful freelance writer is more about mindset than writing skills.
Sure, you need to know how to write a good social media post, blog post, or email newsletter. But if you don’t believe you’re worth getting paid for your writing, you’ll struggle to make progress, no matter how talented you are.
Freelance writing is a real, valid career. You’ve seen countless others doing it online, so why not you?
You are a professional freelance writer. Businesses and brands will benefit from your words, and when they hire you, you’ll get them results.
So stop second-guessing your worth and abilities.
Launch with confidence. Speak like you know exactly what you’re talking about even if you just learned what the term B2B stands for yesterday.
The main thing here is to focus on getting better at your craft every day. That’s the only validation you need.
Once you commit to that, you’ll know without a doubt that you can handle any writing assignment and give it your absolute best.
Create a Writing Portfolio That Attracts Clients (Even With No Experience)
But I’m a total beginner and have never written for anyone!
I hear you.
You don’t need client work to create a writing portfolio. You can still put together high-quality samples that demonstrate your skills.
Here’s how:
Let’s say you want to write about personal branding. Do a quick Google search for “personal branding coach” and check out the websites that stand out to you.
Study their blog content and pay attention to their style, structure, and the type of content they publish.
Then pick the exact topic of the blog post you love and rewrite it with your own unique touch or use their content as inspiration to come up with your own topic to write about.
Before writing, do another Google search of your headline idea to see how others have approached it. See how they’ve written their introduction, subheads, and conclusion.
Take note of the points they’ve raised and see if you can take on a different angle to reach the target audience.
Publish your final written piece on Medium where potential clients can see it. We’re not keeping any of our content locked away in Google Docs!
And there you have your first article to include in your portfolio.
Repeat this process until you have about 3-5 pieces you can share with potential clients in your pitches.
Start as a Generalist
To be honest, deciding on my niche has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever attempted in my life!
But I’ve found an easier way to approach it.
Instead of getting stuck trying to pinpoint the perfect niche or the exact topics and industries to write in, focus on developing core writing skills like clarity, research, and creating engaging content.
These apply to any niche.
Start by writing from your own experiences.
- What did that group project in college teach you about collaboration and communication?
- How do you stay productive?
- What does the term “quality” mean to you?
Publish your writing on Medium, LinkedIn, Facebook, or your own website. Then pay attention to who engages with your content and what topics naturally excite you.
You don’t need a niche to start. The niche comes from doing the work, not just thinking about it.
Another way to niche down is by the type of content you want to write:
- Social media posts for LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter?
- Blog writing?
- Ads?
Check job boards like Upwork , Freelancer, and LinkedIn Jobs to see if there’s demand for what you’re considering.
There are so many topics you could write about online to get your first freelance writing client. So don’t limit yourself just because you don’t see your exact interest on a list of most profitable freelance writing niches.
In the beginning, focus on topics you find interesting and get used to creating content regularly on your own profiles. That’s how you learn by doing.
For me, I love writing about freelancing, online entrepreneurship, and blogging, so when I come across opportunities in those areas, I pursue them.
Leverage Your Existing Network to Get Your First Freelance Writing Client
Start with the people already in your circle. Ask friends, family, neighbors, and local businesses if you can write for them.
This is you marketing your services. So don’t just ask, be clear about what you can do for them.
Explain how your writing can help them increase brand awareness, attract new audiences, and increase sales.
And most importantly, carry yourself as a professional from day one.
- Don’t second-guess yourself in conversations.
- Don’t downplay your expertise.
You’re not “just: a writer. You’re a marketer helping businesses build a strong brand, grow their audience, and reach new revenue goals.
Start Building Your Personal Brand
I love LinkedIn so I’ll be biased here and say start building your personal brand on LinkedIn.
I love the vibe, the support, and the momentum LinkedIn has gained in recent years. It’s a goldmine for creators, freelancers, and entrepreneurs and doesn’t feel as saturated as the other platforms.
But if LinkedIn isn’t your thing, pick another platform where your ideal clients hang out:
- Twitter/X
- Facebook (Create a Facebook Page)
- YouTube
- TikTok
The main thing is to treat your writing as a business right from the start and never compromise on quality.
Stay professional in your content, interactions, and pricing.
Let everything you post reflect the value you bring to others.
Make sure your headline and about section (or your bio on Instagram) clearly state what you do to make it easy for your ideal clients to notice you.
And somewhere down the road, create a website for a more professional touch.
It’ll help you stand out and make it easier to get your first freelance writing client and the next one.
Finally, Take Action and Go Get Your First Freelance Writing Client
Everything I’ve shared here won’t mean a thing if you don’t take action.
I talk about this all the time on LinkedIn because taking action is the only thing that will move you from where you are now to where you want to be.
Own the title of “freelance writer,” because that’s what you are.
Create 3-5 portfolio pieces to show your expertise.
Don’t stress about your niche. It’ll come naturally through experience.
Leverage your existing network and offer to write for them.
Build a strong personal brand online to attract clients.
Start showing up, sharing your insights, and letting the world know what you do. The sooner you put yourself out there, the sooner you’ll get your first freelance writing client.
It’s your time. I’m in your corner, cheering you on! Now go make it happen.
Go from beginner to paid in 3 months with my FREE blueprint! No more confusion about where to start and the next step to take.
2 Responses