Freelance writing is an excellent way to earn money, improve your writing skills, and gain flexibility in your career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your freelance opportunities, there are plenty of freelance writing websites where you can find clients and jobs. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best platforms for beginners to help you launch your freelance writing career.
1. Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest and most popular freelance platforms. It offers a wide range of writing opportunities, from blog posts and articles to copywriting and technical writing.
- How it works: After creating a profile and specifying your writing skills, you can bid on job listings posted by clients. Upwork also has a “Project Catalog,” where you can offer predefined services at set prices.
- Pros:
- Large variety of writing jobs
- Transparent payment process
- Client reviews help build your credibility
- Cons:
- Competitive (especially for beginners)
- Service fees (20% for the first $500 earned per client)
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is a marketplace where freelancers offer services starting at $5, hence the name. While the pricing model is based on packages, it’s a great platform for beginners to gain exposure and build a portfolio.
- How it works: You create “gigs” based on the writing services you offer, such as article writing, SEO writing, or resume writing. Clients browse gigs and place orders based on their needs.
- Pros:
- Low barrier to entry
- Ability to set your own prices and services
- Ideal for niche writers (e.g., email copywriting, social media content)
- Cons:
- Competitive pricing in the early stages
- Fiverr takes a 20% commission from each transaction
3. Freelancer
Freelancer is similar to Upwork, offering a range of freelance jobs in writing, design, programming, and more. This platform also allows you to bid for jobs, providing a great opportunity for new writers to get started.
- How it works: You create a profile, browse job listings, and place bids on projects that match your skillset. You can also take skills tests to help increase your visibility.
- Pros:
- A wide range of job types
- Large client base
- Freelancer contests allow you to showcase your skills
- Cons:
- Service fees start at 10% and increase based on your earnings
- Bidding wars with other freelancers may be challenging for beginners
4. ProBlogger Job Board
ProBlogger is an excellent resource for writers who specialize in blogging and content creation. The job board features high-quality, well-paid writing gigs from reputable clients.
- How it works: Employers post detailed job listings, and writers can apply by submitting their writing samples and rates.
- Pros:
- High-quality job listings
- Focus on blogging and content writing
- No commission fees (you deal directly with the client)
- Cons:
- Jobs can be competitive, particularly for beginners
- Job board fees apply (typically $70 to post a job)
5. Textbroker
Textbroker is a great platform for beginner writers because it allows you to start writing immediately after completing a short writing test. The site has a tiered system where you can increase your pay rate as you build your reputation.
- How it works: After submitting your writing sample, you’ll be assigned a quality rating. Based on this rating, you can access various job assignments with set pay rates.
- Pros:
- Great for beginners to build a portfolio
- Clear pay structure based on quality ratings
- Variety of writing niches
- Cons:
- Pay rates can be low in the beginning
- Limited client interaction (clients choose writers based on ratings, not bids)
6. Guru
Guru is another popular platform that offers writing opportunities in various categories. It’s particularly useful for freelancers who want to create long-term relationships with clients.
- How it works: After creating a profile, you can submit proposals for jobs posted by clients. You can also showcase your previous work in an online portfolio.
- Pros:
- Low service fees (starting at 9%)
- Option to create “milestones” for payments, which ensures security
- Flexibility in pricing and contract structure
- Cons:
- Limited opportunities for beginners to stand out in a crowded field
- Some clients may require extensive experience for higher-paying gigs
7. Contena
Contena is a premium platform designed specifically for writers. While it’s more exclusive and requires a subscription fee, it can provide access to higher-paying jobs and professional clients.
- How it works: After subscribing, you can apply to various high-quality job listings that are curated for writers. Contena also offers a coaching service and a job alert system.
- Pros:
- High-quality jobs and clients
- Coaching and resources for improving writing skills
- Higher-paying opportunities
- Cons:
- Subscription fee (can be expensive for beginners)
- Limited access unless you pay the subscription fee
8. LinkedIn
LinkedIn isn’t just for networking; it’s also a great tool for freelance writers. Many companies and individuals post job openings directly on the platform, and you can leverage your connections to find writing opportunities.
- How it works: You create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your writing skills and experience. From there, you can search for freelance writing jobs or respond to job postings.
- Pros:
- Direct connection with clients and employers
- Opportunity to build your professional network
- A great platform for building credibility through recommendations
- Cons:
- Competition from other professional writers
- May take time to land freelance jobs without a well-established profile
9. Write.com
Write.com is a platform dedicated to writers who want to work on short-form content, including blog posts, product descriptions, and more. It’s beginner-friendly, with easy-to-understand guidelines and a steady stream of opportunities.
- How it works: Writers can browse available projects and claim them. Write.com is known for offering consistent work and a straightforward process.
- Pros:
- Easy-to-understand platform for beginners
- Consistent job flow
- No bidding required
- Cons:
- Lower pay compared to other platforms
- Limited to short-form content
10. WriterAccess
WriterAccess is a content marketplace that offers writing gigs in various industries, including tech, health, and finance. It’s designed for both beginner and experienced writers, with a system that assigns writing jobs based on your skills.
- How it works: After submitting writing samples, you can join the platform and start getting job offers that align with your expertise.
- Pros:
- Access to higher-paying opportunities as you gain experience
- Multiple niches available (e.g., copywriting, content marketing, technical writing)
- Support for writers through training and resources
- Cons:
- Can be challenging for beginners to get in
- Competitive bidding for high-paying jobs
For beginner freelance writers, the key to success is persistence and continual learning. The platforms listed above offer a variety of opportunities to help you get started, build your portfolio, and develop your skills. Start with one or two platforms, create a strong profile, and focus on honing your writing while building relationships with clients. As you gain more experience, you can explore higher-paying opportunities and grow your freelance writing business.
