Start your freelance writing business: Step-by-step guide

Published Monday 5 January 2026

Table of contents

• What does a freelance writer do?
• What types of writing do freelance writers do?
• How much can you earn freelance writing?
• Step-by-step guide for starting a freelance writing business
• Manage your freelance writing business with confidence
• FAQs on starting a freelance writing business

Key takeaways

• Build a professional portfolio by creating sample pieces through guest blogging, personal blog content, or volunteer projects to demonstrate your writing skills to potential clients.
• Establish clear pricing structures using per-word, per-project, or hourly rates based on market research and your experience level, then adjust rates upward as you gain testimonials and expertise.
• Implement systematic client acquisition strategies by combining job board applications, direct outreach to businesses, and networking both online and locally to build a consistent pipeline of work.
• Set up essential business systems including accounting software for invoicing and expense tracking, contract templates, and time management tools to streamline operations and ensure proper tax compliance.

What does a freelance writer do?

Freelance writers are self-employed professionals who create written content for multiple clients on a contract basis. They work remotely and manage their own business operations.

Core responsibilities include:

• Writing and editing: Create content across different formats and industries
• Client management: Communicate with clients, attend meetings, and manage project timelines
• Business administration: Handle invoicing, taxes, and marketing
• Research: Gather information and verify facts for accurate content

Key characteristics of freelance writing:

• Work arrangement: Contract-based, not traditional employment
• Income structure: Project-based payments that can vary monthly
• Tax obligations: Self-employment taxes, which have a 15.3% tax rate for Social Security and Medicare, and personal benefits coverage
• Flexibility: Can be full-time career or part-time side business

What types of writing do freelance writers do?

Freelance writing types fall into two main categories: generalist writing across multiple topics or specialist writing focused on specific niches.

Popular freelance writing platforms:

• Print publications: Magazine articles, newspaper content, and editorial pieces
• Digital content: Blog posts, web pages, SEO articles, and video scripts
• Business communications: Press releases, newsletters, white papers, and case studies
• Social media content: Posts, captions, and promotional copy for platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram

Specialization options:

• By writing type: Email marketing, content marketing, copywriting, or technical writing
• By industry:Ecommerce, B2B technology, healthcare, finance, or SaaS
• By format: Long-form articles, sales pages, social media, or video scripts

How much can you earn freelance writing?

Your income as a freelance writer can vary widely based on your experience, the clients you work with, and the type of writing you do. While beginners might start with lower rates to build a portfolio, experienced writers in high-demand niches can earn a significant income.

Common pricing models include:

• Per project: A flat fee for a defined scope of work, like a blog post or a website page.
• Per word: Often used for articles and blog content. Rates can range from a few cents to over a dollar per word.
• Hourly rate: Charging for your time is common for editing, consulting, or projects with an undefined scope.

To understand your profitability, track your income and business expenses. Accounting software helps you see what you are really earning and set rates that support your business growth. According to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance for self-employed individuals, you must file an income tax return if your net earnings are $400 or more.

Step-by-step guide for starting a freelance writing business

Becoming a successful freelance writer takes time and consistency. You may want to start by offering writing as a side hustle while you build toward a full-time income. If you don't know where to start, follow this guide for some practical tips:

1. Get experience in the field

Build a portfolio to show that you can write. You may want to start a blog or Substack site to show your skills. A good idea is to focus on a topic you already know a lot about. You can write about topics you are interested in and even interview people for your site.

You can find entry-level writing opportunities on sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour. While you may not make much money from them, it will give you clips for showcasing your writing.

2. Choose your specialty

Make a list of your interests and past experience. Having a specialty doesn't mean you don't write about other subjects, but knowing a topic or subtopic reduces the amount of research you have to do when writing.

Choose a writing niche from your list. It can be a type of content or a topic area. You're not locked into your niche forever, but it provides you with your point of difference and expertise that can help you become a go-to writer in that area. For example, if you have a background in marketing and advertising, you could focus your writing on marketing communications.

3. Get the basic writing equipment

Freelance writing equipment requires minimal upfront investment. You can start with basic tools and upgrade as your business grows.

Essential equipment for freelance writers:

• Computer: Desktop or laptop capable of word processing and internet browsing
• Internet connection: Reliable broadband for research, client communication, and file sharing
• Phone: For client calls and business communication
• Workspace: Dedicated area with ergonomic seating

Optional upgrades:

• External monitor: Improves productivity for longer writing sessions
• Printer: Useful for proofreading hard copies
• Upgraded workspace: Separate office space for better focus and professionalism

4. Write some sample pieces

Writing samples demonstrate your skills to potential clients and are essential for landing your first freelance projects.

Portfolio development strategies:

• Guest blogging: Write for established businesses, charities, or other writers' platforms
• Personal blog: Create content on WordPress or Substack to showcase expertise and build an audience
• Spec samples: Write practice pieces that match the style and tone of your target clients
• Volunteer projects: Offer free writing services to nonprofits for published portfolio pieces

Scam prevention: Research potential clients thoroughly, avoid offers that seem unrealistic, and never provide personal financial information during initial outreach.

5. Find a place to host your writing portfolio

There are different ways to host your online portfolio that do not need to cost a lot of money. Many freelance writers create a basic website. You can buy a domain name that matches your writing name and start a website on WordPress or Squarespace. Ideally, your portfolio should have a home page, about, services, and portfolio pages.

If you prefer not to have a website, there are other options. Some good ones include:

• Authory
• Muck Rack
• Clippings.me
• Pressfolios
• Contently

Add five or six pieces of your best work to your portfolio, and update it over time to reflect your experience with different clients.

6. Set your prices

Freelance writing rates vary based on experience, project complexity, and client budget. Setting competitive rates protects your time while attracting quality clients.

Common pricing models:

• Per word: Typically $0.10–$1.00+ per word depending on expertise and niche
• Per project: Fixed fee based on scope, timeline, and deliverables
• Hourly rate: $25–$150+ per hour based on experience and specialization

Rate-setting steps:

1. Research market rates: Check industry standards for your niche and experience level
2. Calculate minimum rate: Determine your baseline hourly needs including taxes and expenses
3. Test and adjust: Start with competitive rates and increase as you gain experience and testimonials

7. Find clients for your writing

Finding freelance writing clients requires consistent outreach across multiple channels. Successful writers use both reactive and proactive strategies to build their client base.

Job board strategies:

• Professional platforms:LinkedIn Jobs, ProBlogger, and industry-specific job boards
• Freelance marketplaces: Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour (note: often lower-paying but good for beginners)
• Social media: Follow editors and hiring managers for early access to opportunities

Direct outreach methods:

• Cold pitching: Email potential clients with specific, relevant proposals
• Local networking: Contact nearby businesses that need content marketing
• Elevator pitch: Prepare a concise description of your services for networking events

Organization systems:

• Application tracking: Maintain a spreadsheet with dates, platforms, and client responses
• Follow-up schedule: Set reminders to reconnect with prospects after initial contact

8. Market your freelance writing services

Marketing your freelance writing services builds brand awareness and attracts higher-quality clients through consistent online and offline presence.

Digital marketing strategies:

• Social media presence: Focus on 2–3 platforms where your target clients are active (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram)
• LinkedIn optimization: Complete profile with portfolio links, featured work samples, and industry connections
• Content sharing: Post writing tips, industry insights, and client success stories

Personal network activation:

• Word-of-mouth marketing: Inform friends and family about your services for referral opportunities
• Local networking: Attend business association meetings and industry events to meet potential clients
• Relationship building: Focus on understanding client pain points rather than immediate sales pitches

9. Get testimonials from clients

Client testimonials provide social proof that builds credibility and helps convert prospects into paying clients.

Testimonial collection process:

• Request timing: Ask satisfied clients immediately after project completion
• Helpful prompts: Guide clients with specific questions about their experience, results, and recommendations
• Format preference: Request 2–3 sentences highlighting specific benefits or outcomes

Effective testimonial questions:

• Experience focus: "What was your experience working with me?"
• Results focus: "How did my writing help your business goals?"
• Recommendation focus: "Would you recommend my services to others?"

Display strategies:

• Website placement: Feature testimonials prominently on your homepage and services pages
• LinkedIn recommendations: Request professional recommendations that appear on your profile
• Social media sharing: Post client feedback across your business social channels

10. Set up your business systems and processes

Business systems and processes streamline your freelance operations, improve client experience, and ensure consistent cash flow management.

Essential business systems:

• Financial management: Accounting software like Xero for invoicing, expense tracking, and tax preparation, which is vital for handling responsibilities like having to make estimated tax payments when you expect to owe $1,000 or more
• Client communication: Project management tools and communication protocols
• Contract templates: Standard agreements that protect your work and ensure payment terms
• Time tracking: Systems to monitor project hours and improve pricing accuracy

Getting started: Xero offers specialized tools for sole proprietors that simplify bookkeeping and financial management, letting you focus on writing while maintaining professional business operations.

Manage your freelance writing business with confidence

Starting your freelance writing business is an exciting step. As you grow, managing your finances becomes just as important as landing the next client. Staying on top of invoices, tracking expenses, and understanding your cash flow are key to long-term success, especially since, under quarterly tax payment rules, you generally need to pay at least 90% of your tax liability throughout the year to avoid penalties.

Get one month of Xero free to help manage your freelance writing finances.

FAQs on starting a freelance writing business

Here are answers to some common questions about starting a freelance writing business.

How profitable is freelance writing?

Freelance writing can be very profitable, but it depends on factors like your niche, experience level, and marketing skills. Writers in specialized fields like finance or tech often command higher rates. Profitability increases as you build a strong client base and streamline your business processes.

Do freelance writers need an LLC?

You don't need a Limited Liability Company (LLC) to start. Most freelance writers begin as sole proprietors, which is simpler to set up, and according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), this structure requires filing a Schedule SE for self-employment tax on net earnings from Schedule C of $400 or more. An LLC can offer legal protection by separating your personal and business assets, which may be a good option as your business grows and your income increases.

Can I make $1000 a month freelance writing?

Yes, earning $1000 a month is an achievable goal, even for new writers. It requires finding a few consistent clients or several one-off projects. Focusing on higher-value services like website copywriting or long-form blog posts can help you reach this income level faster than relying on low-paying job boards.

What's the difference between freelance writing and content writing?

Freelance writing is a broad term for any writing done on a self-employed basis. Content writing is a specific type of freelance writing that focuses on creating online materials like blog posts, articles, and ebooks to engage an audience and build brand authority.

How long does it take to build a successful freelance writing business?

The timeline varies for everyone. Some writers land their first client within weeks, while for others it might take a few months to gain momentum. Consistency in marketing, networking, and improving your skills is key. Most writers see significant progress within the first six to twelve months.