Are you a new writer looking for freelance writing jobs for beginners?
This may feel like a challenging task, until you start to take a closer look.
The need for good writers is exploding throughout the world.
Think of everything you read on a regular day, like blog posts, non-fiction books, emails from various companies, and promotions you may get in the mail.
All of these items need to written by someone…
So why not make it you?
At Barefoot Writer, we delve into the many different writing opportunities available to freelance writers today, and help you chart your freelance writing career path to get you positioned for success.
But how do you actually find your first paid work as a new writer?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ways to find freelance writing jobs for beginners.
How Much Can You Expect to Make?
This is a question that trips up many new writers.
They can see there’s demand for freelance writing, but how much does it pay?
In truth, freelancers can get paid very little for their writing, or they can get paid a lot.
The difference lies in what type of writing you do, and which clients you go after.
One of the best ways to ensure you’re earning top fees is to specialize in a niche, such as writing for companies in the self-help, medical or financial industries.
Rebecca Matter gives you all the details on how to find a profitable niche in her article here.
The actual amount you can expect to make per year depends on your niche, your experience level, how much you work, your clients, and many other factors.
But, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers make an average of $63,200 per year. By comparison, the average yearly income in the United States overall was $53,490.
So, the average income of a writer is already more than the national average.
And keep in mind that’s only the average. Some writers make more than that, and some make less.
Your income really depends on your income goals as a writer, and your level of effort and dedication.
Freelance Writing Online Job Boards
A good place to start your job search is with online job boards.
Even as a beginner, you stand a very good chance of finding a job that’s appropriate for your current skills and knowledge.
Job boards contain a huge variety of writing work. You’ll find job postings for many different types of projects, pay ranges, and both short-term and long-term work.
Be prepared to take some lower-paying work at first just to get some experience and samples behind you.
But once you’ve become more established, you’ll find it easier and easier to get high-quality gigs through job boards.
The following are some of our top choices for online job boards.
1. DirectResponseJobs.com
DirectResponseJobs.com is a job board run by AWAI that specializes in job postings for copywriters, online researchers and graphic designers. It includes both freelance and staff positions for a wide range of different companies and project types.
If you’re a paid member of Barefoot Writer, you already have access to this online resource for free. If not, you can join Barefoot Writer here.
2. ProBlogger
Professional blogger Darren Rowse started ProBlogger in 2002 to help other bloggers create and grow their own blogs.
In addition to their professional blogging resources, ProBlogger includes a very active job board. It’s a popular website, so there’s a good chance you’ll be up against quite a few other applicants for each job. But there are also lots of jobs to go around as new listings are posted every day.
3. Freelance Writing Jobs
Freelance Writing Jobs has a good assortment of freelance jobs, from blogging, to ghost writing, to journalism and editing positions. They also have some other helpful resources on the site with tips on conducting a successful job search.
4. BloggingPro
You can sort the job postings on BloggingPro by the type of work you’re looking for, such as online content or blogger jobs. They update their listings daily, so it’s worthwhile to check back regularly.
5. All Freelance Writing
All Freelance Writing was started in 2006 by professional blogger and freelance business writer Jenn Mattern.
The jobs are all categorized into the pay rates of “low pay,” “semi-pro,” and “pro.” This makes it easy to search for jobs at your experience level.
6. Mediabistro
Mediabistro was a local website founded in 1999 to act as a hub for media-related professionals in New York City. The website has since grown into an international resource for media and content professionals, offering courses, resume writing, and other services.
They also have an extensive listing of various types of freelance jobs, including writing, graphic design, and managerial positions.
7. Indeed
Indeed claims to be the #1 job site in the world, with 10 jobs per second being added to the site globally.
They list all types of work across nearly every industry. But this also includes many writing opportunities, for both freelance and staff positions. Try searching for jobs in your niche or the area you want to write in, such as “social media writer” or “health content writing.”
8. SimplyHired
SimplyHired is a general job site similar to Indeed, and it also contains a wide variety of job postings. In addition, they offer a resume builder on the site, as well as other resources for finding and landing work.
9. FlexJobs
FlexJobs specializes in work-from-home and flexible job opportunities. They review all jobs before they’re posted on the site to make sure they’re legitimate. They also offer a paid membership for enhanced services to help with your job search.
Freelance Writing Platforms
These are websites where you can create a professional profile for yourself and connect with potential clients through the site’s platform.
Most of the sites include job postings that you can apply or bid for directly, as well as the ability to post the services you offer to allow potential clients to find you.
Either way, freelance writing platforms can be a great way to get started when you have little or no writing experience.
The companies and individuals searching for freelancers through these sites are extremely varied, so there’s a good chance you can connect with a client appropriate for your current skill set.
You can also use them as a way to find your first few clients and build your portfolio and confidence. Then you can start looking for clients on your own. If you’re ready for that step, we get into all the details on how to get freelance writing clients here.
Freelance writing platforms are typically free to use for freelancers. Although, when you do find work through these sites, they will often charge a service fee for each contract you complete.
Each site works a bit differently, so check the details of their fee structure carefully before signing up so you know what to expect.
Freelance writing platforms also tend to have a lot of members. So as a new member, you’ll likely have to be patient and try a few times before you get your first few jobs. But as you get established, you can gradually raise your rates and land higher-paying work.
1. Upwork
Upwork started out as the website Elance in 1998. It merged with another popular site called oDesk, and the new company was rebranded as Upwork in 2015.
Today, they claim to have over 8,000 jobs posted daily. When you set up a freelancer profile on the site, you’re free to submit a proposal for any of their job postings. Companies looking to hire freelancers can also browse through individual profiles and contact you directly.
2. Guru
Guru is another platform that offers a lot of opportunities for freelancers. You can set up a detailed writer profile that highlights your skills and includes past work, and also apply for postings on the site.
Guru claims to have the lowest fees for companies and freelancers using the site compared to other plaforms.
3. Freelancer
Freelancer is also a well-established platform. You will need to set up a profile on the site and submit bids on the jobs and projects they have listed.
The fact it’s a bidding site doesn’t mean that each job automatically goes to the lowest bidder. Each advertiser is looking for the freelancer best suited for their project, and many are willing to pay top fees for the right person.
4. Fiverr
Fiverr claims to be the world’s largest marketplace for digital services. What this means is that freelancers can list their services on the site, and anyone looking for a freelancer can then search the listings for services they need and contact freelancers directly through the site.
You will need to create a profile as a seller, where you can include details of your skills and experience, as well as how much you charge per project.
5. People Per Hour
People Per Hour requires you to submit an application before you can participate in the platform. But once you’re approved, you can post your profile and offer specific writing services, as well as gain access to the site’s listing of projects.
Write for Us!
Last but not least, consider writing for Barefoot Writer!
We’re always looking for new content for Barefoot Writer Magazine and here on our website.
If you have an idea for an article you think our readers might enjoy, check out our submission guidelines and send it over.
We love hearing from our readers and we look at every submission we receive. And even if your submission is not accepted, it’s great practice and a good way to get comfortable with submitting pitches to potential clients.
Summary
If you’re looking for writing jobs for beginners, you have a lot of different options.
Many online job boards list a wide variety of writing jobs, including freelance and staff positions, and everything from one-time projects to long-term work.
Freelance writing platforms are another good way to find freelance jobs or connect with potential clients.
But most importantly, make sure you actively use these resources to find real, paying work.
It can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the possibilities and put off taking action.
Don’t let this happen to you.
Promise yourself you’ll take some kind of action toward finding a writing job this week. Or better yet – today.
Apply to one job on a job board. Or set up your profile on a freelance writing platform.
The sooner you start finding paid freelance writing jobs, the sooner you’ll start living the life of a Barefoot Writer.
