How to Find Freelance Writing Jobs Online
Are you thinking about becoming a freelance writer? Or perhaps you’ve just started your freelance journey and you’re not sure where to look for work? Don’t worry – you’re in the right place to learn more!
In this guide, we’ll explore the following seven ways to find freelance writing jobs online and maximize your chances of winning a job:
- Sign up for freelance marketplaces
- Check out job boards
- Register with a staffing agency
- Cold pitch to businesses
- Join a writing group or society
- Develop your online presence
- Tailor your resume
1. Sign Up for Freelance Marketplaces
Freelance marketplaces, such as Fiverr and Upwork, can be great ways to find freelance writing jobs online, especially if you’re new to the freelance game. They allow you to create a profile and list your services, and then clients can contact you, or you can bid on available projects.
One benefit of these marketplaces is that they often take care of the administrative side for you, providing services such as invoicing clients. However, some freelancers find the competition steep and the rates low, so it’s worth researching specific sites and reading reviews before signing up.
2. Check Out Job Boards
Similar to the classifieds in a newspaper, a traditional freelance job board is a website where clients post available jobs and hire freelancers. There are even a number of job boards for people who want to work remotely.
While a job board may initially sound just like a freelance marketplace, the two have some key differences. On a job board, you don’t need to create a profile to advertise yourself or bid against other freelancers for projects. Using your resume and a portfolio link, you simply apply directly to individual postings.
Doing this can be a great way to find long-term work and build connections with businesses, but standards tend to be high for clients who post ads on job boards, so you’ll need strong writing samples and a solid proposal.
Websites That Post Freelance Blog Writing Jobs
If you’re interested in content writing in particular, there are a whole host of websites dedicated to exactly that:
1. ProBlogger
ProBlogger is a well-established platform that offers writing resources to bloggers of all skill levels.
Companies looking for freelancers post ads on ProBlogger’s dedicated job board, and writers can then apply for the project. Jobs posted on ProBlogger regularly pay more than those offered through other freelance marketplaces.
ProBlogger is free to use, but its popularity means there’s lots of competition for work.
2. Skyword
Skyword is a tool that connects clients with writers and other creatives and tends to attract some pretty big brands.
This means its writer selection process is rigorous. But if you’re accepted as a writer, you’ll get access to well-paying blog writing jobs and the chance to receive 50% of your fee if a client rejects the work you submit.
When applying to Skyword, you’ll be asked to submit a writing portfolio and select any niches you specialize in.
3. Contena
Signing up to Contena grants you access to hundreds of freelance content writing jobs with high-quality clients.
The standard of work offered on Contena and the training course provided through its Writing Academy make it a great resource for freelance writers.
However, membership does come with a $500 fee.
4. Contently
If you dream of working with big-name brands, Contently is the place to find blog writing work. Many well-known companies, including Marriott and American Express, rely on Contently talent scouts to find their freelancers.
You apply to register with Contently’s network by sharing your portfolio. If you pass their selection process, they’ll pair you up with the companies they feel are the best fit for your skills.
It’s worth noting that Contently only accepts experienced freelancers, so if you’re a new writer, you might want to build your portfolio first.
5. BloggingPro
BloggingPro features a straightforward job board aimed exclusively at freelance blog writers.
Jobs posted on the BloggingPro job board are categorized according to location, subject matter, and whether they involve a contract. To help you decide whether or not to apply, each ad also provides an estimate of what you’ll earn for the project.
While individuals and companies must pay to post ads, writers can access job postings for free.
6. Textbroker
Textbroker is a content and article writing platform that matches registered writers with paying clients.
Rates paid via Textbroker are determined by your star rating, which is based on your experience, knowledge of SEO, and understanding of grammar. The higher your rating, the more clients you gain access to.
Textbroker is free to use, but it can take some time to move up to the better-paying ranks.
7. iWriter
iWriter is a content creation platform that hires freelancers to produce articles, blog posts, and product descriptions for clients.
One great feature of iWriter is that clients can tip you if they like your work, which makes it possible to earn more for each job you complete.
To work with iWriter, you need to submit a writer application. Once accepted, you can improve your ranking and access better paying jobs by completing articles and receiving ratings from clients
3. Register with a Staffing Agency
Signing up for a staffing agency is another option for finding freelance writing jobs online. Recruiters at staffing agencies typically match writers with companies looking to hire freelancers or employees. If the agency thinks you may be a match for one of their clients, they’ll pitch your resume to them on your behalf.
Since companies hire agencies to find candidates for them, they’re much more likely to consider your resume if it comes directly from a recruiter. If you’re interested in this method of finding work, try casting a wider net by signing up with multiple staffing agencies at once.
4. Cold Pitch to Businesses
Cold pitching is sending out targeted emails to businesses you’re interested in working with. While this method can be intimidating (since you’re essentially reaching out to strangers), it can be effective for new freelancers. By reaching out to businesses that haven’t posted advertisements, you’re drastically cutting down on your competition, and some companies may appreciate your initiative.
While it’s fine to use a general template for cold pitches, make sure to personalize your introduction email as much as possible. Mention specific ways you can benefit their business, such as by implementing SEO strategies to reach more potential customers.
Another cold pitch tactic is to find a business that has a blog on its website and offer to write a guest post for it – something that would immediately provide value to the company.
Also, be on the lookout for outdated or neglected websites – especially those of small businesses. Many owners start a website but let it lapse in favor of other priorities. By reaching out and offering to refresh their content, you can create a win-win situation: You get valuable writing experience, and the business owner gets a more effective platform to attract customers.
5. Join a Writing Group or Society
Writing societies, such as the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors, can be a great resource for professional development, networking, and finding freelance writing jobs online. While freelancing has a lot of benefits, it can be isolating at times, so writing groups and societies can help you build a community of other writers. They also provide training opportunities and advice from seasoned professionals.
If you’re interested in specializing in a specific subject, such as finance or medical writing, you can join a society targeted to your niche. Most groups also help their members find work by sending out newsletters containing job prospects or by posting on their internal job boards.
6. Develop Your Online Presence
These days, clients often source writers via social media, especially on LinkedIn. Keeping an updated profile – and highlighting that you’re open to work – can help recruiters or businesses find you. To make the best use of your online presence, think about these things:
- When writing your social media profiles, use relevant keywords to describe your skills (e.g., freelance content writer, SEO copywriter, or technical writer).
- When engaging on social media, follow industry leaders and join writing-related groups or hashtags (e.g., #WritingCommunity).
- Consider creating a simple website to display your services, background, and writing portfolio. You don’t need to be a tech whiz to design a website – lots of website builders and customizable templates are available.
7. Tailor Your Resume
To help stand out from the competition, tailor your writing resume for each job you apply for. Scan the posting for relevant keywords and include them in your resume where appropriate. Some organizations automatically filter job applications based on whether they include specific phrases, so incorporating a few keywords can help you get noticed.
Unlock Freelance Writing Opportunities
Whether you decide to look for work on freelance marketplaces, pitch publications you admire, or apply via traditional job boards, there are plenty of opportunities out there for new and experienced writers alike.
If you’re serious about launching (or growing) a flexible and rewarding freelance writing career, why not check out our comprehensive, self-paced Becoming A Freelance Writer course? You’ll learn how to:
- Hone your writing and editing skills
- Identify profitable niches
- Construct compelling pitches and proposals
- Find, impress, and retain high-quality clients
It’s the perfect way to build your confidence, streamline your business, and establish yourself as a professional writer. Try a couple of free lessons and take your first steps toward freelance success today!
Updated on March 27, 2025
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