Freelance Writing for Beginners: 8 Jump-Start Tips to Get Clients

If you’ve just stepped into the “freelance writing for beginners” adventure, you’re probably wondering where to find all the action.

You know…clients in your niche ready and willing to pay you money for writing articles, blog posts, case studies, white papers…anything really. Right?

Here’s the thing when you’re new at this…Freelance writing for beginners can feel kind of like stepping into total darkness without a flashlight, flaming torch, or even a tiny wooden match to light the way.

Where do you go and what should you do to find freelance writing clients?

It’s kind of like Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride uttering the words: “I need you to guide my sword, please.”

You need a little help. You’re willing to do the work, even chase down the Six-Fingered Man if you have to. But you need to know where to look.

Wondering how to jump-start your freelance writing career and get clients? Check out these tips to shine some light on how it’s done:

1. Leverage your work experience

Emily Omier

If you don’t have a portfolio of work to show a potential client, leverage your work experience.

Maybe you’ve worked in retail, the insurance industry, healthcare, education, the restaurant business, or construction. Pitch a prospect in your niche by letting them know you already understand their industry.

“Find something that allows you to leverage pre-existing experience,” says freelance writer and Den 2X member Emily Omier.

“Like my first real client was an immigration tech company that was impressed by the fact that I had worked as a paralegal for an immigration firm…10 years prior.”

2. Pitch local magazines and businesses

Carol J. Alexander

Is there a regional or community magazine in your area? That’s a great place to start.

Ever wonder what businesses are in that industrial park you always drive by? Those are local places that rarely every get pitched, but probably need a writer for a project.

“I tell newbies to start with what they already read,” says freelance writer Carol J. Alexander.

“If I had no experience, I’d start with local, small business, family, or friends. Just get some clips, build your portfolio, and work up from there.”

3. Connect with marketing pros in your niche

Sherri Ledbetter

Maybe you’re new to freelance writing, but you’re no stranger to marketing, advertising, sales and public relations from your day-job experience.

That’s another great network of people you can reach out to and ask a simple question: Know anyone who needs a freelance writer?

“If I was just starting out, I’d approach marketing folks at companies in the industry that I previously worked with,” says freelance writer Sherri Ledbetter.

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4. Introduce yourself to marketing agencies

Amy Hardison White

Do a Google search like this: “[your niche] marketing agencies.”

That single search will produce a list of agencies that work with clients in your niche. Chances are pretty good some of them need to hire a writer…pronto.

“I would recommend pitching marketing agencies,” says freelance writer Amy Hardison White.

“My first freelance client was a marketing agency. The work was not as high-paying as it could have been, but it gave me the opportunity to get used to a high volume of work and different types of work.”

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5. Turn your former employer into a client

Evan Jensen

Does your former employer have a blog, a website, marketing materials, or a presence on social media?

You may be the perfect person to handle those content market projects.

Why? You already know the business. Give it a shot and ask the marketing director or CEO at your old job if you can do some freelance work.

“When my day job announced plans to move, making my daily commute about 90 minutes each way, I knew I had to do something,” says freelance writer Evan Jensen. “So I pitched the idea of contract work to the CEO, and voilà, it worked. If your former employer has a need for content, hiring you is a no-brainer because you already know the business, as long as you left on good terms.”

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6. Customize your LinkedIn profile + make connections

Desiree Grosman

Did you know your LinkedIn profile can help you attract potential freelance clients?

Seriously, customize your LinkedIn profile so it shows off your skills as a niche writer. Look up companies and people you want to work with. Send invites to connect, and get a conversation started with a potential client.

“Right here on Linked in is a great place for freelancers to start,” says copywriter Desiree Grosman. “This is where I’ve found many great clients. Some people have even approached me.”

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7. Ask your network for referrals

Sam Grover

Maybe you don’t have a single writing sample in your portfolio. But you’ve decided you’re going all-in to be a freelance writer. Now what?

If you’re stepping into freelance writing for beginners after spending time in another career, or you’re naturally a well-connected and social person, there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a gold mine of business, you just need to ask for it.

“Start with your existing network,” says freelance writer Sam Grover. “Let them know you’re open for business. You’ll be surprised at how many people are looking for help.”

Here’s a simple way to ask: Do you know anyone who needs a freelance writer?

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8. Write for community newspapers

Alastair Barnett

When Alastair Barnett decided to give freelance writing a try, he pitched an idea for a personal essay to a local newspaper. What happened next, changed everything for the young freelance writer.

“I was shocked when the features editor called and asked me to write 1,000 words for the Sunday paper with a 250 word sidebar,” says Barnett. “No lie, my hands shook while holding the phone. During our chat, the editor actually apologized for paying only $250.”

Barnett sent that first pitch with zero experience to a local newspaper about 20 years ago. One assignment turned into a two-year writing gig, lots of experience, and just the thing to move up, earn more, and make a living writing.

“To this day whenever I begin to doubt myself,  I think of this quote by Goethe. ‘Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.’ This worked for me when I had zero experience and zero confidence. It’s a cliché, but believe me, if I could do it, anybody can.”

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Jump-start your freelance writing career

If you’re part of the “freelance writing for beginners” club, you might wonder how long it’s going to take to ramp up, land your first client, and get paid to write. It’s different for everybody. But the sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll be on your way. Put these tips to the test, and go find your first assignment. You can do this.

Need help getting freelance writing clients? Let’s discuss in the comments below.

Evan Jensen is the blog editor for Make a Living Writing. When he’s not on a writing deadline or catching up on emails, he’s training to run another 100-mile ultra-marathon.