Best Places and Strategies to Find Independent Writing Jobs

Introduction

Anyone who's ever tried to find online writing jobs knows that it's not always easy. There are a lot of scams out there, and it can be hard to tell the good opportunities from the bad. But despite the difficulties, there are some very good reasons to pursue online writing jobs. 

For one thing, they're a great way to work from home. You can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you like. And since more and more businesses are looking for content writers, there's a growing demand for qualified writers. So if you're willing to put in the effort, you can definitely find some great online writing jobs

How to find online writing jobs

Writing is a passion for many people, but it can be difficult to find ways to make money from your craft. While there are plenty of online writing jobs available, they can be hard to find if you don't know where to look. The good news is that once you know where to look, you'll be surprised at how many opportunities there are. Here are a few tips to help you find freelance writing jobs online:

1. Identify your niche

Your writing niche is what makes a client want to hire you over someone else. So what are you good at? What are you an expert in? Start by focusing on those topics in order to build your portfolio.

2. Build your portfolio and website

Your portfolio consists of examples of your published work. But the “chicken or the egg” problem when you’re first starting is that you don’t have any published work. One way around this is to self-publish, either on your own website or on a blogging platform like Medium. You’ll have to act as your own editor, designer, and marketer, but a polished, professional portfolio (even if it’s one you’ve created all on your own) greatly ups your chances of landing a client.

Similarly, a solid professional website is a great homepage not only to display your work, but also to help clients find you online. Consider a site like Squarespace, which offers templates so that you don’t have to design anything yourself, and buy your domain name if you haven’t already. (Pro tip: Owning the domain name of your full name is a great SEO boost.)

3. Get warm intros

A warm intro is when someone you know introduces you to someone in their community as a professional connection. It’s also one of the best ways to find writing jobs, as potential clients are much more likely to go with a recommendation from a trusted friend or colleague than with a random person online. LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media sites are great for finding those connections in common.

Ask yourself: Do you know anyone who is already working in your field of interest? Maybe a small business owner who would benefit from a blog, or a friend from college who’s at an agency now? Reach out! They might be able to help connect you with potential clients — or even need your help themselves.

4. Cold outreach

While warm intros are more likely to yield results, cold outreach can also warm up if you do it right. 

When you’re cold outreaching to someone, keep in mind what you can do to help them, not the other way around. Take a look at their website, for example, and see where your writing skills could help boost their business. You can also write a sample blog post, to give them a try-before-you-buy.

Another method? Ask a successful writer in your field for their advice. Most people love to be experts and to help others — and writers all know that they’re nothing without their network. So a cold outreach to a successful writer asking for a mentoring call can potentially turn into a warm connection that will help you later down the line. 

5. Find gigs online

Finally, there are online job marketplaces, freelance writing job boards, and online communities for writers that share potential writing gigs. However, many of those marketplaces can feel like a content mill, and there’s fierce competition for jobs in the most popular communities. 

Because of those factors, many writers use these sites when they’re just getting started building their own communities and portfolios, but leave them behind once their networks are big enough to generate work on their own.

Online writing marketplaces and job boards

Speaking of online marketplaces, here are 10 of the top most popular ones for freelance writers. 

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the most popular online job sites for freelance writers. On Upwork, you can find both long- and short-term writing gigs in a variety of industries. To get started, create a profile and start bidding on projects that interest you.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a great place to find quick and easy writing gigs. Many projects on Fiverr are priced at $5, hence the name. However, you can also find more substantial writing jobs that pay more than $5 per project. Simply browse the Writing & Translation category to find writing gigs that fit your skills and interests.

3. TopTal

TopTal is a freelancer platform that focuses on connecting businesses with the top 3% of freelance talent. To join, you need to pass a rigorous screening process. Once you're in, you can apply for writing jobs that interest you. Because of the vetting process, jobs on TopTal tend to pay well and be of high quality.

4. MarketerHire

MarketerHire is a great place to find copywriting gigs. The job board features both long- and short-term projects in a variety of industries. To get started, simply create a profile and start applying for jobs that interest you.

5. FlexJobs

FlexJobs was built for people who are looking for flexible and telecommuting jobs, including many writing gigs. To get started, create a free account and start browsing through the available jobs. You can also set up job alerts to be notified whenever new writing jobs are posted.

6. SolidGigs

SolidGigs is a weekly email that sends you hand-picked freelance writing jobs. To sign up, simply enter your email address on the website. Once you're signed up, you'll start receiving weekly emails with writing gigs that fit your skills and interests.

7. JournalismJobs.com

JournalismJobs.com is a great place to find journalism jobs, including many freelance writing opportunities. To get started, simply create a free account and start browsing through the available jobs. You can also set up job alerts to be notified whenever new writing jobs are posted.

8. ProBlogger

ProBlogger is for finding blogging jobs. The job board features both long- and short-term projects in a variety of industries. To get started, simply create a free account and start browsing through the available jobs. They also offer job alerts whenever new writing jobs are posted.

9. Contena

Contena is a freelancer platform that focuses on connecting businesses with the top 1% of freelance talent. Like with TopTal, they have a rigorous screening process, which means jobs on Contena tend to pay well and be of high quality.

10. Freelancewriting.com

Freelancewriting.com is a great place to find both long- and short-term writing gigs. The job board features a variety of industries, so you're more likely to find something that interests you. You can create a free account in order to start browsing through the available jobs and sign up for notifications when new job ads are posted. 

Communities and websites

While job boards can feel exhausting, there are other sites that are more focused on building communities of writers who help each other out in their job search. Remember: Your network is your greatest asset. Here are a couple of places to do it.

Twitter

With a little creativity and effort, Twitter can be a valuable tool for finding new and interesting writing opportunities. To get started, simply search for relevant hashtags such as #freelancewriter or #writingjobs. This will bring up a variety of tweets from businesses and individuals who are seeking writing assistance. A

Another great way to find leads is to follow relevant companies and influencers in your field. By keeping an eye on their tweets, you'll be among the first to know when they have an opening for a freelance writer. 

And, finally, don't forget to promote your own work on Twitter. Tweeting links to your articles and blog posts is a great way to show potential clients what you can do. 

Freelance Writers Den

Freelance Writers Den is a membership site that helps freelancers connect with clients and land high-paying jobs. Den members have access to a job board with writing opportunities, as well as resources like courses and webinars on how to start and grow a successful freelance writing business. In other words, it's everything you need to get started as a freelance writer — without all the hassle. 

Superpath

Superpath is a new website that provides a central location for writers to find jobs, connect with clients, and get paid to write. And the best part? Superpath does not take a percentage of your earnings like other sites. That means more money in your pocket and less time spent worrying about fees. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just getting started, Superpath is the perfect place to find work that suits your skills and schedule. So why wait? Sign up today and start earning!

Peak Freelance

Peak Freelance includes a database of over 4,000 companies that hire freelance writers, as well as a job board that is updated daily with new writing opportunities. In addition, the site provides a variety of resources to help freelancers succeed, including articles on topics such as pitching clients and setting rates.

Freelancing Females

Freelancing Females is a website that specializes in helping women find freelance writing jobs. The site offers a wide range of writing opportunities, from short articles to full-length ebooks. In addition, Freelancing Females provides a wealth of resources to help women succeed in the freelance writing field, including tips on how to write a winning proposal and negotiate pay rates. The site also features interviews with successful freelancers, so that women can learn from their experiences. 

Newsletters

Do people really need another email in their inbox full of things they're probably not going to read? The answer is a resounding yes, at least when it comes to quality freelance writing newsletters. Check out the following three for tips and tricks as well as job postings:

• Kaitlyn Arford. Kaitlyn Arford is a freelance writer who knows the struggles of the writing life all too well. She's created a newsletter to help other writers understand that they're not alone in their struggles. In each issue, Kaitlin covers a different topic related to the writing life, offering advice, support, and encouragement. The newsletter also includes interviews with successful writers, tips for getting published, and resources for further help.
• Sonia Weiser. Sonia Weiser's bi-weekly freelance writing job newsletter is a must-read for any writer looking to score some well-paying gigs. Each week, Sonia scours the internet for the best writing jobs and compiles them into a handy list. In addition to the job listing, Sonia also includes tips on how to land each gig and payment information. 
• Tim Herrera. Every week, Herrera scours the internet for the best writing jobs and compiles them into a convenient list via his newsletter, Freelancing With Tim. But that's not all — he also provides helpful tips on how to stand out from the competition and land the gig. In short, if you're looking for a freelance writing job, Herrera's newsletter is a must-read.

Agencies 

Finally, agencies are a great way to get consistent (and oftentimes good paying) writing jobs. There are two main types: SEO and content marketing. Here’s what to look for.

SEO agencies

Many businesses today are looking for ways to improve their online presence and reach more customers. One way to do this is through search engine optimization, or SEO. An SEO agency works to improve a company's ranking on search engines like Google and Bing. This can be done by optimizing the website content, structure, and code, as well as developing backlinks from other high-quality websites. 

To do this effectively, an SEO agency will often pay writers to create quality content that is both keyword-rich and informative. An SEO agency looks for individuals who have experience writing in a variety of different styles and formats. They also look for writers who are familiar with keyword research, have a strong understanding of how search engines work, and who can produce high-quality content on a consistent basis.

Content marketing agencies 

A content marketing agency is a company that creates and distributes content for the purpose of promoting a brand or product. For freelance writers, working with a content marketing agency can be a great way to get steady work and build up a portfolio of writing samples. Most agencies are always on the lookout for new talent, and they are often willing to give writers a chance to prove themselves. In addition, working with an agency can help freelancer writers learn about the latest trends in content marketing and hone their skills.

Summary

As a freelance writer, it can be tough to find quality writing jobs. But with the right tools and strategies in your arsenal, finding online writing jobs is within reach.

Start by identifying your niche. Once you know what type of content you want to write and the audience you want to reach, build your portfolio and website. Get warm intros from people in your network, then start cold outreach to businesses. 

There are many places where you can find gigs online – marketplaces, communities, and agencies are a great place to start. And don't forget to subscribe to newsletters and apply to work with SEO agencies or content marketing agencies. With a little effort, you'll be on your way to finding online writing jobs that are perfect for you.