When it comes to freelancing and working at home, these days it seems like the competition is growing fierce. It’s getting harder to land clients and for some freelance writers, it is harder to keep them. From budget cuts to the influx of AI, being a freelance writer is tough. If you feel writing jobs are scarce or you’re about to give up, don’t! There is still a lot of work out there, you just have to know where to look. Check out these places that may help you land your next high paying client.
Big Media Sites
If you have experience in copywriting or any type of online content writing, you may wish to dive right in. The big media powerhouses are home to some of the biggest names in digital content. Just a few to check out include:
- Mediabistro– Home to a variety of creative jobs featuring big brand sites. Take note that clients change over time. Great for script writers, content writers and copyeditors.
- DotDash Merideth– A power house in the media world. DotDash features open freelance and contract positions for companies like Better Homes and Gardens, PEOPLE, Byrdie, and Investopedia, just to name a few.
- Static Media– Another big content platform that is home to some online giants like House Digest, Glam, Chowhound, and more.
These media sites are a good place to start if you are looking for higher paying online clients, as opposed to piece meal content mills.
Your Favorite Saved Websites
Some of those websites you have bookmarked on your browser, may be the key to finding a new writing gig. Big box companies don’t always list their job ads on places like Indeed or other hiring websites. A little tip? Scroll down to the bottom of the landing page. You should see a drop down menu for careers or jobs. If you’re in luck, you will see a job posting or a place to contact them with your CV or resume.
Fellow Writers and Freelancers
Another way to land a new client is through your existing writer friends. Scope out their social media pages to see who they write for or have written for in the past. A good place to start is LinkedIn. Most people list who they have worked with in the past, and sometimes even their contact information.
This is a good way to find new clients and potentially your next freelance gig.
Content Creation Agencies
In addition to job boards, there are agencies that specialize in matching up writers with clients. They are not necessarily content mills, but you can gain multiple clients and write articles for their brand. Most of these gigs are temporary, but you can use them to build up your portfolio.
- Skyword– You must apply to get accepted into the writer program, but anyone can get a free portfolio to showcase their work. As an approved writer, you’ll get invited to apply for open freelance positions. Skyword hosts big brand companies and private clients as well.
- ClearVoice– Another content marketing company that allows you to apply with an online portfolio. After careful review, you will be added to the platform to be invited by clients to write posts. You can also pitch article ideas to various clients.
- Constant Content– This is a platform in which you write and submit work for sale. You set your own license and selling fees, so you are in control of how much you make. This is another way to sell old articles or articles you have already written and want to make some money on.
Content agencies are a great way for finding high paying freelance writing work. The agency does all the legwork and advertising for finding you clients on an ongoing basis.
Cold Contacting
This has always been a rather tough one, especially if you’re not a salesperson at heart. The good news? You don’t have to be. But you do need to have some things in place first.
Create a stellar online portfolio– This is the most important facet of landing a cold contact. If you can write, you need to prove it. A portfolio of your blog posts or other published articles can really highlight your writing abilities. A potential client will want to see the proof in the pudding, so be ready to showcase your work. Portfolios can be created for free through Skyword, ClearVoice, and Contently. You can also use your personal blog as reference too.
Showcase reputable references– If possible, try to obtain references from previous writing clients, writing associates or other professionals. See if they can mention something about your writing abilities, creativity or leadership skills. This will help spark more interest. Tip: Ask some of your connections on LinkedIn for a quick endorsement. You can use this as a reference.
Have a good tracking system in place– Use your favorite spreadsheet program like Excel to track who you have contacted. This will be a valuable way to track the analytics of the process. It makes it handy to glance at who you need to follow up as well as contact information and any other notes.
Go through some of your favorite bookmarked websites to find potential clients. Don’t forget to check out local businesses too. Many of them may not have websites, so you might have to dig for an email address, or contact them via phone to spark interest.
Traditional Job Search Sites
One last way to land a potential freelance writing job is through traditional job search sites. While it may sound cliche, adding the right search words can make a difference in what types of jobs show up. Some words that might work include:
- Remote
- Hybrid
- Contract
- Writer
- Editor
- Freelancer
- Content creator
You can also use your favorite search engine to type in remote freelance jobs. This will target websites that are looking for writers or freelancers that may not list these jobs on a job search site.
There’s an abundance of locations to search for freelance writing jobs. Some pay well, some not so well. With a little diligence and hard work, you will be landing high-paying gigs in no time!
Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!
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