Cash In As A Freelance Content Writer

How to Start a Lucrative Side Hustle as a Freelance Content Writer

In the digital age, businesses and individuals have an insatiable demand for high-quality written content. As a skilled writer, you have an incredible opportunity to turn your talent into a profitable side hustle. Freelance writing allows you to set your own hours and rates while building a suite of clients.

Whether you are looking to earn extra cash outside your main job or want to replace your 9-5 entirely, becoming a freelance content producer can be a fulfilling and lucrative path. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to launch a money-making writing side hustle from scratch.

Learn In-Demand Content Writing Skills

The first step is developing writing skills for the types of content that sell best as a freelancer in 2022. Some top opportunities include:

• SEO Content: Companies need SEO-optimized articles, blogs, and web content that rank high in search engines. Learn SEO writing principles.
• Social Media Writing: Brands hire freelancers to cover managing social media accounts, creating posts, engaging with followers.
• Copywriting: Writing compelling marketing copy for brands in formats like email campaigns, ads, brochures, and more.
• White Papers: In-depth reports on complex topics that businesses use for lead generation and branding.
• Product Descriptions: Ecommerce brands hire writers to create optimized and enticing product descriptions.
• Book/eBook Ghostwriting: Hired to work with authors, experts, and CEOs to write or refine their books and guides.
• Scriptwriting: From YouTube videos to podcast episodes, scripts bring multimedia content to life.

The more diversified your writing skills, the more client opportunities you can tap into. Aim to provide writing services for both B2B and B2C needs across multiple industries.

Build Your Professional Portfolio

To attract your first clients, you need a portfolio that effectively showcases your writing abilities. Some tips for building a stand-out writing portfolio:

• 10-15 Diverse Samples: Include a range of content types, topics, and styles tailored to your target clients. From blog posts to social captions and everything between.
• Varied Industries/Clients: Even if applying to a tech client, show off writing experience from other industries like finance, health, retail etc.
• Editorial Samples: Editing skills are in high demand. Include content you’ve edited to demonstrate your ability to refine copy.
• Metrics and Results: Show tangible outcomes achieved for past clients through your writing like increased traffic, conversions, rank improvement, social engagement etc.
• Visual Design: Make your portfolio aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. First impressions matter.

Leverage free portfolio tools like Contently or Clippings.me to beautifully showcase your writing expertise.

Pick Your Content Writing Niche

While a generalist approach can work when starting out, it helps to develop niche expertise as you build your freelance content writing side hustle. Becoming known for specializing in an industry or area of writing makes you more desirable to those clients.

Some lucrative writing niches to consider:

• Finance and Fintech
• Blockchain and Crypto
• Medical and Healthcare
• Manufacturing and Industrial
• Tech – Software, AI, Cloud, SaaS
• Gaming and E-Sports
• Cannabis and CBD
• Environmental and Clean Energy

Research high-demand niche topics and immerse yourself in that domain. The specialized knowledge will set you apart.

Outline Your Freelance Writing Services

Now it’s time to define exactly what content writing services you will offer clients. Consider the types of content and offerings that align with your skills, interests, and rates.

Some components to outline:

• Content types (blog posts, web copy, white papers etc.)
• Topics and industries
• Tone and styles
• Content length and formats
• Packages and bundles
• Turnaround times/rush delivery
• Editing and proofreading services
• SEO optimization

Clearly lay out your services and rates on your website to eliminate confusion down the line.

Leverage Content Writing Platforms

While you work on attracting direct clients, leverage content writing platforms as another revenue stream:

• Contently – Manages clients and assignments for high-end B2B writing. Provides content marketing services.
• Scripted – Specializes in expert content across niches. Takes 40% commission.
• Textbroker – Massive pool of clients and writing orders to bid on. Pay per word.
• Constant Content – Sell pre-written articles and blogs to clients. Earn 70% royalties.
• WriterAccess – Get matched with clients for custom content orders. Keep 75% of rate.

These platforms provide steady writing work, income, and client exposure as you grow your private client roster.

Promote Your Writing Services

To land clients, you need to actively market your freelance writing services. Some solid promotion strategies:

• Produce a Content Writing Services page on your website.
• Build your social media following on LinkedIn and Twitter for content pros.
• Network in relevant LinkedIn and Facebook groups.
• Run Facebook/Instagram ads targeting ideal buyer demographics.
• Distribute guest posts with backlinks to your site.
• Publish and promote portfolio pieces on Medium.
• Pitch businesses with very targeted and personalized cold emails.
• Leverage previous employer and client referrals.
• Attend conferences and events for advertising, marketing, and PR pros.

Consistent self-promotion will steadily drive new client leads over time. Deliver for your initial clients and leverage their testimonials to amplify authority.

Streamline Your Content Writing Workflow

To maximize productivity as a solopreneur, implement tools and systems for an efficient writing workflow:

• Use style guides and templates to speed up content formatting.
• Manage client communications and projects in one CRM platform.
• Automate repetitive administrative tasks where possible.
• Invest in grammar checker and editing tools like Grammarly and Hemingway.
• Use productivity methods like time blocking to focus your work.
• Create optimized document workflows in Google Drive or Office.
• Automate payments, contracts, and invoices with tools like HoneyBook.

Finding the right workflow rhythm will help you fulfill more client orders in less time. Don’t be afraid to outsource tasks that don’t align with your core writing abilities.

Set Your Content Writing Rates

One of the most appealing benefits of freelance writing is the earning potential. With some experience, six figure income is very possible. Be strategic in setting your rates:

• Research competitive rates based on niche, experience level, and content types.
• Generally charge per word, per page, per hour, or per project.
• Factor in complexity, required research, account management time.
• Leave room for bulk and recurring client discounts.
• Know your worth and minimum rates based on living expenses.
• Slowly raise rates over time as you gain visibility.
• Charge higher rates for rush orders and weekends.

Use your rates, availability, and commitment to quality to position yourself as a premium provider versus the masses of low-budget freelance writers.

Building a profitable freelance writing side hustle takes consistent effort—but the ability to turn your writing talent into income from home only grows over time. Follow this blueprint and enjoy the flexibility and finances of professional freelance content