This article was originally sourced from the document: How to Start Freelance Writing with No Experience.docx
How to Start Freelance Writing with No Experience
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really make money writing online—even if I have zero experience?” the answer is a resounding yes. Freelance writing is one of the most flexible, beginner-friendly online jobs available. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a college student, or someone looking to ditch your 9–5, writing is a skill you can develop and monetize quickly.
The best part? You don’t need a journalism degree, a blog, or prior clients to start. You just need a few smart strategies, a willingness to learn, and some hustle.
In this post, we’ll break down how to launch your freelance writing career from scratch. You’ll learn:
The best writing niches for beginners
How to build a portfolio (even if no one has hired you yet)
Where to find your first clients
How to set your rates confidently
Let’s dive in—and yes, we’ll include links to useful platforms like Upwork, Contena, and a great freelance course that helped me grow.
Niches to Choose (Even If You’re New)
One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is trying to write about everything. Specializing (aka choosing a niche) helps you:
Get hired faster
Charge more
Build confidence
Beginner-Friendly Writing Niches:
Parenting & Family – If you’re a mom, you already have insights and experiences others want to read.
Personal Finance – Do you budget, use cashback apps, or have debt payoff tips?
Health & Wellness – Share your knowledge on nutrition, fitness, or mental health.
Product Reviews / Amazon Affiliate Writing – Many sites pay writers to review items.
Lifestyle / Productivity – From daily routines to digital detox, these are always in demand.
Online Business / Blogging – If you’ve started a blog or sell products online, you can write about it!
Pro Tip: You don’t have to be an expert. You only need to research well and write clearly.
Building a Portfolio (With No Experience)
Clients want to see samples of your writing before hiring you—but that doesn’t mean you need paid experience.
3 Ways to Create Portfolio Pieces for Free:
Write 3–5 Sample Articles
Choose 1–2 niches
Write a how-to, a listicle, and a product roundup
Publish them as PDFs or on Medium.com
Guest Post on Blogs
Pitch small blogs in your niche with article ideas
Ask for a byline + link back to your email or portfolio page
Create a Free Portfolio on Contently or JournoPortfolio
Want to fast-track this? Many freelance writing courses include templates, example pitches, and portfolio builders.
(affiliate)
Finding Clients
There are three main places you’ll find freelance writing gigs: job boards, marketplaces, and pitching.
1. Upwork (affiliate)
Why it works:
Ideal for beginners with zero experience
Tons of short and long-term jobs
Built-in protection + payment processing
Tips for Getting Hired:
Fill out your profile fully
Use client-focused language (how you’ll help them)
Apply to jobs with low competition
2. Contena (affiliate)
What it is:
Premium job board for freelance writers
Includes writing gigs, coaching, and pitch templates
Why it’s great for serious beginners:
Focus on high-paying clients
Coaching support for your first pitch
3. Other Freelance Job Boards
ProBlogger Job Board
BloggingPro
Freelance Writing Gigs
RemoteOK
4. Cold Pitching
Find small businesses or blogs in your niche
Send a short, value-packed email: “Hi, I noticed your blog hasn’t been updated lately. I’d love to help with a few fresh posts. Here are samples.”
Setting Rates (Without Underselling Yourself)
The first time someone asks, “What’s your rate?” you might freeze. Here’s how to set rates you feel good about—even as a beginner.
Common Freelance Writing Rates:
Entry-Level: $0.05–$0.10 per word
Mid-Level: $0.15–$0.25 per word
Expert: $0.30+ per word
Or by the article:
500-word blog post: $25–$150
1,000-word blog post: $100–$300
Important: Don’t price too low. Clients who value your work will pay fairly—and you don’t need dozens of clients, just a few good ones.
Rate-Setting Tips:
Know your minimum hourly rate (what you need to earn)
Use tools like the
Include 1–2 rounds of edits in your pricing
Confidence is key. You’re not “just a beginner”—you’re providing real value.
Final Thoughts
Freelance writing is one of the fastest, most accessible ways to earn income online—no experience required.
You can start today by:
Picking a niche you enjoy
Writing 2–3 samples
Signing up on platforms like Upwork and Contena
Pitching your first client
Learning as you go
Need a structured plan?
(affiliate)
You don’t need permission to start—you just need to begin.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend tools and platforms I trust and use myself.
