There is more to finding freelance writing jobs than merely creating a profile and applying for gigs … [+]
Are you tired of hearing the same popular freelance platforms—Upwork and Fiverr—listed over and over?
With more than 60% of writers in the U.S. being freelance writers, and with freelance writing being frequently selected as a popular choice for many side hustlers and would-be freelancers who wish to work remotely, one of the most pressing questions is knowing where to obtain freelance writing clients.
After all, you will be facing strong competition from established writers. So how do you stand out and secure a contract for remote freelance writing without turning to the almost yawn-worthy and oversaturated markets on popular freelance platforms such as Upwork?
The first and perhaps most essential question you need to ask yourself is what genre, industry, and type of writing will you be offering as a service?
For example, freelance writers can work on a wide variety of projects, from blogs to establish a company’s SEO and presence, to journalism for established media outlets, to ghost-writing for authors or writing copy for social media posts and advertizing.
Whatever area you pick as your specialism will determine where you look for remote freelance writing jobs, gigs, or projects. Some companies and platforms are generic, meaning that you can find almost any freelance writing job on them.
However, you may find it easier to focus on a niche website or a company that concentrates purely on one or a few writing types/styles, so you can better find clients searching for that service alone, or find it easier to obtain freelance work with that particular company.
Below, let’s break down each freelance writing job board and company, and what types of remote freelance writing jobs are best suited for each:
1. BuzzFeed
BuzzFeed is an American media company covering topics such as breaking news, trends, and entertainment and DIY hacks. They have a section on their website in which they outline their top tips for pitching to them as a freelance writer or independent contributor, and they also outline what areas specifically they are looking to have more articles on. This guidance is useful to bear in mind as it can help you tailor your pitch more effectively and increases your chances of acceptance as a remote freelance writer at Buzzfeed (although not a guarantee).
The niche, type of writing, and industry background you have will impact what company you decide to … [+]
2. All Freelance Writing
AllFreelanceWriting.com is a job board for freelance writers which includes helpful tags along with the writing gigs listed, such as indicating if the writing job is remote or not, what the pay range is (while informing you if the pay is suited for pros or low-pay for beginners—useful if you’re unsure if you’re being cheated out of fair pay), and the category of writing (blogging, content writing, editing and proofreading, etc.)
You have the option to create a profile for yourself as a freelance writer as well, to increase your visibility to companies searching for your services.
3. Nolo
If you have a strong, recent/current background within immigration law, Nolo is looking for remote freelance writers to provide practical advice for their web content, and to update existing content to ensure relevance.
It’s essential to bear in mind, however, that according to their website, they only accept experienced professionals—not recent law grads or those with only a few years of experience. Therefore this might not be suitable for a Gen Z professional, but might be best suited, at the very least, to a Millennial looking to add to their existing income practicing in immigration law, and sharing their wealth of expertise with others.
4. RVO Health
If you have an industry background within healthcare and are passionate about health education, then you might find the idea of writing for a recognized and respected industry name such as Healthline, PyschCentral, or Medical News Today to be extremely appealing. Thankfully, the company behind it all—RVO Health—is seeking writers to cover a diverse range of topics, suited to each of their portfolio brands. It’s important to note, however, that they do not accept or review your application without a portfolio or samples of your work.
5. FlexJobs
Last but certainly not least, the flexible job board, FlexJobs, is a goldmine when it comes to finding remote freelance writing gigs. You can find a wide range of remote freelance writing jobs such as grant writing (there is currently quite a substantial demand for this type of writing on FlexJobs), technical writing, and freelance journalism. The jobs listed come with tags that inform you as to whether the job is fully remote, freelance, or is a role that requires you to be hired as an employee instead of being a self-employed contractor.
6. Relay Publishing
This publishing company is seeking remote freelance writers who are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about their subject, while being able to work flexibly with a team of writers and editors, likely spanning several time zones.
Establishing a strong portfolio is essential to having your application reviewed and accepted
These six job boards and companies only scratch the surface. There are tons more opportunities available (if you dig for them) on sites and platforms such as WritersWanted.com, LinkedIn, Reddit threads, and Facebook and LinkedIn groups. With the right research and a strong portfolio built over time, you can sell yourself as a competent professional writer and secure a regular supply of writing gigs within your niche, building up your income.
Source: 6 Job Boards And Companies Hiring Remote Freelance Writers In 2024
