Essential Beginners Guide on How to Find Freelance Writing Jobs in the UK

What is a good job for someone living in the 21st century? Your answer might be something along the lines of – a job that earns a good amount of money with little effort, or something you are probably good at. The cherry on top would be a job you can do straight from your home! That’s where freelance writing jobs come in.

But how can you find freelance jobs, especially if you are living in the UK? 

In this blog, you will get in-depth knowledge about how to find freelance writing jobs in the UK. That too without any experience.

Table of Contents

What is Freelance Writing?

A freelance writer is what you can call a “Pen for hire”. Freelance writing opportunity lets you exchange your writing ability and precious time for money. Your academic background or area of expertise is rarely an issue if you have a way with words. 

Let’s say you’re a freelance writer who writes blog posts, and you’ve been contracted to write a blog for a website. You may pitch an idea or work on the given topic and write for the client based on their need. You can charge money based on the number of words, or the time spent on it. Usually, you will get paid when the client is satisfied with the article. But you can also ask for advance payment once you’ve made a name for yourself.

To further enhance your skills and expand your opportunities in freelance writing, it’s important to consider various resources and platforms. For instance, if you’re seeking guidance on crafting high-quality essays or want to delve into a new genre, you might think, “I should write me an essay on EssayPro.” Platforms like EssayPro can provide valuable insights, examples, and even professional feedback, enabling you to refine your writing style and approach. By leveraging such resources, you can stay updated with the latest trends in writing and continually improve your craft, making you more versatile and in-demand as a freelance writer.

How to Do Freelance Writing Jobs from Home?

Here is a list of few essentials things you’ll need before you start freelance writing jobs. 

Computer

Freelancing is impossible without a personal computer or laptop. Since all the work is digital, you’ll need a digital device to work and share them. 

Internet Connection

Your computer must have a stable internet connection with a fast loading speed. 

Email Address

The next thing on the list is obviously an email address. Remember to keep it simple and professional. Because – ilovetopartyandfun@gmail.com isn’t going to impress your clients. 

Modern comfortable workplace with laptop on window sill at home

Skype address

Some clients may want to talk to you regarding the assigned tasks before, during, or after you’ve started working for them. Skype is a common tool that serves this purpose.

Word Processor

You need to find a good word processor that you’re comfortable with. For example, Microsoft Office is one of the widely used word processors. There are many alternatives to choose from, so you can take your time, research, and find the best word processing program for you.

WordPress Blog

WordPress is a free blogging platform and also a website builder. This can help you build a portfolio of your works. Also, you can practice writing or scribble down ideas as you go.

A PayPal Account

You will need to choose a method of payment. It should be suitable for both you and your clients. PayPal is a commonly used payment method among freelance,   but you can also choose other payment methods if they are more convenient.

These things listed above are enough to get you started. However, there are two more things that are crucial for a successful freelance writing career.

Sound Knowledge on Freelance Writing

Before establishing yourself as a professional freelance writer, sound knowledge of freelance writing is a must. You can join Diploma in Freelance Writing course to gather professional knowledge and expertise. Moreover, you will get a certificate to show your potential clients to improve your credibility and worthiness. 

Desire to Write 

Motivation is key here. Because any job is tough if you don’t enjoy it. You need to have a passion for writing to become a successful freelance writer.

What are Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners?

There are many types of freelance writing. You can choose your type of writing job according to your expertise and comfort zone. You can get a brief idea about online writing jobs from below-

Young Asian woman freelance is working with laptop at coffee shop. Business woman typing, searching and checking document in modern cafe. Working online technology system concept.

Freelance Content Writing Jobs

You must have heard about content writing jobs. This is the most beginner-friendly way to step on freelance writing. It is also one of the great ways to make money by writing because the barriers to entry are much lower than elsewhere. Also, you can make a lot of money through this.

There are two main options you should look at:

  • Content Marketers: You can write blog posts for organizations that use blogs, social media, and SEO to grow their business.
  • Bloggers: Many successful writers don’t have too much time to create all of their content. You can contact them and help them with their workload. You will get a chance to learn from seasoned writers while earning some extra bucks. 

Unless people stop using Google (or any other search engines), or they decide they don’t want to read any blog, then this is a way of making money that will stay.

Copywriting

Copywriting is one of the easiest ways to break into freelance writing. You will help people create the copy for their websites. The thing is, thousands of people make new websites for their businesses every day.

Sadly, there are many people who have no idea what they should write. For example- many people run local businesses. They may create their websites to promote their business, but they might not have enough time to write for the website. So, if you can find a local business with a new website, take a leap and ask them if they need help.

Therefore, brush up on your copywriting skills.

corporate business portrait of young beautiful and busy black African American businesswoman using mobile phone working on desk with laptop computer at company office in woman job success 

E-book Writing

If you’re an expert on a topic, you can get your break into the industry by writing e-books for people. There are many businessmen who built their business with freelance writers creating e-books for them.  

Podcast Writing

Do you think podcaster makers do everything off the cuff?  If you believe that, think again. Many of them have written scripts to keep them focused and on track. And, they hire people to make those scripts for them.

So, find your niche in writing, and you can be the one to write a podcast for them.  

Video Script Writing

Likewise, in podcast writing, you can find a job in video script writing. There is huge scope, as a lot of people want game scriptwriters, screenwriters for YouTube, short film writers, and other creative video writers. 

Transcription Writer 

Transcription writing is a great way to get your foot in the door because you don’t need to be super skilled or very creative to do the work. Basically, you are getting money to write what someone is saying. However, it can be incredibly valuable content for some online working businesses.

Translating Work

Do you speak a second language? If so, then there’s a market for you here. All the content writers, website owners, and bloggers want to reach a wider section of the audience. You can translate their content into other languages. Here are some of the in-demand languages –

  • Spanish
  • German
  • French
  • Russian
  • Arabic
  • Chinese

However, you can choose any other language where there is high demand for content. To become a professional translator, you need to be qualified. You have to be fluent in both languages you’re translating to and from. Subsequently, there are many potential clients who won’t mind, as long as it’s accurate. To be safe, just tell them upfront.

this content creator is a professional video editor who cuts and edits an online video on his desk with his computer

Ghostwriting 

Many website owners, bloggers, business persons, and authors don’t personally write all of their content. They bring in someone as a ghostwriter. Ghostwriters help them with their workload and make necessary content. Otherwise, the website owners wouldn’t have been able to write them.

So, when you will find clients looking for ghostwriting and the demand aligns with your niche, take the opportunity. And, this can be a long-term contract that returns you a good amount of cash.

Review Writing

Generally, reviews come in various different forms. If you’re visiting an internet marketing site, perhaps you’re only thinking of Amazon or Digital Product reviews. However, your scope in this writing fits into any niche like:

Product Review Writing: You can choose Amazon or others. This can also extend into your blog writing. 

Show And Performance Reviews: If you love arts, you can get involved with publications. And, they will pay you at least a minimum amount to go and review their shows. You can get plenty of experience by doing this with any publication. 

Service Reviews: You can get a job to write a review on any services if they fall in your niche area. For instance, writing a review about the customer service provided by a retail chain shop or a hotel.

If you find any of these branches that match your niche, What are you waiting for? Just go for it. 

Product Description Writing 

After that, there is product content writing. When you are looking for a product on Amazon, you will see nicely written features of that product. And, someone has to write them, right? And this is the job of writing about a product, a readily available job.

How to Find Freelance Writing Jobs UK - 10 Simple Ways to Start

Now, you’ll get to know about 10 simple yet effective ways you can start freelance writing. If you want a quick kick-off, you can go through this beginner’s guide.

3 people working from home

Start a Blog

Starting a blog is the simplest way to start your writing online. Also, this is one that can help you land freelance writing jobs as a beginner in the UK. First, you should learn how to start a blog. You can watch video tutorials for this purpose! Some are so basic that a non-tech person can do this. Obviously, starting a blog doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, either. 

Just think about the other people who wanted to do business in the early days. They had to spend a lot of money to make business cards and get an ad in the local newspaper.

And today, you begin a blog, market yourself, and can start earning as a freelance writer!

Look for a Job Ad

After you start freelance writing, and you want to get quality work, responding to job ads is your best option. It’s one of the ways many new writers find their regular work. Moreover, it can help you gain confidence as a new freelance writer.

In addition to using job boards over a freelance marketplace, you can also use Upwork or Guru to find a writing opportunity.  It is great that entrepreneurs, small businesses, and start-ups post job ads to freelance writing job boards. So, try to pitch these ads. Sometimes they ask you to give your rate (how much you charge for writing). Other times, the job ad has a fixed starting rate for content.

Follow Tweets From Job Boards

Do you know that social media can be a goldmine for landing new jobs? Twitter and LinkedIn are great places for beginners. You can find freelance writing jobs real quick. Moreover, it’s a great way to form a solid relationship with a potential customer.

Ask Friends, Family, and Colleagues  

After you decide to step into freelance writing, let your friends and family know. Okay, this may not be the best choice, but you never know until you ask! 

Doing this can help get your first samples as a new freelance writer. Your closest people like- family members or friends may need you for simple work. For instance, to build their résumé or just write an ad for their coffee shop.

When or if you decide to quit your 9 to 5 o’clock job, let your colleagues know that you are writing full-time. Some of them may end up being your first client. Also, they can provide you with your first testimonial!

You may also try to find other writers in your locality. They can help you find your first work if they have any openings. 

Lastly, it’s also important to stay ready at all times for potential writing scope in your regular life. Therefore, you can consider making business cards so that you can quickly give them to friends and colleagues.

Diploma in Freelance Writing
Build up your writing capacities with our diploma in freelance writing. Figure out how to compose attractive material and step toward working in the independent written work field.
Diploma in Freelance Writing
Build up your writing capacities with our diploma in freelance writing. Figure out how to compose attractive material and step toward working in the independent written work field.

Start Cold Pitching

You can try cold pitching as it is a fabulous way to land recurring gigs. Here you will face lesser competition. You’ll have a better chance of landing a gig when you contact your potential customers directly.

Now, what is this term cold pitching? Cold pitching is the way you contact entrepreneurs, companies, bloggers, small businesses, or startups and let them know how you can help their business to grow. Yes, I know, it sounds hard. Isn’t it? Especially, when you are new to freelance writing. But, you know what? It’s not that hard if you’re determined.

First, you need to select some businesses to cold pitch to. Maybe you notice some of them don’t have a blog while they should have. Or, on social media, you see they are trying to boost their online presence. However, you think their effort isn’t enough and your content can help with that. Afterwards, all you have to do is cold pitching. Let the right person know you exist! Hopefully, in the end, you’ll have a list of businesses and contact information to pitch to. 

Guest Post 

Guest posts are usually written for free. Why would you write for free? Because when you write on popular sites, hundreds and thousands of people will see your blog post. One of those audiences might be your first potential client. This is how many famous writers are able to first build their portfolio and eventually land more people.

But how can you write on popular sites? The answer is when you guest post on popular public sites for free. 

Pitching to job ads is a great thing. However, if you don’t have any set of samples published on public sites, it will be definitely hard for you to land good clients, though not impossible. So, where do you guest post? It’s up to you. You can do a quick Google search with your niche area like this, “niche + write for us” and see the results.

Afterwards, visit their guest post guidelines and pitch your writing ideas!

Network With Other Freelance Writers

The greatest thing you can do for your new freelance writing work is to stay connected with other writers. Remember one thing, writing isn’t a competition! So, make those freelancers your pals. 

You can reach out to some friendly freelance writers and ask them questions. Even if, you can ask for their opinion on what should be the starting rate. Ask them if they can refer work to you! How amazing was that? In fact, they can introduce you to your first client.

Do not forget to thank enough who helps you get your works. 

Visit Local Printing and Design Companies

Another good way to find consistent work is, visiting your town and letting the local business know that you’re a writer for hire. You can help to find a lot of clients for them with your writing. 

However, this can take a lot of time in your day. So, a much quicker way around this is to visit only web design companies and local printing agencies. And inform them there’s a writer available. These types of companies have a full roster of clients who need web content.

Join Facebook Groups and LinkedIn

You can find many writing gigs and jobs over the internet. There are many social media groups. You just need to know the right group to join, then you will have no trouble finding consistent writing jobs.

1. Facebook

Facebook is not only used for personal socialisation but also for seeking job opportunities. There are many groups on Facebook where recruiters post jobs or professional writers ask for assistance.

2. LinkedIn

Do you know that LinkedIn has a job board section? Many people have no idea why they should spend a considerable amount of time networking on LinkedIn. But, it is worth spending. Visit their job board. After that, all you do is put in your job choice and see what pops up on the screen.

 Let People Know You’re Open to Jobs

Is this easy? If you have a social media profile, you should try this!  Advertise that you’re for hire. It seems obvious, yet many new freelance writers don’t state whether they are for hire or not. 

Interested clients won’t know if you have enough time to take on more clients. So, when you tell them you are open to it, it helps them to consider you. Side by side, it lets other fellow writers know that you are available for writing work and refer you to a job. So, create the tag, “I am for hire”. 

Best Websites for Getting Freelance Jobs

There are some great websites you can check for getting your constant work. They are the following- 

  • Upwork
  • Freelancer
  • PeoplePerHour.com
  • Fiverr

Why Become a Freelance Writer?

Maybe you wish to travel all around the world. But for that, you need to earn a good amount of money. As well as you need enough free time to roam the earth.

If you are working in some office you have to go to work maybe 5 days a week and follow their schedule. After pacing with all their roles and regulations you might find it hard to travel. On the other hand, while working as a freelance writer, you can visit Africa, and the next month you can set yourself out for an American tour.    

1. Flexible Working Hours 

You pick your hours and you get to work from home. Flexible working hours lets you live your life the way you want 

2. Good Work-life Balance

You have absolutely no rules. You can take breaks whenever you want. If you are not feeling like working today, you can go out to see friends. 

A MOTHER WORKING FROM HOME WHILE MULTITASKING AND LOOKING AFTER HER CHILD.

3. Control Over Your Workload

You know your capability and comfort zone. The best thing about the work is you can be selective about which job to take on. Therefore, if a task doesn’t pay well enough or will take too long, you can simply reject it. 

4. International Clients

As the majority of freelance work online, they can work with people from around the world. If you know multiple languages, it will be a bonus for you as you will be able to communicate better or even write in another language. 

5. Potential to Make a Lot of Money

After you earn some great reviews, the sum of cash you can earn is limitless. You can earn higher than most other regular jobs. 

On the contrary, there are some drawbacks as you have to-

  • Find your own clients
  • Motivate yourself
  • Do your own taxes
  • Learn extra skills

Meanwhile, the benefits very significant. So, choose the best option for you.

Related:
1. 10 Highest Paying Summer Jobs In The UK
2. Essential Skills to Master for Today’s Job Market
3. Trending And Best-Selling Courses To Get a Job in 2024
4. 10 Skills You Need To Land Your Dream Job In 2024

Final Thoughts

Freelance writing jobs are getting more popular day by day. You can enjoy a flexible work schedule where you can earn unlimited money. If writing is your passion, and you can make it your full-time job. What are you waiting for? 

Diploma in Freelance Writing
Build up your writing capacities with our diploma in freelance writing. Figure out how to compose attractive material and step toward working in the independent written work field.
Diploma in Freelance Writing
Build up your writing capacities with our diploma in freelance writing. Figure out how to compose attractive material and step toward working in the independent written work field.
January 17, 2024
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