1. Article/Feature writing
This is perhaps the most common type of writing that comes to mind when people think about freelancing. Many freelancers work on an individual article basis, whether for print or online mediums or a combination of the two.
As an article or feature writer, you’re able to write about things that interest you, things you’re an expert on, and things you’re passionate about. You’re able to chase the stories you want to write and carve yourself a niche if you so desire.
However, if you’re considering going down this road, you will most likely need to diversify your income stream to supplement the money you make from article and feature writing.
Yes, there are established feature writers who make enough money with this as their sole freelance focus. But the reality for most freelance writers is that you’ll need to take on other writing jobs in addition to feature writing.
Be aware that freelance articles or feature writing work won’t magically come to you. More on that below, but first, let’s take a look at what’s involved in the two main types of article and feature writing.
Magazines/Newspapers
This is perhaps the most traditional type of freelance writing: contributing articles to print publications like magazines or newspapers.
If you’re wondering whether this is still a viable freelance path in the digital age – we can assure you it is! Don’t be put off by the myth that print journalism is dying. While of course, it isn’t as widespread as it once was, there is definitely still a place for freelance writers in the world of print publications.
However, as we discussed above, it’s a good idea to diversify and expand your income stream to ensure you can make a living as a freelance writer. Don’t rely on magazine and newspaper work alone, at least at first, or you may find yourself disheartened and desperate for work.
So what exactly is involved in being a freelance writer for a magazine or newspaper?
Magazines are usually created with a specific or niche audience in mind. There are several different types, including
Consumer/popular magazines produced for the general population; you’re likely to see these at your local newsagency or supermarket
Industry/trade magazines produced for members of specific industries or professions, who maintain subscriptions.
Custom publications magazines produced by businesses for their customers/clients as part of a marketing strategy
Many of these types of magazines rely on pieces contributed by freelance writers. Articles need to be well-researched and written to a specific brief; if you’re writing for a trade magazine, obviously you will need to be extremely well-versed in that particular industry or topic.
Industry/trade magazines produced for members of specific industries or professions, who maintain subscriptions.
Custom publications magazines produced by businesses for their customers/clients as part of a marketing strategy
Many of these types of magazines rely on pieces contributed by freelance writers. Articles need to be well-researched and written to a specific brief; if you’re writing for a trade magazine, obviously you will need to be extremely well-versed in that particular industry or topic.
Newspapers, on the other hand, are less likely to take on freelance writers for general news stories. However, many newspapers have columns or supplementary sections, such as an entertainment or lifestyle liftout, which will often contain pieces from freelance writers.
Websites
The majority of magazines, journals, and news outlets have an online presence these days, where they’ll publish content in addition to their print counterparts. There are also countless ‘online magazine’-style websites existing entirely online, which publish articles, features, and news pieces.
For many freelance writers, writing pieces for websites is a more viable and lucrative option than concentrating solely on print magazines or newspapers. There are thousands upon thousands of websites out there, covering every topic and type of audience, and this makes it a little easier to find freelance writing work online.
How do I get this type of writing job?
There are generally two ways you can write articles for magazines, newspapers, or websites: by the commission, or by pitching directly to editors.
More experienced writers may receive commissions for articles, but most freelance writers need to pitch to find work. As we said above, don’t expect this type of work to come to you – you need to get out there and actively seek it!
2. Copy/Content writing
In business nowadays, content marketing is king. And luckily for freelancers, this has meant a surge in demand for services such as copywriting and content writing.
As a freelance copywriter or content writer, you’ll write for businesses to help establish and promote their brand, engage consumers and clients, and market products and services.
Some of the content you may create as a copy or content writer include: Advertising copy
Website content
Blog posts
EDMs
Press releases
White papers
How do I get this type of writing job?
Getting content and copywriting jobs doesn’t involve the same sort of process that article writing does. You won’t really be pitching ideas to businesses; you’re more likely to be applying for jobs advertised online.
You can also reach out to businesses with an offer of your services, but don’t rely solely on this cold-calling approach to secure a steady stream of work.
Content agencies are also a place you can start with this type of writing. Agencies will hire freelancers to complete content assignments for their clients (but beware the possibility of being underpaid or exploited – ensure you’re only working with reputable agencies).
As with any freelancing service, word-of-mouth will also serve you well here. Be sure to network wherever possible and maintain a solid online presence so that people can find you and your services.
3. Blogging
Blogging can be considered a sub-category of content writing when you’re creating blog posts for businesses as part of a content marketing strategy. However, it can also be a standalone freelance activity.
The type of blogging we’re talking about here is an individual blog and/or a guest blogging strategy through which a freelancer makes money.
Once you have established your own blog and grown a community of readers, there are a number of ways you can monetize your blog, as well as write posts for other websites (and get paid for it!).
Guest blogging is a key component in this type of job, and paired with your other income streams, it can be a great way to make money as a freelance writer.
How do I get this type of writing job?
To be a successful freelance blogger, you really need to establish your particular niche – your point of difference from the countless other bloggers out there.
If you specialize in writing about a particular topic, it’s much easier to establish yourself as a successful freelance blogger. Creating valuable content that reaches a specific audience of readers is the best way to ensure your blog will be successful.
Once your own blog is established, you can pitch to other blogs or websites as a guest or regular blogger. You may even be approached via your own blog.
4. Social media content creation
We are living in the age of social media. Every business has (or should have) a social media presence these days, and as a freelance writer, you can really capitalize on this!
While a lot of businesses manage their social media presence in-house, many choose to outsource their content creation to freelancers. Planning, writing, and scheduling social media posts across a variety of platforms can be a tricky and time-consuming job one that’s perfect for freelance writers.
How do I get this type of writing job?
To really succeed in picking up freelance social media jobs, you’ll need to be a bit of an all-rounder. It’s not just writing that’s involved.
Social media is largely a visual medium, so there’ll likely be some design aspects attached to a social media gig as well – think images and videos as well as written content.
You’ll also need to have an understanding of how various social media platforms work, and how audiences respond to and interact with social content.
To find social media jobs, again, we recommend searching online job boards, as well as reaching out to local businesses that may require social media management.
It’s also a good idea to specifically advertise and promote the fact that social media content creation is part of your freelance repertoire. This way, people know for sure that they can approach you for these kinds of jobs.
5. Editing
We know – this isn’t technically a type of freelance writing job! But if you’re a writer, there may be a good chance you’re interested in editing as well.
Freelance editors and proofreaders provide services to all manner of clients, from businesses who want their content checked to individuals seeking an editor for their books.
If you’re dedicated enough, you can combine freelance editing with freelance writing as a way to diversify and extend your income stream.
How do I get this type of job?
First of all, we strongly recommend undertaking the right training before trying to find freelance editing jobs. Just because you’re a writer doesn’t mean you automatically know what you’re doing when it comes to editing! If you’re serious about branching out into editing, you need to do the right groundwork first.
For those just starting out as freelance writers, we hope this post has been helpful in getting you on your way.
For those who have already established freelance careers, we’d love to hear about your freelancing experiences in the comments! Which type of freelance writing do you get the most work from?
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