Two words: Writers Wanted. Whether you’re new to the freelance writing world or more experienced in this industry, there will probably be a time when you’re wondering where to find paid writing gigs. Maybe you’re looking for your first official client or more consistency in your income. Regardless of why you’re looking for opportunities to write, in this week’s blog, you’ll learn where to start when you’re ready to find online writing jobs.
How do writers find clients and online writing jobs
The opportunities to write are endless. That’s because the need for writers in the world of business is endless. Companies need writers just as much as they need sales and marketing. In fact, writers play a vital role in helping to facilitate sales and marketing departments.
Writers can help create content that is art, in the form of books, magazine periodicals, and films for example. There are also writers who create content to help sell the art. This is true when companies produce marketing material in the form of direct mail, commercials, brochures, email marketing, websites, advertising, blogging, and social media marketing to name a few.
The opportunity to get paid to write exists greatly – especially in this newer age of online marketing. And the need is only going to continue to increase. So now that you know the opportunity is great, let’s talk about how to get started and where to find paid writing gigs.
What you need BEFORE you find paid writing gigs
I’ve mentioned this in way more detail in a previous blog, but in case you missed it, here are a couple of important things to note. You’ll need to have a level of understanding about the type of content you want to write and be able to produce samples of your work that prove to prospective clients what you can do.
Having these two things in mind is critical and will help you flow through the client search more smoothly. Once you have in mind what you want to write and samples, you’re ready to start finding online writing jobs.
Where to find paid writing gigs
Freelance websites
If you haven’t done so already, the fastest way to find a paid writing gig is through freelance writing websites. You can create a profile on sites like Freelancer.com, Upwork, Fiverr, or People Per Hour to name a few. I landed my first paid writing gig on Upwork back when it was called Elance. You can scroll through the job boards and apply to whatever project you want to do. You will see the estimated pay, expectations, and deadline. Although the competition is steep on freelance writing websites like these, this is a great way to gain an introduction to the world of freelance writing, get practice with meeting tighter deadlines, and pitching yourself to win bids over other freelance writers.
Job boards
Much like freelance writing websites, another great way to find paid writing gigs is by searching on job boards. A job board is a website that employers use to advertise job openings to job seekers. Do a quick search for writers wanted, copywriting job boards, or problogger job boards for example, and you will find a listing of available freelance writing opportunities. My only warning with looking on job boards is being able to sift out the real from the fake. Do your due diligence on companies that pop up to make sure they are legit. Stay away from people that charge you to access online writing jobs. One company, in particular, I see a lot that I would warn you against is IAPWE. I’ve tried it for myself, and this article does a great job of explaining my experience.
Social media news feeds
If you’re wondering where to find paid writing jobs, you’d be surprised. Tons of job opportunities can be found on social media news feeds and groups. People are posting on social media websites like Facebook and LinkedIn every day or every week looking for recommendations. Large, small, and mid-sized companies and even individuals are always looking for freelance writers to help them with their next projects. You can search for posts to connect with those looking to hire writers for a blog post, résumé, technical writing, copywriting, or other creative writing projects.
The Writer’s Market
One industry resource I highly recommend is the Writer’s Market! It’s a book that comes out every year with a list of publishers and other important contacts you can reach out to if you want to find gigs or get published. It also has helpful information about the industry including industry standard rates and news. It’s basically like a professional writer’s Bible. You’ll want to grab the latest one every few years, if not every year.
Forums
Running out of ideas or ways to find paid writing gigs? Ask your peers if they’ve heard of any opportunities or if they themselves have any opportunities available at this time. Forums are a great way for you to connect with your peers, step in to assist should they need backup on a particular project, or if they’re stepping down from their position and are looking for people to refer business to and just to be a good source of referrals.
By joining a writing forum or some other writing community, you will have a trusted place you can come to so you can find paid writing gigs or ask questions about the writing industry or process as a whole.
Finding writing jobs on the internet is like going deep sea fishing. Whether you’re wanting to land your first client or increase the flow of clients you get regularly, hopefully, this information helps you in your search for answers to where to find paid writing gigs.
I can go more in-depth about how to land your first paying client or what you can do to start marketing yourself. If that’s something you’d like to know, check out the Daily Revenue Generating Activities Checklist!
P.S. If I missed anything, let me know in the comments below. Wishing you good luck in your search! Cheers and happy writing to you.
