How to Start Freelancing as a Content Writer: A Beginner’s Guide

According to HubSpot’s 2025 State of Marketing Report, 82% of marketers actively invest in content marketing, making it one of the most in-demand services for businesses. The global content marketing industry is projected to reach $107.5 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 14.3%. EMarketer reports that 60% of marketers create at least one piece of content per day, proving the constant need for fresh writing. These stats show how profitable freelancing as a content writer is.

This highlights how crucial content is for businesses looking to connect with their audience.  

As marketing expert Seth Godin once said:  

“Content marketing is the only marketing left.”

Understanding Content Writing

If you’re considering freelancing as a content writer, the first step is understanding what content writing is, and the essential skills you need to succeed.  

Content writing is the process of creating written material for online platforms. Unlike creative writing or academic writing, content writing is often used for marketing, education, or entertainment. The goal is to engage an audience, provide value, and, in many cases, drive action—whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or simply staying longer on a website.  Think of content writing as a way to help businesses communicate with their audience in written format. 

Skills You Need to Succeed as a Content Writer

Now that you know what content writing is, let’s talk about the skills you need to become a successful freelance writer.  

 1. Writing Proficiency

Your ability to write clearly, concisely, and grammatically correctly is the foundation of content writing. While you don’t need to be a literary genius, you should be able to structure your thoughts logically and communicate ideas effectively.  

2. Research Skills  

No matter what you’re writing about, strong research skills are essential. Clients expect well-informed, accurate content, so you’ll need to find reliable sources, fact-check information, and sometimes even interview experts.  

3. SEO Knowledge

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps content rank on Google. Understanding how to use keywords, write meta descriptions, and structure content for readability can make your work more valuable to clients.  

4. Editing and Proofreading

Good writing isn’t just about getting words on the page—it’s about refining them. Editing helps you improve clarity, remove fluff, and correct errors. Tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and ProWritingAid can help, but developing a strong eye for detail will set you apart.  

Building a Writing Portfolio  

If you’re just starting as a freelance content writer, one of the biggest challenges you might face is proving your skills to potential clients. That’s where a writing portfolio comes in. A strong portfolio showcases your expertise, writing style, and ability to create engaging content—making it easier to land jobs, even if you have no prior experience.  

Think of your portfolio as your resume—it’s what clients will use to decide whether or not to hire you. Most businesses and content managers want to see proof of your writing skills before committing to a freelancer. Without samples of your work, it’s difficult to convince them that you can deliver high-quality content. A well-structured portfolio builds credibility, highlights your strengths, and increases your chances of landing jobs.  

The good news? You don’t need prior experience or published work to build a portfolio. You can create your own writing samples from scratch!

How to Create Writing Samples

If you don’t have any client work yet, don’t worry—you can still create a portfolio by publishing your own content online. 

1. Start a Personal Blog  

A blog is one of the best ways to showcase your writing skills. It allows you to choose topics that interest you, show your expertise in a specific niche, and improve your writing skills over time.  

You can start a free blog on WordPress, Blogger, or Wix, or use platforms like Substack if you prefer an email-based audience. If you’re willing to invest, buying a domain name (e.g., yourname.com) and setting up a simple portfolio website can make you look more professional.  

2. Publish on Medium  

Medium is a great platform for new writers because it allows you to share your work with a wide audience. The best part? You don’t need to set up a website—just create an account and start writing. Many freelance writers use Medium to showcase their expertise in different topics. 

3. Write on LinkedIn  

LinkedIn isn’t just for networking—it’s also a great place to publish articles. If you plan to find freelance writing jobs on LinkedIn, having well-written posts on your profile can attract potential clients and demonstrate your skills in a professional setting.

4. Contribute to Guest Blogs  

Guest blogging is when you write for someone else’s website or blog—usually for free, but in exchange for exposure and credibility. Some blogs actively accept guest posts, and getting published on an established site adds credibility to your portfolio. Guest blogging builds your portfolio and also helps you establish authority in your niche and get backlinks to your own site.  

To make your portfolio stand out, include a mix of long-form blog posts, SEO-optimized content, persuasive copywriting, or industry-specific writing. For example, if you want to write for travel blogs, create a sample post like “10 Best Budget-Friendly Destinations for 2025”. If you’re interested in business writing, you could write “How to Build an Effective Remote Work Policy”. This way, clients can instantly see how your skills apply to their industry.

Market Yourself as a Freelance Writer

Freelance writing isn’t just about writing—it’s also about getting noticed. With thousands of writers competing for freelance gigs, you need to market yourself effectively to stand out. This is where personal branding and optimizing your online presence comes in.  

Your personal brand is what sets you apart from other writers. It’s how clients perceive you and the value you bring. While you can write about anything, specializing in a specific niche makes it easier to attract clients. Choosing a niche doesn’t mean you can’t write about other topics, but it helps you position yourself as an expert rather than a generalist.  

Even if you’re just starting, having an online presence makes you look more credible. Your brand voice should reflect your personality and writing style.  

Final Thoughts 

Content writing is a skill that anyone can develop with practice and consistency. The more you write, the better you become. Now that you understand the basics, the next step is to start building your portfolio and exploring different writing opportunities.  

Take your first steps today. Explore our other blog articles for more insights on freelancing, consulting, pricing strategies, and business growth. Want to connect with like-minded professionals? Join our community of African freelancers, where we share tips, opportunities, and strategies to help you with your freelancing career.