New to freelance writing? Creating a steady pipeline of freelance writing jobs might be your number one challenge. However, building a client base is possible with the same time, effort, and care you put into your writing.

Here are seven ways to find freelance writing jobs, whether you’re a beginner or an established pro making a career change. Plus, we’ll quickly look at protecting yourself with writer liability insurance.

1. Build a killer website and portfolio

A website and portfolio of writing samples are essential for freelance writers. Both are opportunities to create an excellent impression on potential clients and convince them to hire you.

Building your website

Online tools and apps make it easier than ever to create a website. In a matter of hours, you can have a professional-looking website to impress your clients. Most writers include a blog in their website design. Adding high-quality content to your blog on a regular basis can help you climb to the top of search engine rankings.

Putting together a portfolio

Writing samples are also crucial. You’ll likely be asked for examples of your work before a client hires you. Carefully review past work you’ve done and select the best examples of your writing. If you don’t have past work, set aside time to write some samples. Consider choosing writing samples that showcase different types of writing or topics you specialize in.

2. Curate your social media accounts

Social media is becoming as important as a website and portfolio for many freelance writers. Well-crafted accounts can help you connect with potential clients and stay in touch with your current ones. Depending on your specialty topic(s), social media accounts may also demonstrate that you’re on top of the latest industry trends.

You may consider creating separate business accounts for your freelance writing business. This helps keep your personal content private and allows you to curate a strong professional image. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t invite your family and friends to like or follow your writing accounts! Their early support could help you grow your following and make your profiles more visible to others outside your network.

3. Ask your network

Speaking of your personal network—why not ask them for a freelance writing job? If you know other small business owners, they may need content for their own websites, blogs, or social media accounts.

Your family and friends might not be looking for a talented writer, but they might know someone else who is. You could score long-term clients simply by asking the people you already know! Their introductions or references could give you the edge over other writers bidding for the same jobs.

4. Sign up for gig economy apps

Gig apps are another way to find online freelance writing jobs. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr make it easy to connect with potential clients and bid on their projects. You can find a variety of freelance writing jobs, from blogs and press releases to social media copy and business proposals.

One downside of these apps is that they are very competitive. Excellent writing samples and a strong profile can help you stand out from the crowd, but you may need to put in many hours bidding on jobs and reaching out to potential clients.

5. Search traditional job sites

“Old school” job sites like Monster, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter may be overlooked places to find freelance writing jobs. There might be less competition for each position being advertised, especially as gig and freelancer apps become more popular.

Traditional job sites and boards are popular for advertising full-time and permanent writing roles, but you may find online freelance writing jobs there too. Many businesses post short-term and contract roles that can suit freelance writers.

6. Contact creative staffing agencies

Another more traditional path to finding jobs is contacting a creative staffing or freelance writing agency. Staffing agencies act as an intermediary to match clients with talented writers, authors, and editors.

A freelance writing agency can help place you in short-term and contract roles with clients. They do much of the job search work for you, taking some of the stress out of finding new clients. It can also be a great way to get your foot in the door for future project work.

7. Pitch to potential clients

Sometimes, reaching out to businesses or individuals can lead to a freelance writing job.

Cold pitching

Cold pitching is reaching out to potential clients that you have no prior relationship with to sell them your services. This is traditionally done via email or phone, but you can also contact businesses through social media.

Warm pitching

Warm pitching is contacting clients you already have a relationship with. For example, if you previously wrote blog content for a website, you might reach out and see if they would like to work with you again.

How BizInsure helps writers and publishers

Now that you know how to find freelance writing jobs, you might be ready to start protecting your business. Freelance writer insurance can create a financial safety net so that unexpected bills and lawsuits don’t erase your hard work.

Freelance writer and author insurance—shorthand for various forms of coverage designed especially for writers, authors, and publishers—protects small businesses offering writing and editing services. Work with greater peace of mind knowing that everyday mishaps and mistakes won’t leave you out of pocket for unplanned bills, compensation costs, or legal fees.

BizInsure specializes in small business insurance. Compare no-obligation freelance writer insurance quotes online in minutes and protect yourself today!