7 Steps to Breaking Into Freelance Writing With Zero Experience

So, you want to break into freelance writing, but there’s just one tiny problem—you’ve got zero experience. Maybe you’ve always enjoyed writing, or maybe you’re just looking for a flexible way to make money from home. 

Either way, good news: You don’t need a fancy degree, a massive portfolio, or a secret writing club invite to get started. What you do need is the right approach, a sprinkle of confidence, and a whole lot of hustle.

Let’s walk through how to launch your freelance writing career from scratch.

1. Start Where You Are (Yes, Even if That’s Ground Zero)

First things first: don’t let “no experience” psych you out. Everyone starts somewhere—even the big-name writers had to write their first article somewhere.

Start by writing about what you already know. Are you a stay-at-home parent? Write about parenting tips. Obsessed with fitness? Share workout routines or nutrition hacks. Your knowledge and personal experiences are valuable.

And yes, blog posts, social media captions, newsletters, or even long Instagram stories count as writing experience.

2. Build a Simple Portfolio (You Don’t Need to Be Fancy)

You need something to show potential clients. But guess what? You can create that yourself—no clients needed.

Here’s how to build a basic starter portfolio:

• Start a free blog using platforms like Medium, WordPress, or Substack
• Write 3–5 sample pieces in different niches (e.g., health, personal finance, travel)
• Make it polished: proofread, format it well, and show your voice

Bonus points if you tailor samples to the kind of clients you want to attract. Want to write for wellness brands? Write sample blog posts on mental health, self-care, or fitness.

3. Learn the Basics of Online Writing

Freelance writing online is a little different than what you may have done in school. No five-paragraph essays here!

Key things to learn:

• How to write for scannability (think: short paragraphs, subheadings, bullet points)
• Basics of SEO (search engine optimization)
• How to write headlines that grab attention
• Calls-to-action (CTAs) that engage readers

Free resources like YouTube, HubSpot Academy, or blogs by writing pros can help you level up fast.

4. Set Up a Writer-Friendly Online Presence

You don’t need a fancy personal website right away—but it does help to have some kind of digital footprint.

At a minimum:

• Create a LinkedIn profile optimized for writing (add “Freelance Writer” in your headline)
• Start a Medium profile and publish your samples there
• Consider a free website with your bio, samples, and contact info using something like Carrd or Wix

You just want to be easy to find and look like a legit writer.

5. Start Pitching and Applying (Even if It’s Scary!)

This is where things get real—because no matter how polished your portfolio is, it won’t land you gigs if no one sees it. The next step is getting your work in front of the right people, and that means actively searching for freelance writing opportunities and putting yourself out there.

Here are some great places to find freelance writing jobs:

• Freelance job boards: Sites like ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Jobs, Contena, and PeoplePerHour regularly post gigs for writers of all experience levels.
• Content agencies: Platforms like Compose.ly, Verblio, and Scripted connect freelancers with businesses that need blog posts, web content, and more.
• Facebook groups: There are plenty of active communities dedicated to freelance writing where job leads are shared daily—just search for groups with “freelance writers” in the name.
• LinkedIn: Use the job search feature to find freelance opportunities, and don’t be afraid to connect with editors, content managers, or marketers directly.

You’ll probably feel tempted to wait until you’re “ready”—when your portfolio feels perfect, your bio is flawless, or your confidence is at 100%. 

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to wait. Send that first pitch before you feel fully ready. The more you pitch, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. Progress happens through action, not perfection.

6. Nail Your Pitch

When you’re pitching clients or applying for jobs, make sure your message is clear, confident, and shows you understand their needs.

A solid pitch includes:

• A personalized greeting (use their name!)
• A brief intro about who you are
• Why you’re excited about them
• A couple of links to writing samples
• A short call to action (e.g., “Let me know if you’d like to see more samples!”)

Example:

Hi [Name],

I came across your post looking for a blog writer and wanted to reach out. I’m a freelance writer who specializes in health and wellness, and I’d love to contribute to your blog.

Here are a couple of samples:

• [Sample 1]
  
• [Sample 2]
  

Let me know if you’d like to chat further!

Best, [Your Name]

7. Be Ready to Start Small (And Work Your Way Up)

Let’s be real: your first freelance writing gigs probably won’t pay you $500 a post. And that’s okay.

Accepting a few lower-paying gigs in the beginning is fine if:

• You’re building experience and confidence
• You’re learning how to work with clients
• You’re getting feedback and testimonials

Just make sure you raise your rates over time. Don’t get stuck at entry-level pay forever.

8. Keep Improving Your Craft

The best freelance writers never stop learning. Keep reading great writing. Study what makes a good headline. Try out different writing styles and tones.

Some easy ways to improve:

• Read top blogs in your niche
• Take a free or low-cost writing course
• Follow pro writers on Twitter or LinkedIn
• Ask for (and listen to) feedback

The more you write, the better—and faster—you’ll get.

9. Treat It Like a Real Business

If you want to do this long-term, it helps to treat it like more than just a hobby.

That means:

• Setting a schedule (even if it’s just a few hours a week)
• Keeping track of your earnings and expenses
• Creating professional invoices (try Wave or PayPal)
• Staying organized with client communication

A little professionalism goes a long way, especially when you’re competing with other beginners.

10. Celebrate Every Win (Even the Small Ones)

Finally, don’t forget to give yourself credit. Landing your first gig—even a tiny one—is a big deal. So is publishing your first blog post, getting your first testimonial, or hitting “send” on a scary pitch.

Each step forward builds momentum. And before you know it, you won’t be a beginner anymore.

You’ve Got This!

Breaking into freelance writing with zero experience isn’t easy—but it’s absolutely possible. So don’t let fear or self-doubt stop you. Write, pitch, repeat. Show up, learn as you go, and be proud of every word you write.

You’re not just dreaming of being a freelance writer—you’re doing it. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Now, go out there and get started. Your first client (and your future writing career) is waiting.