I’ve been hanging around in this industry for a decade and a half. I’ve seen hundreds of job boards and freelance sites come and go. But these ones have stuck around and become some of the best, most reliable places to find work and build your career.
Upwork
First off, we have Upwork. This is the big kahuna of freelance platforms because it gives us a vast ocean of jobs across all industries and skill levels. Writing? Sure. Design? Absolutely. Video editing? Always.
What I love about this platform is that it’s not just a place to find gigs or clients. You have to create a legit account, provide your financial and tax info, and set up a portfolio that will grow with you as you land and complete jobs.
With everything you complete, your score goes up (or down if you did a bad job), so potential clients can check who the top performers are at a glance.
Clients can also leave reviews and a star rating after the completion of every job, which contributes to your overall score too.
Key Features
- A job search engine that filters gigs by category, experience level, and more
- A profile system that lets you showcase your portfolio, skills, and client reviews
- A bidding system for projects allowing freelancers to propose their rates and terms
Pros
Cons
- A vast array of jobs across various fields
- Opportunity to build long-term client relationships
- Secure payment system
- High competition for gigs
- Platform fees can be significant
Costs: Free to join, but Upwork takes a sliding fee from earnings, starting at 20% for the first $500 billed with a client.
Best For: Freelancers at all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. But I always recommend newbies start here because you get so much out of it, not just work but experience and a growing portfolio.
ProBlogger
This site is a haven for freelance writers specializing in blog content. I’ve found so many great gigs on this site. ProBlogger is simply a niche job board focusing on high-quality blogging gigs.
The best part is that it’s a straight-up live list of available jobs. Just head to the site, scroll through, and check out the jobs that appeal to you. Each one will have an email or form to use to apply.
Key Features
- Curated listings of blogging and content marketing jobs
- Direct application to listings without a bidding process
- Free resources and tips for bloggers
Pros
Cons
- High-quality gigs from reputable sources
- No platform fees
- More suitable for niche writers with blogging experience
- Competitive, with many writers vying for the same jobs
- Need to create a compelling and customized pitch for every application
Costs: Free to use
Best For: Bloggers and content marketers looking for specialized opportunities
BloggingPro
https://www.bloggingpro.com/jobs/
This one is so similar to ProBlogger that it even uses the same words in its name. BloggingPro offers a platform for newer and emerging writers to find blogging gigs with less competition.
It operates in the same way, with just a live list of open gigs looking for writers. You scroll through, find the most attractive ones, and start applying.
I love the extra features on the sites, like helpful info and articles on managing your freelance writing career.
Key Features
- Job listings focused on blogging and content creation
- Community support and resources for new writers
Pros
Cons
- Less competition than more established platforms
- Opportunities for new writers to get started
- Fewer job listings compared to larger sites
- Limited to blogging and content marketing jobs
Costs: Free to access and use
Best For: New writers looking to break into blogging and content marketing
Mediabistro
If you have formal training as a writer or have studied something in a related field, then Mediabistro is a good one to check out. It’s an extremely professional job site platform that caters to professionals in media, marketing, advertising, and similar fields, offering high-quality, industry-specific job listings.
This would be a good route if you want to land a permanent gig with a publishing company or want to try your hand at intern positions. Big brands like HarperCollins, Fox News, and YouTube use this site to find writers and service providers. So, bring your A-game!
Key Features
- Job listings in media, marketing, advertising, and more
- Career development courses and resources
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals
Pros
Cons
- High-quality, well-paying jobs
- Industry-specific listings are not found on more general platforms
- Requires more experience and specialized skills
- Tends to have fewer listings for entry-level writers
Costs: Free to search and apply for jobs, but some bonus resources and courses may require payment
Best For: Specialized writers with experience in media, marketing, or advertising
Indeed
I consider this one to be a giant in the job-searching world. Indeed aggregates job listings from all over the internet, including freelance opportunities.
What I like about Indeed is that it’s old school but with modern technology. You can plunk in your country, province/state, or even city if you want to find some local. Customize the search fields to list remote jobs only around the world.
Searching and applying for jobs is free, but some listings will direct you to create an Indeed account, upload your resume, and use the site’s built-in application form. This is all free to use!
Key Features
- Massive database of job listings from an array of sources
- Filters to narrow down search results to freelance or contract work
- Easy application process with resume upload and customization
Pros
Cons
- Wide variety of job types and industries
- The high volume of listings always ensures fresh opportunities
- Sifting through listings to find freelance-specific roles can be time-consuming
- Competitive, with 100s of applicants for each listing
Costs: Free to use
Best For: Writers who are open to a variety of opportunities, including part-time, full-time, and freelance roles
Freelancer
This is one of the OG freelance job platforms out there. I remember using it when it first launched; it was a mess and very hard to navigate. It’s since developed into one of the best job sites for freelancers to find work, especially if you’re just starting out in the business.
Similar to how Upwork operates, you create an account and a portfolio. Everything you do contributes to your success rating and helps build your skills. The better you do, the more leverage you have to land gigs over other applicants.
You can even see what other freelancers are bidding on a particular gig so that you can swoop in at a competitive rate.
Key Features
- Pick from a wide range of project types from clients around the world
- A bidding system where freelancers propose their rates and timelines
- Profile pages that showcase your portfolio and client feedback
Pros
Cons
- Access to international clients and opportunities
- Variety of project types and sizes
- Super competitive
- Fees can add up, especially on smaller projects
Costs: Free to join, but fees apply to earnings, and premium memberships offer more visibility
Best For: Easily adaptable freelancers who are competitive
Freelance Writing Gigs
https://freelancewritinggigs.com/
Simple, yet effective, Freelance Writing Gigs is a small site that is updated daily with a customized list of newly released freelance job options. This ensures you are getting the most recent opportunities and saves you time when you don’t want to browse through hundreds of available positions.
Jobs are curated and offered in “daily doses” to help you better negate what’s new and available.
The site gathers information from various sources, such as LinkedIn and business job opportunity boards, often providing information directly from the original source rather than through a third-party resource. It also offers various tips, current writing contests, and ways to follow them on social media for up-to-date job listings.
I prefer this type of board as it is quick and effective.
Key Features
- Daily up-to-date job opportunities
- Tips and other resources for income options
- Job posting form is available for those looking to hire
Pros
Cons
- Easily accessible curated options
- Well organized and lists jobs by niche and genre
- Job listing is limited overall
- Fewer listings for new writers
Costs: Free
Best For: Anyone looking for a quick, daily, and relevant list of new jobs
Tips from a Seasoned Pro
- You can be active on as many or as few job sites as you want.
- If you’re just starting out and want to find gigs and build a reputation, a portfolio, and some experience, I highly recommend starting with a site like Upwork because you can tackle all of those at once.
- If you’re looking to dive right in and find some good gigs to throw your hat in, start with sites like ProBlogger, BloggingPro, and Indeed.
- Regardless of the route you choose, always take the time to comb through the job requirements and construct a tailored pitch. Never mass-send a generic pitch. You’ll be overlooked. Trust me.
- Don’t get discouraged. These sites are used by thousands, and the market can be competitive. Just stick to what you know, highlight your strengths, and craft some good pitches.
- If you’re just starting out in your career, consider offering a low rate for the chance to prove yourself.
- Don’t be afraid to follow up with your initial application or pitch. If an email is provided with a job, send a brief yet professional correspondence of inquiry.
- Stay on top of new technologies to stay relevant, and adapt your writing style and voice to stand out among computer-generated materials.
- Don’t underestimate client feedback. It will help you grow and shape your writing experience to meet a larger population of clients’ needs in the long run.
- Keep open, clear, and consistent communication with your client’s editing team. They can help elevate your materials for specific niche needs.
Binder Groups
Picture Facebook groups but filled with fellow writers sharing leads, opportunities, and sometimes, cat memes. These groups are gold mines for finding gigs that might not be advertised on big job boards.
My favorite is Binders Full of Entry Level Content Writers & Jobs, but there are other great groups to check out. Search ‘freelance binder groups’ or ‘binders full of writing jobs’ on Facebook, join a few, and check out the opportunities shared inside.
Leveraging Social Media Platforms
Your social media profiles can be more than just funny dog videos and food pics; they can be your portfolio to the world. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your work, share your writing process, and connect with potential clients.
The Best Social Platforms and How to Utilize Them
Yes, the platforms are endless these days. But you don’t need to join all of them. Here are the best platforms to join and use to expand your network.
1. Facebook
Don’t use your personal page. Create a new business page and set it up from your writer’s POV. Use this page to showcase your headshot, a banner with your tagline, or an image that makes it clear what you do, links to your other important pages or platforms, and related content.
If you’re a subject matter expert on, say, gardening, then center your content around that. Share tips for growing certain plants, post pictures from your own garden, give advice for common problems home gardeners might face, etc.
Maybe you’re deep into the parenting niche. If so, the content ideas are endless. Share tips for basic things every parent faces, give advice to new parents, post about your own experiences, and share funny pictures from your life as a mom or dad.
A great Facebook page example is from Joanna Penn, a creative writer, editor, and book marketer. She took her last name and created a catchy title for her business called the Creative Penn. Her Facebook page immediately showcases who she is, what she does, and what she offers.
The best thing about Facebook is the groups. Search and join groups for writers, content creators, things related to your niche, etc. Comment on posts, give advice when it’s asked for, join group projects, look for people posting about job opportunities, etc.
2. Instagram
This platform is less about networking and more about visuals. The more aesthetically pleasing your page and content are, the more successful it will be. Instagram is great if you write in a visually dependent niche like art, fashion, and design.
Leverage the popularity of Reels and post video content. This could be daily tips, lists of important things, or videos of you talking about things in your niche.
A great Instagram page example is @adventurecatsorg. They take their love of cats and animals, pair it with their expertise in travel and the great outdoors, and create content around those two niches. I love seeing accounts like this that take more than one niche and make them work together. Within seconds, you know they write about cats, traveling, and outdoor adventures.
3. LinkedIn
This is arguably the best social media platform for professionals. If you hate the idea of using social media, then you at least need LinkedIn. Think of it as a social media profile for your resume. Clients, recruiters, companies, and other industry professionals are hanging out there every day.
Just like regular social media, make sure your username, bio, and page aesthetic are all aligned with your brand.
Post regularly about things in your niche, share content that you’ve written, give advice, etc. Endorse people you’ve worked with, and they’ll endorse you. (Endorsing is just giving credit and authenticity to others’ skills and experience.)
The best thing about LinkedIn is the job opportunities it offers. They have a whole section dedicated to active job listings that you can scroll through each day. Apply directly through the site or reach out to clients directly, depending on what the listing states.
You can also tailor the listings to only show you jobs in your area, your niche, or any other things you want.
During the pandemic, I had some extra time on my hands (as did just about everyone), and I really wanted to break into game writing. I headed to LinkedIn, punched in specific keywords, and found a ton of job openings looking for video game writers of all levels. I landed a gig writing content for a mobile app game within a few days.
3. X (formerly Twitter)
It’s X now that Elon Musk bought it, but we all still call it Twitter. What I love about this platform the most is how fast-paced it is. Some people post ten times a day! This is because Twitter focuses on short, punchy posts, not visuals or aesthetics.
You’d still set up an account for your writing business, pick a username that aligns with your other ones, and whip up a short bio that clearly indicates what you do.
There are hundreds of active conversations happening on Twitter in different niches at any given time. Just plunk in a hashtag or keyword in the search bar and find other people in your industry, people asking questions you can answer, and trending topics surrounding writing.
The most important thing here is to engage—comment, share, retweet, etc. One of my favorite X/Twitter pages is from @AAitman (Amy Aitman). She’s an amazing content strategist, content marketing expert, and writer.
She shares tips and other advice to help writers learn about SEO and other important things in the industry. After just two seconds on her page, it’s evident who she is and what she does.
Tips for Using Social Media for Your Freelance Career
- Try to keep your username the same (or as similar as possible) across all of them. This increases your chances of being found.
- Choose a username that is either your name or includes what you do. Avoid using cute abbreviations, numbers, or symbols.
- Keep your bio concise, but be sure it includes the most important points, like what you do (writer), what you specialize in (niche), and how to contact you.
- Find ways to keep your content personal but also related to your niche.
- Be respectful. Don’t join groups just to spam your services. Only offer them if someone is specifically asking for recommendations.
- Spend some actual time on the platforms. Check out what others are doing, make a note of what works, what doesn’t, and so on.
Pro Tip: Consider running targeted ads to get your services in front of the right eyes. The key? Be authentically you; clients love seeing the person behind the words, but always be pointing to your skills and work experience in some way.
Agencies, Brokers, and Content Sites vs. Private Direct Clients, Gig Work
- Agencies and Brokers: These middlemen connect you with clients, often handling negotiations and paperwork. You get steady work with less job searching or marketing. But there’s often lower pay due to their cut. This route is best for writers who prefer writing over business dealings.
- Content Sites (Content Mills): These specialized sites like SteadyContent.com offer a constant stream of work at set rates (these rates are usually pretty low because the work is often generic, and writers are expected to output high volumes). You get regular work, which is great, but the lower pay and less creative freedom can be daunting. This is best for newbies building experience.
- Private Direct Clients: This involves working directly with businesses or individuals. Spend your time reaching out to local businesses, emailing companies you’d love to work for, etc. It could result in a much higher pay, and you get to build deeper connections and relationships. But it requires self-marketing and negotiation skills. It’s best for experienced writers seeking higher-quality gigs.