The Ultimate Guide to the Best Freelance Writing Sites
Are you a writer looking to kick off your freelance career? With the plethora of best freelance writing sites available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect platform that caters to your needs and expertise.
Fear not! We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore the best freelance writing sites of 2023, break down their features and benefits, and help you choose the right platform to launch your successful writing career.
Quick Overview of Best Freelance Writing Sites
To give you a quick snapshot of what’s to come, here’s a brief summary of the top three freelance writing platforms for various needs and experience levels, including some of the best freelance writing websites:
Best for Variety of Gigs
Upwork
Upwork connects talented writers to clients worldwide. With a vast pool of writing jobs, it offers opportunities for writers to showcase skills and earn income. Build a profile, pitch to clients, and grow your business on this user-friendly platform. Join today for a successful freelance writing career.
Ideal for Beginner Writers
Fiverr
Fiverr is a great platform for beginner freelance writers. Its easy-to-use system and diverse client base offer plenty of writing jobs to choose from. Writers can work on projects aligned with their skills and interests while building a professional profile. The platform provides a supportive community, diverse resources, and timely and secure payment. It’s an ideal platform for kickstarting a writing career.
Top Choice for High-Profile Brand Gigs
Contently
Contently is a leading freelance writing platform for writers to showcase skills and and a vast network of high-profile clients, Contently is the go-to platform for landing lucrative writing gigs. Whether you’re seasoned or new, Contently’s intuitive platform and personalized support make finding the perfect project easy. With a commitment to quality and creativity, Contently elevates your writing career.
In-depth Analysis of Top Freelance Writing Sites
Having provided a sneak peek into various freelance writing platforms, we will now delve more in-depth into each one. This part will analyze the top freelance writing platforms in detail, focusing on their distinct features, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
1. Upwork
Overview
Upwork is a fantastic platform for freelancers to offer their services and bid on writing gigs, making it an excellent starting point for a freelance writing career. With 18 million freelancers and 5 million clients, it’s one of the best freelance writing platforms. The job board is full of options and different rates for writers seeking freelance work.
Once you join Upwork, create a freelance writer profile and start browsing projects. Upwork uses an escrow system where employers pay upfront, and funds are released to the freelancer upon project completion. Commissions are 10%
Price
Free to sign up, 10% Commissions
Pros:
- Wide variety of writing gigs
- Large client base
- Escrow payment system for security
Cons:
- High commission rates for beginners
- Competitive bidding process
- No guarantee of a regular paycheck
2. Fiverr
Overview
Fiverr is a platform for freelancers to offer their services and get clients for various freelance jobs, not just for writers. There’s a massive variety of freelance writing gigs available for freelancers on Fiverr. Freelancers can look up the right gig and put in a bid by signing up for free.
Fiverr is great for getting started and building up your portfolio. Once you’ve got some experience and testimonials, you can move on to more lucrative methods like inbound marketing. It’s important to note that Fiverr is known for its low pay for entry-level gigs and high competition among writers. However, it’s an ideal platform for beginner writers to get their feet wet and establish a client base.
Price
Free to sign up, 20% commission rate
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly platform
- Opportunity to build a client base
- Wide variety of freelance writing gigs
Cons:
- Low pay for entry-level gigs
- High competition among writers
- Limited scope for high-paying projects
3. ProBlogger Job Board
Overview
ProBlogger Job Board, focusing on blogging gigs, could be a starting point for those considering a blogging business. The freelance writing gigs on ProBlogger Job Board are significantly better than other job boards. Pitching for a writing job on the ProBlogger Job Board is pretty easy. You just need to register first, then create a resume and apply for the gig.
Though the job postings aren’t as plentiful as other job boards, there’s some quality control since advertisers have to pay to post their ads. The downside is that there isn’t a lot of activity on it. However, if you’re looking for blogging opportunities with quality clients, the ProBlogger Job Board is an excellent choice.
Price
Free for freelancers seeking a freelance job, $75 for employers to post a job
Pros:
- Specialized job board focusing on blogging
- Quality clients and projects
- Easy application process
Cons:
- Limited job postings
- No built-in payment system
- Not suitable for non-blogging writing gigs
4. LinkedIn
Overview
LinkedIn is a professional networking site that helps writers connect with potential clients and find job opportunities. Freelance writers should check out titles like:
- “content writer”
- “copywriter”
- “marketing writer”
- “communications writer”
LinkedIn ProFinder connects people with larger budgets to freelancers, making it great for technical, Sass, or B2B content. While LinkedIn may not be solely focused on writing jobs, it offers an excellent platform for networking and professional connections, which can lead to writing gigs and job opportunities.
Price
Free for the basic version, premium version available
Pros:
- Professional networking opportunities
- Access to job postings by companies
- Allows showcasing portfolio and writing samples
Cons:
- Not solely focused on writing jobs
- May require more effort in job search
- Limited features on the free version
5. Freelancer.com
Overview
Freelancer.com offers numerous features for freelance writers, including:
- Job postings
- A bidding system
- Work diary
- Invoicing and reporting
- Global payments
- Communication tools
- Feedback sharing
The platform has many different projects to choose from and allows you to work on multiple projects for different clients. It also provides payment protection for both employers and freelancers.
On Freelancer.com, a popular freelance writing website, you can find all sorts of writing gigs, including a freelance writing gig in areas such as:
- Article writing
- Blog writing
- Copywriting
- Technical writing
- Social media content creation
- Editing
The payment methods on Freelancer.com include Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, or Bank Deposit, although the payment terms might differ depending on the freelancer’s country or currency.
Price
Free to sign up, varying commission rates
Pros:
- Diverse writing projects
- Large client base
- Secure payments with milestone payments
Cons:
- High commission rates for beginners
- Competitive bidding process
- No guarantee of a regular paycheck
6. iWriter
Overview
iWriter is an excellent platform for fast projects, as it helps writers find and complete jobs quickly while building a reputation as a dependable writer. Writers on iWriter can make up to $80 for 500 words. Payments are sent out each week on Tuesdays.
When you sign up for iWriter, they’ll grade your work and give you a rank. The higher your rank, the more you get paid for your writing. On iWriter, you can do:
- articles
- article rewrites
- blog posts
- product descriptions
- and more
Overall, iWriter is a platform ideal for quick turnaround projects and building a reputation as a reliable writer, attracting experienced writers as well.
Price
Free to sign up, varying pay rates
Pros:
- Quick turnaround projects
- Opportunity to build a reputation as a reliable writer
- Wide variety of writing gigs
Cons:
- Pay rates depend on the writer’s rank
- Limited scope for high-paying projects
- High competition among writers
7. Contently
Overview
Contently is a platform that connects freelance writers with brands for content marketing. It allows writers to showcase their work and has a search tool for clients to find writers. Contently acts as a talent agent, managing rates and the freelance process. Big names associated with Contently include Dell Technologies, Bank of the West, RBC, Marriott, American Express, GE, IBM, Walmart, and Facebook.
Write for big names like CNN, ABC, Forbes, and more with Contently. This platform offers freelance writers the chance to work on major projects and build their portfolios. Contently sets minimum rates, ensuring fair pay and potential for higher earnings. Elevate your career with high-profile brand opportunities – choose Contently.
Price
Free for freelancers, custom pricing for brands
Pros:
- High-profile brand gigs
- Minimum rates for content writing
- Intuitive platform
Cons:
- Limited job postings
- Requires an impressive portfolio
- It may be difficult for beginners to secure gigs
A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Freelance Writing Platform
Having detailed the top freelance writing platforms, we will now provide a comprehensive guide to assist you in selecting the platform that best suits your needs. We’ll cover understanding your writing niche, evaluating platform features and benefits, and assessing payment terms and conditions.
This guide aims to equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to choose the most suitable freelance writing site for you.
Understanding Your Writing Niche
A writing niche is a specialized area or topic that a freelance writer knows a lot about, helping them focus their skills and target customers who need that type of writing. Picking a writing niche can help you become known as an expert, leading to better pay and making you stand out from other writers. Some examples of writing niches include:
- Gardening
- Economic policy
- Personal Finance
- Travel
Having a specific writing niche will not only make it easier for you to find relevant gigs on freelance writing platforms, but it will also help potential clients identify you as the go-to writer for their specific needs. So, before you begin exploring the various freelance writing sites, take some time to identify your writing niche and focus on developing your expertise in that area.
Evaluating Platform Features and Benefits
It’s important when comparing various freelance writing platforms to take into account the features and benefits that each one provides. Some platforms may focus on specific types of writing, while others cater to a broader range of projects.
For example:
- Textbroker is a budget-friendly option for freelance writing sites
- SEO Butler and SEO Content Hero specialize in done-for-you SEO-optimized content
- Panda Copy offers unlimited content requests for a fixed budget every month
Take the time to research and compare the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each platform to determine which one is the best fit for your needs, expertise, and writing niche. By doing so, you can maximize your potential for success and find the perfect platform to showcase your writing skills.
Assessing Payment Terms and Conditions
Grasping the payment terms and conditions is a key factor when opting for a freelance writing platform. Keep an eye out for things like:
- No payment terms are specified in the contract
- Requests for free work or samples
- Suspiciously high pay for freelance jobs
- Requests to take work off-platform
- Unverified client payment information
All of these could be red flags.
For example, Upwork has escrow services, dispute resolution, and the ability to rate clients for protection. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the payment terms and conditions of each platform you’re considering, as this can help ensure a smooth freelancing experience and protect your earnings.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
To sum up, there isn’t a single solution that fits all when it comes to freelance writing platforms. Each platform offers unique features, benefits, and drawbacks that cater to different needs and experience levels. We hope this ultimate guide has provided you with valuable insights and knowledge to help you choose the right platform for your freelance writing career.
Remember to identify your writing niche, evaluate platform features, and understand payment terms before embarking on your writing journey.
Summary
To sum up, the freelance writing landscape offers a wide range of opportunities for writers to kick-start their careers and find the perfect platform that suits their needs and expertise.
By understanding your writing niche, evaluating platform features and benefits, and assessing payment terms and conditions, you can confidently choose the right freelance writing site and embark on a successful writing career.
So, go ahead and explore these platforms, hone your craft, and make your mark in the world of freelance writing.
