How to Land Your First Freelance Writing Client (Without Experience)

Breaking into freelance writing can feel intimidating—especially when you don’t have published samples, client testimonials, or experience. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy portfolio or years of work to land your first client. What you do need is a clear strategy, confidence, and a few smart moves.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to land your first freelance writing client, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Step 1: Get Clear on What You Can Offer

You might think, “But I’m just a beginner!”
Here’s the truth: even if you’ve never been paid to write, you still have value to offer.

Start by asking yourself:

• What topics do I know well?
• What kind of writing do I enjoy (blogs, emails, product descriptions)?
• Do I have experience from other fields that I can apply to writing?

Example: If you’ve worked in marketing, you could write email campaigns. If you’ve worked in health, you could write wellness blog posts.

You don’t need to know everything—you just need a starting point.

Step 2: Create 2–3 Writing Samples

Clients want to see what you can do. No samples yet? Create your own.

Here’s how:

• Pick a niche (e.g., travel, tech, parenting)
• Choose a content type (blog post, listicle, how-to guide)
• Write 500–800 word articles and format them nicely

Even unpublished samples can land you work if they’re well-written.

Pro tip: Publish your samples on Medium, LinkedIn, or your own free blog to make them look professional.

Step 3: Build a Simple Portfolio

You don’t need a fancy website (yet). Just create a clean, organized space that shows:

• A short bio
• Links to 2–3 samples
• Your email or contact form

Use tools like:

• Carrd (free and super easy)
• Notion (aesthetic and organized)
• Google Drive folder (keep it clean and titled)

Your portfolio’s job is to make it easy for someone to say “yes.”

Step 4: Use Job Boards to Find Beginner-Friendly Gigs

Start looking where clients go to find writers. Great beginner-friendly options include:

• ProBlogger Job Board
• Freelance Writing Jobs (FWJ)
• PeoplePerHour
• Upwork (start small but focus on building your profile)
• Fiverr (create optimized gigs in a niche)

Filter by “entry-level” or “beginner.” Apply to gigs with clear expectations and reasonable pay.

Step 5: Reach Out to Your Network

Many writers find their first client not through a job board, but through someone they already know.

Here’s what to do:

• Post on LinkedIn: “I’m offering blog writing services—if you or someone you know needs help, I’d love to chat!”
• DM friends or former colleagues
• Offer a sample article or discounted first piece to prove your value

Sometimes your first client is closer than you think.

Step 6: Cold Pitch the Right Way

Cold pitching (reaching out to potential clients who didn’t post a job) is scary—but effective.

Here’s a simple email script:

Subject: Quick Help With Your Blog?

Hi [Name],
I’m a freelance writer specializing in [topic]. I love the work you’re doing at [Company Name] and noticed your blog hasn’t been updated recently.

I’d love to help you create engaging content that connects with your audience.

Can I send over a few content ideas? No strings attached.

Best,
[Your Name]

Send 5–10 of these per week, and you’ll see results.

Step 7: Set a Simple, Fair Rate

Don’t overthink pricing at the start. Aim for:

• $0.05–$0.10 per word for entry-level blog content
• Flat rates of $30–$100 per article, depending on length and research

Be confident—but be reasonable. As you gain experience, you’ll raise your rates naturally.

Step 8: Focus on Value and Reliability

When you land that first gig:

• Meet deadlines (or beat them)
• Communicate clearly
• Take feedback well
• Be friendly and professional

Clients remember how you make their life easier. If you show up, deliver good work, and are easy to work with, they’ll come back—and refer you.

Final Thoughts: You Only Need One “Yes”

Landing your first freelance writing client is about getting visible, showing your potential, and being proactive. Don’t wait for clients to come to you—go find them.

You don’t need a degree, an agency, or a huge following. You just need one “yes” to get started. From there, your writing career will build itself—one client, one project, one win at a time.