How to Start a Freelance Writing Business

In this digital age of the gig economy, freelancing is booming, with the number of US freelancers increasing to nearly 60 million in 2020. Freelance writers, in particular, are usually able to work remotely and make good money — especially if they find their own writing niche. So if you’re passionate about writing, you could quit your day job and pursue your dream by starting a freelance writing business. The average freelancer makes $28 an hour, and most report that they earn more money freelancing than they did at their previous job.

But before you jump in you’ll need to know more than how to write with flair. You’ll need to understand the business side, which this step-by-step guide lays out in great detail to help you start writing your way to success.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Starting a freelance writing business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you. 

Freelance writing industry trends

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – Following years of steady growth, the freelance industry was worth a whopping $1.2 trillion in 2020.((https://www.zippia.com/advice/freelancing-statistics/))
• Growth forecast – Freelancing is expected to grow 14% more by 2026.
• Number of businesses – In 2020, 59 million freelancers were working in the US.((https://www.statista.com/statistics/685468/amount-of-people-freelancing-us/)) 

Trends and challenges

Trends in the freelance writing industry include:

• Writers with additional skills, such as marketing, social media strategy, and search engine optimization (SEO) are more in demand than ever.
• Companies are looking for specialty writers, meaning writers who have specialized knowledge in topics such as business, fashion, finance, or entertainment.

Challenges in the freelance writing industry include:

• Freelance writing is becoming competitive, with the proliferation of less experienced writers who are willing to work for less.
• Re-writing is often necessary when job requests are vague, taking up valuable time for the freelancer.

What kind of people work in freelancing?

• Gender –  48% of freelancers are female, while 45.5% are male.((https://www.zippia.com/freelancer-jobs/demographics/))
• Average level of education – The average freelancer has a bachelor’s degree.
• Average age – The average freelancer in the US is 38 years old.

How much does it cost to start a freelance writing business?

Startup costs for a freelance writing business range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs include a website, a computer, and an initial marketing budget. If you already have a computer, you’re way ahead. 

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Setting up a business name and corporation	$150 - $200	$175
Business licenses and permits	$100 - $300	$200
Insurance	$100-$300	$200
Business cards and brochures	$200 - $300	$250
Website setup	$1,000 - $3,000	$2,000
Computer	$1,000 - $2,000	$1,500
Initial marketing budget	$500 - $1,000	$750
Total	$3,050 - $7,100	$5,075

How much can you earn from a freelance writing business?

Rates for freelance writers vary based on experience and the complexity of the writing. Some charge $.05 to $1 per word, others $25 to $100 per hour. These calculations will assume an average hourly rate of $30. Your profit margin after marketing costs should be around 90%.

In your first year or two, you could work 30 hours a week, bringing in nearly $47,000 in annual revenue. This would mean more than $42,000 in profit, assuming that 90% margin. As you build up a regular clientele, you could get to 40 hours per week and up your rate to $50 per hour. With annual revenue of more than $100,000, you’d make a tidy profit of nearly $90,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a freelance writing business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Excellent writing skills are essential
• Skills such as SEO are also often necessary
• Specialized knowledge in a certain subject area adds real value

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a freelance writing business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research freelance writing businesses online to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the market is missing a technical writing business.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your products or services

Your writing services will depend on your skills and areas of knowledge. You can write all sorts of things, including:

• Articles
• Blog posts
• Business plans
• Case studies
• Whitepapers
• General SEO writing
• Resumes
• Proposals
• Grants
• Technical papers
• Instruction manuals

How much should you charge for freelance writing?

Prices for writing vary greatly. If you write general articles, you can probably expect about $25 per hour. If you write more specialized content, such as business-related content, you may be able to charge $35 to $40 per hour. If you write business plans, you could earn up to $100 per hour. You could also charge by the word, from $.05 to $1. Your ongoing costs will be limited to marketing expenses. 

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will mainly be businesses. You can find business owners on sites like LinkedIn. If you message them or call them directly, you may find some freelance writing gigs. You should also use freelance writing job boards like Upwork and Freelancer. 

Where? Choose your business premises

You’ll probably always want to run your business from home, but if you ever want to rent an office, you can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Business Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “writing” or “freelance writer”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Wordsmiths United” over “Ghostwriting Gurus”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step Business Name Generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: A brief overview of your freelance writing business, summarizing key points and objectives.
• Business Overview: A detailed description of your freelance writing business, including its mission, vision, and the problem it aims to solve.
• Product and Services: Clearly outline the writing services you offer, specifying the types of content, niches, and any additional services.
• Market Analysis: Research and insights into the target market for your writing services, including demographics, trends, and potential client needs.
• Competitive Analysis: Evaluate competitors in the freelance writing industry, highlighting your unique selling points and positioning in the market.
• Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting your freelance writing services, reaching potential clients, and converting leads into paying customers.
• Management Team: Introduce the key members of your freelance writing business, emphasizing their expertise and roles in driving the company’s success.
• Operations Plan: Details on the day-to-day operations of your freelance writing business, including workflow, client communication, and project management.
• Financial Plan: A comprehensive overview of the financial aspects of your business, including revenue projections, expenses, and funding requirements.
• Appendix: Supplementary materials such as samples of your work, client testimonials, or any additional information that supports and strengthens your freelance writing business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to freelance writing businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your freelance writing business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have.

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a freelance writing business. 

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Starting a freelance writing business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your freelance writing business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use writing project management software, such as ClickUp, Notion, or Monday, to manage your projects, workflows, and documents.

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

For your freelance writing business, the marketing strategy should focus on showcasing your writing expertise, the diversity of your writing portfolio, and your ability to capture and articulate ideas effectively across various formats and industries. Highlight your proficiency in different writing styles, your success stories, and your knack for engaging and persuasive writing. Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

Kickstart Marketing

• Professional Branding: Develop a brand that reflects your writing style and professionalism. This includes a well-designed logo, business cards, and a professional website.
• Direct Outreach: Network with potential clients through LinkedIn, writing forums, and industry-specific networking events. Reaching out to marketing agencies, publishers, and businesses directly can also be effective.

Digital Presence and Online Marketing

• Professional Website and Portfolio: Create an engaging website that showcases your writing portfolio, client testimonials, and the range of writing services you offer. Implement SEO best practices to rank for relevant keywords such as freelance writing, content creation, and industry-specific terms.
• Social Media Engagement: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking and Twitter to share your insights about writing, content marketing, and industry trends.

Content Marketing and Engagement

• Writing Blog: Share informative and engaging posts about writing tips, content marketing strategies, and industry insights to establish your authority and expertise.
• Email Newsletters: Regular newsletters can keep your clients informed about your recent work, writing tips, and services you offer.
• Guest Blogging: Write guest posts for reputable sites in your niche to increase your visibility and establish thought leadership.

Experiential and In-Person Engagements

• Writing Workshops and Webinars: Host or participate in writing workshops, webinars, or seminars to showcase your expertise and connect with potential clients.
• Networking Events and Conferences: Attend industry conferences and networking events to build relationships with potential clients and stay updated on market trends.

Collaborations and Community

• Collaborations with Industry Professionals: Partner with graphic designers, marketing agencies, or SEO specialists to offer comprehensive package services.
• Community Involvement: Engage in online writing communities, forums, or local writing groups to build your network and find potential clients.

Customer Relationship and Loyalty Programs

• Referral Programs: Implement a referral program that offers discounts or additional services to clients who refer new business to you.
• Repeat Client Incentives: Provide incentives or discounts to repeat clients to build long-term professional relationships.

Promotions and Advertising

• Targeted Online Advertising: Use platforms like Google Ads or LinkedIn Ads to reach businesses and individuals in need of writing services.
• Content Marketing: Publish white papers, ebooks, or detailed guides that showcase your writing skills and provide valuable information to potential clients.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your freelance writing business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your freelance writing business could be:

• Professional business writing for any project
• Content marketing and writing to accelerate your business
• Reliable business writing & the fastest turn-around around! 

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a freelance writing business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in freelance writing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in freelance writing. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But if you want to grow into a content writing or copywriting company, you will likely need workers to fill various roles Potential positions for a freelance writing business include:

• Writers – write copy or content
• General Manager – scheduling, project management, accounting
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Start Making Money!

If you’re a writer or just an aspiring writer, starting your own freelance writing business is a fairly easy process. If you already have a computer, it doesn’t take much to get started, and it’s a great way to work flexibly from home and make good money. If you have specialized knowledge or skills, you can make even more. 

Now that you know the steps, it’s time to start freelancing your way to entrepreneurial success!