How to land your first Freelance Writing Client as a 9-5 worker

So you’ve heard that freelance writing is one of the most flexible and profitable side hustles out there. And it’s true—freelance writers around the world are making real money by turning their thoughts into content. But if you’ve never written professionally before (or never been paid for it), one question always hits hard:

“How do I even get started—especially when I have zero experience?”

Here’s the truth: every freelance writer starts with no experience. Every single one. What separates the ones who succeed isn’t credentials—it’s clarity, consistency, and the courage to start small.

And if you’re juggling a 9-to-5 job? Even better. You’ve already built discipline, structure, and communication skills—all of which translate beautifully into writing professionally.

So whether you’re looking to earn extra income, explore a creative outlet, or eventually replace your day job, let’s walk through how to land your first freelance writing client—even if you’re starting from scratch.

Step 1: Choose a Niche You Actually Enjoy Writing About

When you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to say “I’ll write anything for anyone.” But choosing a niche—even a soft one—helps you attract the right clients faster and build confidence quicker.

Think about:

• What topics you read about for fun (e.g. personal finance, wellness, parenting, marketing)
• What industries you’ve worked in (HR, tech, education—these are great niches)
• What you could research for hours without feeling drained

Choosing a niche doesn’t mean you’re locked in. It just means you’re positioning yourself clearly—and that makes it easier for clients to say yes.

Read~ How to Overcome Self-Doubt as a Side Hustler

Step 2: Build 2–3 Writing Samples (Even If No One Pays You Yet)

You don’t need a fancy website or past client work to prove you can write in order to land your first freelance writing client. You just need samples—articles or posts that show how you write and what you write about.

Here’s how to create them:

• Pick 2–3 topics in your chosen niche
• Write blog-style articles (~800–1000 words) in a clean, conversational tone
• Host them on Medium, Notion, Google Docs, or a free blog platform (WordPress, Substack, etc.)

Not sure what to write? Think:

~ A how-to article on a topic you know well
~ A blog post you’d imagine writing for a company
~ A product or service description as a mock-up
~ A newsletter-style writeup or case study for a fictional business.

Keep it helpful, skimmable, and clear. You’re not trying to win awards—you’re proving you can communicate.

Step 3: Create a Simple Portfolio (No Website Needed Yet)

Once you have 2–3 strong samples, you need a place to showcase them. You don’t need a full website yet. A simple Notion page or free site builder will do the trick.

Include:

• A short intro about who you are
• Links to your writing samples
• Your contact info or a Call To Action like: “Reach out if you need blog posts, email copy, or web content in [your niche].”

That’s it. No need to overcomplicate it.

Step 4: Start Where You Already Are

Here’s a secret many beginner writers overlook: your first client might already be in your circle.

Try this:

• Post on LinkedIn: “I’m taking on small freelance writing projects in [topic]. If you or anyone you know needs content, let’s connect!”
• Mention it in Slack groups, alumni networks, or DM a small business you admire
• Join beginner-friendly writing communities (Superpath, Workello, Peak Freelance) where clients actively post jobs

The key isn’t shouting “I’m a writer!” to the world. It’s letting people know that you’re open to opportunities—and showing what you can do.

Step 5: Send Simple, Direct Pitches (No Fancy Language Needed)

You don’t need a sales degree to pitch a client. Just be simple, helpful, and respectful of their time.

Here’s a basic structure that works:

You don’t need to beg. You don’t need to fake anything. Let your samples do the heavy lifting.

Read~ 25 Best Side Hustle Ideas for a 9-5 Worker

Step 6: Be Ready to Say Yes (Even If It’s Small)

Your first writing gig probably won’t be huge. It might be a $50 blog post or a quick website audit. That’s okay. Don’t wait for the “perfect” client—say yes to the one that gives you your first chance.

You’ll learn more by doing than overthinking.

Set clear boundaries, be professional, and overdeliver. That first small gig is your bridge to bigger ones.

Final Thoughts: Start Before You Feel Ready

You don’t need years of experience to land your first freelance writing client—you need a clear offer, a few solid samples, and a willingness to reach out before you feel “qualified.”

Even as a full-time employee, you can build a writing side hustle in the cracks of your schedule—lunch breaks, Sunday mornings, or quiet nights.

So don’t wait for perfect timing or permission.

Write something today. Publish it tomorrow. Send that email. And when someone finally replies with “Sure, let’s work together”—you’ll know that starting with nothing wasn’t a disadvantage. It was your launchpad.

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