How to Get Hired as a Content Writer
Early in my career, I wrote everything: newsletters for wellness startups, landing pages for tech platforms, SEO blogs for obscure e-commerce brands (ask me anything about artisanal soap). Content writing paid my bills before ghostwriting took over my life.
Being a content writer is part of how I made writing my job back when I was getting started. It’s the most accessible — and often overlooked — entry point into high-paying freelance work. In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about landing freelance content writing jobs, earning top rates, and building a sustainable, remote writing career.
What Is Content Writing — and Why Does It Matter?
If it lives on the Internet and involves words, it’s content writing.
That blog you Googled at 2 a.m. to find out if oat milk goes bad? Content writing.
That company newsletter you never open? Content writing.
This post? You guessed it — content writing.
Content writing exists to educate, inspire, and build trust with potential customers. Unlike copywriting (which screams “buy now!”), content writing whispers, “we’re the experts — you can trust us.” Brands use it to earn loyalty, generate leads, and stay top of mind.
Freelance Content Writing vs. Full-Time: Why Freelance Wins
Let’s compare:
Full-time content writer: One company. One paycheck. Zero control.
Freelance content writer: Multiple clients. Multiple income streams. Total freedom.
When you work remote content writing jobs as a freelancer, you control your rates, your schedule, your vacation days (Tuscany in March? Yes, please), and your future.
Yes, freelancing requires more setup — portfolios, contracts, systems — but it also means you’re not one layoff away from panic-Googling “how to get hired as a content writer” again.
What Kind of Freelance Content Writer Do You Want to Be?
There are a million niches — and no rules. Your job is to find the intersection of what you enjoy writing and what companies will pay for. Some options:
SEO blog writer (hello, keyword strategy!)
Email content writer (welcome sequences, brand newsletters)
Social media content writer (short-form storytelling for engagement)
Thought leadership writer (LinkedIn articles, ghostwritten posts)
Substack content manager (more brands are launching newsletters — guess who they hire?)
If your content helps a brand make money or build trust? You’re valuable.
Where to Find the Best Freelance Content Writing Jobs
Great news: I’ve already done the hard part for you.
✨ Subscribe to From the Desk of Amy Suto: Make Writing Your Job. Inside, you’ll get access to:
The Writing Job Board — updated weekly with vetted freelance gigs
Writing Job Roundup — twice-weekly newsletters packed with remote content writing jobs
Featured Jobs — curated roles where I personally forward your submission to the client
Subscriber Chat — where I drop leads in real time (before they hit the board)
This is where high-paying freelance content writing jobs are available for talented writers like you.
How Much Can I Make as a Freelance Content Writer?
It depends on your experience and what deliverables you’re working on — but here’s a rough breakdown:
Entry-level: $25–$50/hour
Mid-level: $50–$100/hour
Expert-level: $100–$250+/hour
Per project, blog posts might range from $150–$1,000+, and newsletters can pay anywhere from $300 to $2,000+ depending on length and complexity. If you specialize (think tech, finance, or health), you can often charge more.
The more you can prove that your content generates results — clicks, conversions, engagement — the higher your rates can climb.
How to Build a High-Paying Freelance Content Writing Career
To build a sustainable business as a content writer, you need two things:
1. Freelance Foundations
A professional website with samples
A polished portfolio (PDF is preferred by most clients — watch my class on How to Build a Portfolio That Attracts High-Paying Clients on my Substack here!)
A clear niche or positioning statement
Contracts, invoicing tools, and systems
2. Relationship Skills
Hit deadlines. Every time.
Be kind, communicative, and drama-free.
Ask smart questions. Make their life easier.
Clients don’t just hire good writers — they hire people they enjoy working with. You don’t need to be the best writer in the world. You just need to be reliable, curious, and committed to the craft.
How to Stand Out on the Best Freelance Writing Sites
Whether you’re applying through platforms or pitching directly, here’s how to shine:
Tailor your pitches. Don’t send the same “Hi, I’m a content writer” note to everyone.
Include relevant samples. If it’s a blog job, don’t send a social media caption.
Be brief but specific. Clients want to skim, not scroll.
Follow up. Respectfully and professionally.
And while sites like Upwork and Fiverr are popular, they’re often a race to the bottom. Instead, prioritize curated boards (like mine!) that focus on high-quality freelance content writing jobs and direct client connections.
Ready to Make Writing Your Job?
If you’re serious about landing remote content writing jobs and building a career you actually enjoy, here’s your next step:
👉 Subscribe to From the Desk of Amy Suto and get access to:
The Writing Job Board (with new freelance content writing jobs added regularly)
The Subscriber Chat (for real-time job drops)
ClassStack, my monthly writing class series
The full archive of past writing classes
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to raise your rates, this community is your backstage pass to the best jobs, smartest strategies, and kindest people in the freelance world.
–Amy
