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4 Smarter Ways to Get Freelance Content Writing Jobs
Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content , with 750K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.
Posted 2.17.26
You’ve sent the mass pitches. You’ve scrolled the job boards. You’ve tweaked your portfolio — again. And yet, the only thing landing in your inbox is radio silence.
If getting freelance content writing jobs feels harder than it should be, you’re not imagining it. Most freelance writers are taught to chase jobs the same tired way — apply everywhere, underprice themselves, and hope someone notices.
That approach doesn’t just waste time. It quietly trains clients to see you as replaceable. It drains your energy. And it ain’t helpful for your bank account, either.
There’s a better way. In fact, four of them. These four strategies have landed me 20+ years of consistent, good-paying work. They can do so for you, too.
4 better ways to get freelance content writing jobs
1. Target prospects that are hiring
You’ve blasted out a bunch of emails and … crickets. Let me give you permission to stop the spam and take a shortcut.
Target your outreach. Instead of sending generic messages to every company under the sun, focus on businesses in your niche that are hiring a content creator, copywriter, digital content strategist, copy director, content developer, staff writer …
Those job announcements are a tip-off that these organizations need content. Probably right now.
For example, let’s say you follow wellness brands, particularly those connected with yoga. You notice one of your favorite yoga apparel companies is advertising for a “Content Marketing Lead.” That’s a signal. There’s a good chance they need content before that role is filled. Shoot the key person a short email that says, “I noticed you’re expanding your content efforts — are you open to freelance support in the meantime while you build your team?”
Your email feels timely, not salesy. You’re no longer interrupting your yoga attire bestie; you’re showing up with a solution when it actually makes sense. Plus, you demonstrate that you have been keeping up to date with what’s going on with their biz. This approach is way more likely to get a reply than a generic, “I’m-a-writer-let-me-write-for-you” email.
That’s why targeted outreach works. Instead of emailing everyone who might need a writer someday, you focus on companies that are already showing signs they need help right now.
Quick takeaway: Follow businesses and brands in your niche — large, medium, and small. Track their job openings. Reach out and offer help, not a sales pitch.
2. Create relevant, helpful content
Instead of chasing freelance content writing jobs one by one, create something useful — and relevant — for your target client. Then, he comes to you. By offering helpful content, you flip the usual job hunt on its head.
Here’s how it works. You offer your helpful tool in exchange for an email or contact. This could be a simple checklist, a short guide, or even a one-page PDF that solves a small but annoying problem your ideal client has. In the marketing world, this piece of helpful content is called a “lead magnet.”
For instance, maybe you’re a freelance writer who specializes in content for nonprofits. You create a free “Website Content Audit Checklist for Small Nonprofits” and offer it on your website and on your socials … repeatedly.
Every time a reader downloads the checklist, they’re quietly raising their hand and saying, Yes, this is something I care about. With that one little opt-in, your reader gets value upfront, and you earn their trust by meeting a need. Plus, you learn a great deal. For instance …
- This reader is interested in the nonprofit space.
- This reader specifically seeks out help for small nonprofits (notoriously the most understaffed and content-needy in the charitable world).
- This reader’s nonprofit has a website — one that’s ready for a review and upgrade.
This reader is essentially saying, “I might need your help!” Now, you’ve got the reader’s email address. Send a short, personalized email. It will likely lead to paid work, either now or down the road. It’s done so for me dozens of times.
Key tip: Match your piece of content to your target reader’s specific needs. It must be relevant. “Website Content Audit Checklist for Small Nonprofits” generates zero appeal for general contractors or independent dental offices or female mechanical engineers, no matter how high-quality the checklist is.
Quick takeaway: Give before you ask. Helpful resources attract leads that are keenly interested in what you have to offer. Use a personal touch to convert those leads into gigs.
Download instantly. Customize quickly. Start sending today.
3. Share your expertise
When you show up consistently on podcasts, blogs, newsletters, social media groups, Reddit threads, and virtual events, you build authority. Over time, people start to recognize your name and associate you with a specific skill. Those connections lead to freelance content writing jobs without you chasing them.
Let’s say you write weekly LinkedIn posts about content strategy for coaches. A podcast host sees your content and invites you on their show. A listener hears the episode and thinks, This is exactly who we need. Suddenly, a new freelance gig lands in your inbox — no pitch needed.
This strategy is about being seen consistently, not constantly selling yourself. The more places people hear your ideas, the easier it becomes for the right opportunities to find you.
Call it networking if you like. I call it being helpful. Visibility = opportunity.
Quick Takeaway: Create content regularly and share authentically. Let your expertise draw clients to you.
4. Pay attention to content
Pay attention to active projects among the companies, businesses, solopreneurs, and organizations in your niche: the new blog post, newsletter, campaign, product launch, expansion. Then reach out. Instead of leading with “Hi, I’m a freelance writer,” you start by showing you’ve paid attention. Maybe you mention a recent blog post, newsletter, or product launch — then connect it to a specific problem you can help solve.
For example, you might say, “I loved your recent email fundraising article. I noticed the ideas aren’t being repurposed for your blog — would you like me to help turn them into content that drives traffic?”
Or “Glad to see your newsletter again! I’ve missed it over the last few months, especially since writing newsletters is my specialty. Would you like help getting your newsletter onto a regular schedule?”
A simple observation makes your pitch feel relevant and thoughtful. From there, it’s easy to explain how your services fit in — and why working with you could lead to better results.
Quick Takeaway: Reference a specific activity and offer to help solve the problem. Make your pitch feel personal — and irresistible.
Want more freelance content writing jobs?
Freelance writing works best when it’s rooted in service. Show up curious, prepared, and genuinely helpful — and the right opportunities tend to meet you halfway. Rejection stings less, and conversations get easier. You’re no longer “pitching yourself” — you’re helping someone solve a problem that already exists.
Stop waiting to be chosen … and start choosing to be useful.
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