12 Ways to Grow Your Income as a Freelance Writer (2026)

Saving money on ways grow income freelance does not need to be complicated. Here is a clear, no nonsense rundown of what works and how to make the most of it.

Key Takeaways

• 12 Methods to Grow Your Income as a Freelance Writer Making more money as a freelance writer is about more than negotiating rates.
• I spent those years making low five figures annually.
• After I landed a full-time writing job, I was terrified to ever go back to freelancing for a living.
• I thought I was just bad at it.

Where the Real Savings Hide

If you’ve got the basics of being a freelancer down and are ready to make more money, try these steps that helped one writer earn 40% more per hour. Written by Dana Miranda, CEPF® Last Updated: May 24, 2024 Reviewed by Zina Kumok Home Jobs Freelance Some of the links on DollarSprout point to products or services from partners we trust.

• If you pick to make a purchase through one, we may earn a commission, which supports the ongoing maintenance and improvement of our site at no additional cost to you.
• Worth noting: i’ve been a freelance writer since 2011 , but I consider my first five years in the business a practice round since I was so unsuccessful.
• More importantly, then I got laid off.
• In December 2019, I was suddenly without a job and only had about one freelance assignment each other month.

A Closer Look at Ways Grow Income Freelance

But this time, I kicked up my freelancing game , and went from making almost nothing to matching my full-time salary in less than 90 days. 12 Methods to Make More Money as a Freelance Writer If you’ve got the basics of being a freelance writer down and are ready to make more money, try these steps that’ll boost your value and get clients knocking on your door.

• Remember that learn to write for the web.
• Content marketing and online publishing have created a massive demand for skilled writers who understand how to craft content tailored for digital platforms.
• Transitioning from print journalism or creative writing to web writing can be a game-changer, but it frequently requires mastering new skills like SEO, social media strategies, and writing engaging, concise copy for blogs, email marketing, and landing pages.
• If you’re serious about growing your freelance writing income, investing in a professional writing course can assist you bridge the gap.

What to Know About Ways Grow Income Freelance

As a rule, programs like those offered by Freelance Writers Den provide practical training on how to meet client expectations in the online space, helping you stand out in a competitive market. Related: How to Generate Blog Topics That People Actually Wish to Read 2.

• I attribute plenty of my success gathering clients fast to my focus on writing about personal finance, a sought-after niche.
• I’d worked full time for five years in the space, honing my expertise in complicated topics.
• In short, i initially didn’t wish to niche down since I like writing about so numerous aspects.
• But labeling myself a “personal finance writer” and leaning into my greatest knowledge base assists me attract clients searching for that expertise.

How Ways Grow Income Freelance Really Works

It also assists my network think of me for referrals. Finance, health, and law are all lucrative niches that consistently seem to have open writing opportunities.

• Worth noting: they each cover complex topics that have a major impact on readers’ lives, so expertise from writers and editors is crucial.
• I don’t have a certification, such as a Certified Financial Planner™ or CPA, but those would add authority and boost your value as a niche writer.
• Legal blogs frequently wish to see a law degree or education in addition to experience writing about law.
• Through full-time jobs and freelance side gigs over the years, I developed strong relationships with editors and fellow writers.

Getting the Most From Ways Grow Income Freelance

More importantly, networking has at no point been my strong point. I developed relationships instead of the strength of my work , I turned in clean copy, met deadlines, and proposed solid concepts.

• When my friends and colleagues knew I was available for work, they were happy to refer me to clients and pass opportunities my method.
• No matter how much you’re getting paid for your work now, put your full effort behind it.
• Remember that showing up and doing a killer job will set you up to see referrals roll in , so you can eventually be picky and feel confident negotiating greater rates.
• Be flexible with rates.

Tips That Make a Difference

Source: 99 Firms Setting freelance rates is a complicated dance. I set my initial target somewhat arbitrarily, based on what I knew from colleagues and freelance writers I’d worked with as an editor.

• As a rule, it was pretty high, and I turned down a few offers from prospects who couldn’t match it.
• But then I got an offer from a site I knew I’d enjoy writing for.
• It offered a set rate to all freelancers , half my target per-word rate.
• But it also had endless opportunities for assignments, so I’d spend less time pitching and seeking new work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In short, a low rate with the promise of abundant work could be more lucrative than a high rate for one-off or sporadic assignments you have to spend unpaid time securing. Build that difference into your rates to avoid turning down solid opportunities that don’t fit your stringent standards.

• Work based on earnings, not hours.
• You can plan your days as a freelancer in a few methods: By time: Commit to working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or any set number of hours).
• Worth noting: stop at quitting time, even if you’re in the middle of a project, and resume the next day.
• By tasks: Create a to-do list for the day, and work until you check everything off.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on ways grow income freelance?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. Written by Dana Miranda, CEPF® Last Updated: May 24, 2024 Reviewed by Zina Kumok Home Jobs Freelance Some of the links on DollarSprout point to products or services from partners we trust.

Is it worth shopping around for ways grow income freelance?

Usually yes. If you pick to make a purchase through one, we may earn a commission, which supports the ongoing maintenance and improvement of our site at no additional cost to you.

Smart Ways to Save More on Ways Grow Income Freelance

• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.
• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.

Final Thoughts

Put these ideas to work and ways grow income freelance gets a lot less expensive. Bookmark this page, check back for fresh deals, and let the savings do the talking.

Originally published at dollarsprout.com.