It’s a scary thought, isn’t it?
The idea of having ALL of your freelance writing clients drop you in a single day.
No more projects. No more deadlines. And no more client income coming in.
Yikes!
This almost happend to me so I’ve been thinking about this lately, especially with all the changes happening in the content writing industry.
Between AI, shrinking content budgets, and companies completely rethinking how they create content, it’s hard not to wonder what would happen if your entire client roster disappeared overnight.
And even though I’ve been freelance writing since 2014, I can tell you that losing all my clients would definitely sting.
I’d probably panic a little, question everything for about five minutes, and then make myself another cup of coffee….and get to work.
But here’s the thing.
I wouldn’t be starting from scratch.
Back when I started, I was a stay-at-home mom with one-year-old twins, trying to figure out how to make money from home.
I had no portfolio, no testimonials, no connections, and absolutely NO idea how to find freelance writing clients.
I spent hours reading blogs, learning how to pitch, creating writing samples, and figuring out how this whole freelance writing thing worked.
And slowly, I built a business.
Fast-forward more than a decade, and I’ve worked with brands like GoDaddy, Zapier, and Wordtune, built relationships with editors and marketing managers, and learned a thing or two about finding clients when work slows down.
So, if I woke up tomorrow and every single freelance writing client was gone, what would I do?
Well, I certainly wouldn’t start applying to 50 random writing jobs or slash my rates just to get work.
Here’s exactly how I’d find freelance writing clients again, what I’d avoid doing, and how you can use these same strategies to build a more reliable freelance writing business.
1. I’d Reach Out to Every Past Freelance Writing Client
This would be my first move since I’ve built a freelance writing business, I can lean on past relationships. I wouldn’t necessarily start at job boards or even with cold pitching.
I’d open my email and start reconnecting with people I’ve already worked with.
Why?
Because I’ve learned that just because a client stops working with you doesn’t mean they’re gone forever.
I’ve had several clients return after YEARS of not working together so I know this is a good strategy when things run dry.
One client came back after nearly three years! And I’ve had other past clients reach out with new projects simply because they remembered working with me.
Think about that.
You already know their brand and understand their content.
They know your writing style and what it’s like to work with you. That’s a much easier conversation than trying to convince a complete stranger to hire you.
How I’d reconnect with past clients
First, I’d make a list of everyone I’ve worked with over the last few years.
I’d include:
- Past SaaS clients
- Marketing agencies I’ve written for
- Editors who moved to new companies
- Content managers who previously hired me
- Brands that paused projects because of budget changes
Then I’d send a short, friendly email.
Something like this:
Hey [Name],
It’s been a while! I was thinking about the content we worked on together and wanted to check in to see how things are going.
I’ve been taking on more SaaS content and thought I’d reach out to see if you have any upcoming projects that could use an extra writer.
Would love to hear what you’re working on!
That’s it.
No complicated pitch or three-paragraph explanation about my services.
Just a friendly check-in.
And if they don’t respond? I’d follow up about a week later.
I wouldn’t keep emailing every few days, but I also wouldn’t assume silence means they’re not interested.
Marketing teams are busy!
My advice: If you’ve worked with even three or four clients, start there before looking for completely new opportunities.
And if you’re a new freelance writer without past clients, don’t worry. The next few strategies will help you build those relationships.
2. I’d Use LinkedIn to Find Freelance Writing Clients
LinkedIn has become one of my favorite places to find freelance writing work.
And no, I don’t mean scrolling through the Jobs tab and applying to every freelance writer listing I see.
I mean actually using LinkedIn to connect with the people who hire writers.
Lately, I’ve been much more active on LinkedIn, and I’ve landed several writing opportunities because of it.
But here’s something I’ve noticed.
The best freelance writing opportunities aren’t always advertised as jobs.
Sometimes they’re buried in a post from a content manager.
Other times, a marketing director casually mentions that their team is ramping up content production.
And sometimes, a founder shares that they’re launching a new product and need to improve their content marketing.
Those are the conversations I’d pay attention to.
How I’d find clients on LinkedIn
Since I specialize in B2B SaaS content writing, I’d start by looking for people with titles like:
- Head of Content
- Content Marketing Manager
- Director of Content Marketing
- Head of Organic Growth
- SEO Manager
- Editorial Director
Then I’d narrow my search to SaaS companies in industries I enjoy writing about, like marketing technology, creator platforms, and eCommerce.
For example, let’s say I find a content marketing manager at a SaaS company who recently posted about improving their blog strategy.
I wouldn’t immediately send them a message asking if they need a freelance writer.
Instead, I’d read their post. Maybe they’re talking about how difficult it is to turn product knowledge into useful content.
That’s something I know a lot about! So, I’d leave a thoughtful comment sharing a specific idea or experience.
And I’d keep showing up when I had something relevant to contribute.
Over time, that person starts recognizing my name.
When they’re ready to hire a writer, I’m no longer a complete stranger.
I’d also look for writer callouts
These are GOLD. A writer callout is when someone posts that they’re looking for freelance writers.
It might say:
“We’re expanding our content team and looking for experienced B2B SaaS writers.”
Or:
“Does anyone know a freelance writer who understands ecommerce?”
I’d search LinkedIn for phrases like “looking for freelance writers,” “hiring content writers,” and “freelance SaaS writer.”
I’d also check posts from people already in my network.
If the opportunity matched my experience, I’d respond quickly with a short introduction and a link to relevant work.
I wouldn’t direct them to my entire portfolio as this is just a LOI (letter of introduction) and needs to be succient.
Just two or three examples that show I can write the kind of content they’re looking for.
My advice: Spend 20–30 minutes a day finding and engaging with potential clients on LinkedIn. Don’t just post about being available for work. Show people what you know about the problems they’re trying to solve.
3. I’d Update My Freelance Writing Portfolio (But Not How You Think)
If I lost all my clients tomorrow, I’d definitely look at my freelance writing portfolio.
But I wouldn’t spend weeks redesigning it. I’ve been freelancing long enough to know that a pretty website doesn’t automatically bring in clients.
What matters is whether a potential client can quickly understand what I do and why they should hire me.
And that’s where I’d focus.
I’d lead with results, not just writing samples
When I first started freelance writing, I needed samples to prove I could write.
So, I created them!
But today, my portfolio has something much more valuable.
It shows my experience.
I’ve worked with recognizable brands, written content across different stages of the marketing funnel, and helped companies create content for their audiences.
That’s what I’d highlight.
For example, instead of simply listing a blog post I wrote for a SaaS company, I’d explain:
- Who the content was written for
- What problem the article addressed
- How I approached the topic
- What the finished content helped the client accomplish
If I had access to performance data, I’d include that too.
Maybe an article attracted qualified organic traffic.
Maybe a comparison post helped potential customers understand which product was right for them.
Or maybe I interviewed an expert and turned a complicated technical topic into something customers could actually understand.
Those details tell a much stronger story than a link to a published article. And you don’t need to have worked with big brands to do this.
What if you’re a beginner with no client results?
Let’s say you want to write for email marketing software companies.
You could create a sample article called:
How to Build a Welcome Email Sequence That Converts New Subscribers
Instead of writing a generic article filled with tips everyone already knows, you could explain how to build a five-email sequence.
Show what each email should accomplish. Go ahead and include example subject lines and then explain when to send each email.
You can then demonstrate how the sequence moves a subscriber closer to making a purchase.
Now you’ve created a writing sample that shows potential clients how you think, research, and solve problems.
That’s what I’d want my portfolio to communicate.
My advice: Choose three to five strong writing samples that match the clients you want to attract. Add context around each one so potential clients understand what you contributed.
4. I’d Start Pitching SaaS Companies Again
I know cold pitching isn’t everyone’s favorite thing.
And I get it!
When I started freelance writing, pitching was one of the main ways I found clients.
Back in 2014, freelance marketplaces like oDesk and Guru were popular places to find writing work.
But if you wanted to move beyond low-paying projects, you needed to learn how to find businesses willing to invest in quality content.
That’s when I started learning how to pitch.
And even though the freelance writing landscape has changed, pitching is still something I’d do if I needed clients.
Just not the way some people teach it. I wouldn’t send 100 identical emails to random companies.
I’d focus on businesses that are actively investing in content.
How I’d find SaaS companies worth pitching
First, I’d create a list of 20 companies in my preferred industries. Then I’d look at their websites and ask:
- Are they publishing blog content regularly?
- Have they recently launched a new product or feature?
- Are they hiring content marketers?
- Do they have a resource center filled with guides, comparisons, or educational articles?
- Are their competitors publishing content they’re not covering?
These are all clues that a company might need content support.
For example, imagine I find a project management SaaS company that’s publishing several blog posts every month.
But when I look through its content, I notice it has plenty of beginner articles and very few product comparison guides.
That’s an opportunity. I could reach out to the content manager and explain how comparison content could help potential buyers evaluate their options.
I’d even suggest a few topics.
Something like:
“I noticed your blog has some great educational content around project management, but I didn’t see many comparison guides for teams evaluating different tools. I specialize in SaaS content and thought there might be an opportunity to build out that part of your content strategy.”
See the difference?
I’m not just saying, “Hi, I’m a freelance writer. Do you need content?”
I’m showing that I’ve looked at their business and have an idea that could help.
Of course, I’d make sure the suggestion fits their audience and marketing goals before pitching it.
My advice: Before pitching a company, spend 10–15 minutes researching its content. Find one specific opportunity and explain how your writing could support it.
A thoughtful pitch to the right company is worth far more than dozens of generic emails.
5. I’d Tap Into My Freelance Writing Network
Here’s something I didn’t understand when I started freelance writing.
Your network can become one of your biggest sources of work.
And I’m not just talking about potential clients.
I’m talking about other freelance writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers.
Over the years, I’ve connected with writers who specialize in different industries and services. Some of them write technical documentation. Others focus on email marketing.
We’re not all competing for the exact same projects.
Sometimes a client needs a service you don’t offer. Or you’re booked and can’t take on another project.
Maybe a company needs someone with experience in a different niche.
That’s where referrals come in.
What I’d do with my network
I’d start by reaching out to a handful of writers and marketers I already know.
I might say:
“Hey! I’m opening up some space for new SaaS writing projects and wanted to let you know. If you hear of any content teams looking for an experienced writer, I’d love to connect.”
I’d also check in with editors I’ve worked with who have moved to different companies.
This is something freelance writers sometimes forget.
Your contact at a company can be more valuable than the company itself.
Think about it.
A content manager might leave one SaaS company and join another.
If you built a good relationship with that person, they already know what you can deliver.
And if their new team needs content support, you might be one of the first writers they think of.
That’s why I always encourage freelance writers to build relationships, not just collect client names.
6. I’d Market Myself Even When I Didn’t Feel Like It
You can’t stop marketing yourself just because you’re busy with client work.
And yes, I’m still learning this!
When you have deadlines, meetings, revisions, and invoices to manage, it’s easy to push marketing to the bottom of your list.
Why spend time finding new clients when you already have enough work?
Well, because clients don’t always stay forever.
Marketing budgets get cut or projects end, and companies change direction.
And sometimes, a client who seemed like a long-term partnership suddenly doesn’t need content anymore.
That’s why I’d make marketing part of my regular workweek.
Not something I only do when I’m desperate for clients.
My simple freelance writer marketing routine
If I were rebuilding my client roster, here’s how I’d organize my week.
Monday: Find potential clients
I’d research five SaaS companies that publish content regularly and identify the people responsible for their content marketing.
Tuesday: Reconnect with my network
I’d email two or three past clients, editors, or marketing contacts.
Wednesday: Get visible on LinkedIn
I’d publish a post sharing something I’ve learned from writing SaaS content and leave thoughtful comments on posts from potential clients.
Thursday: Send pitches
I’d send two or three personalized pitches to companies I’ve researched.
Friday: Follow up and update my pipeline
I’d check which emails need follow-ups, record any responses, and plan my outreach for the following week.
Nothing complicated.
And I wouldn’t spend hours doing this every day. Even 30–45 minutes of focused marketing can help build momentum.
The goal isn’t to land a client every single day.
It’s to create a steady flow of conversations so you’re not starting from zero whenever a project ends.
7. I’d Look for Opportunities Beyond Traditional Freelance Writing Jobs
One thing that’s become clear to me is that the way companies hire freelance writers has changed.
Years ago, I spent a lot of time looking at freelance writing job boards.
And while job boards can still be useful, I wouldn’t rely on them exclusively today.
I’d look at company career pages, LinkedIn posts, marketing newsletters, and professional communities.
I’d also pay attention to companies expanding their marketing teams.
For example, if a SaaS company is hiring a Head of Content, that might signal plans to invest more in content.
It doesn’t guarantee they’ll hire freelancers.
But it gives me a reason to learn more about the company.
I’d also look at brands launching new products, entering new markets, or expanding their educational resources.
These businesses may need writers who can help explain their products, interview subject matter experts, and create content that supports customers throughout the buying journey.
And that’s exactly the kind of work I enjoy.
I’d focus on content that businesses actually need
I wouldn’t limit myself to writing basic informational blog posts.
I’d look for opportunities to write:
- Product comparison articles that help buyers evaluate software
- Case studies that show how customers use a product
- Thought leadership articles built around expert insights
- Bottom-of-funnel content for people researching a purchase
- Executive LinkedIn posts that communicate a leader’s experience and ideas
- Educational content that answers specific customer questions
For example, a SaaS company might not need another article explaining “What is project management?”
But it might need a detailed comparison of two project management tools for small marketing teams.
That article requires product knowledge, research, and an understanding of what potential buyers care about.
It’s a different type of writing opportunity.
And one I’d absolutely pursue.
8. I’d Keep Learning Skills That Make My Writing More Valuable
Now, here’s where I think freelance writers need to be careful.
With AI changing the content industry, it’s tempting to add every new service you hear about.
- AI content editing
- SEO strategy
- Email marketing
- Social media management
- LinkedIn ghostwriting
The list goes on!
But I wouldn’t suddenly offer ten different services just because I lost my clients.
I know what I’m good at and I know what kind of writing I enjoy.
That doesn’t mean I’d stop learning.
Far from it!
I’ve been freelancing since 2014, and I’m STILL learning new skills.
Recently, I’ve been expanding my knowledge of AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).
I’m learning more about how content can be structured to answer questions clearly, provide original insights, and become useful to readers who discover information through AI-powered search.
I’ve also been developing executive LinkedIn ghostwriting as an additional service.
Why?
Because it builds on skills I already use as a freelance writer.
- Research
- Interviewing
- Storytelling
- Understanding an audience
- Turning complicated ideas into clear, engaging content
I’m not becoming a completely different type of freelancer.
I’m expanding what I can offer clients based on what they actually need.
How I’d decide which skills to learn
I’d ask myself three questions:
1. Are my ideal clients asking for this?
If SaaS marketing teams are investing in executive thought leadership, learning how to write strong LinkedIn posts could be useful.
2. Does it build on something I already do well?
Writing executive posts is a natural extension of interviewing experts and creating thought leadership content.
3. Can I realistically deliver this service at a high standard?
I wouldn’t add a service to my website just because I watched a YouTube video about it.
I’d practice, create samples, understand the process, and make sure I could deliver professional work.
That’s how I’d approach adding new skills.
Not out of panic.
But because they make sense for my freelance writing business.
Freelance Writing Jobs are EVERYWHERE!
Believe it or not, but writing jobs are everywhere and they are plentiful.
I feel the AI bubble has burst and many companies NOW see that using AI for content isn’t getting them far. And that means they still need to rely on us, the expert freelance writer!
I hope these tips helped you. Tell me in the comments if you had this happen to you and what you did to fix it!
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