What does a successful freelance writer mean to you?
Does it mean being able to live comfortably from writing alone?
Or, does it mean trying to find ways to make more money and diversify your business?
Whatever idea you have for success, I found for me, success meant being able to replace my previous salary – I’ve actually exceeded that recently – and being there for my family.
But, how do you achieve this level of success? What are the building blocks for making your first $1k from freelance writing?
It’s creating high-value content and being able to promote yourself online. And to start, you need to read about how to create epic content and promote yourself as a marketer.
I’ve rounded up the 10 best sites – that I go to regularly – to help you become a successful freelance writer. Here they are!
1. Smart Blogger
If you want to know how to write killer content, then read anything from Jon Morrow’s site, SmartBlogger. From having tantalizing headlines, to intros that immediately hook you in, this blog has that and more.
And make sure to read one of Jon’s posts. They inspire and motivate you to action. The site has some of the best writers guest posting, so be sure to read some posts to get an idea of engaging and high-value content.
To get you started check out:
317 Power Words That’ll Instantly Make You a Better Writer
2. Be a Freelance Blogger
If you’re a freelance writer and don’t know about Sophie Lizard’s incredibly resourceful site, Be a Freelance Blogger, then you’re missing out on a wealth of information and support.
Her site not only has great tips and resources for new freelance writers, but there is also a forum where seasoned freelance writers offer their suggestions and advice.
To get you started, check out this post that helped me when I first started:
How to Cheat and Steal Your Way to Endless Blog Post Ideas
3. The Write Life
The Write Life is a great place to not only learn about freelance writing but about writing in general. Authors and journalists are welcome at The Write Life.
From tips to book reviews to guest posting spotlights, this site has a variety of content to devour.
What’s nice about this site is that they have their own job board. So, don’t forget to check out their listing of potential writing gigs!
If you’re working full-time and writing on the side, check out this post:
Working on the Side: How to Fit Freelance Writing Around a Full-Time Job
4. Social Triggers
Raise your hand if you hate marketing? Well, if you want to be successful as a freelance writer, marketing is by far the best way to go about that.
Derek Halpern provides tips for selling your books or products. He teaches you how to persuade your customers using psychology and flare. His suggestions will help you earn money.
I enjoy his posts on website design as I feel having a clean and modern website can help attract higher-paying clients.
Check out this post, What’s the Perfect Width for Your Online Content?
5. The Branded Solopreneur
I love digital marketing. Anything related to that – copywriting, branding, content marketing, social media – is right up my alley.
And Dre from The Branded Solopreneur is my sweet addiction. I love her take on branding and design, and I love all her freebie webinars! She provides great tips – with tons of examples – on helping you make a better-looking website, logo, and brand.
One of my favorite posts of hers is 8 Visual Design Mistakes That Plague Most Non-Designers.
6. Successful Blogging
I started reading Successful Blogging when I was learning everything and anything about blogging. I enjoy Sue Anne Dunlevie’s topics and the information she provides. I’ve also listened to some podcasts of hers, and I’ve learned a lot about launching a product.
If you’re a freelance writer and are stuck writing about boring topics, be sure to check out How to Write Good Blog Posts on Boring Topics. It’s helped me on some client work in the past!
7. Leaving Work Behind
Leaving Work Behind was one of the first few websites that I learned about when I decided to pursue freelance writing. But, I stopped reading it for months because I gravitated more towards Sophie’s site.
But, recently I’ve started reading Tom’s blogs again and am finding the information valuable for scaling my business.
So, if you need some help landing clients here’s Tom’s take on finding freelance writing jobs.
8. Copy Hackers
I recently learned about Copy Hackers after I started learning about copywriting.
I’ve always been fascinated by the psychology of behavior and how that relates to online businesses. That’s probably why I like conversion copywriting. Joanna Weibe is a great storyteller and is a fabulous copywriter.
If you’re interested in copywriting, be sure to check out Is the Seemingly Humble Button More Powerful Than the Headline?
9. Enchanting Marketing
Henneke’s site is awesome! I mention Enchanting Marketing all over my blog! She’s a popular copywriter and offers some fantastic tips on writing and persuasion.
Her free snackable course was my first introduction to email courses. Henneke’s feature images are her own hand drawings, and her little person is a trademark of her brand.
One post I found helpful with my writing was 4 Types of Weak Words: How to Spice Up Bland Content.
10. QuickSprout
If you need help with marketing your content or learning about social media or even about writing, Neil Patel has it all. His blog is updated every two days! And these posts aren’t small. They’re well-researched and in-depth.
I’m simply amazed at his ability to produce epic content. I don’t read much of this blog simply because I can’t keep up with the content schedule, but I’m always excited when I do have some time to read a post of two.
One post that I enjoyed reading was Learn from the Best: 6 Skills All Great Writers Have (And How to Learn Them).
Always Be Learning
As a freelance writer, it’s our job to be in tune with what’s happening online. Whether it’s about blogging, content marketing, the newest social media platform, webinars, or conversion copywriting, if you want to grow and succeed you need to always be learning.
Over to you – what blog do you regularly visit (besides mine? I joke!) to learn more about freelance writing or business in general? Tell me all about it in the comments!
And to help with that I have a free course on getting paid to write online.
Sign up to my free six-day email course and get even more actionable tips to help you succeed as a freelance writer.
Hello there Elna,
I’m just now in the baby phases of getting my blog up and running. I’ve started this journey, in hopes to find a way to help support my family. I’m not going to fill your comment box with all the details of the why this is necessary. However, during one of my up all night, worrying about how I’m going to accomplish this goal I came across your blog. Thank you for sharing this information for people like me, just starting out. I’ve found some interesting possibilities through the links you’ve shared. Please feel free to stop by my site sometime and leave me feedback.
Hi Wendy!
Thanks so much for commenting 🙂 So happy you found my blog and if you need any help I’m here for ya!
Love the sites you mention in this one, Elna 🙂 Soon your blog will also be featured on other’s top lists, although I’ve already seen features of ElnaCain.com elsewhere, and was very happy about that.
I have to admit the only one I hadn’t heard of is the Branded Solopreneur, which I’ll be checking out now. Enchanted Marketing and Copy Hackers are fabulous, though. Always something new to learn.
Thank you for sharing!
That’s great Ralista.
Glad that you found some other awesome sites to visit. Dre’s Branded Solopreneur is awesome for learning about how to brand yourself online. She has some pretty awesome tips and actually shows you what’s she’s talking about.
Thanks again for stopping by!
Great list, Elna. Some of these I haven’t heard of, but I follow Be a Freelance Blogger, The Write Life, and QuickSprout. They’ve all been super useful!
Alicia,
Glad you found some new blogs to visit! Have fun exploring!
Hi Elna
You have a great list here – thanks!
I’m already familiar with some of them, and will explore the others too.
Although I’m not a freelance writer I am keen on improving my skills, so your post is very helpful. (To me it’s all about communication – written word and spoken word. That’s my focus, namely to get better in both areas.)
This is my first visit to your blog. It looks great, and I’m looking forward to returning real soon.
I’ll share this post now
Cheers,
Kim
Hi Kim,
Nice meeting you! Thanks for stopping by and I’m happy to hear you found some new blogs to explore. I was just on Social Triggers and read his latest post and it’s awesome!
Hi Elna,
This is my first time at your site and I love all the information you’re sharing. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Thank you for sharing these sites with us. I’m seriously thinking about getting into freelance writing in the new year, so thank you for givnig me a head start on places to look.
Hope you’re having a great week!
Cori
Corina!
Super happy you’re here! Love following ya on Twitter and seeing ya around the web! Thanks so much for stopping by and so thrilled that you’re interested in freelance writing. My site has tons of info about it so devour my posts! And if you need help I have courses and coaching! 🙂
Great post, I’ve added a few to my list to check out!
I’d be interested in hearing peoples tips to keep up with all of these great resources… I recently switched to using Feedly.
Hi Jessica,
Glad you found some new sites to visit. I found these the best for freelance writers. It certainly helped up my game!
Hi Elna,
These are all winning sites. I read a few and a few are new. Jon’s blog is fabulous; he gives you clues into writing helpful, persuasive copy, the stuff most of our clients want. I write a bunch different from my blog when creating for clients. Reading these blogs inspires me to write in a shorter, punchier fashion, which my clients seem to like. Thanks Elna.
Ryan
Hey Ryan!
Jon’s blog is fabulous right? You can learn so much about copy just from that blog. I definitely use techniques from his blog for my blog and client work. I’m also learning a lot from Copy Hackers. Great case studies about the psychology of buying. This will help me with my launch!
Holy EPIC list, I’m beyond flattered to be included with some of my all time favorite bloggers! I absolutely la la loooove Henneke, Derek & Sue…and there’s a couple others I haven’t explored yet…but you can bet I will.
You are the bomb diggity girl, thank you from the bottom of my wine filled heart for all the love! Off to share the shiz outta this bad boy! 😉
Girl you know I lolololove your blog! I’m obsessed with branding and visual elements it’s beyond an obsession. I’m harnessing it in though. Still having a hard time coming up with my course image though! I like the flat design look but not sure if it will appeal to my target audience of moms and bloggers? I don’t know…
Thanks for dropping by and dousing us with your awesomeness!
Hey Elna,
I really like this list and I know about 4 of the sites you mentioned. I’m not a freelance writer but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn a thing or two about writing great posts. It’s to my advantage to hone my skills.
I do want to check out Copyhackers, Social Triggers and The Branded Solopreneur. Those sound like they’re right up my alley!
Thanks for sharing Elna! Have a great day!
Hey Sherman,
That’s great! These blogs are awesome to help freelance writers or entrepreneurs. I absolutely love Social Triggers and Dre’s blog! Glad I introduced you to some awesome content!
I love digital marketing. Anything related to that – copywriting, branding, content marketing, social media – is right up my alley.Indeed!!
Hey Melchyy,
Digital marketing is my niche and I really do love it! That’s the great thing about freelance writing you know? Being able to write about whatever you want to (well that pays the bills of course!).
Thanks for this list, Elna! I’ll be adding them to my Feedly app. 🙂
Hi Kim!
Sounds great. Good luck!
Hi Elna,
I frequent Boost Blog Traffic and Successful Blogging so I definitely agree, these sites are really very useful, especially to new bloggers like me. Thanks for the rest of the resources you provided, Elna. Will definitely look into the remaining sites!
Thanks for your course. It really helps me a lot.
Have an awesome day!
Charmaine
Hey Charmaine,
Glad you enjoyed my free course. Yes, those sites are great aren’t they? I learn a lot about how to write a blog post from Jon’s site. It’s fantastic!
Hi Elna,
Seems like as long as I follow your blog and therefore advice, I will find all those great websites and information through it. I too, signed up for a couple new ones and am excited to learn more again.
Thanks, as always!
Hi Mariken!
Glad you found these sites helpful. I recently found Derek’s site Social Triggers and absolutely love it! He just doesn’t produce content enough! Oh well. It’s a treat when he does.
I love reading Carol tice, makealivingwriting.com it always challenges my capability as a writer. And bamidele’s writersincharge which is another favorite.
Hi Lillian!
Carol Tice has a good blog, but I feel it fits freelance writers who are journalists rather than bloggers, so I don’t visit her blog often. Bamideles’ is another great site that I refer to often! Glad you mentioned these two sites.
Great sites. There are a few that I hadn’t heard of before.
Thanks, Elna.
Hey Mercy,
Thanks! Glad you liked my list and found some ones you haven’t heard before! Have fun reading.
Fabulous sites, Elna! There are a few I haven’t visited before so Signed Up!
Thanks for sharing with us!
Hey Brenda!
Glad you found some new blogs to read! I love round up posts since they introduce me to new blogs or bloggers or tips! I really enjoy social triggers and often go back to read posts from Derek or watch videos. I love psychology and copywriting and his site touches on both of these concepts!