1. Content Writer ✍️
A content writer creates various types of digital content for businesses and websites. This can include anything from website pages and product descriptions to email newsletters and social media posts. For beginners, content writing is often a great entry point as it covers a broad range of topics and formats.
Why it’s good for beginners: This field is always in demand and doesn’t always require deep subject matter expertise, as you can often research topics as you write. You can build a diverse portfolio by working on different types of content for various industries.
Example project: Writing a series of five blog posts about personal finance for a fintech startup.
2. Blog Post Writer 📝
A blog post writer specializes in creating articles for a company’s or individual’s blog. These posts can be informational, educational, or entertaining, and they often focus on a specific niche like travel, tech, or health.
Why it’s good for beginners: Blog posts are a common and accessible starting point. Many businesses are constantly looking for new content, and the format is relatively straightforward, allowing you to quickly build a portfolio. You can get started by writing guest posts for other blogs to get your name out there.
Example project: Writing a 1,000-word article titled “10 Essential Tips for Starting a Home Garden” for a gardening supply company’s blog.
3. Copywriter 📣
Copywriters create persuasive text (copy) with the goal of driving a specific action from the reader, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or clicking a link. This is different from content writing, which aims to inform or entertain.
Why it’s good for beginners: Copywriting is a highly valued skill, and even entry-level work can be lucrative. It teaches you how to write for a business purpose, which is a valuable skill that can be applied to many other writing jobs.
Example project: Crafting the headline and product descriptions for a new line of organic skincare products.
4. Technical Writer ⚙️
Technical writers take complex information—like product instructions, user manuals, or scientific data—and make it easy for a general audience to understand. This is an excellent field for people who are good at breaking down complicated subjects into clear, concise steps.
Why it’s good for beginners: If you have a background or interest in a specific field like software, engineering, or healthcare, technical writing can be a great fit. It is a niche skill, which means there’s less competition for jobs compared to more general writing roles.
Example project: Creating a user guide for a new mobile application that outlines each feature and how to use it.
5. Editor or Proofreader ✒️
While not strictly writing, offering editing and proofreading services is a fantastic way for a beginner to get started in the freelance world. Editors review content for clarity, tone, and structure, while proofreaders focus on correcting grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Why it’s good for beginners: This role doesn’t require you to generate original content. Instead, it lets you use your strong command of grammar and attention to detail to help other writers. It is a solid way to learn the ropes of the industry and build a client base.
Example project: Proofreading a 20-page e-book for a life coach to ensure it’s free of errors before publication.