Become a Content Writer: How to Make a Good Income Writing

Last Updated on May 12, 2025 by Jan Barley

If you want to become a content writer, that is a brilliant choice! Whether you’re longing to have the freedom to work from your laptop in cosy cafés or you’ve always had a thing for words and storytelling, content writing is a fantastic way to make a living (and actually enjoy it).

Businesses everywhere are hungry for quality content, so there’s never been a better time to jump in and turn your love of writing into a proper income stream. I’ve been an SEO content writer since 2020 and make a good living working part-time hours.

Still, let’s be honest, starting anything new can feel a bit overwhelming. What exactly does a content writer do? How do you get noticed? And can you really make money writing?

Don’t worry. I will walk you through everything you need to know to become a content writer who gets paid (well) and feels proud of your work. So, let’s start with the basics.

This article is 5,000 words, but stick with it if you are serious about making an income from writing.

Understanding Content Writing

Before you become a content writer, it helps to know what that means, and trust me, it’s a lot more than just typing away on your laptop with a cup of tea by your side and the dogs snoring on the settee behind you (although that is a perk).

Content writing is about creating valuable, engaging, and helpful written content for businesses, blogs, websites, and social media platforms. Think blog posts, SEO writing, product descriptions, email newsletters, social captions, eBooks, and some writers specialise in writing video scripts.

When you become a content writer, you’re not just stringing sentences together. You’re solving problems, answering questions, and helping businesses connect with their audience meaningfully. And the best part?

You don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience to get started. All you need is curiosity, creativity, and the willingness to learn key skills (which we’ll get into soon).

So, whether you want to write for wellness brands, tech start-ups, or your favourite online shop, knowing what content writing involves is the first step in your journey to becoming a content writer who stands out.

Essential Skills for Modern Content Writers

If you’re ready to become a content writer, you’ll need more than just a way with words (although that certainly helps). I’ve been a writer my entire life, but only realised I could get paid for it when I became a widow in 2020 and had to find work. I didn’t want to work in an office or work full-time, so I set my intention to find writing clients and, within a month, started making a full-time income working from home, yes, with a cup of tea and the dogs snoring in the background 😊

Content writing has evolved, and today’s successful writers are part storyteller, part strategist, and part SEO-savvy magician. Don’t worry. I’m here to break it down.

Solid Writing and Grammar Skills

Firstly, your writing needs to be clear, engaging, and typo-free. You don’t need to sound like Shakespeare (unless your client’s asking for it), but it’s essential to know how to get your point across in a way that feels human and helpful. If you want to become a content writer people trust, good grammar is non-negotiable.

SEO Know-How

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) might sound techy, but it’s a critical tool in your content writing kit. You will get paid more if you have SEO writing skills and, in many cases, significantly more.

If you want your words to get seen, you need to understand how search engines work and how to naturally weave keywords (like “become a content writer”!) into your writing without sounding like a robot wrote it.

I recommend taking the free HubSpot SEO course. It doesn’t teach you how to write SEO content, but it’s a fantastic grounding to understand how SEO works.

Research Like a Pro

Content writers are curious creatures. When you become a content writer, you’ll often write about topics you’re not an expert in, yet. That’s where strong research skills come in. The ability to dig into a subject, find accurate info, and turn it into something uncomplicated and engaging is pure gold.

Adaptability and Voice

One day, you might be writing a light-hearted blog post about houseplants, and the next, a serious guide on financial planning. Being able to adapt your tone and match a brand’s voice is what sets great writers apart.

If you want to become a content writer that clients keep paying for, learn to shape your writing to fit different vibes. Most companies prefer a conversational style, but some want more authoritative writing.

Using AI Tools (The Smart Way)

Let’s be real, AI is everywhere now. In 2023, I witnessed many writers losing work supposedly because of AI writing tools like ChatGPT. The scarcity mindset was appalling. Yes, there are dozens of low-cost AI writers, but the content produced still needs editing to make it human.

AI writing software can be handy for idea generation, outlining, or even speeding up repetitive tasks. But they’re not here to replace you, but to assist you. I use ChatGPT to get me off the blank page, give me ideas and outlines. It saves me time, but I’d never rely on it.

When you become a content writer in today’s world, knowing how to use these AI tools ethically and creatively can save you hours and give you an edge.

Mastering these skills doesn’t happen overnight, but if you’re passionate about writing and eager to learn, you’re already halfway there.

Building a Robust Portfolio

If you want your writing pitches to be successful, a portfolio is one of the first things you’ll need when you set out to become a content writer. Think of it as your writing CV, except, instead of listing your qualifications, you’re showing off your skills through actual examples of your work.

A strong portfolio will help you land clients, secure higher-paying gigs, and prove that you’ve got what it takes to get the job done.

Here is my portfolio for dog publications. I have got a lot of work from showing clients examples of my writing.

Start Writing, Even If It’s Just for Fun

You don’t need to wait until you’ve signed your first paid gig to build your portfolio. Indeed, starting now is the best way to create a diverse collection of samples.

Start a blog on a subject you’re passionate about: cooking, dogs, AI, relationships, lifestyle, travel, or tech gadgets. It doesn’t matter. Just get your writing online. Put it somewhere like Clearvoice or Contently to showcase your writing skills and voice. You never know, a potential client might stumble across it!

Offer Guest Posts

Another great way to build your portfolio is to write for others, even if it’s initially free. Look for websites or blogs in your niche that accept guest posts or volunteer to write for a non-profit or charity. Go to Google search and type in “write for us [subject]”. So, I would search “write for us: dogs”

Guest posts can be great for gaining experience and publishing your work somewhere other than your blog. Most companies also allow you to link to your website, meaning you get a backlink to help build traffic.

As you build your portfolio, you’ll gradually have writing samples to show off to potential clients when you pitch them to become a content writer for their business.

Diversify Your Writing Samples

When you’re ready to expand your portfolio beyond personal projects, diversify your samples. Don’t just write blog posts—try your hand at product descriptions, email newsletters, case studies, and even social media posts.

A well-rounded portfolio will show potential clients that you can handle different types of content, which is crucial when you want to become a content writer who gets hired across industries.

Create a Professional Online Presence

Now that you’ve got some writing samples under your belt, it’s time to put them to work! Set up a simple website or an online portfolio. There are many free website builders out there (like WordPress or Wix) to help you get your portfolio online without needing a lot of technical know-how. You could also write for a platform like Medium.

Ensure your portfolio looks professional, is up to date and easy to navigate, and include an “About Me” section that tells potential clients about who you are and why you’re passionate about writing.

Bonus points if you also include a section about your services and rates when you’re ready to become a content writer with paying clients.

Building a strong portfolio takes time, but with the right attitude and a bit of hustle, you’ll quickly have a collection of work that shows off your talents.

The key is to start now, so when the opportunity to become a content writer presents itself, you’re ready to show what you’ve got!

Choosing and Specialising in a Niche

Writing about everything under the sun might feel tempting when you first set out to become a content writer. After all, the more topics you can cover, the more clients you can attract, right? Well, not exactly. It’s better to choose a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise because that leads to long-term success as a content writer.

When I started content writing, I had no choice. I was widowed, penniless and needed to pay the rent. My first gig was writing for cryptocurrency companies and got good at it. It was my primary income for two years, but didn’t enjoy it. I wrote this article in 2022, and it’s still on page one (the company edit successful articles regularly, but this is an 8k-word article that took me two days to write)

After leaving a toxic client in 2023, I decided to pursue dog publications because I love dogs, am a qualified dog behaviourist and can talk dogs until the sun comes down.

Why Niching Down Works

The idea of specialising might sound limiting, but in reality, it’s the opposite. You’re positioning yourself as an expert when you become a content writer with a specific niche. That means you’ll attract clients who need specialised knowledge and are willing to pay more. As a qualified dog behaviourist (since 2012), clients consider me an expert on dogs.

Finding Your Ideal Niche

So, how do you find the perfect niche to become a content writer? Start by asking yourself these questions:

• What topics am I most passionate about?
• What industries do I know well or want to learn more about?
• What’s in demand, and where can I add value?
• Does this industry pay well?

Some of the most profitable niches for content writers include tech, finance, health and wellness, lifestyle, sustainability, and personal development. But don’t feel boxed in. Look for an area where your interests meet market demand. Believe me, having written about crypto for three years, I was ready to poke my eyes out rather than continue writing for that industry,

Testing the Waters

Once you’ve got a few niches in mind, start writing for them. You don’t have to fully commit immediately. Dip your toes in by creating blog posts, articles, or even guest posts to see how you feel.

If you love the subject you are writing about, it will feel effortless, and you will look forward to sitting at the laptop, even when the sun’s shining and the dog is looking up at their lead and hoping you’ll notice them.

The Benefits of Niche Writing

Once you’ve chosen your niche, you’ll start to notice some big benefits:

• Higher rates: Clients will pay more for specialised knowledge.
• More repeat business: As an expert in your niche, clients will return for more content.
• Faster writing: Writing about a subject you know well will come more naturally, allowing you to produce quality content faster.

The more you focus on one niche, the better you’ll get at it. Over time, you’ll build a reputation and become known as a top-tier content writer in that specific area.

Specialising in a niche is one of the best decisions you can make when you become a content writer. It helps you stand out from the competition and can lead to more opportunities, higher pay, and work you love. So, take some time to think about where your strengths and passions lie, and go for it!

Leveraging AI Tools in Content Creation

When you become a content writer, one of the best things you can do is to work smarter, not harder, and this is where artificial intelligence becomes your ally.

AI tools have transformed the content creation landscape, offering writers a range of options to make their work faster, easier, and more efficient. Let’s look at how you can leverage AI to boost your writing game.

AI for Brainstorming Ideas

Coming up with fresh ideas every day can be one of the most challenging aspects of content writing. Here is where AI tools can save the day. They can help you create blog post ideas, social media content, or even topics for eBooks, AI platforms like SEOWriting.ai can help generate a list of ideas in seconds based on trending topics, keyword research, or specific themes you want to explore.

By using AI to help you brainstorm, you can ensure that you’re always on top of the latest trends, meaning you won’t run out of fresh ideas while working to become a content writer who stays relevant.

Streamlining Research

The foundation for effective content writing is solid research. AI tools can make this process a whole lot easier.

Tools like Keysearch and SurferSEO allow you to find keyword data quickly. You can identify top-ranking content by assessing top-ranking competitors and uncovering relevant resources. All this, without spending hours scrolling through search results. With this support, you can create valuable content that hits the mark every time.

I used SurferSEO extensively with one of the crypto companies I worked with, which got incredible results.

Speeding Up Writing

Another area where AI can be a game-changer is in drafting your content.

Platforms like SEOWriting.ai and ChatGPT can help you generate initial drafts, improve readability, and suggest ways to rephrase awkward sentences.

These tools act as writing assistants, helping you to get past the blank page and get your thoughts down more quickly. It doesn’t mean you’re replacing your voice with AI; your unique style should always shine through.

But these tools can help you save time on the repetitive parts of the writing process, enabling you to focus on the parts that matter most.

Note: Never rely on AI for research. It quite often makes stuff up!

Editing and Proofreading

Once you’ve written your piece, AI-powered tools can help you with editing and proofreading. Tools like Grammarly can spot grammar errors, improve sentence structure, and offer stylistic suggestions to elevate your writing.

The only drawback with Grammarly is that it’s bossy and can take away some of the creativity. It’s best to push back against some suggestions, so you can write in a more friendly, conversational tone that most companies want.

These AI assistants can catch those little mistakes you might overlook, helping you ensure that every piece of content you create is polished and professional.

When you become a content writer, these editing tools will be invaluable for delivering high-quality content quickly and efficiently, allowing you to impress clients and keep your reputation as a top-tier writer.

How to Get Your First Paid Content Writing Gig

Now that you’ve honed your skills, built a portfolio, and maybe even dabbled with AI tools to make your work more efficient, it’s time to take the plunge and start getting paid for your writing.

Landing your first paid content writing gig can feel daunting, but it’s 100% doable with the right approach. Look, I created a successful writing career when I was mostly lying on the kitchen floor in the fetal position, sobbing with grief at losing my fiancé in a cycling accident! So, if I can do it in those appalling circumstances, you have no excuse.

Here’s how to go from aspiring writer to getting your first paid job.

Read: 38 Websites That Pay Bloggers to Write 

Start Small, Build Your Confidence

Aiming for big, high-paying gigs is tempting, but let’s get real. If you have no demonstrable experience and portfolio, it will probably not happen.

My first client paid me £0.03 per word. I had to work like Daddy O to earn enough to pay my bills. Still, I proved myself with that client and went up to a whopping £0.05 per word in three months.

I wouldn’t get out of bed for that now. Today, I get paid more for one blog, than I used to get paid for three to four articles. That’s because I am a specialist in the dog industry, with a ton of dog experience, but I can also write for any niche without missing a beat.

Look for entry-level opportunities within your reach, such as blog posts for smaller websites, local businesses, or even guest post opportunities. These initial jobs might not bring in much money, but they will help you build confidence, refine your writing, and add to your portfolio.

The key is to focus on getting that first paid gig, no matter how small. Stick with it, my friend, because I am living proof of what is possible.

Pitch to Potential Clients

Most new writers start quivering with fear at the thought of pitching clients, but it’s necessary. Instead of waiting for job listings to come to you, actively pitch to clients.

Start by looking for small businesses, start-ups, or companies that align with your chosen niche. Craft a pitch that introduces you as a writer, explains what you can offer, and highlights how your skills can help their business grow.

Here are 3 tips that helped me get over pitching nerves:

1. Don’t care so much whether you get the work or not.
2. Let clients see your personality – be yourself, be cheeky.
3. Think of a number and double it when pitching a price.

Personalise each pitch to show that you’ve researched their company and explain why you’re a good fit. Being direct and clear about what you can offer will help you stand out when working to become a content writer who gets noticed.

I said be cheeky, and here’s why. A few years ago, a pet company posted on Facebook that they were seeking a new writer. 150 people commented, and I was late to the party.

I messaged the lady and said something like, “Hi Rosie, I am standing on a box waving at you, so you can see me above the 150 people who responded to your Facebook post with ‘I am interested.’ I’m a great writer and a dog behaviourist who talks dogs in her sleep. I am ready to start writing for you and make a huge contribution to your content.”

She responded immediately. I sent her my portfolio, and she hired me on the spot, citing that my unique, informal approach won her over and that my writing backed up my suitability.

Use Freelance Platforms

Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can be an excellent place to find paid writing gigs as a beginner. These platforms connect writers with clients worldwide, giving you access to hundreds of opportunities. Yes, they aren’t usually well-paid, and they take a bit of hustle, but they get your foot in the door for valuable writing experience and discovering the challenges of working with clients.

To stand out on these platforms, ensure your profile is complete, showcasing your portfolio (your absolute best work), skills, and relevant experience.

In the early days of becoming a content writer, you may need to take lower-paying jobs to build your reputation and reviews. But as you accumulate positive feedback, you can start charging higher rates for your work.

Network with Other Writers and Professionals

Networking might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about becoming a content writer, but it can play a huge role in landing paid gigs.

Connecting with other writers and professionals in your niche can help you learn about new opportunities and get referrals.

For example, in 2022, I connected with two copywriters. We helped each other brainstorm ideas and overcome self-doubts. One of these ladies went on to work for a pet company and, in late 2024, recommended me as an SEO writer, which has brought me a lot of work.

Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate Your Rates

Once you’ve gained some experience, don’t hesitate to negotiate your rates. Indeed, you should expect to. When starting, it’s easy to undersell yourself to land a gig, but as you build your portfolio and expertise, you’ll want to start charging what you’re worth. Don’t be in a race to the bottom. If a company want to hire the cheapest writer, they will likely be a nightmare client.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate if a potential client offers you less than what you feel you deserve. Often, clients will be willing to meet your rate if they believe your writing will help their business.

With persistence and a positive mindset, you’ll soon start getting paid for your writing, helping you grow and thrive as a content writer.

Maintaining a Sustainable Content Writing Career

Congratulations on deciding to become a content writer! Thinking long-term is essential now that you’ve landed some gigs, honed your skills, and built a portfolio.

Freelancing can be feast and famine if you aren’t prepared. Here are a few things I learned on the way:

1. Never – I mean NEVER – put all your eggs in one basket.
2. Unless it’s a well-known company with a good reputation, get paid upfront (or at least 50%) before submitting your work.
3. Ask clients for recommendations.
4. Pitch new ideas to your clients if they are open to that.
5. Keep looking for clients even if you have a lot of work.

I learned the hard way. At the beginning of 2023, a longstanding client was paying me a full-time income for around fifteen hours work each week. I got complacent (lazy) and enjoyed the nice fat bank transfer every month. Then, in May 2023, they let go of 90% of their workforce.

Before that, I had let the same thing happen with another client.

For most of 2023, I lived on table scraps, somehow surviving financially but feeling a bit uncomfortable about how little work I had. Today, I aim to have at least three clients, so I am not financially adrift if one goes. That happens by the way. I’ve had clients go bust, editors leave and new ones bring in their chosen writers and clients downsize.

Keep Learning and Evolving

Content writing is constantly evolving, and so should you. If you want a sustainable writing career, it’s essential to keep improving your writing and monitoring the latest trends, tools, and best practices.

Whether it’s SEO techniques, social media content strategies, or new AI tools, the more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to offer high-quality, in-demand services.

Consider taking online courses, reading industry blogs, or attending webinars. As you become a content writer, continuing your education will keep you competitive and enable you to charge higher rates as your skills grow.

Read: AI Opportunities for Bloggers: How to Leverage AI for Growth

Build Long-Term Client Relationships

One-off gigs can be great for getting started, but building long-term client relationships is key for a sustainable career. Clients who trust your work and reliability will likely keep hiring you, reducing the time spent searching for new gigs.

To build long-lasting client relationships, deliver exceptional work, meet deadlines consistently (seriously NEVER miss a deadline), and communicate clearly and professionally.

Over time, as you continue to impress your clients, you’ll find that your reputation as a reliable, high-quality content writer will help you secure ongoing work.

Diversify Your Writing Opportunities

While specialising in a niche is crucial, it’s best to diversify your writing opportunities. The more types of content you can write—blog posts, emails, social media posts, or even eBooks—the more likely you are to find new clients. That said, I only specialise in SEO writing because I don’t enjoy writing other content types.

Don’t be afraid to try different content types and see what works best. For example, I do not enjoy copywriting for clients. It makes me feel anxious. Conversely, I could write a pretty decent SEO blog post on the sex life of snails if that gig came my way. I never get bored with content writing.

Set Realistic Goals and Track Your Progress

Setting realistic writing goals is the best way to stay focused and motivated as you work toward the next stage of your content writing career.

Remember, your goals might evolve as you gain more experience, and that’s perfectly fine. The important thing is to keep pushing yourself and growing, so that you can continue to thrive as a content writer.

Take Care of Yourself

Writing is a creative and mentally demanding job, so prioritising self-care is essential to avoid burnout. I got seriously burnt out in 2023 after working with a toxic CMO for four months. It left me exhausted for most of that year.

Set aside time for breaks, exercise, and activities that recharge your mind. A well-rested, happy writer is more productive and creative, which will help you maintain a sustainable career for the long haul.

In addition, make sure to establish a healthy work-life balance. It can be easy to slip into the bottomless pit of working around the clock, but remember that taking time for yourself will ultimately help you produce better, more focused work.

Conclusion

Embarking on becoming a content writer is an exciting and rewarding adventure. Whether looking for a flexible side hustle or a full-time career, content writing offers endless opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive. It can be fun and financially rewarding, especially if you prefer not working a forty-hour week and not commuting to an office.

It’s possible to create a sustainable writing career that brings personal satisfaction and financial success by developing your skills, building a strong portfolio, leveraging AI tools, and building lasting client relationships.

Remember, the road to becoming a successful content writer may have its challenges, but with a bit of savvy, commitment to improvement, and the right mindset, you can achieve your writing goals. So, take the plunge, trust your abilities, and start writing your way to success.

The world is waiting for your unique voice and perspective—so go on, get started and share your writing skills with the world!

What Skills Do I Need To Become A Content Writer?

To become a content writer, you’ll need strong writing abilities, including grammar, style, and structure. Additionally, understanding SEO (search engine optimisation), research skills, and being comfortable using writing tools and AI assistance will give you a competitive edge. The more versatile your skill set is, the more opportunities you’ll have in the content writing field.

How Do I Get Started As A Beginner Content Writer?

Starting as a beginner content writer may feel overwhelming, but it’s all about taking small steps. Begin by writing regularly, whether it’s for your blog, guest posts, or freelance platforms.

Build a portfolio showcasing your best work, even if it’s unpaid initially. Focus on gaining experience, networking with other writers, and continuously improving your skills. With consistency, you’ll gradually start landing paid gigs.

How Much Money Can I Earn As A Content Writer?

Earnings as a content writer can vary based on experience, niche, and writing type. Beginners might earn anywhere from £10 to £30 per hour, while more experienced writers can charge higher rates, sometimes up to £100 per hour or more for specialised content.

As you build a portfolio and gain a reputation, you can increase your fees and choose the projects that align with your goals.

Aren’t Companies Switching to AI for Writing?

Yes, many companies are switching to using AI tools for writing. However, you can still succeed because editing AI written content is a proven skill. The writers that will still be hired are the ones who embrace AI and become masters at restructuring AI written content.

Do I Need A Degree To Become A Content Writer?

No, a degree is not required to become a content writer. While some clients or companies may prefer candidates with a formal education, what really matters is your ability to write engaging, well-researched content.

Many successful content writers are self-taught or have gained expertise through experience and practice. Building a strong portfolio and showcasing your skills is more important than having a degree.

Can I Work From Home As A Content Writer?

Yes, one of the most attractive aspects of becoming a content writer is the ability to work from home. Content writing is a flexible career that allows you to set your own schedule and work remotely.

As long as you have a reliable internet connection and the discipline to meet deadlines, you can work from anywhere, whether it’s your home office or a favourite café.

How Do I Find Clients As A Content Writer?

Finding clients as a content writer requires a mix of self-promotion and networking.

Start by creating an online presence through a professional website or blog, and join freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to get started. Networking with other writers, attending industry events, and reaching out directly to businesses in your niche are also great ways to find new clients.

Over time, word-of-mouth referrals and long-term client relationships will help you maintain a steady stream of work.