Freelancing has become a growing trend in the workforce, with more people pursuing this career path. Specialists claim that by 2027, most people in the U.S. will earn their living through freelancing. Given this, any beginner freelance writer should feel encouraged.
If you’re reading this post, you’ve probably considered freelance writing. Maybe you’re a beginner curious about pricing. In fact, many freelance writers—and freelancers in general—struggle to find a clear answer to the old question:
How much should I charge?
The answer isn’t simple. Your rates depend on several factors, even as a beginner. However, this article will help you better understand how to choose your pricing.
Types of Online Writing & Earnings
The internet has unlocked countless possibilities. Just a few decades ago, most people were limited to traditional jobs in their local communities. Today, the digital world allows us to work from almost anywhere.
Many freelancers now enjoy a work-and-travel lifestyle. This is especially true for writers. Hop on a plane, and with enough income, you can live where you want. That’s why you see freelance writers posting content while visiting the Egyptian pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, or other iconic landmarks.
But the big question is: what kind of writing pays?
Here are five types of writing services that can earn you money as a freelance writer:
- Copywriting
- Blog post writing
- Article writing
- Social media writing
- Scriptwriting (for Youtube)
Blog and Article Writing for Beginners
Blog and article writing are the most common forms of freelance writing. Companies across all industries constantly seek content creators for their blogs and websites.
How much can a beginner freelance writer earn through blog or article writing?
That depends on several factors:
- Are you a generalist or a niche expert?
- How well do you write?
- Do you have samples, testimonials, or a portfolio?
If you’re a generalist writing on a wide range of topics, expect lower rates. But if you’re a specialist in a high-demand field, you can charge more for your expertise.
Another consideration is length. Many clients prefer to pay per word, which means the more you write, the more you earn. (Note: this doesn’t apply as strictly to copywriting or social media writing.)
Recommended rates:
- As a beginner generalist: up to $0.10 per word (e.g., $70 for a 700-word post)
- As a niche expert: $0.50–$0.80 per word
A well-researched 2,000-word tech article, for example, could pay up to $1,600. You may not land this kind of project right away, but it shows what’s possible.
🚨 AI vs. Human Writers
Some claim content writing is “dead” because of AI tools that generate text in minutes. While AI is powerful, it can’t replicate a human voice or real-life perspective. People still want to read content written by real people with real opinions. That’s your edge—use it.
Social Media Writing: A Fast-Paced Opportunity
Have you ever read a compelling Facebook post or eye-catching Instagram caption? Chances are, a professional writer crafted it.
In the past decade, companies have doubled down on social media to grow their audiences, build trust, and generate revenue. This creates new writing opportunities—especially for beginners.
Pro tip: Follow your favorite brands or local businesses online and reach out. Offer to help them with their posts. Many don’t even realize they need a writer until one reaches out.
Suggested beginner rate:
- $10 per post
That may seem low, but:
A) Social media posts are short and fast to write
B) You can work with multiple businesses at once
Write 20 posts a day, and you could make $200/day.
🚨 Bonus Tip
Offer social media management services, too! That includes writing posts, scheduling them, replying to comments, and managing inboxes.
Suggested hourly rate for management:
- $20–$30 per hour
YouTube Script Writing: An Emerging Niche
As of 2025, scriptwriting for YouTube is in high demand. With more creators launching podcasts, mini-documentaries, and YouTube series, they need help developing engaging scripts.
Fun fact: Over 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute.
Suggested beginner rate:
- $0.01–$0.05 per word
- Or $1–$5 per finished minute of video
That means a 10-minute video script could earn you up to $50. As you gain experience and testimonials, you can scale your rates quickly.
Soon, you may be writing hour-long podcast scripts at premium rates.
Copywriting: The Most Lucrative Path
If you’re looking to earn top dollar as a writer, copywriting is where the money is.
Why? Because copywriting = sales. Your words persuade readers to buy products, book calls, join email lists, or support a mission.
Copywriting niches include:
- Sales pages
- Landing pages
- Email campaigns
- Website copy
Each one requires a slightly different skill set—but all are valuable.
Suggested beginner rates:
- Up to $0.15 per word
- Or better yet: $25–$36 per hour
Since copywriting involves heavy research and strategy, many professionals charge by the hour or per project instead of by word count.
With consistent work, you could earn a $45,000+ annual income—even as a beginner.
Final Thoughts
No matter what writing path you choose, freelance writing can be a lucrative and flexible career. Your income depends on:
- How well you market yourself
- How clearly you communicate your value
- How consistently you deliver great work
As more freelancers enter the market, the ones who combine competence with confidence will succeed.
Want to turn your passion for writing into a full-time income?
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You’ve got the talent. We’ll help you get paid for it.
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