Cold Outreach vs. Job Boards
With a shifting economy, the future belongs to the freelancer. By 2027, more than half of the U.S. workforce is expected to be made up of freelancers. This transformation brings both challenges and opportunities, especially for the freelance writer navigating today’s digital world.
The challenges include a crowded market and the rapid rise of AI. Yet, paradoxically, those same forces also open new doors. One key question remains: Where should a beginner freelance writer start?
If you’re new to freelance writing and wondering where to find work, how to build connections, or how to start a portfolio with no prior experience, this article is for you.
First, a Word of Caution: Avoid Content Mills
While this article compares job boards and cold outreach, it’s important to first understand what not to do.
Beginner writers often stumble into content mills. These platforms promise quick access to writing jobs, but most offer shockingly low pay. Some gigs pay as little as $0.01 per word. That means $5 for a 500-word article—a rate that doesn’t reflect the time spent researching, writing, and editing.
Even writing three articles per day only nets you $15. That’s not a livable wage in most parts of the world.
This is the unfortunate reality for many writers in content mills. One might wonder how these mills even survive. The answer is simple: there are too many of them, and there are always writers desperate enough to accept the terms.
If you’re considering using a content mill, think twice. Whether it’s a traditional content mill or a platform that behaves like one, the issue is not necessarily the platform itself but the type of clients it attracts. Some examples include sites like Textbroker, CopyPress, Contena, Demand Studios, Examiner, and even certain gigs on Upwork and Fiverr. Again, not every offer is poor—but most are. Always examine who is hiring you and what they offer.
More important than where you search for freelance writing jobs is the person or company that hires you. And this is why cold outreach and job boards stand out.
Cold Outreach for Beginner Freelance Writers
Cold outreach means contacting potential clients directly—usually via email—with a pitch. Many successful freelance writers credit cold outreach for their highest-paying gigs. Why? Because this method gives you full control over who you reach out to, how often you pitch, and how much you charge.
The earnings can vary, but they are significantly better than what content mills offer. A beginner freelance writer might earn nothing at first but can quickly land gigs paying $100 or more per piece. That is a radical change compared to content mills, where you might need to write twenty articles to make the same amount.
Understanding how a content mill operates helps put things in perspective. Often, content mills act as outsourcing hubs. A person or company receives $50 for an article from a client, then pays the freelance writer just $5 to actually write it. It is hard not to feel ripped off.
So, how do you go about cold outreach as a beginner freelance writer?
First, determine your niche. What topics are you passionate about? What expertise do you bring to the table? Once you’ve decided, use Google to search for websites in that niche. Type something like “[topic] + write for us” and explore the results. Review the websites carefully. Look at the type of content they publish, their tone, their audience, the article length, and whether they rely on advertising. All of this will help you understand whether that website is right for you.
Next, think of a suitable article idea. If you’re truly passionate about a subject, you won’t have trouble coming up with ideas. If inspiration is lacking, you can always use AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity.ai, or Gemini to generate article titles and angles.
Once you have an idea, it’s time to write a persuasive pitch. Your email should explain who you are, why you’re a good fit, what you know about their publication, and how you plan to develop the article. You can even include a short excerpt or outline of the proposed piece. Remember, the goal is to land the job first—the detailed writing comes after.
The beauty of cold outreach is flexibility. You decide how many pitches you send and how much you charge. You have control over your workload and your rates. That adaptability is what makes cold outreach such an effective method for beginners.
Job Boards for a Beginner Freelance Writer
Job boards are websites where clients post freelance writing opportunities. They have been around since the late 1990s and continue to serve as a dependable source of work.
As a beginner, you can earn between $100 and $200 for a 500-word article on a job board. This is significantly higher than the $5 per article rate on a content mill. With more experience and expertise, you can even reach rates of $400 or more for similar projects.
Some job boards are more reputable than others. Platforms like ProBlogger and BloggingPro are known for quality listings. MediaBistro and FlexJobs are more niche-specific, offering projects in journalism and remote work. Contently and ClearVoice require portfolios and often focus on matching writers with brands. Even Upwork can be viable, though competition is high and you need to be selective.
Job boards aren’t perfect. Sometimes the competition is stiff. You may also find yourself writing proposals and waiting for responses, much like with cold outreach. But the advantage is that these boards gather many opportunities in one place, making your search more efficient.
Cold Outreach or Job Boards?
Both cold outreach and job boards can lead to quality clients and sustainable income. Cold outreach gives you control and the potential for higher earnings, but it requires more upfront effort. Job boards offer convenience and a degree of security, especially when using platforms with strong reputations.
The truth is, you don’t have to choose just one. Many freelance writers use both methods. You can apply to jobs on boards while simultaneously sending cold pitches. That way, you maximize your chances of landing a good client.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about becoming a freelance writer, stay away from content mills. The pay is too low, the expectations too high, and the opportunities too few.
Instead, focus your energy on job boards and cold outreach. Use job boards for access to established companies and straightforward applications. Use cold outreach to build lasting client relationships and gain more control over your career.
Whichever method you choose, remember that your freelance career is in your hands. Be proactive, be persistent, and keep improving. Your next client could be just one pitch away.
