Find out which types of freelance writing services are in demand, the most lucrative, and the easiest to learn as a freelance writer.
Fact: this blog post will help you make more money as a freelance writer.
No matter if you’re just getting started or an experienced freelancer, knowing the different types of freelance writing services is key to making more money.
You’ll know which ones are in-demand and which are the most profitable. And you’ll be able to combine different writing services within the same niche so you can get more clients and sell more services to your existing clients.
25 Different Types of Freelance Writing Services That Pay Big Bucks
Let’s look into the different types of lucrative services you can offer as a freelance writer.
1. Blog Writing Jobs
Freelance blogging jobs are some of the most plentiful and profitable out there.
Why?
Well, blog posts are one of the best ways to improve a website’s SEO and build trust and authority with an audience.
Businesses of all sorts see their blog as a core part of their digital marketing strategy — and they need lots of content!
Usually, you won’t be asked to write a single blog post for a website.
You’ll either be hired to write a bunch of blog posts in bulk or to write one to eight (or even more) per month from anywhere between three months to a year.
You can also be hired to write guest blog posts to increase a business’s exposure and/or domain authority.
Unlike many other types of freelance writing jobs, freelance blogging can guarantee you a predictable, fixed income if you have one or more long-term contracts.
Besides, this is probably the most beginner-friendly writing type.
If you want to become a thriving freelance blogger, you’re in the right place ‘cause that’s one of the main topics I teach in this blog.
To get started, you just need to learn how to write SEO-friendly blog posts and you’re good to go.
2. SEO Writing Jobs
SEO writing jobs were once the most beginner-friendly type — if you didn’t mind writing thousands and thousands of words for pennies, that is.
SEO writers were (maybe still are?) hired through “content mills.”
Basically, online businesses would hire them for $0.01 to $0.03/word and give them a bunch of SEO keywords and a target word count.
In turn, writers would deliver a pile of garbage with keywords sprinkled in.
For a long time, that was enough to rank on Google (at least for low-competition keywords).
But almighty Google has since been cracking down on crappy content with increasingly more sophisticated ranking algorithm updates.
So, SEO writing as we knew it is dead.
And if it isn’t fully dead yet… I can guarantee you that only business owners that are clueless about SEO still go for this type of low-quality content.
Nowadays, SEO writing involves crafting highly valuable content and expert-level SEO knowledge — and it’s paid accordingly.
3. Email Marketing & Newsletter Writing Jobs
Any digital marketer will tell you that the money is on the email list.
Since businesses get a high return on investment (ROI) from their email marketing efforts, they’re easily willing to pay freelancers for this type of service.
It comes as no surprise that 22% of freelance writers create marketing emails for their clients.
Some of the things you can expect to write under this category include:
- Welcome emails or email sequences
- Email marketing campaigns
- Newsletters
- Sales funnels
- Opt-in funnels
4. Lead Magnet Writing Jobs
For those of you wondering “what the h*ck is a lead magnet?!” here’s a brief explanation:
I just went over marketing emails and newsletters, right?
Well, lead magnets are the carrot on a stick to get people to sign up for those email lists.
Businesses give out something small for free to encourage people to subscribe to their email lists.
A lead magnet can be anything: a free eBook, checklist, whitepaper, course, recipe eBook, webinar, printable template, product sample or trial, quiz… You name it!
Here’s an example from Allison Lindstrom’s blog:
The one thing you need to remember is that:
Your lead magnet should have both high perceived value and high actual value.
Mary Fernandez, OptinMonster
Lead magnets are the first step to building a relationship with an audience, so, you need to make sure that relationship starts on the right foot.
Know that it also takes some digital marketing and design skills (besides writing).
You can choose to specialize in lead magnets or use them as upsells. Most lead magnet writers offer other services.
Maybe you’re already writing blog posts, marketing emails, or some other thing for a client.
Take some time to come up with a couple of great lead magnets that’d benefit their business and pitch that idea — you should make at the very least $100 more for a simple checklist or template.
Imagine how much you can make for eBooks, courses, and other higher-level lead magnets!
5. Copywriting Jobs
The aim of a copywriter is to persuade audience members to take a specific action. Most often that action is to purchase a product or service.
Pete Boyle
Becoming a successful copywriter isn’t for everyone.
You’ll need to dedicate yourself to learning copywriting techniques that lead readers to take action before jumping on this type of freelance writing service.
But you can make a lot of money copywriting — and I mean A LOT.
Some copywriters make $250 an hour… Let that sink in.
Aside from sales experience, it helps if you’re good at storytelling, researching and comparing products, and love shopping yourself.
Within copywriting, you may be asked to write:
- Blog posts
- Buying guides
- Gift guides
- Sales pages
- Landing pages and website copy
- Product and category descriptions
- Product reviews
- Marketing emails
- White papers
- Case studies
6. Website Content Writing Jobs
Website content writing jobs are some of the most in-demand at the moment.
New businesses are popping up every day — they need websites and content.
Older businesses are starting to realize the importance of having an online presence, too — they need websites and content.
And many businesses already have their website up and running but need a revamp — they need content.
There’s no shortage of website content writing jobs, as you can see 👇
This is one of the most varied types of writing you can do and you’ll need an array of skills, from copywriting to more informative content writing.
Here’s some website content you may be asked to write:
- Homepages
- About pages
- Contact pages
- Services pages
- Product and product category pages
- FAQs pages
7. Article & News Writing Jobs
Magazines and newspapers need content — obviously!
Until recently, you’d need a journalism (or similar) degree to land one of these gigs but that’s not the case anymore.
Anyone can write for online newspapers and magazines.
Here are the three most common subtypes of article and news writers:
- News writers need to be as objective and unbiased as possible.
- Editorial writers are literally paid to express their opinion on current or past events.
- Feature article writers research and write about other topics of interest that aren’t exactly news.
Some publications also pay for book, music, and movie reviews.
So, as you can see there are maaaany options for this type of writer.
You can choose a niche that you’re passionate about, like a hobby or cause, a niche you’re an expert on, or get out there and report on current news and events.
8. B2C Writing Jobs
B2C means business-to-customer.
Basically, you’ll write product-based content directly aimed at customers — which means, you can use a more conversational, relaxed, and fun tone.
Some of the most common types of B2C content are product reviews, buying guides, and tutorials. Sometimes, it can involve how-to guides — not often, though.
9. B2B Writing Jobs
B2B means business-to-business.
At its core, the goal is the same as B2C — selling a product or service. But it’s aimed at selling to other businesses.
This is one of the most in-demand and profitable freelance writing services.
Why is it in demand?
Because new small businesses are popping up every day while others are growing from small to medium and from medium to big — they all need content.
Why is it profitable?
Well, first, because there’s a lot of demand!
But also because businesses usually have more money to spend than customers, meaning that B2B businesses can pay you more.
Also, these are often SaaS companies with huge profit margins. Again, this allows them to spend more on marketing.
Within B2B writing, you can niche down into insurance, banking, payment software, SEO software and agencies, digital marketing software and agencies, and many others.
10. Product Description Writing Jobs
To be a product description writer, you need to be creative, knowledgeable about SEO, and a master at summarizing information.
Finding a balance between enticing people to buy but not being in-your-face-salesy is also a rare quality that can get you lots of work in this writing type.
Depending on the product type you niche down to, you can make good money — businesses selling more expensive products can likely pay you better.
Regardless of whether you price your services on a per-word or per-project rate, remember that although each product description has few words, there’s a lot of research work behind it — price your services accordingly!
11. Social Media Writing Jobs
Pretty much every business has a social media presence nowadays.
And — you guessed it — they need content.
It takes specialized knowledge to come up with a social media content strategy, written content, and a posting schedule across a multitude of platforms.
You may also need photography, video, and design skills to land this type of gig.
12. eBook Writing Jobs
What makes eBooks so easy to get into is that people don’t need to put up with publishers and agents AND they’re so cheap (or even free) that they end up being bought way more than physical books.
That’s why there are so many people looking for eBook writers — especially eBook ghostwriters.
Here are some types of eBooks you could be hired to write:
- Any sort of fiction for established or beginner writers who want to make passive income over time from eBooks;
- Memoirs or autobiographies for public figures;
- Lead magnets or paid eBooks for businesses that want to thoroughly explain or promote their products;
- Lead magnets or paid eBooks for bloggers.
Whether fiction is your thing, you have a lot of knowledge in a particular topic, or you’re willing to research a lot, eBook writing can be a profitable career path for you.
13. Technical Writing Jobs
Normally, technical writers craft user manuals for hardware and software.
You know those booklets or e-booklets that come with software you bought, your new phone, or the IKEA furniture you’ll have to put together at home?
Technical writers got paid to write those.
These writers also create procedure manuals for industrial processes in engineering, robotics, and aeronautic companies — of course, you’d need a highly specialized degree to land one of these jobs.
Being a technical writer can be insanely profitable.
However, you’d need to continuously pitch (and land) new clients.
Most businesses won’t launch a new product every month. It’s mostly a one-and-done with each client.
14. Instructional Writing Jobs
There are a few different types of instructional writing jobs, including:
- Online lessons, courses, and tutorials
- Textbooks
- Standardized test questions
- Tutoring materials
In this case, it’s helpful to have other skills (besides writing), including graphic design and knowing how to work with online course software, for example.
To land this type of gig, you should be so knowledgeable about a topic that you can teach others about it.
15. Business Writing Jobs
There’s a wide array of business writing jobs. You could be hired to write:
- Press releases
- Business plans
- White papers
- Case studies
- Articles
- Reports
- Pamphlets/booklets
- Business proposals
- Speeches
- And others
While in some cases, you may get hired just to write a speech or white paper, for example; often, you’ll be responsible for all the writing needs of the business that hired you.
This can generate reliable and high income but it’s a bit harder to get into (hence, not very beginner-friendly).
To succeed as a business writer you need to have a strong portfolio, be very knowledgeable within your niche, and network relentlessly — people won’t hire you for such a high-responsibility job if they don’t know and trust you.
16. White Paper Writing Jobs
White papers aren’t for everyone.
They’re more tedious, long, and require academic writing skills but you can make between $5,000 and $6,000 per 3,000-word white paper.
A white paper is an informational document usually issued by a company or not-for-profit organization to promote or highlight the features of a solution, product, or service that it offers or plans to offer.
Adam Hayes, Investopedia
Just like with many other writing types on this list, it’s rare to get recurring work from the same client.
You’ll need to continuously pitch your services and get clients through word-of-mouth or through your self-marketing channels.
17. Case Study Writing Jobs
Case studies are a marketing tactic similar to white papers.
They’re used to showcase success stories from people who used that business’s products or services.
Even blogs that don’t sell those products or services can use case studies to promote them and earn affiliate commissions.
Writing case studies is very in demand right now and it’s a type of writing where you can charge more because 1) it takes longer to create, either due to lengthy research or interviews you’ll make, and 2) it directly generates revenue for your client.
Case studies aren’t mere informative blog posts; you can and should price them differently.
18. Resume Writing Jobs
Erm… “Resume writing jobs” is pretty self-explanatory, isn’t it?
Now, there are two sides to this coin.
On one hand, you need to continuously find new clients — I mean, if you wrote a winning resume, your clients shouldn’t need a new one for a long time!
This is the biggest downside. You may not be able to make a living just writing resumes.
On the other hand, it really depends on the type of clients you have.
If you’re writing resumes for mechanics or chefs they probably can’t pay you that much.
If you’re writing resumes for aeronautical engineers or CEOs you’ll probably make a killing.
Your success in this writing type fully depends on your experience, how you market yourself, and to whom you’re marketing your services.
If you think about it, this is just a very specialized type of copywriting: you’re marketing a person to businesses and trying to get them to take action (i.e. hire that person).
19. Grant Writing Jobs
Grant writing is the act of preparing an application to receive funding for a project or organization that does not need to be paid back.
Alexis Swenson, Grant Writer
These applications are often made by non-profits seeking funding from government agencies.
This type of gig involves:
- Writing the application itself
- Listing the reasons why they’re asking for funding
- Describing the applicant
- Describing the applicant’s intentions
- Taking care of all the follow-ups necessary
This is a unique freelance writing type where you’ll need very specialized knowledge — definitely not the easiest to get into but very profitable, nonetheless.
20. Legal Writing Jobs
Ok, this is one of the only freelance writing types that require a degree.
If you have a strong legal background but want more freedom, legal writing is for you.
You’ll be hired to:
- Draft contracts
- Write content for legal websites
- Write blog posts for legal websites
- Write legal briefs
- Research papers
- And more
There aren’t as many legal writing jobs out there but there aren’t as many legal writers either!
Oh, and it’s very well-paid.
21. Scientific & Academic Writing Jobs
Academic writing is another freelance area where you need a degree and some background.
I actually landed a bunch of academic writing and translating gigs at the beginning of my freelancing career given my background as an engineer.
And I can tell you from experience: it’s quite profitable.
Normally, you’ll work for professors or huge worldwide corporations that have their own in-house research departments. SMEs or start-ups may also approach you.
Some of the jobs I was hired for include:
- Translating academic papers and equipment lists
- Writing, editing, and proofreading academic lectures
- Researching and writing reports on various topics
- Market and state-of-the-art research
- Crafting experimental methodologies and laboratory procedures
- Writing or summarizing scientific articles
You may also be asked to write a whole dissertation or thesis but there are some questionable ethics involved — I personally wouldn’t take that job.
22. Fiction Writing Jobs
Fiction writing is a completely different category from all others listed here and requires a very particular set of skills, including creativity and storytelling.
And, yes, there are people out there hiring fiction writers.
There’s a catch, though.
You’ll very very very likely only be hired for ghostwriting fiction jobs.
But, hey, if you love it and don’t mind not being credited, there’s a lot of money to be made in this niche.
Within fiction writing, there are a few subtypes, like short fiction or novels, and subgenres, like romance, horror, or mystery.
23. Video Script Writing Jobs
The popularity of video content has been growing for a while now and it won’t slow down anytime soon.
While some established businesses are slowly creating a second version of all their written content in video form, others are going straight to video to capitalize on YouTube being less crowded than Google in some niches (at least for now!).
And video script writing isn’t that hard.
I mean, you have conversations every day, right?
It’s pretty much just writing that topic down as if you were explaining it to a friend in real life — while considering that brand’s voice, of course.
24. Podcast Notes Writing Jobs
If someone had told us 20 years ago that people would be paid to listen to podcasts and take notes, no one would believe it!
But it’s true, and it’s booming in 2022.
With Google slowly rolling its MUM algorithm update, podcasts will become even more popular and notes even more important.
The key to being a master at podcast note writing is juggling the following three aspects:
- Write in a way that matches the host’s style and voice
- Capture the most essential points or topics of the podcast
- Make your notes enticing but don’t give everything away, especially the best parts!
Oh and it might seem very obvious but don’t forget to write down the time stamp with each note.
25. Ghostwriting Jobs
Ghostwriting is one of the most common and profitable gigs and yet comes in last on this list… Well, that’s because you can ghostwrite pretty much all other types of content.
Ghostwrite: to write for another who is the presumed or credited author.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Has any celebrity ever credited their autobiography writer or speechwriter?
Do you think business owners write all their social media content, press releases, and blog posts?
The reality is that ghostwriters make the world go round.
There’s a huge demand for ghostwriters in all areas and you can and should charge at least 10% more for ghostwritten work than for credited work.
Combining Different Types of Freelance Writing Services
Aside from some exceptions, it’s very hard to make a living focusing on a single writing type.
Here are some examples of how you can combine different types of freelance writing services within a single niche:
- If you’re a finance expert, you can write news, articles, case studies, reports, and blog posts within that niche.
- If you’re a hiking gear expert, you can write product reviews, product descriptions, and B2C content within that niche.
- If you’re an SEO expert, you can write instructional content, blog posts, copy, case studies, and B2B content within that niche.
- If you’re an expert on cannabis products, you can write product reviews, product descriptions, B2C blog posts, lead magnets, newsletters, and news within that niche.
You get the point.
Types of Freelance Writing Services — Key Takeaways
To succeed as a freelance writer, you need to become an expert within your niche and then slowly master more and more writing types that you can market to clients.
You can use your varied writing skills to upsell services to your clients (i.e. convince them to hire you for more than a single service).
It’s a well-known fact that it’s more profitable to nurture existing client relationships that to get new ones.
So, if your client is happy with your blog posts, for example, why not offer to write the social media posts that go with those blog posts?
If you’re hired to write a lead magnet, why not offer to create the whole email marketing campaign? The options are endless! Go get that bread 👏
P.S.: If you want to build a profitable career as a freelance writer fast, download my freelance writing course (for FREE!) 👇 It comes with bonus resources, including a blog post template and checklist.
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