Finding a remote writing job seems like a dream for so many people, but what if I told you the ability to make money from home as a writer is closer than you think?

It takes hustling, working for free, and investing weeks or months into the process, but finding a remote working job is not impossible, even without formal education or qualifications. This blog post will outline the different roles and services remote writers can take, as well as how to become a full-time writer from home.

There are avenues to start freelancing, get hired in-house as a writer, or pursue remote writing as a side hustle, all starting from scratch.

READ MORE: How to Beat Burnout with Freelancing Success

Keep reading to explore three remote writing jobs: content writing, copywriting, and ghostwriting.

Content Writing

Content writing is the act of creating content, typically for a brand or website. This content can take various forms such as blog posts, articles, and social media posts. The primary aim is to produce high-quality written material that is engaging, informative, and valuable to the audience whilst encouraging them to engage with the company you are writing for.

Content writing usually involves creating longer form writing between 1000 – 3000 per project to educate a reader on a subject, brand, or experience. Often content writers are employed to help a website increase its traffic by posting consistent and search-engine-optimised content.

Content writers can freelance for an abundance of clients, be hired in-house, or work for an agency to find more consistent work.

Content Writer Responsibilities:

• Researching topics and gathering information.
• Writing clear, concise, and engaging content.
• Editing and proofreading content for accuracy and quality.
• Optimizing content for SEO.
• Ensuring content aligns with brand voice and style guidelines.

Content Writing Skills:

• Excellent writing and grammar skills.
• Creativity and originality.
• Research and fact-checking.
• Attention to detail.
• Up-to-date knowledge of SEO.

How to Get Started as a Content Writer:

The most important step when starting as a content writer is creating a strong portfolio. Many companies will only be interested in hiring you if you already have a body of published work which can be tricky to get as a new content writer.

Here are my five steps to building a standout content writing portfolio:

1. Choose your niche. Common niches are travel, finance, and technology. Choose something that you are confident in being able to write a lot about and that you ideally have some additional experience with.
2. Reach out to blog and websites within that niche and offer to write an article for free. Many blogs or online publications will have a ‘Write for us’ section where you can submit an article idea for the chance of it being published on the website.
3. Consider small local businesses that may need some free content writing for their blog or website. You can also post in Facebook groups offering free content writing as you grow your portfolio. I recommend promising a limited amount of work and a timeline ahead of starting to set realistic expectations for both parties.
4. Reach out to publications on Medium and pitch article ideas for consideration. This is a great way to get published and reach a wider audience earlier in your career. There are also options to get paid as a Medium writer.
5. Use WordPress to create a website to host your portfolio. Share a little about yourself and link to the different articles, blog posts, and email newsletters you have published online. You can use this link when submitted paid content writer job applications!

Copywriting

Copywriting is the art and science of crafting persuasive, compelling, and engaging text known as copy. This is the text used in marketing and advertising to persuade and motivate readers to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service.

Copy is often shorter and requires a major focus on its intended purpose, for instance creating product descriptions that encourage a customer to click ‘buy’ or website landing page copy that instantly encourages a reader to stick around. Other examples of copy are social media ads, homepage headlines, or email campaigns.

Copywriting is a specialized field within writing that combines creativity with marketing and human psychology. It requires you to persuade a reader to do something in as few words as possible.

Copywriter Responsibilities

• Creating pursuasive copy.
• Conducting market research.
• Collaborating with teams such as marketing, design, and product.
• Editing and proofreading.
• Optimising for SEO.

Copy Writing Skills

• Target market research.
• Creativity and thinking outside of the box.
• Strong understanding of SEO.
• Analysing response and growth.
• Adaptability to write in multiple tones.

How to Get Started as a Copywriter

There are countless ways to become a copywriter from home, all without any prior training, experience, or qualifications. Finding success will require some time and a lot of hustle, but if you’re willing to put in the work then there’s no reason you won’t have a thriving remote copywriting career within the year.

1. Look into taking a course or certification in copywriting, SEO, or online marketing.
2. Build a portfolio of work. If you don’t yet have clients, make the projects up for yourself. Demonstrate your ability to create ads, email campaigns, and product descriptions and present them in a way that looks professional.
3. Post your new venture online and express your interest in taking on new clients. Consider who in your network might benefit from free copywriting and offer your services in exchange for testimonials.
4. Cold email and message as many potential clients as you can find. Look for new brands, smaller influencers, or content creators in your niche to reach out to. Make sure to keep the email simple, personal, and persuasive – this is an example of your copywriting skills!
5. Look for Junior Copywriting positions and apply online, making sure to include your portfolio in the application. To go the extra mile, reach out to the recruiter via LinkedIn and make a more personal connection.

Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting is when a writer completes work for a client anonymously and without expectation of any form of credit. A client will hire a ghostwriter to tell their story or share their ideas when they do not have the skills or time to complete their project.

It is imperative that a ghostwriter can replicate the voice, tone, and style of their client’s writing whilst implementing their skills as a professional writer. Typical ghostwriting projects include books, memoirs, and blog posts.

Usually, a ghostwriter will work with a client over a longer period to fully understand the client’s voice, brief, or vision.

Ghostwriter Responsibilities

• Creating project timelines.
• Building outlines and project structures.
• Creative writing to a brief.
• Rewriting and amending existing work.
• Editing and proofreading.

Ghostwriting Skills

• Replicating voice and tone.
• Strong creative writing skills.
• Communication with clients.
• Multitasking and project management.
• Attention to detail.

How to Become a Ghostwriter

Before becoming a ghostwriter, you must first decide what exactly you would like to be a ghostwriter of. There are many areas to specialise in including memoirs, fantasy, non-fiction, or even personal essays. Whatever genre you choose should be something you have experience in and feel confident writing for a client.

Most ghostwriters work as freelancers for a multitude of clients. To start, you will need a strong online presence, portfolio, and outreach strategy.

Here’s how to start as a ghostwriter:

1. Collect a portfolio of writing samples within your niche. Instead of writing a complete book, focus on creating individual chapters in a variety of tones to send out to prospective clients. You may also want to create outline samples to demonstrate your understanding of narrative structure.
2. Create profiles on freelancer platforms and list your ghostwriting services using my guides to get your first Fiverr order and first Upwork order.
3. Make an account with calendly so clients can book free project consultation meetings with you via Zoom or Google Meet. Read up on sales and practice pitching techniques to nail the consultation and ensure your clients move forward with you.
4. Build a website to advertise your ghostwriting services. Highlight your specialty and share your writing services with prospective clients. Add a link to your calendly so they can book a free consultation to discuss the project.
5. Reach out to agencies and publishers that offer services in your niche. Explain your experience and attach samples of your work to hopefully be listed in their books and expand your clientele.

To help you find writing direction and accountability, it may be useful to begin working with a Writing Coach. A coach acts as your supporter through the writing process and new creative endeavours. For for information, check out my Coaching Services.

What route would you want to take to become a remote writer? Leave your response in the comments below.