Freelance content writers are self-employed, independent writers. A Freelance Content Writer writes blogs, edits articles, and can earn a minimum salary of INR 12,000 per month.
To become a freelance content writer, candidates can pursue several short-term or full-time Writing Courses. They can also pursue English Courses to improve their language skills or Journalism Courses if they want to write for newspapers, magazines, or news channels.
In India, freelance content writers at the base level are paid around INR 250 for a thousand-word article. Nevertheless, writers can adjust their salaries considering factors such as project type, required work hours, and content requirements. Some of the top companies in India recruiting freelance content writers are Collegedunia, Mantra, Zoo, Larks Life Link, Freelancer, etc.
Table of Contents
1.1 What Does a Freelance Content Writer Do?
- Types of Freelance Content Writers
- How to Become a Freelance Content Writer in India?
- Courses to Become a Freelance Content Writer
- How to Become a Freelance Content Writer Abroad
5.1 UK
5.2 USA
5.3 Canada
5.4 Australia
- Benefits of Career as Freelance Content Writer
- Skills Required for Becoming a Freelance Content Writer
- Salary of Freelance Content Writers in India
8.3 Gender Wise
8.4 Experience Wise
Freelance Content Writer: Quick Facts
| Industry | Marketing, Media, Digital Marketing |
| Eligibility | Competent written as well as oral communication skills & Graduation with 55% aggregate preferably in English |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 10,000 to INR 15,000 per month. |
| Job Opportunity | Digital Content Strategist, Web Content Manager, Content Development Expert, Copywriter, SEO Writer, Technical Writer. |
What Does A Freelance Content Writer Do?
The list of activities that a Freelance Content Writer does are listed below for your reference,
- Freelance Content Writing is usually a self-employed profession wherein freelance writers offer their writing services for commercial use to various organizations.
- An interesting fact about freelance content writers is that they are independent to select the projects they want to work on and can also decide work hours. For each project completed, they are paid exclusively.
- The major aspect of a freelance content writer's job includes writing relevant content such as articles and ad copies following the hiring organization’s conduct.
- Freelance Content writers are not confined to one or two particular fields and their work profile is quite diverse, ranging from educational blogs to fashion updates.
- They can even work self-reliantly by publishing their material.
Types of Freelance Content Writers
Freelance content writers range from blog writers to brand journalists, scriptwriters to long-term content writers. Further several copywriters, ghostwriters, technical writers, social media writers, email writers, ad & promotional writers offer their writing services in a freelance model.
A comprehensive explanation of all types of freelance content writers is as follows:
- Blog Writer: A blog writer collaborates all of his or her thoughts about a specific topic in an online journal referred to as a blog. There are two types of blog writers- personal blog writers and freelance bloggers. Personal bloggers work independently and self-publish their content. A freelance blog writer provides his or her blogging services to companies and gets paid accordingly. Some prominent types of blog writers are travel bloggers, fashion bloggers, culinary bloggers, and motivational bloggers. A well-established blogger can earn around INR 2 to 3 lacs per year in India according to Payscale.
- Script Writer: The major job of a scriptwriter is supplying his or her narrative skills to interactive media work projects. They plan and strategize on how words will convert into high graphic mediums like audio and videos. The significance of scriptwriters lies in their ability to build a full-scale outlook of a project. Scriptwriters work in various areas such as moviemaking, video making, theatrical shows, musical events, and web series. Even renowned companies hire scriptwriters to ensure that their projects or presentations have local as well as global appeal. A scriptwriter in India earns around INR 2.20 lacs per year as per Indeed.
- Technical Writer: The primary job of a technical freelance content writer is to write explanations for various technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Cloud computing while promoting and selling the latest technical gadgets. A technical writer has a significant position in business firms since he or she helps in creating user-friendly interfaces for the devices. Moreover, a technical freelance content writer’s job role also includes telling customers about the recently launched gadgets and the comparison with existing devices as well. A technical copywriter has an annual salary of INR 4.8 Lakhs in India as per Ambition Box.
- Copywriter: Copywriting can be defined as commercial writing with the motive of advertising the product. The content written by a copywriter is also referred to as copy and focuses on enhancing the brand or a company's cognizance amongst the customers. The preliminary motive of a Copywriter is to write compelling, clearly understandable content for various marketing platforms like print media, digital media, websites, social platforms, technical firms, and catalogs. Such copywriters can either deal directly with clients or work through middlemen. Copywriters write content for advertisements, web portals, digital media, and print marketing. According to Glassdoor, a copywriter earns around INR 27,000 per month in India.
- Ghostwriter: A ghostwriter secretly works for a firm when an organization is unable to complete their assignments with the given set of content writers due to certain reasons like shortage of bandwidth, less expertise, and lack of inspiration. A ghostwriter is appropriate for articles, ebooks, white papers, and website copies. Moreover, a ghostwriter must be confident and dependent enough to cater completely to a company’s needs. Also, a company hires a ghostwriter when it wants to work in secrecy apart from the regular work routine. Due to their job profile, a ghostwriter earns a ransom amount of salary. A ghostwriter, on average, earns around INR 7 lacs in India according to Salary Expert.
- Social Media Writer: A social media writer primarily focuses on writing lucrative elements on social media platforms to attract a larger number of users to the platform. This type of freelance content writing needs to incorporate commonly accepted and used emoticons on social platforms, follow informal writing tone, and brief content. Such types of freelance content writers not only work upon finalizing the social media post’s structure but also for paid advertisements on these platforms. Social Media writers are highly in demand these days due to the emergence of social networking sites around the world. In India, a social media writer, on average, earns around INR 2.95 Lacs in a year as per Payscale.
- Ad and Promotional Writer: It is the most common type of freelance content writing, and is also referred to as ‘Marketing Writer.’ The main job of an ad and promotional writer is to write content for paid advertisements such as tv commercials, flyers, radio commercials, Youtube videos, billboards, branded stickers, and direct mail. An ad and a promotional writer needs to be complacent with their content as his or her written work plays a crucial role in deciding a company’s hold in the market. According to Payscale, an average ad and promotional writer earns around INR 3.91 Lacs per annum in India.
- Email Writer: An email writer’s job profile includes writing an appropriate subject line for emails, a well-sought promotional phrase, an introduction paragraph for email, and an attractive CTA. Email copywriters might have to work for educational institutions as well as for newsletters and free trial promotions. These days, almost every organization hires an email writer who handles the entire email sector of the firm. Further, an email writer also manages the company’s customer care service over emails. An email copywriter earns INR 3.65 Lacs per year in India according to Payscale.
How to Become a Freelance Content Writer in India?
To become a freelance content writer, you need to start inculcating skills like good writing communication, creativity, professionalism, and interaction at early stages. Working part-time for online writing platforms can also be very useful.
The following are some of the steps that can be taken to become a freelance content writer..
School Level: At first, candidates need to pass their 10+2 examination with a minimum of 50% marks from an acknowledged board. It is the basic mandatory requirement for any aspiring freelance content writer.
How to Become a Freelance Content Writer After 12th
Undergraduate Level: After completing 10+2 and scoring well in any of the entrance examinations mentioned in step 2 above, a candidate needs to get admission to an undergraduate program that will prove crucial in shaping up his or her writing instinct. Although a bachelor’s degree in any specialisation can be helpful, particularly in subjects like English, Journalism and Mass Media can be more beneficial.
Postgraduate Level: After completion of the undergraduate course, candidates need to go one level up by selecting a suitable postgraduate program. One option is to enroll in the Master’s program immediately after completing the Bachelor’s course. Another way is to start working as a freelance content writer at the entry-level after the Bachelor’s and continue with the Master’s program afterward.
Entrance Exams: Candidates need to take writing-related entrance examinations conducted by several universities and colleges. Some of these entrance examinations are IPU-CET by Indraprastha University, AMUEEE by Aligarh Muslim University, JMI-EE by Jamia Millia Islamia University, JNUEE by Jawaharlal Nehru University, and DU-JAT by Delhi University.
Courses to Become a Freelance Content Writer
Check out the courses to become a freelance content writer in the sections below.
Online Courses
Check out the online course to become a Freelance Content Writer in the table below.
| Courses | Provider | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Content Writing Course | ECT (Education and Career Times) | INR 15,000 |
| Ninja Writing: The Four Levels of Writing Mastery | Udemy | INR 700 |
| IIM Skills Content Writing Master Course | IIM Skills | INR 11900 including 18% GST |
| The Complete Content Writing Course for 2021 | Udemy | INR 455 |
| Ultimate Web Content Writing Masterclass | Udemy | INR 700 |
| Content Marketing | A Hubspot Academy | - |
Other Relevant Courses
Check out the other relevant courses to become a freelance content writer in the table below.
| Course Name | Eligibility Criteria | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| BA English Literature | Merit/ Entrance | INR 20,000 to 90,000 |
| BA Journalism | Merit/ Entrance | INR 20,000 to 1 Lac |
| BA Mass Communication | Merit/ Entrance | INR 1 Lac to 2 Lac |
How to Become A Freelance Content Writer Abroad
To Become a Freelance Content Writer abroad, candidates must have completed their 10+2 in any stream. Candidates must have a letter of recommendation, proof of funds and all the necessary documents required to apply to foreign universities.
Freelance Content Writer In UK
- The UK has been a hotspot for international students for the last three decades.
- Master’s in Marketing is one of the most sought courses to pursue freelance content writing.
- An established freelance content writer can earn around INR 25.00 Lacs per year in the UK according to Glassdoor.
Top Colleges
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Southampton | INR 24.84 Lacs |
| Nottingham Trent University | INR 21.68 Lacs |
| Robert Gordon University | INR 14.45 Lacs |
| Leeds Beckett University | INR 14.45 Lacs |
| University of Brighton | INR 15.79 Lacs |
| Falmouth University | INR 16.51 Lacs |
| University of Bradford | INR 18.25 Lacs |
| University of Surrey | INR 20.85 Lacs |
Freelance Content Writer In US
- The US has been a firm favorite of international students since the nineties.
- High command of the English language is preferred to pursue freelance content writing.
- An established freelance content writer can earn around INR 30.00 Lacs per year in the US according to Payscale.
Top Colleges
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | INR 35.54 Lacs |
| University of California, Berkeley | INR 31.76 Lacs |
| Stanford University | INR 13.32 Lacs |
| Yale University | INR 41.60 Lacs |
| New York University | INR 40.00 Lacs |
Freelance Content Writer In Canada
- In recent years, Canada has become the top favorite of international students, particularly of those students who belong to the sub-Indian continent.
- Bachelor’s of Arts in specializations such as languages, game design, journalism, creative writing, and visual design.
- An established freelance content writer can earn around INR 20.00 Lacs per year in Canada according to Indeed.
Top Colleges
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | INR 12.50 Lacs |
| McGill University | INR 39.98 Lacs |
| University of British Columbia | INR 73.59 Lacs |
| University of Alberta | INR 73.15 Lacs |
| University of Montreal | INR 31.92 Lacs |
| McMaster University | INR 80.26 Lacs |
| University of Waterloo | INR 87.53 Lacs |
| Western University | INR 126,620 |
| University of Calgary | INR 74,800 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | INR 94,404 |
Freelance Content Writer In Australia
- Australia is gradually coming at par with Canada in terms of the most favorite destination out of India both for higher education and jobs.
- Bachelor’s of Arts in specializations such as languages, game design, journalism, creative writing, and visual design.
- An established freelance content writer can earn around INR 23.00 Lacs per year in Australia according to Indeed.
Top Colleges
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne | INR 5.13 Lacs |
| University of New South Wales | INR 4.81 Lacs |
| Australian National University | INR 2.74 Lacs |
| La Trobe University | INR 2.50 Lacs |
| Monash University | INR 2.47 Lacs |
| University of Sydney | INR 2.86 Lacs |
Benefits of Career as Freelance Content Writer
The list of benefits of becoming a Freelance Content Writer are listed below for your reference,
- An opportunity to earn a ransom amount of money quickly since these days, freelance content writing has become quite popular.
- To become a freelance content writer, one does not need to go through intensive learning programs.
- Freelance content writers are independent to choose their place of work, modus operandi and also decide the work hours.
- There is a colossal range of niches on which a freelance content writer can opt to master.
- Work-related expenses get reduced drastically due to remote working mode, thereby a freelance content writer can save a lot of money.
- A golden opportunity to build a loyal audience base.
- Along with experience, writing skills get refined, and a freelance content writer becomes appropriate for better freelance content writer jobs.
Skills Required for Becoming a Freelance Content Writer
Every occupation requires a set of skills which if inculcated can help the individual not only get a clear understanding about the profession but will aso help him / her excel in the same.
Tabulated below are some of the key skills for your reference,
| Workability | Fact-Finding |
| Authenticity | Search Engine Optimisation |
| Communication | Editing |
| Technical Writing Skills | Grammar |
Salary of Freelance Content Writers in India
Check out the salary of Freelance Content Writers in different domains.
Organization Wise
| Name of Organisation | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Govt | INR 2.20 Lacs |
| Private | INR 3.00 Lacs |
Specialization Wise
| Specializations | Salary Per Annum |
|---|---|
| Blog Writer | INR 2.50 Lacs |
| Scriptwriter | INR 3.00 Lacs |
| Technical Writer | INR 4.80 Lacs |
| Copywriter | INR 3.50 Lacs |
| Ghostwriter | INR 6.85 Lacs |
| Social Media Writer | INR 2.95 Lacs |
| Ad and Promotional Writer | INR 3.91 Lacs |
| Email Writer | INR 3.65 Lacs |
| Brand Journalist | INR 3.00 Lacs |
Gender Wise Salary
| Gender | Salary |
|---|---|
| Male | INR 3.00 Lacs |
| Female | INR 3.20 Lacs |
Experience Wise
| Experience | Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresher | INR 1.80 Lacs |
| Experienced | INR 4.00 Lacs |
Freelance Content Writer: FAQs
Ques. How do freelance content writers get paid?
Ans. Hiring companies mostly issue an email invoice that includes details of salary such as mode of payment, work hours, content requirements, date due and total due.
Ques. Are freelance content writing jobs stressful?
Ans. Yes, freelance content writing jobs are not at all easy. Copywriters face a lot of stress in coping up with their employer demands. Further, to ensure good copywriting material, copywriters need to do a lot of editing, save several drafts before zeroing down to the final copywriting piece.
Ques. How do you find online freelance content writing jobs?
Ans. If a person aspires to become an online copywriter, first of all, he or she must select the particular type of copywriter job according to interest, expertise and comfort. Afterwards, a person can go to various job platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri.com and Indeed, and find a suitable copywriter job as per his or her requirements.
Ques. Is freelance content writing in demand?
Ans. Yes, freelance content writing jobs are very much in demand for the last few years. The primary reason is being able to earn money without having any official college degree. Further, the flexibility of copywriting jobs such as work from home, independence to choose work hours are other reasons for the popularity of copywriting jobs these days.
Ques. How do I find a long-term freelance content writing job?
Ans. First of all, you need to decide if you want to do a copywriting job for a company or work independently. In the case of working with companies, follow their marketing strategies and approach them through LinkedIn, I deed and similar online job platforms.
Furthermore, if you want to become an independent long-term copywriter, start writing for free initially, then look out for various online copywriting services such as blog writing. Remember, in both cases, a good portfolio will be required, so to find a long-term copywriting job, start writing, editing and saving your work in your portfolio profile.
Ques. Is a freelance content writing job a stable career?
Ans. Yes, freelance content writers have a stable career only if they refine their writing skills and work in the category they are most cognizant of. Also, awareness about general happenings as well as good communication skills helps freelance content writers in building a long-term impact on their profession.
Ques. How to get a freelance content writing job with no experience?
Ans. To become a freelance content writer without any experience, first of all, select the well-defined freelance content writing type in which you are interested. Along with interest, experience and comfort would also count.
Afterwards, begin writing even for free. Alongside, look out for companies who provide payable internships so that you can earn while learning. Your focus must be improving your skill and refined freelance content writing will be attained only when you keep on writing, and publishing your work.
Ques. Is freelance content writing a soft skill?
Ans. Freelance content writing is not only a soft skill but also a hard skill. A freelance content writer needs to have a sound amalgamation of both skills to become successful at his or her job.
Ques. Is freelance content writing a good career?
Ans. Yes, freelance content writing not only helps a person in enhancing commercial writing skills but also in earning a good salary. Nowadays, it has become a career option for many people who prefer to work online or from home.
Ques. How much does a beginner freelance content writer make?
Ans. Companies and clients usually pay a beginner freelance content writer according to the number of work hours or words per article. For instance, many organisations pay INR 50 per hour or INR 50 for 100 words per article.
Ques. How can I learn freelance content writing skills fast?
Ans. If you want to learn freelance skills fast, the best scenario would be to work with an independent writing source or a company where you would get regular updates about your writing skills alongside getting frequent copywriting assignments. In case of the non-availability of a writing mentor, start evaluating your work by comparing it with existing published copywriting samples.
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