Freelance writing is a popular and rewarding digital side hustle for moms. It provides flexibility, creativity, and the ability to earn income right from home. But if you’re a busy mom wondering how to get started, you might feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry—this guide will break down exactly how you can become a freelance writer, even with your busy schedule.
Step 1: Identify Your Writing Niche
The first step to becoming a successful freelance writer is selecting your niche. Writing niches can include parenting, lifestyle, personal finance, health and wellness, education, business, and more. Choose topics you’re passionate about or have expertise in to make writing more enjoyable and authentic.
For busy moms, picking a niche you love also makes it easier to integrate writing naturally into your daily routine, since you’ll likely be familiar with the subject matter.
Step 2: Build a Simple Writing Portfolio
Even if you’ve never written professionally before, building a basic portfolio is straightforward. Start by creating 2-3 writing samples on topics within your chosen niche. These could be short articles, blog posts, or personal essays.
You can publish samples on platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, or your own simple blog or website. Clients primarily want to see your writing style and capability, so having just a few strong samples can go a long way.
Step 3: Finding Your First Freelance Writing Jobs
Your first freelance writing clients won’t magically appear; you’ll need to actively find them. Begin by using freelance writing job boards like ProBlogger, Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. Social media groups on Facebook dedicated to freelance writing or mompreneurs can also be highly effective.
Start with smaller projects to build confidence and credibility, then gradually increase your rates as you gain experience.
Step 4: Set Realistic Rates
Beginners typically earn $20 to $50 per article, depending on the length and complexity. Once you’ve built a portfolio and gathered some positive client reviews, you can comfortably increase your rates to $75–$150 or even higher per article.
Charging project-based rates instead of hourly rates often works best for busy moms, as it offers more flexibility and predictable earnings.
Step 5: Manage Your Time Effectively
Time management is crucial for busy mom freelancers. Consider these tips:
- Set realistic writing goals (such as writing for 30–60 minutes per day).
- Write during your kids’ nap times, early mornings, evenings, or whenever you have quiet, uninterrupted periods.
- Use productivity tools like Trello or Google Calendar to organize tasks, deadlines, and client projects.
Step 6: Scale Your Freelance Writing Business
As your skills, confidence, and client list grow, you can scale your business by:
- Specializing further in lucrative niches (e.g., technical writing, sales copywriting).
- Upselling services like SEO content optimization or social media copy.
- Building relationships with ongoing clients, so you spend less time seeking new work.
Examples of Successful Freelance Writer Moms
Many busy moms have successfully transitioned into freelance writing:
- Melissa, mom of twins, earns $3,000/month writing blog posts and marketing copy for small businesses.
- Ashley, mom of three, makes $2,500/month writing parenting articles and lifestyle blogs.
- Sarah, homeschool mom, consistently earns over $4,000/month specializing in email copywriting and health & wellness content.
Wrapping It Up
Becoming a freelance writer as a busy mom is entirely achievable. By choosing a niche, building a simple portfolio, actively seeking clients, setting realistic rates, managing your time efficiently, and scaling your business, you can create a profitable and fulfilling side hustle.
Ready to Get Started?
Grab our free guide, “50 Side Hustle Ideas for Moms,” to get even more inspiration and actionable advice to launch your freelance writing career today!
