business plan writer freelance

• Website Planet

9 Best Business Plan Writers for Hire: Growth & Success in 2024

• 9 Best Business Plan Writers for Hire

1. Green_lama – Affordable Business Plan Template

2. Olayinka E. – Grant and Business Plan Writer Extraordinaire

• 3. Osama M. Ashraf – Professional Investor-Ready Business Planning

4. Heena D. – Business Plan Writer and Finance Expert 

5. Aydin O. – Advisor and European Startup Expert

6. Saurav R. – Experienced Business Strategist and Operations Manager

• 7. Faizan Kahl: Expertise in Business Plans With a Marketing Edge

• 8. Kulzinder K. –  Versatile Business Plan Writer

• 9. Drsonyam: Popular Business Plan Template

• How To Hire a Business Plan Writer on Fiverr
• Head to Fiverr, and once you see the big search bar in the middle of the page, type in “business plan writer.”

• At this point, Fiverr will prompt you to create an account (if you don’t have one already). Continue with your email or connect via your Google, Apple, or Facebook account.
• If you need a business plan quickly or are on a strict budget, you can filter by budget and delivery time. To find the best freelancer for your needs, limit the results to sellers specializing in plans for specific business types – such as startups or nonprofits.

• When you find a promising gig, click on it to see more. Scroll beyond the quick introductory description to learn more about the freelancers and see examples of past business plans.

• Many business plan writers offer three-tiered gigs that give you some flexibility in terms of price and deliverables. Click the “ Compare Packages ” button to see which package suits you best.

• If you scroll further down, you’ll access the freelancer’s total review score and a couple of client comments about their skill, communication, and overall performance.

• On Fiverr, it’s common practice for clients to contact freelancers before placing an order. This is to ensure sellers understand the nature and scope of your project, which helps them deliver results without delay. Click the “ Contact Me ” button from the top of the profile page to open a chat window and discuss your business plan.
• When you’re sure about your choice, click “ Continue .” Add any extras (e.g., extra-fast delivery, pitch deck) and follow Fiverr’s instructions to complete your payment and set your project requirements.

• What To Look For in a Business Plan Writer
• Industry Expertise. A writer with specific knowledge of your industry can provide invaluable insights, tailor the plan accordingly, and foresee potential challenges or opportunities.
• Client Testimonials and Ratings. Reviews and ratings from past clients offer an unfiltered view into the writer’s capabilities, timeliness, and communication skills.
• Samples and Portfolio. Always check a freelancer’s previous work to get a better sense of their work process and depth of analysis.
• Cost and Turnaround Time. While quality is paramount, you must also consider your budget and timeframe. On Fiverr, it’s possible to get an affordable, high-quality, multi-year business plan delivered in less than 3 days.
• Adaptability. A good business plan writer should be able to adjust to new information, feedback, or changes in direction, ensuring that the final plan meets your evolving needs.
• Are You a Business Plan Writer Looking to Sell Your Services on Fiverr?
• Make it to Fiverr’s homepage. Click the “ Become a Seller” button on the navigation bar.

• Create a new account. You can sign up with your email or connect instantly via Google, Apple, or Facebook.
• Specify that you want to sell freelance services to bring up Fiverr’s quick setup guide. You’ll then choose an employment status (e.g., side hustler, solo freelancer, agency owner) and describe your freelancing experience. Click “ Finish ” to create your account.
• Follow Fiverr’s in-app guide to complete your profile. You’ll get some tips on how to succeed on the platform, and you’ll have to fill out yet another brief form. For more tips and tricks, check out our Fiverr seller guide .

• Set up your first gig when prompted. Make sure to include a captivating thumbnail, and don’t forget to include images of previous business plans you’ve worked on in the past. Hit “ Publish ” and wait for your first order!
• Fiverr and Upwork Are the Best for Hiring Business Plan Writers

How much does it cost to have someone write a business plan?

Who is the best person to write your business plan, how many hours does it take to write a business plan, what skills do business plan writers need.

• 1. Green_lama - Affordable Business Plan Template
• 2. Olayinka E. - Grant and Business Plan Writer Extraordinaire
• 4. Heena D. - Business Plan Writer and Finance Expert 
• 5. Aydin O. - Advisor and European Startup Expert
• 6. Saurav R. - Experienced Business Strategist and Operations Manager

We check all comments within 48 hours to make sure they're from real users like you. In the meantime, you can share your comment with others to let more people know what you think.

Once a month you will receive interesting, insightful tips, tricks, and advice to improve your website performance and reach your digital marketing goals!

So happy you liked it !

Share it with your friends!

Or review us on

Get the Help You Need for Only $5!

Find the perfect freelancer for your project

Need a Business Plan Writer? Find Business Plan Writers for Hire

Browse 638 business plan writers online, hire skilled freelance business plan writers on guru and get work done on a flexible and secure platform..

$250 Million

• 100% Customer Satisfaction Rate Based on 4 reviews

Top Business Plan Writers

Business Plan Writer

SK, Saskatchewan, Canada

• Business Plan Writing
• Business Planning
• Company Profile
• Business Services
• Crowdfunding
• Financial Forecasting
• Financial Services
• Fundraising
• Investment Management

From your company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, competition, the product outline, financial projections, and company vision, a business plan must stand out to be noticed and considered for funding or investment. I can provide you with strong, compelling, and professional business plans to reflect the organization's goals, objectives, and funding needs. View more

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

• Business Analysis
• Business Consulting
• Business Research
• Business Model
• Business Models
• Corporate Research
• Business Plan
• Business Plan Presentation

A good business plan is vital in setting up a successful business. Business plan is a written outline of a new business venture, and such plan evaluates all aspects of the economic viability of a running or new venture. We provide business plan writing services and have package starting from $100 onward. More about our services and multiple packages are described at Benefits of a Business Plan Business plans help companies to define the enterprise objectives and scope of operations, products and... View more

Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

• Business Proposal Writing
• Business Writing
• Evaluation Design
• Foundation Grants
• Government Proposals
• Grant Writing
• Proposal Writing
• State Grants

With V-Executives RESEARCH , your chances of funding are 99.99%. Maximizes our services and improve your probability of funding. Writing a grant proposal has never been easy, but V-Executives makes it easy for you. You are just a click away to be funded for your next or ongoing project. Whether you are new to the grant writing process and you are not winning as many grants as you would wish, or have too many proposals to write in a short notice, V-Executives will walk with you this path till th... View more

Ongata Rongai, Nairobi Area, Kenya

• Executive Summary
• Summarizing
• Summary Writing
• Cash Flow Analysis
• Financial Planning

Business Plan writing

Your business plan will be a top-notch, unique, high-quality 30-50 page business plan designed to attract investors or obtain funding and, will contain the following sections: 1. Executive Summary Introduction The Company The Products The Market Financial Considerations Financial Highlights chart. 2. Company Overview Vision Mission Keys to Success Registered Name Legal Structure and Ownership Management Required Funds Source of Funds 3. Products and Services Goods/Service Description 4. Market R... View more

Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan

• Feasibility Studies
• Research And Development
• Business Planning And Control Systems
• Business Model Development
• Business Modeling

I'll write Investor-ready Business Plan

Overview: Welcome to our Investor-Ready Business Plan Writing Service, where we specialize in crafting professional and comprehensive business plans tailored to the unique needs of startups and existing businesses. Our primary aim is to create bankable business plans that address the specific concerns of potential lenders, investors, or partners, thereby enabling you to express confidence in your concept and attract the support needed to launch a new venture, expand an existing business, or acqu... View more

London, London, United Kingdom

• Business Communications
• Business Development
• Business Management
• Business Process Management
• Business Strategy
• Equipment Management

I can write a perfect business plan for your business. Please check our packages below and choose the right one that fits you: Basic Package ( $50) - I can write a 5 Pages Business Plan focused on your business. Word Editable or PDF Print-ready format. This plan will consist of the following : - Business name, - Introduction & Summary, - Mission & Vision, - Objectives & Goals, - Keys to Success, - Expenses & Equipment, - Industry Analysis, - Competitor Advice, - Products & Services, - Pricing St... View more

Oldham, Manchester, United Kingdom

• Business Proposal
• Business Plans
• Financial Advisory
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Audits

I will write professional business plan

A good business plan will not only be the blueprint of your business, but also provide you with a good entry into the door of investors, banks, and other financial institutions. As a professional writer, I will dedicate my time to researching your industry as well as your competition. Expect a Complete Business Plan which includes  Executive summary, business goals, mission, vision Company Overview & Management Product & Service Marketing and Competitor Analysis Marketing & Sales Strategy Target... View more

Lacey, Washington, United States

• Investor Management

Give your business the upper hand with a solid business plan. Able to provide detailed mapping to show potential investors. View more

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

• Business Reports
• Report Writing

Report writing and Business Plan writing

I have experience and expertise in business plan writing ,formulating business designs ,and business reports on marketing, financial and operational viewpoint View more

Allen, Texas, United States

• Automotive Engineering
• Franchise Consulting

Business plan writing

I apply on sba loan to buy an existing business. automotive shop. franchise. amount of loan 250k. i need affordable and experience person(preferable who has experience in auto repair shop business plan) View more

Alkmaar, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

• Startup Consulting
• Strategic Marketing

Business plan writing & market research

Experienced since 8 years in writing of: - Business plans (start-ups and existing companies) - Commercial plans - Financial plans - Strategic marketing plans - Market research in different countries / lanuages View more

Business Plan Writing and Research

Business plan development and writing; project formulation, appraisal of investment proposals; development of financial models and forecasting; economic and financial viability evaluation; analysis of social-economic impact of projects; research on markets, business & social-economic topics. Report and article writing on business related topics. View more

Boca Raton, Florida, United States

• English Language
• Financial Reporting

I provide business plans, marketing plans, start up launch plans, and baseline financials for new and existing businesses. I am an MBA with and engineering background. I speak english and work in North America. View more

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

• Business Plan Development
• Concept Development
• Executive Assistant
• Operations Management
• Restaurant Design

I am offering a business plan writing service which will allow for the simple and effective communication of the clients'' need to express their business idea in a formal plan. Aspects of the Business Plan will include: Executive Summary Financial Summary Company Overview Products and Services Competitors Target Market Market Overview Market Needs Strategy and Implementation Marketing Plan Financial Plan Personnel Plan Budget Financial Statements Balance Sheet Estimates Cash Flow Statement Revenu... View more

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

• Client Development
• Creative Design
• Pitch Decks

Providing: - Investor-ready business plans for international clients looking for funding and governmental-level grants  - Creating Pitch Decks for Clients - Creating Business Plans customized for each client  - Providing Online Consultation Services  - Offering One Free Revision in case needed by the client View more

Welkom, Free State, South Africa

One Page Business Plan - I believe that we live in a fast pace get-to-the-point world. I provide consultation and write one page business plan with key sessions; vision, mission statement, objectives, strategies and action plan 10 - 15 Business plans - For the more elaborate business owner I also write the more traditional business plan with financial projections View more

• Strategic Planning

Business plan Writing

If you need a professional business plan for starting or expanding your business, applying for a loan or grant, or attracting angel or private investors, I can help. I am a professional Startup business plan writers and can write for you a high-quality business plan for any business or purpose. I will customize your business plan to specifically fit your needs, whether towards capital raising or strategic planning. We provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we enable each customer to ask for impr... View more

Kyiv, Kyyivs'ka Oblast', Ukraine

• Analytic Modeling
• Business Training
• Business Valuation
• Corporate Training
• Customer Research

Business Plan Writing. Math Modelling.

I provide business plan development services. I also prepare startup business plans for venture capital funds; I can help a startup in developing a business model or financial model. I do mathematical and statistical modeling in different fields.  Forecasting a customer's future purchasing at E-commerce platforms. BG/NBD modelling for Customer Base Analysis. View more

Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan

• Microsoft Outlook
• Supply Chain Management

If you''re looking to start or grow a business, I can help. As you start to Explore your idea, you can expect to receive: Complimentary project kick-off half-hour call, for us to meet and to discuss your concept Executive summary Company description and offering definition Industry overview, outlook, competitive landscape SWOT analysis When it is time to Jump Start, add: First year estimates Breakeven analysis Customer definition Let''s get started! Place an order or request a quote so ... View more

Volgograd, Volgograd, Russian Federation

Professional Business Plan Writing

My Investment Banking experience will deliver a document the business plan that will get the funds you need whilst having a document that puts you on track at every step of the way in your business. I write Business plans with competent Business English and build Financial Model that shows how viable and the true picture of your business. My style of writing is unique as it will help investors answer close to all the questions they need to ask to give them comfort in investing in your business. ... View more

Want to get work done by experts?

Looking for freelancers with a specific skill.

Find Freelancers

Professional Business Plan Writers for Hire

A business plan is a blueprint that summarizes the operational and financial objectives of a business and contains processes and procedures that should be followed to obtain those objectives. Therefore, a business plan is the roadmap of a business. There are many professional business plan writers who have a master’s degree or related experience in business management and write business plans for others.

What Do Freelance Business Plan Writers Do ?

A business plan essentially has seven components – an executive summary, business description, market analysis, organization management, sales strategies, funding requirements, and financial projections. A business plan writer understands the client’s business model and draws up a rough summary. They may then proceed to conduct business feasibility studies, industry and market research, analyze competitors, and look for funding options. In some cases, a business plan writer may also help pitch the business plan to prospect investors for raising capital – both angel and venture capital.

A business plan writer may specialize in a sub-field of business plans, for example, some may have experience in writing business plans for a franchise model whereas others have expertise in writing business plans for a not-for-profit company. Besides writing business plans, these professionals can also help plan a business on the whole. Business planners help establish the business and identify and evaluate growth opportunities.

Business plan writers may be associated with content creation and management firm, and a lot of them also offer online freelance services. Hire business plan writers on Guru – one of the best websites to hire freelancers.

When looking for professional business plan writers, make sure your freelancer can:

Conduct multiple sessions with the client to fully comprehend the business idea.

Conduct industry and market research.

Conduct feasibility studies and suggest alterations in the business plan, if needed.

Liaise with other members of the management like the Chief Financial Officer and Sales and Marketing Head to incorporate their projections and targets.

Revise or make changes in the plan as and when needed.

Qualifications of Professional Business Plan Writers

It is ideal for your freelancer to have the following skills:

Professional education in Business Management Studies

Excellent research skills

Exceptional writing skills

Updated knowledge of business trends

Wide network

When choosing a freelance business plan writer, make sure to look at a few of the sample plans drafted by them, as it’ll give you a better idea about the capabilities of the writer.

Benefits of Hiring Freelance Business Plan Writing Services

Freelance business plan writers have the necessary expertise to draft clear and precise business plans that rouse interest in the prospective investor. They often know a number of investors and can, therefore, help float the business.

Hire professional freelancers on Guru and manage jobs easily. Add team members, assign roles, and use WorkRooms to communicate and track progress. 

Find the right business plan writing freelancer on Guru - the best online freelance website. Post a job for free.

Why Over 3 Million People Choose Us

Credibility.

We verify Freelancers, publish their feedback scores and All-Time Transaction Data to help you identify time-tested professionals across the globe.

Flexibility

We provide multiple Payment terms and flexible Agreements to enable you to work the way you want.

We offer SafePay payment protection and your choice of preferred payment method for financial peace of mind.

We have the lowest fees in the industry, providing you with maximum value at minimum cost.

Our dedicated support team works 24/7 to resolve all of your queries over the phone or email, no matter where you are located.

Why Choose Guru

It's Easy to Get Work Done on Guru

Create your free job posting and start receiving Quotes within hours.

Hire Freelancers

Compare the Quotes you receive and hire the best freelance professionals for the job.

Get Work Done

Decide on how and when payments will be made and use WorkRooms to collaborate, communicate and track work.

Make Secure Payments

Choose from multiple payment methods with SafePay payment protection.

See How Guru Works

People Also Search For

• Business Consultants
• Analytics Experts
• Startup Consultants
• Consultants
• Content Writers
• Article Writers
• Business Analysts
• Proposal Writers
• Business Developers
• Pitch Deck Design Services
• Financial Modeling Services
• Sales Experts
• Business Writers
• Grant Writers
• Professional Fundraisers

Browse Skills Related to Business Plan Writers

• Requirements Analysts
• Ideation Managers
• Product Developers
• Summary Writers
• Corporate Bloggers
• Innovation Strategists
• Management Consultants
• Business Model Consultants
• Project Planners
• Six Sigma Consultants
• Legal Writers
• Case Study Writers
• Turnaround Management Experts
• Qualitative Researchers
• Quantitative Researchers
• Business Coaches

Browse Top Freelancer Locations for Business Plan Writers

• Arlington, United States
• Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• Karachi, Pakistan
• Lagos, Nigeria
• Bengaluru, India
• Nairobi, Kenya
• Islamabad, Pakistan
• New Delhi, India
• Bangalore, India
• New York, United States
• Hyderabad, India
• Cebu City, Philippines
• Waltham, United States
• Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Lahore, Pakistan

Find Freelancers by Category

• Programming & Development
• Design & Art
• Writing & Translation
• Administrative & Secretarial
• Sales & Marketing
• Business & Finance
• Engineering & Architecture
• Education & Training

Browse More on Guru

By Location

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

Hire Business Plan Writers in the United States

• March 21, 2024

Most entrepreneurs consider hiring a business plan writer the easiest way to prepare a business plan. Even though it’s one of the easiest ways, finding the right service provider for your needs can be a pain.

Need help finding top business plan writers in the U.S .? We’ll help out.

We’ve curated a list of top business plan writing and consulting firms in the United States with their reviews, key service offering details, experience, and other critical information.

Just before we dive right in, let’s compare traditional business planning with the modern AI-driven approach.

Traditional vs. AI-powered business planning

Business plan writers have been the first choice for business planning. No doubt about it. However, things have been on the move in recent times.

Hiring a business plan writer or consultant requires a great deal of back-and-forth communication. At the same time, AI-powered business plan generators like Upmetrics make business planning easier, more efficient, and more competitive.

Business plan writers vs. increasing use of AI tools; what’s better?

Business plan writers deliver the best results, no complaining, but hiring them is a pricy affair. Hiring an experienced writer costs anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000 or more, whereas Upmetrics’ pricing starts at $7/month.

Both offer great results; the question is how much you want to spend.

Back-and-forth hassle or a competitive and efficient solution?

As mentioned before, having a professional writer onboard is a deal of back-and-forth work. It starts by preparing the first draft, followed by a series of revisions. Having to give multiple feedbacks and review revisions takes a lot out of you.

What’s better? Let the AI business plan generator do things for you. It’s truly a better, more efficient, and easier way to plan your business.

 Why hire expensive business plan writers and consultants?

Write winning business plans in minutes with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

Let’s head straight to our list of top 5 business plan writers in the United States.

Hire Top Business Plan Writers in the United States

Plan Writers

Plan Writers is a team of 8 expert business plan consultants. With 10+ years of experience in the market, they have written over 5K business plans helping clients raise over $1B in capital.

As the 2011 “Best Business Plan Writer” award winner, they can help you communicate your vision, research your industry, create a marketing plan, model a financial projection, and design amazing presentations, so you can focus on your business instead of making actionable plans.

• Business plan writing
• Immigration business plans
• Investor and bank plans
• Pitch decks
• Business plan consulting

Go Business Plans

Go Business Plans is a team of top-rated business plan writers and consultants. With 100% client satisfaction, they’ve helped clients raise over $3B in funding. Their team is committed to assisting you in producing the customized business plans required to prevail in today’s fiercely competitive business world.

From business plan advice and website building to internet marketing and debt finance, their specialists can help you with anything you need to launch or expand your firm.

• Investor presentations
• Business consulting
• Business plan review

Wise Business Plans

Wise Business Plans is a team of MBA business plan writers founded in 2010. With over a decade in the industry, they’ve done over 100K consultations and written over 15K plans for their clients, helping them raise over $1B in capital investment.

With a good overall rating, reputed strategic partners like SBA and IBISWorld, and 14+ years of experience, Wise Business Plans are one of the pioneers in the industry.

• Business licensing
• Business credit
• Business formations

Cayenne Consulting

Cayenne Consulting is one of the most trusted and longest-serving business plan consulting firms. They can serve as an impartial partner to help you save time by assisting with tasks like developing a strategy, conducting market and competitive research, creating a plan, creating presentation materials, and creating a capital formation strategy.

With more than two decades in business plan consulting, they’ve helped clients raise over $4.3B in capital investment.

• Business plan preparation
• Pitch deck design
• Financial forecasts
• Business plan makeovers
• Business valuations

Pro Business Plans

Pro Business Plans is a team of professional business plan writers and consultants. They have helped 1,000+ businesses to raise $4+ billion across 30+ countries. Their team has expertise in providing strategic advisory to grow businesses from a certain level.

• Strategic advisory
• Pitch deck designing
• Feasibility studies
• Legal services

Bargain Business Plans

Bargain Business Plan is a team of MBA business plan writers, financial analysts, and consultants dedicated to helping you with business and financial planning. Their team of consultants and writers strives to guarantee you’re in a position to succeed, whether you’re starting a new business or bringing your brand to a new market.

The company established in 2008 has worked in 900+ industries with 500+ business partners, helping thousands of entrepreneurs build their business plans.

• Pitch deck creation
• Custom logo
• Non-profit & immigration business plans

AI Business Plan Generator—A Better Alternative

Upmetrics’ AI business plan generator is truly a better alternative to hiring pricey business plan writers. Using Upmetrics is the easiest way to draft a comprehensive business plan.

Upmetrics makes business planning a breeze with its AI-powered capabilities. Use Upmetrics to write your business plan in less than an hour and focus on tasks more important to your business.

Try Upmetrics AI

Where do I Find Freelance Business Plan Writers?

Many platforms are available where you can find freelancers and on such platforms only you will find top business plan writers, such as

You will find a variety of business plan writers on Upwork as it is one of the best-known freelance marketplaces. You can hire one of the top business plan writers after knowing their fees, expertise, business plan samples, etc.

2. Freelancer

Freelancer is also the place where you can find freelance business plan writers. You can post a project there, request proposals, and go through the ratings of the writers & their portfolios.

You can select an expert plan writer on Fiverr depending on your niche. Browse through different profiles and pricing structures and then pitch directly.

4. Referrals and recommendations

You can also seek suggestions and referrals from coworkers, contacts in the sector, or business advisers who might know of independent business plan writers with the required knowledge and abilities.

How much will it cost to hire a business plan writer?

The cost of hiring a business plan writer can depend on various factors like experience, expertise, the field and complexity of the business plan, etc.

However, some writers charge per hour and some charge per project for writing the business plan. We have listed some average costs of writing a business plan as follows:

• Basic business plan – $500 to $2500
• Comprehensive business plan – $2500 to $10,000
• Industry-specific business plan – $5000 to $20,000
• Hourly basis – $20 to $50
• Upmetrics – Starting from $7 per month

These costs are based on the current average charges of various freelance business plan writers.

Choosing the Right Business Plan Writer

Since you’re going to spend so much on business plan writing services, it’s crucial to consider a few factors like the range of services they provide, the method you use, and how much they charge.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right business plan writer:

1. Writing services and previous work

If considering hiring a writer or consulting firm, consider asking for examples of their previous work. When reviewing the sample, make sure the writing is clear and concise and that the document is free of any significant errors or typos.

Since investors will primarily focus on the executive summary and financial model, be sure to give them a careful reading.

2. Price is not everything

Do not, however, make the error of judging a plan writer just on the price they offer; instead, search around for your plan to grasp the pricing possibilities accessible.

While it is safe to assume that the least expensive option will produce a product and service of lower quality, the opposite is not always true, i.e., that the most expensive option will produce a product and service of the highest quality.

3. Be clear if you want business plan writing or editing

A plan lays out a company’s strategy and how it will operate over the next five to ten years. The document outlines the company’s current situation as well as the objectives it plans to aim to meet on an operational and financial level.

The document is very personal to the business owner. However, the writer won’t be able to read the business owner’s mind.

A business plan writer can easily offer an objective look at the company, highlighting areas someone close to the company may miss.

The owner must first choose whether he prefers a writer to draft the plan or an editor to polish it after the owner has prepared a draft.

4. Understand their process

It is necessary to understand the procedure of the writer or business consultant before you hire them. Each contractor has their procedure, for instance, some might give you a questionnaire to fill & some will have an interview round to learn more about your business.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the process and to know how will they communicate more with you for business information.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Business Plan Writer

Hiring a business plan writer has its pros and cons, here is why you should or shouldn’t hire a business plan writer:

• Writing business plans is their area of expertise, so they can provide insightful advice based on their extensive experience.
• Working with a writer gives you more time to concentrate on other areas of your company.
• You may leave a lasting impression on lenders or investors by writing a strong business plan.
• Working with a business plan writer can be pricey, particularly for new or tiny companies.
• Working with a writer entails a certain amount of control surrendering over the writing process and final output.
• Sometimes, business plan writers might not fully understand the vision & goals of your business.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Business Plan Writer

Business plan writing is something you do for your business on your terms, so if you think you are ready to hire a business plan writer, then answer these questions to make your decision more firm.

• Who will write your business plan?
• How will you share all the information with your writer?
• Will the writer do thorough market research before writing the plan?
• How many revisions will they do?
• In which format will be the plan delivered?

If you want to write your business plan by yourself, then with the help of a business plan software & its step-by-step guidance you can.

In conclusion, hiring a business plan writer might be a wise investment if you’re looking to construct a professional business plan that can help you get finance, draw investors, or direct your business strategy.

But writing your business plan with the help of guidance at each step can be the wisest choice.

The experience, credentials, references, method, and cost should all be taken into account when choosing a business plan writer.

You can use a business planning software to draft a thorough and useful business plan that can assist you in achieving your objectives and succeeding in your entrepreneurial endeavors.

Find Business Plan Writers in your Region

• Chicago – Business Plan Writers
• Columbus – Business Plan Writers
• Denver – Business Plan Writers
• Boston – Business Plan Writers
• Florida – Business Plan Writers
• Los Angeles – Business Plan Writers
• Minnesota – Business Plan Writers
• San Diego – Business Plan Writers
• Dallas – Business Plan Writers
• Massachusetts – Business Plan Writers
• New York – Business Plan Writers
• Las Vegas – Business Plan Writers
• Georgia – Business Plan Writers
• Houston – Business Plan Writers
• Atlanta – Business Plan Writers

Why Hire Costly Writers? Use Software for Business Plans!

Why pay high fees to consultants? Opt for business plan software, get comprehensive plans, save money, and gain control over your business’s roadmap

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a business plan writer.

Business plan writers are specialists who help owners or entrepreneurs create thorough and efficient business plans by conducting market research, competitive research preparing financial projections, & analyzing other business operations.

They build a business plan that is specifically suited to the needs and objectives of the particular business using the current information.

Why is a business plan important?

A business plan is the most critical business document that outlines your business goals, strategies for achieving them, and potential challenges you may encounter. Having a detailed business plan is crucial for securing funding, leading your business to growth, and ensuring your strategies are inclined toward success.

What are the key elements of a comprehensive business plan?

Some of the key elements of a comprehensive business plan include:

• Executive Summary —A brief overview of the entire business plan
• Business Overview —Includes details like name, business type, location, history, legal structure, etc.
• Market Analysis —Includes target market, competitive analysis, market trends, etc.
• Products & Services —Details about your products and services, a product description, pricing, etc.
• Sales & Marketing Strategies —A detailed description of your sales and marketing strategies
• Operations Plan —Includes operational process, staffing & hiring of your company, and more.
• Management Team —Includes all the key executives and managers of your firm.
• Financial Plan —financial forecasting for the first few years of your company.
• Appendix – Other details important to your business plan, such as the resumes of important employees, marketing materials, etc.

Why should you hire business plan writers?

Writing a comprehensive business plan requires business knowledge, market analysis, financial planning experience, and writing skills. If you’re writing a business plan and don’t have enough time to spend working on it, you should consider hiring a writer.

It can save you time, provide expert insights and market analysis, ensure financial projections are realistic, and craft a professional document that improves your chances of securing funding or investment.

Can I write a business plan myself?

Yes, you can surely write your business plan yourself. You can easily create an investment-ready business plan using an AI business plan generator like Upmetrics. It has all the features required to draft a detailed plan.

• Marketing & Clients
• Free templates
• For recruiters
• Job profiles
• Freelance Study
• Our product
• Try Freelancermap

How To Create A Freelance Business Plan – Guide + Template

Having a solid freelance business plan is crucial for achieving long-term success. While you may not have the same traditional structure as a brick-and-mortar business, it’s essential to have a roadmap that outlines your goals, target audience, and financial projections. In this article, we’ll discuss the key components of a business plan for freelancers and offer tips on how to create a plan that sets you up for success.

• Purpose of a business plan
• Benefits and advantages

The Business Model Canvas

Value proposition, customer segments, customer relations, key partners, key resources, key activities.

• Revenue Stream

Cost Structure

The lean canvas.

• Freelance business plan template + checklist
• Executive Summary
• Company and Strategy
• Products and Services
• Market Analysis
• Competitors
• Marketing and Sales
• Organization and Resources
• Risk Analysis
• Action Plan
• Common mistakes when creating a business plan

Purpose of a freelance business plan

A business plan forms the foundation of your company. It records the business idea and all the important components that contribute to its success or failure. Therefore, a business plan not only helps to get an idea of what the chances of success are for a plan, but also serves to keep an eye on the development of the company after the start-up, and to make target-actual comparisons and counteract negative changes in a timely manner.

In addition to its internal purpose, a business plan also fulfils external tasks. When starting a business, it especially serves as a basis for evaluation by external capital providers.

A good business plan can already be helpful in the start-up phase to convince potential investors, banks, authorities, as well as potential sales partners, customers or suppliers of the business idea.

However, before diving straight into the creation of a business plan, one should first engage with their business idea in order to illuminate it from all sides. This not only helps to avoid early failure, but also makes the creation of a freelance business plan much easier.

Why use a business plan? Benefits and advantages

Before you start creating the perfect freelance business plan, let’s take a look at the benefits and advantages that it can offer:

• Increased clarity: A business plan can help you get clarity to your decision-making process and helps you put your end goal at the core and work towards it.
• Provides clear structure: A business plan provides structure and allows you to define business objectives. When consulted regularly, it can help measure and manage your areas of focus that are of the utmost priority.
• Creates a marketing roadmap: A business plan allows you to create an effective marketing roadmap, which in turn can help you define things like target market(s), target customers, schedules, timeframes, etc.
• Improved financial decisions: Planning for expenses effectively is crucial when it comes to freelancing. A business plan gives you the information needed to make better decisions financially.

To analyse the potential of a business idea, one can use a variety of methods. One of the most comprehensive tools for this is the Business Model Canvas by Alexander Osterwalder. In this method, a business idea is placed at the centre and related to 9 dimensions – the so-called building blocks:

Revenue Streams

During the development and analysis of the business idea, all fields are filled with the corresponding contents. Plan to spend two to three hours working on these fields. It is important to take enough time to consider the thoughts for each building block, but not to plan every field in detail. Remember, the completion of the Business Model Canvas should only show whether the business idea is feasible and serves as a guide for what needs to be considered.

The Value Proposition defines the extent to which the business model brings benefits to the customer. The following questions help to define the promise of performance:

• What problem am I solving?
• What exactly am I offering?
• Why are customers looking for my service specifically?
• What makes my offer better than the competition?

Next is the definition of the target audience or customers. It is important to define customer segments that will buy your services or products. Potential customers are grouped together based on their characteristics. The group characteristics can be traditional demographic factors (age, gender, location, etc.) or can focus on purchasing behaviour or reasons for buying.

Next, the channels through which you want to inform your customers about the product or service are defined. It is important to find out where and how potential customers shop. Here are some questions to answer:

• How and where do customers find out about the offering?
• How do customers become aware of my product or service?
• How can customers buy my products and services?
• How do I provide the service or how does the service reach my customers?

To capture all relevant touchpoints between customers and your business, it is recommended to record the so-called customer journey. Here, you put yourself in your customer’s shoes and document every step he or she takes from gathering information to making a purchase (and possibly beyond). This will help you identify the channels that you need to establish and manage for your business.

If you have already thought about the customer journey, you’re halfway to defining customer care. It is not only important to consider how to attract and win customers, but also how to keep the ones you already have. Consider the following questions:

• What options do you have to communicate with your customers?
• Is there a customer service hotline, a contact form, an email address?
• How do customers learn about your new offerings?

In the next step, you will think about possible partnerships and how you and your business depend on them. This includes suppliers and vendors, as well as technology partners or regulatory bodies that you need to work with. Focus on the really relevant partners without whom you couldn’t do your job.

The same applies to Key Resources. Here, the resources needed for your work are listed, including:

• Employees or roles that need to be filled
• Financial resources and capital
• Intangible resources such as licences, brands, patents, etc.
• Material resources such as laptops, office equipment, company cars, etc.

Of course, not every pencil you need to buy for your business needs to be listed here. The focus should be on the critical resources for success.

The definition of Key Activities is one of the simpler tasks in the Business Model Canvas. Here, all activities that contribute to the success of the business model are listed. The other components of the business idea also contribute to this, which is why it is worth deriving the Activities from them.

In general, you need to ask yourself what activities need to be performed to fulfil the value proposition, win customers, and maintain day-to-day operations.

Next, it is important to define how you make money with your business . For freelancers, this means defining their hourly rate or considering other revenue models to generate income. Are there perhaps special contracts that bring recurring revenue or are only the hours billed each time? Define all essential sources of revenue and how they work.

Lastly, the cost structure is defined. The most important variable and fixed costs and their causes must be identified. These may include:

• Production costs
• Marketing costs
• Licence costs
• Personnel costs

As a further development of the Business Model Canvas, the Lean Canvas became known in 2010. It is specifically adapted to the fast-paced and limited resources of a startup and focuses on the problem to be solved and the solution to be provided, as well as the so-called unfair advantage and the core metric. In the Lean Canvas, these elements replace the Key Activities, Partners, Resources, and Customer Relations.

Often business ideas fail because they don’t solve a relevant problem. Therefore, this component was added to the Lean Canvas.

Once the problem to be solved has been identified, the focus shifts to providing a corresponding solution quickly and easily. The Lean Canvas approach involves using an MVP (minimum viable product). The MVP represents the minimum version of the solution – the raw version. This is launched on the market as soon as possible and then further developed in collaboration with customers.

The unfair advantage essentially describes the competitive advantage. For startups, it is important to know this very well or, if it does not exist from the beginning, to define it.

Young companies often lose themselves in the masses of numbers and metrics that define the success of a business. To prevent this, entrepreneurs who choose the Lean Canvas approach should first define only one metric from which they can measure success and failure. At the beginning, when the survival of the company is paramount, this could be profit. Later, when it comes to growth, other metrics come into play.

How to create a freelance business plan – Template + checklist

For those who have thoroughly considered their business idea beforehand, writing a freelance business plan will be easy. The elements of the Business Model Canvas or the Lean Canvas often overlap with the elements of the business plan and only need to be worked out in more detail. The planned size and complexity of the business idea also determine the content and scope of the plan.

The following elements provide a guide for creating your freelance business plan:

1. Executive Summary 

The Executive Summary is a brief overview of the business plan. The business idea is explained briefly and concisely, usually along with the purpose, objectives, and goals of the business. The industry and growth potential of the market are described, and finally, the key investment and financial data are presented.

Write the Executive Summary at the end of the business plan. It serves as a compact overview of the business idea and as the first evaluation criterion for the potential success of the business model and its financing for potential investors.

The chapter, which should be no more than one and a half pages long, includes:

• Business idea
• Offer – products & services
• Industry / Market
• Growth potential of the market
• Financial requirements

2. Company & Strategy

In this section, the foundation for the company’s concept is laid out. The approaches for a successful implementation are presented in detail. It is also important to highlight the arguments and strengths of the idea and the planned company. These can be supported, for example, by a SWOT analysis.

The following sub-chapters are included:

• Founding history
• Milestones, capital, and shareholder structure
• Business goal
• Business purpose
• Vision and strategy

3. Products & Services

This section of a freelance business plan contains all information about your products and services. Define them precisely, describe their unique selling points, and think about pricing segments. 

The subchapters include:

• Products or services
• Product or service advantages
• Pricing segments

4. Market Analysis

For a successful business, the appropriate market potential must be present. Therefore, the selected market must be analysed in detail. Identify customer groups and define strategic business areas. The topics to be addressed include:

• Market volume
• Market position and market shares
• Growth potential
• Framework conditions (economic and legal factors)
• Entry barriers
• Competitive analysis
• Customer groups (segmentation)
• Strategic business areas (product per segment)
• Market objectives
• Outlook on potentials and future.

5. Competition

Here you take a look beyond your own company and get an idea of who your direct competitors are, who your market companions are, and how the situation can develop in the future. The following points belong in the competition analysis:

• Direct competitors
• Their products and services
• Their strengths and weaknesses

6. Marketing & Sales

For a business idea to succeed, the right marketing and promotion of the product or service is crucial. Here, you describe the marketing concept and your marketing mix, where you define what you market where, how, and at what cost. Common models for processing are, for example, the 4 or 7 P’s. In addition, the marketing concept should include all important key points for the timeframe of market entry. The sub-chapters for this chapter include:

• Sales and distribution strategy, distribution channels
• Pricing, price policy
• Communication strategy, channels, advertising, PR

7. Organisation & Resources

For the successful development of a company, resources, management, and employees play an important role. Therefore, this part Organization and Resources describes everything that is important for the organisation of the company, production, or service provision. This includes points such as:

• Production process (location, technology, capacities, etc.)
• Inventory management
• Research & Development
• Legal situation
• Patents/licences
• Responsibilities
• Development/expansion potential

8. Risk Analysis

In this section, possible opportunities and risks are described, as well as measures to counteract the risks. In classic risk analysis, risks and their consequences are listed and classified according to the likelihood of occurrence.

The risk matrix provides information about which risks are critical. For risks in the high and extreme categories, measures to limit or remedy them must be defined. Potential risks can be found, for example, in:

• Management / personnel

9. Financing

A business plan for a planned self-employment cannot be created without detailed financial planning. Create the financial plan in the business plan for a period of 3-5 years to increase planning security. The following topics belong in the financial plan:

• Cost structure
• Revenue cycle
• Cash flow plan – comparison of expenses and revenues
• Profit planning – profit and loss statement
• (Planned) balance sheet – overview of asset ratios
• Required capital / investments

10. Action Plan

No matter how detailed your business plan is, it won’t help if it doesn’t lead to a structured and realistic action plan. Define all the steps that need to be taken until your product or service is on the market. You can use the chapters of the business plan as a guide. The next steps need to be defined, for example, for:

• Product/Service
• Business start-up/Company
• Resources/Partners
• Marketing/Market entry
• Location/Business premises

11. Appendix

In the appendix, documents can be included that would exceed the scope of the respective chapter. For example, the following can be included:

• Resumes / Founders’ Profiles
• Financial planning (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow)
• Operating permits / Patents
• Organisational charts

📌 Business Model checklist ➯ DOWNLOAD

Common mistakes when creating a business plan (and how to avoid them)

When it comes to such a labour-intensive process as creating a business plan, it can be frustrating when errors creep in. To help you with this, we’ve identified the most common sources of errors below and provide tips on how to avoid them:

Lack of knowledge (e.g. in the area of finance)

• Scrutinise the areas where you are unsure, especially critically.
• Acquire any missing knowledge if necessary.
• Seek out partners and advisors who have the expertise you lack.

Missing structure in the business plan

• Pay attention to the logical structure of the business plan. The chapters and subchapters can follow a different order in your plan if it makes more sense for your business idea.
• Focus on the important components of your business plan, which may vary depending on the purpose of the plan (investor pitch, business planning, etc.)
• Various organisations offer consulting services to entrepreneurs, some of which are even subsidised by the states.

Insufficient differentiation

• Even if your idea seems incredibly unique to you, a comprehensive competitor analysis is necessary.
• This is the only way to define a convincing unique selling proposition (USP) – which is also essential for the success of your business idea.
• Not only does the business idea need unique selling propositions, but each product and service also needs to stand out in the market. Therefore, define a unique value proposition (UVP) for your products and services as well.

Underestimating risks

• Nobody becomes self-employed overnight without careful consideration. Therefore, inform yourself carefully about the risks of self-employment and choose your approach consciously.
• Use various analysis tools to minimise risks.

Poor planning

• It’s easier to take the next steps if they are specifically planned and written down. A dedicated action plan of the individual steps is therefore essential to make the business plan a reality.
• To avoid suddenly facing insurmountable obstacles, a secure risk planning is needed. Make sure to think this through thoroughly before embarking on the adventure!

These articles might be interesting too:

• Client Acquisition: Tips to Acquire Clients & Set Up Your Strategy
• Freelance Profile: What to Include, Tips and Examples
• Self-Marketing Tips And Tricks: How To Promote Yourself As A Freelancer

Stefania Volpe

Stefania joined the international team at freelancermap in 2020. She loves marketing, the digital world, foreign languages and meeting different cultures. She moved from Italy to Germany thanks to an exchange program at the university and worked as marketing manager for several startups. Now she focuses on helping freelancers and IT professionals to find jobs and clients worldwide at www.freelancermap.com.

What Does An ASO Specialist Do?

Linkedin for freelancers – guide & tips to get the most out of this professional network, what does an seo consultant do, identifying your ideal client: customer profiling for freelancers.

Recent Posts

• Digital Nomad Visas 2024 – Countries, Income Requirements, Minimum Salary
• Freelancer Payment Methods – Pros and Cons
• freelancermap celebrates Freelancers’ Day
• Business Bank Accounts For Small Businesses And Freelancers
• What Does A Chief Happiness Officer Do?

Freelance Writing Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their freelance writing companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a freelance writing business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a freelance writing business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Freelance Writing Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your freelance writing business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Freelance Writing Business

If you’re looking to start a freelance writing business or grow your existing freelance writing company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your freelance writing business to improve your chances of success. Your freelance writing business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Freelance Writing Businesses

With regard to funding, the main sources of funding for a freelance writing business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for freelance writing companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a freelance writing business.

If you want to start a freelance writing business or expand your current freelance writing business, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your freelance writing business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of freelance writing business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a freelance writing business that you would like to grow, or are you operating freelance writing and formatting businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the freelance writing industry.
• Discuss the type of freelance writing business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of freelance writing business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of freelance writing businesses:

• Copywriting: Copywriting is focused on marketing materials to encourage a target audience to make a purchase; it is compelling and focused writing that leads consumers to a decision.
• Grant writing: Grant writing is focused on the art of persuasion, typically noting the needs of a non-profit company and then offering the solution via the services or products of the non-profit company. Grant writing requires research and a storyline that compels readers to provide funding for worthy public or private projects.
• Technical freelance writing: A technical freelance writer is focused on user manuals, product documentation, and instructional guides. This type of writing demands expertise in vocabulary and precision in writing.
• Resume/Cover Letter freelance writing: One of the major reasons freelance writers are hired is the on-going need for creative, yet comprehensive resumes and/or cover letters. Almost every person seeking employment today will look for a writer to take on the task of creating compelling content in the form of a winning resume.

In addition to explaining the type of freelance writing business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the amount of revenue during the past six months, opening a design and formatting business to support the freelance writing business, etc.
• Your legal business structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the freelance writing industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the freelance writing industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your freelance writing business plan:

• How big is the freelance writing industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your freelance writing business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your freelance writing business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, businesses, charitable foundations and  government agencies.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of freelance writing business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than government agencies, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regard to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your Freelance Writing Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other freelance writing businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes companies that provide templates, forms, or computer-generated materials. You need to mention such competition, as well.

For each direct competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of freelance writing business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What sets their business apart from others?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regard to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And, don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide options for 24/7 service or 2-hour turnaround times?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a freelance writing business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of freelance writing company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide full-package curriculum vitae completion for C-suite executives?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your freelance writing company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your freelance writing business located in a corporate complex where customers can meet in-person with you to discuss projects? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your freelance writing marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute direct mail pieces to your target audience
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) with target keywords on your website

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your freelance writing business, including answering calls, planning and researching subject matter, paying invoices, contacting customers, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your freelance writing business to a second resume-writing service.

Management Team

To demonstrate your freelance writing business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing freelance writing businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But, also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a freelance writing business or successfully running a copywriting department in a large corporation.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve more than ten customers per month, and/or offer special pricing for projects over 20,000 pages in length? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your freelance writing business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit, but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a freelance writing business:

• Cost of computer and printer equipment
• Cost of furnishings
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, office supplies and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan, along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a list of high-profile resources you can access and include in your writing categories.

Writing a business plan for your freelance writing business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the freelance writing industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful freelance writing business.

Freelance Writing Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my freelance writing business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your freelance writing business plan.

How Do You Start a Freelance Writing Business?

Starting a Freelance Writing business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Freelance Writing Business
• Create Your Freelance Writing Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Freelance Writing Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Freelance Writing Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Freelance Writing Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Freelance Writing Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Freelance Writing Business Equipment
• Develop Your Freelance Writing Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Freelance Writing Business
• Open for Business

Where Can I Download a Free Business Plan Template PDF?

Click here to download the pdf version of our basic business plan template.

Our free business plan template pdf allows you to see the key sections to complete in your plan and the key questions that each must answer. The business plan pdf will definitely get you started in the right direction.

We do offer a premium version of our business plan template. Click here to learn more about it. The premium version includes numerous features allowing you to quickly and easily create a professional business plan. Its most touted feature is its financial projections template which allows you to simply enter your estimated sales and growth rates, and it automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Here’s the link to our Ultimate Business Plan Template.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Freelance Writing business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s business planning advisors can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Freelance Business Plan Writer: Crafting Roadmaps to Entrepreneurial Dreams

Keen to uncover the key to transforming entrepreneurial dreams into thriving businesses?

By: BG Vance

• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn

Are you ready to transform entrepreneurial aspirations into concrete realities?

Imagine being the driving force behind the strategic blueprints that guide ambitious individuals towards business success. Your expertise as a freelance business plan writer not only shapes dreams but also paves the way for sustainable growth and innovation in the competitive world of entrepreneurship.

Curious to uncover the secrets behind crafting roadmaps that lead to entrepreneurial triumphs?

Importance of Freelance Business Plans

Crafting a freelance business plan is essential for mapping out your entrepreneurial journey and setting a clear path towards success. One important aspect to contemplate is establishing a strong social media presence and an online portfolio. In today’s digital age, having a solid online presence is crucial for reaching potential clients and showcasing your work. By utilizing platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, you can connect with your target audience and build credibility in your niche.

Additionally, a well-crafted business plan should also address market demand. Conduct thorough market research to understand your target market, identify trends, and determine the needs of your potential clients. This information will help you tailor your services to meet market demand effectively.

Furthermore, incorporating email marketing into your business plan can be highly beneficial. Building an email list allows you to communicate directly with your audience, share valuable content, and promote your services. By leveraging email marketing strategies, you can nurture leads and convert them into paying clients, ultimately driving business growth.

Crafting a Solid Company Overview

To create a strong foundation for your freelance business, start by developing a thorough company overview that effectively showcases your services and achievements. Your company overview is an essential component as it not only highlights the services you offer but also boosts confidence and aids in bidding for projects. By describing your achievements in this section, you can showcase your successes and attract potential clients effectively.

Crafting a solid company overview that incorporates services offered, market trends, customer analysis, and competitive analysis will set a strong foundation for your freelance business. This detailed overview will not only showcase your expertise but also help in positioning your business strategically in the market.

Conducting Industry Analysis Effectively

When conducting industry analysis effectively as a freelance business plan writer, prioritize understanding market dynamics and client needs to tailor your services strategically. To excel in this area, consider the following:

• Conducting thorough research : Dive deep into industry reports, trends, and market forecasts to stay informed.
• Market potential : Identify lucrative niches within the business plan writing industry to capitalize on high-demand areas.
• Competitive advantages : Analyze competitors to pinpoint what makes your services unique and leverage this as a selling point.
• Geographies : Determine target regions where your services are most needed or where there’s potential for growth.
• Marketing channels : Explore a mix of online and offline platforms to promote your services effectively and reach a wider audience.

Understanding Customer Analysis Techniques

Identifying target customers through effective techniques is vital for a freelance business plan writer to tailor services and enhance client satisfaction. Customer analysis techniques involve delving into demographics, behavior, and needs to pinpoint the ideal clientele.

By analyzing past and potential clients, you gain valuable insights into their preferences, enabling you to refine your services accordingly. Meeting client needs not only fosters satisfaction and loyalty but also establishes the foundation for long-term success in your freelance business.

Attracting ideal clients through precise customer analysis is key to sustaining and growing your enterprise. Crafting targeted marketing strategies based on customer analysis guarantees that your services resonate with the right audience. Ultimately, customer analysis techniques are crucial in building robust client relationships that form the cornerstone of your freelance business’s prosperity.

Navigating Competitive Analysis Strategies

Exploring the competitive landscape in the freelance business plan writing industry is crucial for positioning your services effectively and capitalizing on your strengths. To navigate competitive analysis strategies with finesse, consider the following key steps:

• Competitive Analysis: Identify and study key competitors to gain insights into the market landscape.
• Pricing Strategies: Analyze competitor pricing models to make sure your rates are competitive yet reflective of your value.
• Competitive Advantages: Document your strengths, like industry expertise and successful client outcomes, to differentiate yourself.
• Client Testimonials: Utilize client feedback and case studies as powerful tools to showcase your credibility and expertise.
• Online Platforms: Leverage various online channels to enhance visibility and attract clients seeking business plan writing services.

Developing a Comprehensive Marketing Plan

To effectively position yourself in the freelance business plan writing industry and attract clients, the next step is developing a detailed marketing plan that outlines your services, target markets, pricing strategies, and promotional tactics.

Understanding market trends and conducting competitive analysis will be essential in tailoring your services to meet client needs and stand out in the market.

Incorporating social media marketing and building a strong online presence are vital aspects of your marketing plan to boost visibility and engage with potential clients effectively.

By identifying your competitors, documenting your competitive advantages, and showcasing your expertise, you can differentiate yourself and attract the right clientele.

Utilizing various marketing channels as outlined in your plan will enhance your reach and promote your services efficiently.

Structuring an Efficient Operations Plan

How can you guarantee operational efficiency and strategic goal alignment in your freelance business plan writing venture?

When structuring an efficient operations plan for your freelance business in the writing industry, consider the following:

• Define Essential Tools and Functions: Clearly outline the tools and functions necessary for smooth business operations.
• Allocate Resources Effectively: Make sure resources are distributed efficiently to meet objectives and deadlines.
• Outsource and Collaborate: Consider outsourcing tasks and collaborating with experts to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Document Key Processes: Documenting processes and tools will contribute to streamlined operations and goal attainment.
• Ensure Growth and Success: A well-structured operations plan is crucial for the success and growth of your freelance business in the writing industry.

Building an Effective Team Structure

When structuring your freelance business plan writing venture, establishing an effective team structure involves assembling individuals with diverse expertise to cover all necessary aspects. Select team members based on their specific skills and knowledge that guarantee your own, assuring a well-rounded team capable of handling various aspects of business plan writing.

Collaboration with professionals from different fields not only broadens the team’s expertise but also fosters creativity and innovation. Efficient allocation of resources among team members is vital to meet project milestones and deliver high-quality services to clients.

Encourage skill-sharing within the team to enhance everyone’s capabilities and guarantee a cohesive workflow. By building a team that values collaboration, diverse expertise, and efficient resource allocation, you pave the way for success in your freelance business plan writing venture.

Creating a Robust Financial Plan

When creating a robust financial plan, you must focus on budgeting for success, accurately forecasting profits, and effectively managing cash flow.

By understanding profit margins and projecting cash flow, you can guarantee the financial stability of your freelance business.

Calculate rates and fees wisely based on your income goals and business expenses to maintain a healthy financial outlook.

Budgeting for Success

Craft a robust financial plan by meticulously calculating startup costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections to lay a solid foundation for your freelance business. To budget for success, consider these key aspects:

• Allocate funds for marketing, professional development, software tools, and other essential business expenses.
• Monitor cash flow regularly to make certain financial stability and make informed decisions for growth.
• Consider setting aside emergency funds and savings for future investments to sustain long-term success.
• Utilize budgeting tools and resources to track expenses, manage invoices, and optimize financial performance.

Forecasting Profits Accurately

To accurately forecast profits for your freelance business, analyze past financial data and market trends to make informed predictions. Start by conducting thorough financial data analysis to understand your historical performance.

Next, explore into market trends analysis to anticipate shifts that may impact your revenue goals. Construct realistic revenue goals and expense projections based on these findings, ensuring they align with industry standards.

Employ financial forecasting tools to streamline the process and enhance accuracy in your predictions. Regularly monitor key performance indicators to adapt your financial plan to changing business conditions.

Managing Cash Flow

Analyzing your cash flow is important for maintaining financial stability and guaranteeing efficient business operations. To master managing cash flow effectively, consider the following key points:

• Establishing a cash flow forecast: Predict income and expenses accurately.
• Monitoring cash flow: Identify financial patterns and make informed decisions.
• Implementing budgeting strategies: Guarantee proper fund allocation for growth and stability.
• Utilizing accounting software: Simplify tracking and managing cash flow for efficiency.
• Creating a financial buffer: Safeguard against unforeseen expenses and cash flow fluctuations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do business plan writers charge.

Business plan writers typically charge between $1,500 to $5,000 for a complete plan. Hourly rates range from $75 to $150. Complex plans with market research can cost $10,000 or more. Customized plans may have extra fees.

Can I Pay Someone to Write My Business Plan?

Yes, you can pay someone to write your business plan. It can save you time and guarantee a professionally crafted document. However, it’s important to stay involved to make sure your vision and goals are accurately reflected.

How Do I Write a Freelance Business Plan?

To write a freelance business plan, identify customer needs, analyze competitors, specify operations and resources. Craft a plan to boost confidence and attract clients. Enhance strategic planning and guide towards entrepreneurial goals for success.

What Does the Process of Writing a Business Plan for an Entrepreneur to Do?

To write a business plan as an entrepreneur, you must outline goals, tasks, and deadlines. Analyze industry, customers, and competition for informed decisions. Evolve strategies as your business grows. Boost confidence, showcase successes, and bid for projects effectively.

You play a pivotal role in shaping entrepreneurial dreams into reality as a freelance business plan writer. Your expertise in crafting detailed roadmaps, understanding market trends, and developing strategic plans is essential in guiding aspiring business owners towards success.

By assisting entrepreneurs shift side hustles into thriving ventures through strategic planning, you’re instrumental in turning visions into tangible outcomes. Your contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem are invaluable in propelling business growth and sustainability.

About Our Content Creators

BG Vance is a seasoned professional dedicated to guiding individuals and families toward financial freedom. With a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) and expertise as a licensed Realtor specializing in investments and real estate, BG Vance offers valuable insights into wealth-building strategies.

Committed to helping readers at every life stage achieve their financial goals, BG Vance provides tailored guidance to empower others on their journey to financial independence and early retirement. Join BG Vance in unlocking the path to financial freedom and realizing your dreams.

• Email this Page

This post may contain affiliate links to products that I recommend, and I may earn money or products from companies mentioned in this post. Please check out my  disclosure  page for more details.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

7 Steps To Write an Effective Freelance Business Plan [Download Free Template]

• Last Updated: April 4, 2023

Freelancing indeed gives you enough freedom, but without a well-structured business plan, you might end up working hard without a vision in mind.

Well, sometimes you need smart work instead of hard work to reach your goals the quickest.

So, plan out your freelancing business and take it to new heights.

Wondering how?

We have come up with an easy 7 step guide on how to write a freelance business plan for you.

So, let’s start planning now!

Table of Content

• Write Down Brand Summary and Purpose

Define Your Target Audience

List out your services, analyze your niche competitors, marketing and client acquisition, goals, targets, and timelines, financial plan, download freelance business plan template, benefits of freelance business plan.

Put into Execution

7 Steps to Write a Freelance Business Plan

When you want to start a freelancing business, know that you’d have to run a sole proprietorship. Therefore, creating a successful freelancing business with a steady stream of cash flow and profit needs planning and organizing.

Try our free online invoice generator today!

Whether your business is in construction, landscaping, consulting, photography, auto repair, or the medical field, invoicing takes way too long. That’s why we’re here. InvoiceOwl makes your invoicing faster and simpler so you can get paid promptly and without the hassle.

Get Started Now

So, if you want to work with ideal clients, here is how you should plan your freelance business.

Write Down Company Summary and Purpose

Do you know why brands like Apple, Amazon, and Google had such success? One of the most contributing factors to brand success is a clear purpose. Any business can be lost in the journey from a startup to being a brand if they don’t have a clear idea of who they are and where they want to be.

Every business has its own story. And this is the section where you would want to tell your business story. It helps in setting up the business objectives and the brand image.

For example, if you are a freelance writer, you should answer questions like:

• What inspired you to be a writer?
• Why did you pick writing as your profession?
• What do you want to achieve as a writer?
• How do your services make a difference?

The previous step helps you understand your brand and this step will help you know your buyers. Your freelance services don’t need to serve all. For example, if you are an iOS app developer, you may exclude Android users from your target market.

To know your audience, create a buyer persona for your services, and include the groups based on criteria like:

• geographical location;
• line of business; &

A freelance wedding planner might not help you find a partner. Similarly, you may or may not provide all the niche-related services. However, one thing is for sure, you should list out all the services that you provide.

Deciding what services you should provide majorly depends on two factors, which are:

• What is your skillset
• What customers want

Being a freelancer, you should know your skillset well. Other than that, if you know your target audience, you would know the problems they face. Therefore, describe your services and how they solve the customer’s problems.

Once you have decided on the services, analyze your niche competitors. Analyzing your competitors is extremely necessary to stay in the business. We live in a highly competitive era for businesses and hence a well-written business plan always includes the competitors’ analysis.

First of all, let’s make one thing clear.

Your competitors are not those who sell similar products/services. But, the ones who address the same problems.

You can make your brand unique by researching your competitors. While looking at your competitors, make sure you keep the following things in mind.

• Set of services they provide
• Fee structure
• Marketing strategies

Once you have studied your competitors, you need to think about the things that help you create a unique brand. Such as:

• What makes you a different brand?
• How differently do you solve the problem?
• How is your service more valuable than others?

Bringing clients on board hugely depends on how you go about marketing strategy. And marketing can only be done perfectly if you have done the market research right. First, you need to understand your targeted audience and their problems to market your brand effectively.

So, one of the most effective ways of marketing is to pitch your services as the solution for the problem. This way you can acquire more clients.

Now, getting new clients is one thing and retaining them is another. Therefore, you must improve the experience to boost client loyalty. The chances of getting hired again by the same client increase exponentially if the client was satisfied with the first experience. Not only that, there are high chances that a satisfied client recommends your services to his/her peers.

So, if you want to ensure long-term business success, keep your clients happy. And here are the quick ways to ensure that.

• Try to go the extra mile
• Maintain clear communication with clients
• Offer clients early bird discounts
• Create a reward system for loyal clients

If you want to reach a goal, you need first to define it. Especially a business in its initial stage must have a milestone to reach. This represents your brand and dictates the entire business planning.

Now, we all want to share the podium with Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos right away, but remember that Rome wasn’t built in one day.

Set practical marketing goals that your freelancing business can achieve with all the given resources. Break the end goal into small targets and bind them with a defined timeline. For example:

• Pitching project proposals to ‘X number of potential clients daily
• Getting ‘X number of clients in the first month
• Learning a new skill in three weeks to provide better services

Financial planning is the core of business planning. Without planning your revenue model, how much money is enough money for you to sustain, how many clients would you need to make a profit, how you would raise money from investors.

Financial planning does not only include the income but expenses as well. Of course, generating an income is good, but what you spend money on should be planned.

The financial business plan needs detailed accounting for accurate financial projections. This is why you need to track every expense and income. It helps you set a realistic financial business plan for your actual business.

To work efficiently and in the right direction, you need to have a business plan.

Now, most freelancers think this is too much work and would take a long time to write a business plan independently. Thus, we have designed a freelance business plan template that you can download, edit and make yours.

Unlike a traditional business plan, it will help you summarize the entire plan in just a single page.

It has all the criteria required to make a business plan that works. Moreover, it is available in PDF file format. So, what are you waiting for? Just download the freelance business plan template for free and never go off the track.

A perfect freelance business plan can take your freelance business to new heights. Writing a business plan can help a new business to acquire the first client. It also helps already established businesses to excel and be on top of all the competitors.

So, if you want to know how a perfect business plan can do such wonders, let’s discuss a few benefits of writing a freelance business plan.

A Clear Line of Sight

The freelance business plan forces the business to set priorities and act on them. Without a structured business plan, a freelancer might do everything and get nothing done. To avoid such a situation, you need to have the vision and mission statement embossed.

Right Marketing Strategy For Your Business

Wise financial decisions.

If you want to own success as a freelancer, a business plan lets you make better decisions. In addition, the business plan reminds you of your spending limits and stops you from spending unnecessarily.

Now that we have discussed how to write a freelancer business plan in-depth, you must be eager to go make it right away. However, before jumping to it, let’s read some frequently asked questions so that you never have to stop once you have begun.

How do I start my own freelance business?

To start a freelance business of your demands a skillset. Other than that, here are the quick steps you would have to follow.

• Know Your Goals
• Look for a Profitable Niche
• Identify Your Target Audience
• Set Strategic Rates for Your Services
• Put up the Best-Quality Portfolio
• Be Picky while Choosing the First Client
• Learn to Market Yourself Strategically

Can a beginner do freelancing?

Yes, freelancing is a great option for starting their career and knowing the industry. This gives beginners the experience of the industry and helps them build confidence too.

Does a business owner need to know to account?

A business owner must know the basics of accounting and bookkeeping because most major business decisions are influenced by the accounting of your business.

Can I hire someone to write a business plan?

Now that we know about writing the business plan, it’s time to get started with writing it. The business plan will make you answer vital questions that define your business. Thus, you might need to write it before you pick your first client.

This blog summarises all the steps you need to write an intact freelancers’ business plan and the benefits of writing a business plan. We also provided a freelancers’ business plan template as a bonus.

We know it takes time to figure out your business goals, and you should take all the time as well. So, you need to manage time and automate repetitive business tasks such as invoicing , collect insightful client feedback , and generating stunning sales reports .

To make invoicing and estimates & quotes process easier, you can download the InvoiceOwl app and never bother about such tasks. Instead, refer to our blog to get invoicing tips that are exclusive for freelancers. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your basic business strategy right now!

Jeel Patel is the founder of InvoiceOwl , a top-rated estimating and invoicing software that simplifies the invoicing and estimating processes for contractor businesses. Jeel holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Toronto, which has provided him with a strong foundation in business principles and practices. With understanding of the challenges faced by contractors, he conducted extensive research and developed a tool to streamline the invoicing and estimating processes for contractors. Read More

Sign Up Now!

Get weekly updates from InvoiceOwl.

• Who’s It For

United States

104.168.40.107

Grab a FREE Trial of InvoiceOwl

• Send custom estimates to secure more jobs
• Create professional invoices in minutes
• Real-time notifications for payment
• eSign every estimate and invoice
• QuickBooks Online Sync With InvoiceOwl

How to Start a Profitable Freelance Writing Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 02, 2024

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a freelance writing business plan., 3. develop a freelance writing brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for freelance writing., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for freelance writing services., 8. acquire freelance writing equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for freelance writing, if required., 10. begin marketing your freelance writing services., 11. expand your freelance writing business..

Embarking on a freelance writing business begins with a thorough market analysis. This foundational step helps you understand your competition, identify demand, and tailor your services to meet market needs. Follow these guidelines to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the writing landscape:

• Research your target niche by evaluating what types of writing are in demand, such as technical writing, SEO content, or creative work.
• Analyze your competition by looking at other freelance writers or agencies, noting their strengths, weaknesses, and pricing strategies.
• Identify your potential clients and understand their needs and content consumption preferences.
• Explore various freelancing platforms and online communities to gauge where your services might be most needed.
• Stay updated with industry trends, including popular topics and emerging writing styles or platforms, to offer cutting-edge services.
• Consider the global market, but also focus on local opportunities that might offer less competition and a more personalized approach.
• Conduct surveys or interviews with potential clients to receive direct feedback about what they look for in a freelance writer.

Are freelance writing businesses profitable?

Freelance writing businesses can be very profitable, depending on the type of services offered and the writer's ability to market themselves and build a client base. The potential for profit is determined by factors such as how much time and effort the writer is willing to put into it and how marketable their services are. Additionally, setting competitive rates that are commensurate with the type of work being done will also impact profitability.

Starting a freelance writing business requires careful planning and strategic thinking. A solid business plan will serve as a roadmap for your freelance journey, outlining your goals, strategies, and how you intend to operate your business. Here's a guide to help you draft a comprehensive freelance writing business plan:

• Define your writing niche and services, considering your strengths and market demand.
• Identify your target market, including potential clients and industries that require your writing expertise.
• Research your competitors to understand their offerings and how to differentiate yourself.
• Set clear business goals and objectives, both short-term and long-term, for growth and success.
• Develop a marketing strategy that details how you will promote your services, including social media, content marketing, and networking.
• Outline your pricing structure, taking into account your experience, the type of work, and industry rates.
• Establish a financial plan, including anticipated income, expenses, and how you'll manage cash flow.
• Create an operational plan that includes your business structure, administrative processes, and any tools or software needed for your writing business.

How does a freelance writing business make money?

Freelance writing businesses make money by providing written content for businesses or individuals who need text-based services. For example, a freelance writer could provide a step-by-step guide to help entrepreneurs start their own spice business. This could include information such as the steps to forming a legal entity, the tools and ingredients needed to get started, and best marketing practices for the business. Target audiences for this type of content would include aspiring spice business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking for resources on how to start their own business.

Developing a freelance writing brand is crucial because it sets you apart from the competition and communicates your unique value proposition to potential clients. A strong brand resonates with your target audience and can help you build a loyal client base. Follow these steps to create a memorable and effective writing brand:

• Identify Your Niche: Focus on a specific genre or industry that aligns with your expertise and interests. Specialization can make you more attractive to certain clients.
• Define Your Brand Voice: Determine how you want to present yourself in your writing and interactions. Whether it's professional, conversational, or quirky, your voice should be consistent across all channels.
• Create a Professional Online Presence: Design a website and social media profiles that reflect your brand, showcase your portfolio, and provide an easy way for clients to contact you.
• Develop a Unique Value Proposition: Clearly articulate what makes your services better or different from other writers. Highlight your strengths and the benefits clients will receive.
• Consistency is Key: Ensure all your marketing materials, from business cards to social media posts, reflect your brand identity and message consistently.

How to come up with a name for your freelance writing business?

Coming up with a name for your freelance writing business is an important step in the process of becoming an independent writer. When searching for a name, it helps to reflect on what you want your brand to represent. Consider what kind of work you specialize in, and think about how that might fit into a clever name. Once you have some ideas, try out different combinations with words and phrases to create something unique. Finally, consider searching online for similar names or phrases to make sure you are not infringing on an existing business.

Once you've laid the groundwork for your freelance writing business, it's time to make it official. Registering your business is a critical step, ensuring that you're recognized by the government and can operate legally. Below are the key steps to formalize your business registration:

• Choose your business structure: Decide whether you'll operate as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or partnership.
• Register your business name: If your business will have a name other than your own, file a 'Doing Business As' (DBA) or similar registration with the appropriate state agency.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Even if you don't plan to hire employees, an EIN is important for tax purposes and may be required to open a business bank account. Apply for free on the IRS website.
• Register for state and local taxes: Depending on your location, you may need to register for a sales tax permit, income tax withholding, or other state-specific taxes.
• Secure necessary permits and licenses: Check with your city or county government to find out if there are any required permits or licenses for your type of business.

Resources to help get you started:

Explore vital resources dedicated to assisting freelance writing entrepreneurs with market trends, operational best practices, and strategies for business expansion:

• The Writer's Market: A comprehensive guide offering access to potential markets for writers, including magazines, publishers, and more. Visit site .
• Copyblogger: Provides articles, ebooks, and seminars on content marketing, writing, and SEO for freelance writers and entrepreneurs. Visit site .
• Content Marketing Institute: This site offers resources, research, and advice on content strategy and marketing, valuable for writers looking to enhance their services. Visit site .
• The Creative Penn: Hosted by Joanna Penn, offering podcasts, articles, and courses on writing, publishing, and marketing books. Visit site .
• Freelancers Union Blog: Provides a wealth of articles on freelance life, including legal advice, health insurance information, and ways to run your freelance business more effectively. Visit site .

Beginning a freelance writing business involves understanding and complying with the legal requirements. Acquiring the necessary licenses and permits is crucial to operate legitimately and avoid any legal complications. Below is a guide to help you navigate this step:

• Business License : Check with your local city or county government to determine if a general business license is required to legally operate as a freelancer in your area.
• DBA (Doing Business As) : If you're operating under a name different from your legal name, you may need to file a DBA with the appropriate state or local agency.
• Home Occupation Permit : If you plan to work from home, this permit ensures that your business activities comply with local zoning laws.
• Professional Licenses : While typically not required for freelance writers, verify if your niche or type of writing service requires any special professional licenses.
• Tax Registration : Depending on your location, you may need to register for a state sales tax license or a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), especially if you plan to hire subcontractors.
• Other Permits : Research any additional permits that may pertain to your specific writing services, such as permissions for public signage if your freelance business has a physical location.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a freelance writing business?

In order to run a freelance writing business, you will need permits and licenses specific to the state you are operating in. Depending on your location, these may include a general business license, a seller’s permit, and a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Additionally, you may need a professional license if you are providing certain types of services that require specialized training, such as legal or medical writing.

Opening a business bank account is a crucial step in establishing your freelance writing business and helps to separate your personal and business finances. Additionally, securing the right type of funding can empower you to invest in essential resources and grow your business. Here are some steps to guide you through this process:

• Research banks and credit unions that offer business banking services. Look for accounts with low fees, easy access, and good customer support.
• Prepare the necessary documentation, which typically includes your business registration, EIN (Employer Identification Number), and personal identification.
• Apply for a business bank account either online or in person, and deposit the minimum amount required to open the account.
• Explore funding options, such as personal savings, loans from friends or family, small business loans, or lines of credit if you need additional capital to start or expand your business.
• Consider alternative funding sources like grants for writers, crowdfunding platforms, or freelance marketplaces that offer advances on projects.
• Maintain a clear budget for your business expenses and revenue to manage your finances effectively and plan for future growth.

Setting the right prices for your freelance writing services is crucial to attracting clients while valuing your expertise and time. Consider the following factors to determine a pricing structure that works for you and your clients.

• Understand Your Value: Assess your experience, niche expertise, and the quality of your work. Consider how these factors differentiate you and allow you to command higher rates.
• Research Market Rates: Look into what other freelancers with similar skills and experience are charging. This will give you a competitive benchmark for your own pricing.
• Choose a Pricing Model: Decide whether you'll charge by the hour, by the word, or a flat rate per project. Each has its own advantages, so select the one that aligns with your work style and industry standards.
• Factor in Business Costs: Your rates should cover not just the time you spend writing, but also the time and resources spent on research, revisions, communication, and marketing, as well as business expenses like software and taxes.
• Be Flexible: Be prepared to negotiate and adjust your rates for larger projects, long-term clients, or higher volume work. Offering different packages or tiered pricing can also accommodate various client budgets.
• Communicate Value Clearly: When proposing rates to clients, always highlight the value and return on investment your writing provides. This can justify your rates and demonstrate your professionalism.

What does it cost to start a freelance writing business?

Initiating a freelance writing business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $2150 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your freelance writing business.

As you embark on your freelance writing journey, having the right equipment and supplies is crucial for maintaining productivity and delivering quality work. You don't need a lot of fancy gadgets, but a few essentials can make a significant difference. Here are some must-have items to get you started:

• Laptop or Desktop Computer: Invest in a reliable computer with sufficient processing power and memory to handle various writing and research tasks.
• High-Speed Internet Connection: A fast and stable internet connection is essential for research, communication with clients, and submitting work.
• Word Processing Software: Choose a software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener for writing and editing your documents.
• Ergonomic Chair and Desk: Maintain your health with an ergonomic setup to prevent strain during long writing sessions.
• External Hard Drive or Cloud Storage Service: Backup your work regularly to protect against data loss.
• Notebooks and Writing Utensils: For jotting down ideas and brainstorming when you're away from your computer.
• Planner or Digital Calendar: Keep track of deadlines, client meetings, and your writing schedule.
• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Block out distractions and focus on your writing, especially if you work in a noisy environment.

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a freelance writing business:

• Computer: $300-$1500
• Internet Access: $30-$1000/month
• Word Processing Software: Free programs like Google Docs, but Microsoft Office is $99
• Accounting Software: QuickBooks Self-Employed starts from $5 per month
• Project Management Software: Asana, JIRA, Trello and Monday.com are free for basic options and range from $9-$30/month for advanced versions
• Marketing Tools: Hootsuite starts from free, Salesforce from $25/month
• Storage Space: DropBox starts from free, iCloud from $0.99/month
• Website/Blog Platform: Wix offers plans as low as $4.50/month
• Image Editing Software: Adobe Photoshop is up to $20.99/month
• Business Cards: Around $19.99 for 500 cards

As a freelance writer, obtaining business insurance can protect you from various risks, including liability and property damage. It's essential to assess the types of insurance required for your specific business needs. Here are some key steps to consider when seeking insurance:

• Evaluate your risks: Think about the potential legal issues you could face, such as copyright infringement claims or client disputes over contracts.
• Research insurance types: Common insurance types for freelancers include Professional Liability Insurance (also known as Errors & Omissions Insurance) and General Liability Insurance.
• Compare quotes: Contact multiple insurance providers to compare coverage options and premiums. Look for policies tailored to freelance professionals.
• Read the fine print: Carefully review the terms and conditions of each policy to understand what is covered and any exclusions or deductibles.
• Consider bundling policies: Sometimes, insurers offer discounts if you purchase multiple types of insurance from them.
• Review annually: Your insurance needs may change over time, so it's important to review and adjust your coverage as your business grows and evolves.

Now that you're ready to take your freelance writing business to the next level, it's crucial to attract clients and build your brand. Marketing your services effectively will help you stand out in a crowded market. Here are some strategies to get you started:

• Develop a Professional Website: Create a website that showcases your portfolio, writing services, testimonials, and contact information. Ensure it's optimized for search engines (SEO) to increase visibility.
• Utilize Social Media: Engage with potential clients on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Share your content, network with other professionals, and advertise your services.
• Content Marketing: Start a blog or contribute to publications in your niche to demonstrate your writing skills and expertise, driving traffic to your site.
• Networking: Attend industry events, webinars, and workshops to meet potential clients and collaborators.
• Referral Program: Offer incentives for existing clients to refer new clients to you, expanding your client base organically.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send out newsletters with updates, promotions, and useful content to keep your audience engaged.
• Paid Advertising: Invest in targeted ads on social media or Google to reach potential clients actively looking for freelance writing services.

Expanding your freelance writing business is essential for building a sustainable career. With a focus on growth, you can increase your income, build a diverse client base, and establish a strong reputation in the industry. Consider the following strategies:

• Network Strategically: Attend industry events, join writing groups, and connect with peers on social media to build relationships that may lead to new opportunities.
• Refine Your Niche: Specialize in specific topics or industries where you can offer expert knowledge and command higher rates.
• Invest in Marketing: Create a professional website, utilize SEO techniques, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn to attract clients.
• Offer Additional Services: Diversify your offerings by including editing, content strategy, or social media management to provide more value to clients.
• Seek Passive Income: Write ebooks, create courses, or start a blog to generate revenue alongside your client work.
• Request Referrals: Encourage satisfied clients to refer others to you and consider offering incentives for successful referrals.
• Outsource Tasks: Delegate administrative tasks to virtual assistants or collaborate with other freelancers to increase your capacity for more writing projects.

Hire the Top 3% of Freelance Business Proposal Writers

Toptal is a marketplace for top Business Proposal Writers. Top companies and startups hire Business Proposal Writing freelancers from Toptal for their mission-critical projects.

No-Risk Trial, Pay Only If Satisfied.

Trusted by leading brands and startups

Watch the case study

Hire Freelance Business Proposal Writers

Tanya Dymytrashchuk

Tanya is a finance expert serving investors and entrepreneurs in M&A, fundraising, buy and build, growth strategies, creating financial transparency, and defining business optimization potentials. She's executed €50 million in debt, equity, and M&A transactions in PE/VC and headed finance at a shared mobility startup, preparing the company for the financing round. Tanya enjoys freelancing due to the opportunities to create value and get to know exciting people and businesses.

Previously at

Emmy Sharing

Stephen Kelly

With 20 years of experience working with family offices, institutional and entrepreneurial private equity funds, and consulting Big Four accounting firms, Stephen brings unique insights into the variety of investor mindsets. He freelances to help startups and established investors determine ideal investment, asset management, and fundraising strategies. As a senior executive, he has advised on multi-billion mergers, equity raises exceeding $2 billion, and transactions totaling over $5 billion.

Grand Coast Capital Group, LLC

Francesco Castellano

Francesco has almost twenty years of experience in finance, consulting, business management, and sustainability. Throughout these years, he has worked on more than 20 projects as a consultant at Bain & Company and launched Uber operations in Turin, Italy. Lately, he has founded Tondo, an organization spreading circular economy concepts, and Tondo lab, a company driving the implementation of clean and circular innovations. Francesco is passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship.

Olivier Brunet

Olivier launched his own consulting practice after a 25-year financial career in Eastern Europe, working as CFO or controller for Fortune 100 and CAC40 subsidiaries (Publics, Alstom, Mondelez), combined with audit lead roles at KPMG and Mazars. He enjoys freelancing because it provides him with the opportunity to meet fascinating entrepreneurs and work on challenging projects, allowing him to leverage his corporate best-practice experience to improve accounting and financial processes.

Leoron Institute

Dhruv Tandan

Dhruv has worked on successful finance and consulting projects worth over $1 billion, focusing on tech, energy, and life science companies across the US, Asia, and Africa. He currently serves as a fractional CFO for multiple startups, is a partner at AND Business Consulting, and has more than 15 years of experience in FP&A, fundraising, startup consulting, M&A, and project finance. With an MBA in finance, Dhruv enjoys the exposure and sheer variety of assignments that come with freelancing.

Toptal Projects

Sandeep Mathur

Sandeep has analyzed 1,000+ corporates and closed debt, equity, and M&A transactions of over $15 billion as a finance professional. After working for 20+ years in top-tier banks like Barclays, HSBC, and Standard Chartered, he now advises growth companies, leveraging his expertise in modeling, fundamental analysis valuation, and fundraising. As a seasoned problem solver, Sandeep has worked as a fractional CFO for startups, advised on early-stage funding rounds, and designed pricing models.

Standard Chartered

Richard Taveras

Richard is a highly technical former investment banking VP (Greenhill & Co./Bank of America Merrill Lynch) with experience in over $15 billion in M&A, debt, and equity transactions for multi-national corporations. Prior to banking, he was the head of technology at an interest rate derivatives fintech start-up and a forex analyst at Barclays Capital. He has worked at companies large and small, and joined the Toptal network to work on projects that can benefit from his well-rounded skill set.

Greenhill & Co.

Viktoras Juozapaitis

Viktoras excels at financial due diligence, valuation, business plan preparation, acquiring banking licenses, and other corporate services. Recently, one of his clients obtained a full banking license in the EU. Having gained experience from successfully launching a global start-up company to banking and managing M&A projects in the Big Four companies, Viktoras offers a variety of high-value skills from start to finish.

Carlo Palmieri

A Wharton MBA graduate, Carlo has led transactions on $10 billion worth of LBO and growth capital deals. He's worked in investment banking, M&A (Deutsche Bank), management consulting (Bain & Company, Oliver Wyman), and corporate development (Lehman Brothers). Carlo leverages his skills in corporate finance, business strategy, and international business development to help companies scale and deliver value for their investors.

Lehman Brothers

Wen helped a French multimillion-euro food startup build its equity story and manage potential acquirers (Danone). She has project experience with private equity funds, venture capital, and industrial groups in France, Belgium, China, Africa, and the US. She is skilled in financial analysis and modeling, investor deck, and market research. Wen freelances to help advise startups and corporates on business strategy, investor relations, and fundraising projects.

Toptal Clients

Discover More Business Proposal Writers in the Toptal Network

98% of Toptal clients choose to hire our talent after a risk-free trial.

Toptal's screening and matching process ensures exceptional talent are matched to your precise needs.

Get Additional Expertise

Our clients frequently pair these additional services with our freelance Business Proposal Writers.

... allows corporations to quickly assemble teams that have the right skills for specific projects.

Despite accelerating demand for coders, Toptal prides itself on almost Ivy League-level vetting.

Pete Pellizzari

Romy Parzick

Doug MacKay

Founder / CEO

Chris Pozek

How to Hire Business Proposal Writers Through Toptal

Talk to one of our industry experts, work with hand-selected talent, the right fit, guaranteed, find experts with related skills.

Access a vast pool of skilled finance experts in our talent network and hire the top 3% within just 48 hours.

How are Toptal Business Proposal Writers different?

At Toptal, we thoroughly screen our Business Proposal Writers to ensure we only match you with talent of the highest caliber. Of the more than 200,000 people who apply to join the Toptal network each year, fewer than 3% make the cut. You’ll work with finance experts (never generalized recruiters or HR reps) to understand your goals, technical needs, and team dynamics. The end result: expert vetted talent from our network, custom matched to fit your business needs.

Can I hire Business Proposal Writers in less than 48 hours through Toptal?

Depending on availability and how fast you can progress, you could start working with a Business Proposal Writer within 48 hours of signing up.

What is the no-risk trial period for Toptal Business Proposal Writers?

We make sure that each engagement between you and your Business Proposal Writer begins with a trial period of up to two weeks. This means that you have time to confirm the engagement will be successful. If you’re completely satisfied with the results, we’ll bill you for the time and continue the engagement for as long as you’d like. If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be billed. From there, we can either part ways, or we can provide you with another expert who may be a better fit and with whom we will begin a second, no-risk trial.

Tap Into World-Class Talent

Trusted experts only.

All of our talent are seasoned experts who ramp up quickly, readily contribute as core team members, and work with you to minimize onboarding time.

The Right Fit

We have a knack for matching you with the right fit. Start working with your new hire on a no-risk trial period, paying only if satisfied.

Scale as Needed

Hire talent within 48 hours and scale your team up or down as needed, no strings attached.

Seamless Hiring

We handle all aspects of billing, payments, and NDA’s. Let us take care of the overhead while you focus on building great products.

Flexible Engagements

Choose the engagement type that suits your needs — hourly, part-time, or full-time — with the ability to change anytime.

Expert Talent Matching

Focus on your project and enjoy support from your dedicated account executive and expert talent matcher.

Featured Toptal Business Proposal Writing Publications

The Undeniable Importance of a Business Plan

Business Plan Consultants: Who They Are and How They Create Value

Creating a Narrative from Numbers

Top Business Proposal Writers Are in High Demand.

Storytelling

How to onboard and work with freelance writers.

Freelance writers are the unsung heroes of content production for brands. They can bring expertise and a fresh perspective that can help you execute your editorial strategy quickly and on budget.

However, learning how to work with freelance writers can be a challenge. Quality varies significantly among writers. It often takes rounds of trial and error to learn where to find talent. And a lot of marketers underestimate the importance of setting up a thorough onboarding process, which can doom your relationship with a freelance writer from the get-go.

Here’s what you need to know about recruiting your dream team of wordsmiths and keeping them purring with productivity.

How to Find Freelance Writers

Finding the perfect freelance writer is like panning for gold in a river of talent. Even with a lot of effort, you can still come up empty-handed. Contently’s marketplace alone has more than 165,000 freelance creatives . Countless other writers promote their services on their personal websites and social media feeds. So, how do you begin your search?

Start with clear goals

Are you looking for someone with expertise in your specific industry? Do you need someone with experience writing SEO web copy or white papers? Would it be helpful to have a writer with a professional certification related to your industry? Having a clear picture of who you’re looking for and the type of content you need streamlines the search for a freelance writer.

Be creative with your search

Your brand’s social media channels are among the best places to start looking for a freelance writer. It puts you in touch with professionals who already have some familiarity with your brand and voice.

When I was an editor for a health publication, I announced on my social media feeds that I was looking for freelance writers who had experience writing about certain medical conditions. Eager writers filled my inbox with details about their backgrounds, links to their portfolios, and even ideas for content.

Social media is just the start, though. You can also find freelance writers:

• on freelance marketplaces (like Contently),
• by posting listings on job boards,
• by asking for referrals from people you trust, or
• by reaching out to those who have bylines in industry-specific publications.

Throughout your search, be transparent about your budget. Just as each writer has a different background and experience level, freelance writers charge a wide range of rates. By sharing how much you expect to pay, you’ll save time from courting writers outside of your budget.

How to Vet Freelance Writers

After a broad search, you should have a list of freelance writers who have industry-specific expertise, experience producing similar content, and rates that match your budget.

What’s next? Vetting. To put things in perspective, Contently clients have access to over 165,000 freelance creatives. We do our own due diligence before adding a freelancer to our creative marketplace , and you should too.

Start by looking for red flags. A portfolio filled with out-of-date clips, broken links, poorly written articles, or content that doesn’t align with your needs can all be signs of a mismatch.

Take a peek at their social media, too. You won’t want to work with freelance writers who post insulting or misleading things in public forums, especially if it’s about your industry or their other clients.

Once you’ve filtered out potential bad apples, build a short list of freelance writers who stand out from the competition. Glowing testimonials or references from prior clients can be clues about a writer’s quality of work, reliability, and professionalism.

Share more details about your content strategy and assignments with the freelance writers you want to work with. You can connect with them over email or even set up a short video call to get a sense of how well you mesh. Here are some questions to ask a freelance writer to help you get the right fit:

• What’s your availability?
• What’s your typical turnaround time for projects?
• What’s your usual work schedule?
• What type of clients do you prefer working with?
• What types of content do you love working on?
• Is there any type of content you don’t create?
• How do you handle revisions and feedback?
• What’s your process for research and fact-checking?

It’s time-consuming, but meticulously vetting freelance writers can help you zero in on those who can deliver stellar content and are easy to work with.

How to Onboard Freelance Writers

Found a writer or two who seem like the right fit for your team? Get the relationship started on the right foot by having a clear onboarding process in place. Eric Doty, content lead at Dock , put together a virtual dashboard that outlines their brand’s onboarding process for freelancers. It can be a helpful model to follow.

Here’s how to onboard freelance writers in three steps:

1. Get a freelance writer contract signed. Before assigning anything to a freelancer, ask them to sign a contract. This can happen automatically if you’re onboarding a freelance writer through a marketplace. Otherwise, you can have your brand’s legal team draft up paperwork or search for a freelance writer contract template online. You may also need to collect tax documentation, such as Form W-9.

2. Familiarize the writer with your brand. The more familiar a writer is with your brand, the better they’ll be able to deliver content that serves your audience. Send the writer any materials you have on hand that could help them create content. That might include your style guide, content strategy and pillars, and audience profile. Provide examples of content that you think works well, even if it’s from another brand.

3. Collect payment details. Making on-time payments is key to retaining your best freelancers. Ask the writer for details of their preferred form of payment (such as PayPal, credit card, or ACH transfer). If necessary, work with your accounts payable team to set the freelancer up as a vendor in your system to avoid delays in getting them paid.

Most freelancers expect payment within 30 days of submitting an invoice. But if you can get them paid even sooner (Contently writers get paid instantly upon sending their draft), they’ll be more likely to continue working with you for the long term.

Dos and Don’ts for How to Work With Freelance Writers

Recruiting and onboarding freelance writers can be a lengthy process. So, once you’ve found a few you enjoy working with, you’ll want to implement best practices to keep them around for the long term. Here are a few dos and don’ts for working with freelancers:

• Send clear, comprehensive creative briefs for assignments.
• Provide specific, actionable feedback. This includes both constructive criticism that helps them improve on their next assignment, as well as praise for a job well done.
• Invest in their growth. Once they’ve proven themselves, assign them more challenging (and more lucrative) projects that come up.
• Keep lines of communication open. Promptly answering questions from your writers helps them stay productive and meet your deadlines.
• Have deadline integrity. If you’ve committed to a timeline for revision requests or freelance writer feedback (and turnarounds), do your best to keep up your side of the workflow.
• Pay competitive rates and send payments on time.

Don’ts

• Don’t ever ask them to work for free. (Yes, even a trial assignment should be paid.)
• Don’t treat them like an employee. Freelancers work independently and on their own schedule, and they often have other clients. Don’t expect immediate responses to emails or requests.
• Don’t ask them to complete work that’s out of scope. If you asked for a 500-word blog post, don’t expect the draft to come with copy for five accompanying social media posts unless it’s part of the assignment.
• Don’t request endless rounds of revisions. One or two rounds should suffice. (Contently includes two rounds of revisions in all deliverables just in case.) Account for time to complete those revisions in your timeline.
• Don’t forget to update them on important changes to your process or content strategy.

Freelancing is a two-way street — you have the power to bid farewell to writers who don’t quite hit the mark, but guess what? Writers can also bid adieu to overly demanding clients! So, it’s in everyone’s best interest to find that magical match. Keeping your writers happy and engaged means they’ll stick around to help your team create top-notch content like a well-oiled machine.

Learn how Contently helps manage all of this so that you can focus on what’s important: creating compelling content .

Ask The Content Strategist: FAQs about working with freelance writers

What legal considerations should brands be aware of when hiring freelance writers, particularly regarding intellectual property rights and confidentiality.

Brands should ensure that freelance contracts clearly outline ownership of intellectual property, confidentiality agreements, and provisions for dispute resolution to protect their interests and maintain legal compliance throughout the engagement.

What measures can brands take to ensure the security of sensitive information shared with freelance writers during the course of projects?

Implementing secure file-sharing platforms, establishing confidentiality agreements, and conducting background checks on freelance writers can help mitigate the risk of data breaches and safeguard proprietary information throughout the collaboration.

How do brands handle conflicts or disagreements with freelance writers during the course of a project?

Brands can establish clear conflict resolution protocols in contracts or agreements, facilitate open discussions to address concerns or misunderstandings promptly, and strive for mutually beneficial resolutions that prioritize project success and maintain a positive working relationship.

What strategies can brands employ to adapt to the availability and scheduling challenges often associated with freelance writers?

Brands can maintain flexibility in project timelines and deadlines, establish clear communication channels for scheduling updates or changes, and proactively plan for potential disruptions by building buffer time into project schedules or having backup writers available when needed.

Want to get high-performing, engaging content for your brand? Learn how Contently can help you scale content production with its network of freelance creatives across the globe.

Get better at your job right now.

Read our monthly newsletter to master content marketing. It’s made for marketers, creators, and everyone in between.

Trending stories

A Guide to Crafting the Perfect Content Format Mix for Audience Engagement

In Tough Times, Self-Aware Marketing Helps You Stand Out & Save Money

5 Financial Content Marketing Insights From The Best Email Newsletters

Visual Storytelling Examples to Captivate Your Audience

How to Become a Freelance Writer, Plus Tips for Success

F reelance writing is a booming industry, and it could be a great way to enjoy remote work and set your own schedule. Yet becoming a freelance writer can be difficult and confusing, especially in the beginning.

Today, let's explore how to become a freelance writer step-by-step, plus break down some extra tips to ensure success in this field.

1. Decide what kind of writer you'll be

No freelance writer can do it all, so you need to decide what kind of writer you'll be before starting on this career path.

Here are some examples of freelance writing niches and focuses:

• Technical writers : have technical expertise or in-depth knowledge about a specific subject, like manufacturing, finance, programming, etc. This type of writing is the most profitable side hustle. However, it's also the hardest for new freelance writers to break into as small businesses.
• Content writers: create blog posts for a variety of websites, often retail or affiliate websites. Content marketing includes high-qualitycontent writing. Such content might include guest posts for bloggers and business owners. It might also include other freelance content, like creating social posts or email copy. Helpful skills to know are how to use WordPress, Slack, Google Suite, Asana and similar.
• Copywriters : create content for brands by mimicking brand voice, tone and language rules. This freelance writing work means providing writing services to a brand's own blog. Such purposes typically revolve around SEO/search engine optimization purposes.

Of these types of freelance writers, you can further specialize. For instance, you can be a retail content writer exclusively, a finance technical writer and so on. In many cases, you should choose your freelance writer niche based on your previous experience, interests or specializations.

Consider your working schedule, too. Full-time writers will have more access to freelance writing jobs. However, you can still build a writing portfolio with stellar writing samples to attract potential clients, even as a part-time writer.

There are lots of online writing clients to attract. In any case, you'll build up a byline reputation after you get your first client and start flexing your creative writing skills.

Related: How Much Should You Charge as a Freelance Writer ?

2. Learn your niche's writing conventions and strategies

Next, you'll need to learn and master your niche's writing conventions and strategies.

As an example, if you become a copywriter for retail brands, you need to understand typical writing conventions like:

• Reading through your clients' tone packages or portfolios (sometimes called brand guides). These will give you the information you need to mimic your client's voice appropriately.
• Writing in streamlined, short sentences without a lot of fluff. These days, most online readers skim written content rather than reading it word by word, so you need to know how to create compelling, attractive headers and content blocks.
• Using bullet points frequently (just like this.) to convey key informational points quickly and succinctly.

Many of these skills can be learned and practiced as you hone your writing skills and as you determine your ultimate freelance writing niche or focus. Outside of learning by pursuing writing opportunities and building an online presence, many good writers have positive experiences with writing courses designed to build professional writing skills for different types of content.

3. Build a portfolio and join freelance job sites

No one will want to hire you as a freelance writer without seeing some samples of your work. This can sound counterintuitive, as at the beginning of your career, you won't have any work to showcase. However, you should create a portfolio of sample or trial blog posts, copy and more. Even if you come up with this content from scratch, it can serve as a good example of the work future clients can expect.

Once you have your portfolio, put it up on your personal website and your social media pages (particularly your LinkedIn profile). Then add to freelance job websites like Upwork. Make profiles on all the freelance job boards you can.

In the earliest days of your freelance writing career, you'll be pursuing as many jobs as possible. The more places you have to advertise your skills, the better.

Related: Leaving a Steady Job to Start a Freelance Career ? Here Are 5 Things You Must Know

4. Start looking for work

Now it's time to put your nose to the grindstone and begin looking for work. As a freelance writer, the initial months of your career will be filled with proposals and requests for work. Don't expect to get a lot of clients initially. In fact, you'll probably spend most of your time seeking out clients instead of writing.

This isn't a bad thing. During this time, you'll learn how to write effective, persuasive proposals to your clients and how best to represent yourself as the ideal freelancer for their needs. In time, you'll get a few jobs, then use those jobs to open further doors and new professional opportunities.

5. Request good reviews

Each time you get a job from a client, do it to perfection. Then, at the end of your contract, request an excellent review or testimonial. Many freelance job board websites allow you to post reviews or automatically calculate a review or star score based on your performance.

The better your review score is, the easier you'll find it to acquire new, high-paying clients. In this way, your freelance writing career will start off very slow, then quickly pick up speed.

Related: The 9 Skills it Takes to Succeed as a Freelance Writer

6. Market your writing aggressively

As you earn initial success, you should market your writing aggressively. There are a few different ways in which you can do this:

• You can create a personal website for your freelance writing business, showcasing your best samples and reviews or testimonials.
• You can make online ads promoting your skills as a knowledgeable copywriter, particularly in a specific industry or niche.
• You can and should market yourself on social media by regularly posting that you are looking for work or new clients.

Don't feel bad about announcing your skills in this way: You have to hustle to make it in this industry, a truism that holds for all freelance professionals, in fact.

Other tips for freelance writing success

You now know the basics about how to become a freelance writer. But even with the step-by-step process above, you might not see initial success unless you keep some key tips and strategies in mind.

Pick a niche to excel at

First, and perhaps most importantly, you should pick a niche or specialization at the earliest opportunity. Generalized freelance writers don't make nearly as much money as specialized writers. That's because specialized writers can provide more raw value to their clients.

Imagine a situation in which a programming company needs a writer to create some in-depth blog posts for B2B clients. They can hire a generalized content writer or a specialized technical writer who knows the ins and outs of programming languages and computer science. The latter choice is always the better option for that client.

To that end, find a niche in which to excel based on your previous schooling, your interests and more.

Price your writing properly

Many freelance writers struggle with getting a living wage, partially because they price their writing too low. True, in the earliest stage of your career, you'll probably earn about one cent or two cents per word. However, as you earn your first initial reviews, you should counterintuitively increase your price to five cents per word or more.

Why? If you price your writing too low, clients will think that you aren't worth their time. By pricing your writing sufficiently high, you show that you are confident in your ability to deliver results to those clients.

Always be looking for new clients

The life of a freelance writer involves constantly looking for new clients and work opportunities. Even if you have a handful of solid clients who send you work consistently, don't rest on your laurels.

Always be cultivating new contacts and finding new professional clients who you can approach for work. You never know when your current jobs or projects might dry up, leaving you in desperate need of new income streams.

Always improve your writing skills

Similarly, always work to improve your writing skills by learning new words, practicing your grammar and so on. As a writing craftsman, it's up to you to make sure that your skills are as sharp and desirable as possible. Don't let your writing skills fall by the wayside just because you have achieved some initial success as a freelance writer.

Related: Examples of Writing Business Ideas

Start your journey as a freelance writer

As you can see, you can become a successful freelance writer in a variety of ways and niches. But keep the above tips in mind, and you'll be sure to land high-paying clients and master your new business in short order.

Check out Entrepreneur's other guides and resources for more information on this topic.

I was a freelancer and hated every moment of it. Here's what my experience was like and why I went back to a full-time job.

• Elizabeth Blackstock is an automotive writer who freelanced for 20 months after quitting her job.
• For her, full-time freelance writing was a torturous cycle of overwork and underpayment.
• "I've come to think of my freelancing experiment as a failure," she writes. "But I don't necessarily consider that a negative thing."

On October 4, 2021, I ended a 20-month freelance writing experiment in favor of a full-time job, and I couldn't have been more thankful to bring a torturous cycle of overwork and underpayment to an end. 

By trade, I'm an automotive and motorsport journalist, which is about as niche as niche can get. I left a previous full-time job on February 28, 2020, right as the COVID-19 pandemic took America — and my job prospects — by surprise. My work options immediately slimmed, and the publications that did answer my pitches generally told me they couldn't pay me — a trend that persisted well in 2021. 

But even as publications adjusted to a new normal, freelancing didn't get easier. Instead of just writing, I had to learn marketing, management, accounting, branding, and social media strategy while contending with chronically low pay rates. I learned a lot from it, though, and I'd hope that my experience can help a different freelancer or potential freelancer on their journey.

Right off the bat, I realized freelancing requires more administrative work than I anticipated

A majority of my day was spent crafting pitches, sending emails, making connections, or chasing payments. By the time I sat down to actually write something, it was usually time for dinner, and I was exhausted.

For every minute I spent writing, I spent around 10 minutes doing administrative work, hoping for a response.

The writing I did do was largely unfulfilling 

Instead of the meaningful work I'd sought, I put together compilations of great products to buy on Amazon and reported on federal warnings about booster seats. I learned about designer handbags, curated endless gift guides, memorized hundreds of social media holidays, and learned how to master video editing and search-engine optimization. 

Related stories

Having those extra skills, however, didn't improve my situation much. My pay rate remained dismal.

Networking saved me

Thankfully, I was able to take part in a handful of press trips — events like new-car launches, where a lot of journalists in the same industry often end up — at a frequency I'd never done before, which taught me the importance of networking. 

After one trip, I'd come home with a handful of contacts who would come to me with feature opportunities, a paying gig, or an insider who could vouch for me when I sent a press request. These opportunities proved integral to furthering my career, and it was only after I'd started making them several months into my freelance effort that I realized how badly I'd needed them from the start.

Ti mely payment was almost nonexistent

After all of that was said and done — after I'd successfully pitched a story, negotiated a rate, wrote the article, made edits, and saw the story posted — I still needed to be paid. I was, to put it kindly, the bottom of the food chain. I sopped up the scraps that the publication I'd written for deigned to give me.

I lost count of how many follow-up emails went unanswered when I was seeking payment. The day I started my full-time job, I had $20,000 of unpaid invoices sitting in my outbox — which was an improvement, because the week prior, two publications paid me a total of $9,000 that they'd owed me for three months. 

My fastest payment, surprisingly, never came from the websites at which I had a contract. Rather, it came from small publications with very little staff. Those were also, unfortunately, the publications that paid the least.

Above all, I learned my worth

When I started freelancing, I had no idea what constituted a good rate, so a company that offered a flat rate of $35 per article sounded enticing. Unfortunately, that standard fee was deceptive: If it took me more than an hour to write the article, or if it broached over 750 words, I wasn't making anywhere enough to pay my bills.

It wasn't until I stopped freelancing that I found a formula that worked for me. I determined how much money I wanted to make in a month, calculated my average word count, and played with per-word rates that would bring me to my goal. But even the rate I came up with — between 25 and 50 cents per word — seemed ambitious, likely to be rejected at a moment's notice.

There were bright moments in my freelancing experiment. I had the freedom to work on several stories I wouldn't have had the opportunity to pursue with a steadier job that required me to stay in one place. Those stories, though, were few and far between. 

I've come to think of my freelancing experiment as a failure, though I don't necessarily consider that a negative thing. It was a valuable experience that taught me a lot — but I won't miss it for a second.

• Main content

More From Forbes

Building A Strong Financial Foundation For Your Small Business

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Starting and running a small business is an exciting venture, but it also comes with its financial challenges. Establishing a solid financial foundation is crucial for the long-term success and stability of your business. By proactively managing your finances, understanding key financial statements , and implementing effective financial planning, you can navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and set your business up for sustainable growth and profitability. Taking these steps ensures that your business remains resilient in the face of financial uncertainties and positioned to capitalize on opportunities as they arise.

Here are five essential steps to help you build and maintain a strong financial base for your small business:

1. take care of your money mindset.

Your attitude towards money plays a significant role in your financial success. A positive money mindset involves viewing money as a tool to achieve your goals, rather than a source of stress or anxiety.

You can create a healthy relationship with money by:

• Educating yourself about financial management and investment.
• Setting clear, achievable financial goals.
• Practicing gratitude for what you have while striving for financial growth.

A positive money mindset can lead to better financial decisions, increased confidence, and a more proactive approach to managing your business finances.

2. Read and Understand Financial Statements

Samsung slashes galaxy s24 price in a major new promotion, this is your last chance to shop these 114 best memorial day sales, get up to 50 off during the hoka memorial day sale.

Financial statements tell you the story of your business’s financial health. They provide insights into your company’s performance and help you make informed decisions.

The three primary financial statements you should be familiar with are:

• Income Statement: Shows your business’s revenues, expenses, and profits over a specific period.
• Balance Sheet: Provides a snapshot of your business’s assets, liabilities, and equity at a particular point in time.
• Cash Flow Statement: Tracks the flow of cash in and out of your business, highlighting operating, investing, and financing activities.

Understanding these statements allows you to identify trends, manage costs, and make strategic decisions to improve profitability.

3. Build a Business Financial Plan

A well-crafted financial plan is essential for guiding your business towards its goals. It should include:

• Revenue Projections: Estimate your sales and revenue for the upcoming period.
• Expense Budget: Outline your expected costs, including fixed and variable expenses.
• Profit and Loss Forecast: Predict your profits based on your revenue and expense estimates.
• Cash Flow Forecast: Anticipate your cash inflows and outflows to ensure you have enough liquidity to cover your obligations.

A comprehensive financial plan serves as a roadmap for your business, helping you stay focused and prepared for future challenges.

4. Monitor Your Results

Regularly monitoring your financial performance is crucial to ensure you stay on track. Set up a system to review your financial statements monthly or quarterly. Key performance indicators (KPIs) to track include:

• Gross Profit Margin: Measures the efficiency of your production process.
• Net Profit Margin: Indicates your overall profitability after all expenses.
• Current Ratio: Assesses your ability to pay short-term liabilities with short-term assets.
• Debt-to-Equity Ratio: Evaluates your financial leverage and risk.

By keeping an eye on these metrics, you can identify issues early, make necessary adjustments, and continuously improve your business’s financial health.

5. Have a Cash Management System

Effective cash management ensures your business has the liquidity it needs to operate smoothly. Key components of a cash management system include:

• Cash Flow Forecasting: Regularly predict your cash flow to anticipate shortages and surpluses.
• Receivables Management: Implement strategies to ensure timely collection of payments from customers.
• Payables Management: Optimize your payment schedule to maintain good relationships with suppliers while managing cash outflows.
• Emergency Fund: Set aside funds to cover unexpected expenses or revenue shortfalls.

A robust cash management system helps you maintain financial stability, avoid crises, and seize growth opportunities.

The bottom line is that building a strong financial foundation for your small business requires a proactive approach and continuous effort. By following these tips you can set your business up for long-term success. Remember, financial health is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process that requires dedication and attention.

Melissa Houston, CPA is the author of Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating a Profitable Business and the founder of She Means Profit , a bookkeeping and financial consultancy firm. As a Business Strategist for small business owners, Melissa helps women making mid-career shifts, to launch their dream businesses, and I also guide established business owners to grow their businesses to more profitably.

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

• Share full article

For more audio journalism and storytelling, download New York Times Audio , a new iOS app available for news subscribers.

• May 28, 2024   •   25:56 The Alitos and Their Flags
• May 24, 2024   •   25:18 Whales Have an Alphabet
• May 23, 2024   •   34:24 I.C.C. Prosecutor Requests Warrants for Israeli and Hamas Leaders
• May 22, 2024   •   23:20 Biden’s Open War on Hidden Fees
• May 21, 2024   •   24:14 The Crypto Comeback
• May 20, 2024   •   31:51 Was the 401(k) a Mistake?
• May 19, 2024   •   33:23 The Sunday Read: ‘Why Did This Guy Put a Song About Me on Spotify?’
• May 17, 2024   •   51:10 The Campus Protesters Explain Themselves
• May 16, 2024   •   30:47 The Make-or-Break Testimony of Michael Cohen
• May 15, 2024   •   27:03 The Possible Collapse of the U.S. Home Insurance System
• May 14, 2024   •   35:20 Voters Want Change. In Our Poll, They See It in Trump.
• May 13, 2024   •   27:46 How Biden Adopted Trump’s Trade War With China

Whales Have an Alphabet

Until the 1960s, it was uncertain whether whales made any sounds at all..

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Carl Zimmer

Produced by Alex Stern ,  Stella Tan ,  Sydney Harper and Nina Feldman

Edited by MJ Davis Lin

Original music by Elisheba Ittoop ,  Dan Powell ,  Marion Lozano ,  Sophia Lanman and Pat McCusker

Engineered by Alyssa Moxley

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

Ever since the discovery of whale songs almost 60 years ago, scientists have been trying to decipher the lyrics.

But sperm whales don’t produce the eerie melodies sung by humpback whales, sounds that became a sensation in the 1960s. Instead, sperm whales rattle off clicks that sound like a cross between Morse code and a creaking door. Carl Zimmer, a science reporter, explains why it’s possible that the whales are communicating in a complex language.

On today’s episode

Carl Zimmer , a science reporter for The New York Times who also writes the Origins column .

Background reading

Scientists find an “alphabet” in whale songs.

These whales still use their vocal cords. But how?

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Carl Zimmer covers news about science for The Times and writes the Origins column . More about Carl Zimmer

Advertisement