10 Unconventional Freelance Writing Gig Ideas
- Jonathan Wilson

- Oct 12, 2024
- 3 min read

1. **Corporate Ghostwriting for Executives**
- **Opportunity**: Executives often need thought leadership pieces, LinkedIn articles, or even full-length books but don’t have the time to write themselves. Ghostwriting for corporate leaders can be lucrative and consistent.
- **Strategy**: Target senior executives through LinkedIn or professional networks. Emphasize your ability to write in a formal, authoritative tone, and showcase examples of thought leadership in business or industry publications.
2. **Case Study Writing for Established Businesses**
- **Opportunity**: Mature companies in tech, finance, or consulting often need well-crafted case studies to demonstrate their success stories to potential clients.
- **Strategy**: Approach established businesses directly or through marketing agencies that handle business clients. Focus on how well-written case studies can serve as valuable sales tools, driving future business by highlighting past successes.
3. **Technical Writing for B2B (Business-to-Business) Companies**
- **Opportunity**: B2B companies, particularly in software, engineering, or finance, need in-depth technical documents, product manuals, and white papers that explain complex systems clearly.
- **Strategy**: With experience in a specialized field, pitch yourself as an expert technical writer. Highlight your understanding of complex concepts and the ability to translate them into clear, readable documents.
4. **Copywriting for High-End E-commerce**
- **Opportunity**: Luxury and high-end e-commerce businesses need carefully crafted product descriptions, email campaigns, and website copy that reflects their premium brand.
- **Strategy**: Focus on niches like fashion, home décor, or wellness. Reach out to upscale e-commerce brands and demonstrate how effective copy can boost their brand's appeal and conversion rates, especially for affluent buyers.
5. **Content Development for Online Learning Platforms**
- **Opportunity**: With the rise of online education, many platforms and companies are seeking experienced writers to develop course content, scripts, and study materials for professional or skill-based learning.
- **Strategy**: Approach professional development platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or corporate training departments. Offer to create detailed and structured learning materials in areas like leadership, finance, or entrepreneurship, fields where your expertise may apply.

6. **Internal Communications for Large Corporations**
- **Opportunity**: Large corporations often need engaging internal communications, from newsletters to training materials, to keep employees informed and aligned with company goals.
- **Strategy**: Network with HR and corporate communication departments to offer your services. Focus on how good internal communications can improve employee engagement and retention.
7. **Business Plan Writing for Entrepreneurs and Investors**
- **Opportunity**: Entrepreneurs and startups often need formal business plans to secure investment or loans. These documents require clear, structured writing, financial projections, and market analysis.
- **Strategy**: Target startups, small business owners, or consultants. Highlight your understanding of both business strategy and strong written communication, showcasing how a polished business plan can attract investors or partners.
8. **Grant Writing for Established Nonprofits and Foundations**
- **Opportunity**: Many nonprofits rely on experienced grant writers to secure large, recurring grants from institutions and foundations. This niche often offers long-term collaboration with multiple organizations.
- **Strategy**: Approach larger, more established nonprofits that are looking for experienced writers to handle detailed and complex grant applications. Showcase past successful grant applications, emphasizing your understanding of fundraising strategies.
9. **Content Marketing Strategy for Mid-Sized Companies**
- **Opportunity**: Mid-sized companies in sectors like healthcare, education, or finance need a comprehensive content strategy that includes blog posts, case studies, white papers, and social media to drive engagement and lead generation.
- **Strategy**: Pitch not just content writing, but full content marketing strategies that include editorial calendars, SEO optimization, and analytics to show ROI. Focus on how strategic content can help them grow market share and improve online presence.
10. **Speechwriting for Professional Associations or Public Figures**
- **Opportunity**: Professional associations, political candidates, or public figures often need speechwriters for conferences, keynotes, or public events. These speeches need to be persuasive, compelling, and tailored to a specific audience.
- **Strategy**: Connect with associations or public figures who frequently speak at industry events. Position yourself as someone who can help craft speeches that both inspire and engage audiences, showcasing examples of past speaking engagements you’ve supported.
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These gigs leverage advanced writing skills and business acumen, with a focus on higher-value, specialized freelance work that can lead to long-term projects or retainer-based income.


