It’s been a couple of tough years for writers and creatives. Between the industry's incessant and fleeting changes and uncertainty regarding job stability, this career path is not for the faint of heart. I do believe that it’s still a good call to dive into the freelance writing pond in 2025.
And yes, I get it. With AI tools, blatant plagiarism, and the growing short attention span epidemic getting in the way, freelance writing may seem like it's no longer worth the effort. But, to this day, it is a solid source of income for many.
Don’t take my word for it; take the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’. According to their data, the average pay for writers and authors in 2023 was around $35, with an annual income of over $73k.
Let’s go through some of the aspects that you need to take into account if you want to start (or continue) freelance writing in 2025.
The ups and downs of social media
A lot of the freelance writing opportunities nowadays come from the significant role that social media plays in our daily lives. Some examples include:
- Content writing for X or LinkedIn posts.
- Scripts for video creators on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram Reels.
- Corporate blogs that the companies share through their social media profiles.
Think of any business that’s making numbers out there. Most of them have a social media presence where potential clients can look for images, directions, reviews, amount of followers, and any other relevant details.
However, an undeniable truth about social networks is that they change quickly, and so do marketing trends. That's why, to be a freelance writer in 2025, it is essential to understand social media.
It doesn't hurt to keep up with the news and latest feature releases, or even to take a course on engaging content writing.
The challenges of freelance writing (and the bright side)
Every job has its challenges. Freelance writers are not exempt from facing their own.
But the thing about challenges is that they make tasks more interesting, and being able to tackle them makes you a more attractive candidate for potential employers.
Let’s examine some of the most common challenges of freelance writing and the inherent positive aspects of each.
Challenge #1: It’s often a side gig
In many cases, freelance writing is a side hustle. There are plenty of professionals who profit from it abundantly, but there are certain times when the market is low on budget and available positions.
The bright side is that many full-time freelance writers out there have made a lot of money over the years.
If it is a side gig for you, there are some great perks:
- You don’t get sick of it. Juggling different projects requires you to take breaks from each so that you can jump on to the next.
- You can organize your days and prioritize other things that bring you joy more easily than if it were a full-time job.
- You can manage a variety of clients simultaneously, and losing one will not mean you’re unemployed. Also, you have more availability to bring new clients on board.
Challenge #2: SEO can be tricky
SEO knowledge is a must-have in the 2025 freelance writing landscape. Most clients want someone who understands and can write SEO-driven content.
The thing is, when it comes to SEO, the rules of the game change frequently and unexpectedly.
The good news is that learning about SEO is quite accessible. You don’t have to be an SEO specialist in order to do it right. A quick search online will help you find tons of free blogs and resources where you can get the hang of every aspect, as well as keep posted about the best current approach to SEO.
If you do want to become an SEO specialist, there are a myriad of courses online that can help you get started. It can be a great plus on any content creator's resume.
Challenge #3: Taking jobs you’re not excited about
You won’t always be able to choose the projects that are most appealing to you. There are many different types of clients looking for written content, and you won’t necessarily think of those who offer steady and well-paid jobs as the most attractive prospects.
The bright side is that having many kinds of clients will give you a broad creative portfolio that shows how adaptable you are and that you’re capable of tackling whatever topic they throw at you. It’ll also open more networking opportunities. Especially considering that many startups thrive thanks to freelance professionals.
Some may say specialization is the key to getting the clients you want, and that can be true. Just keep in mind that a rich skillset is always a good thing to have. It may be a life-saving tool in rough times when the gigs you’re passionate about seem nowhere to be found.
Most creatives aren’t overjoyed about doing the technical stuff. I know I’m not passionate about writing whitepapers or specifications on fishing equipment. But there was a time when those types of gigs brought me financial freedom.
I broke down my own limits. I learned about topics I would never have known about otherwise. Ask me about fishing rods—I may know a thing or two.
Challenge #4: Crafting your own voice vs. giving it up
You’ll have to find a balance between using your own voice and being able to give it up for certain projects. While this can be frustrating, it’s often a requirement in order to meet the client’s needs.
If you’re used to writing in a friendly and approachable tone, you may need to turn it off when preparing a legal document.
The bright side is that this will give you range. With time, you’ll learn how to turn on and off your tone of voice seamlessly, and that’s a well-appreciated skill. It’ll also make your job a lot easier.
Is AI taking over?
It’s time to address the elephant in the room. The rise of AI has been a source of fear and discomfort for many people, with creative professionals being one of the most concerned groups.
Yes, it’s undeniable that AI will now take over specific tasks. I can think of simple content writing examples, like copy whose sole objective is filling a blank space. Or any kind of text that doesn’t demand barely any depth and insight.
Writing tasks replaceable by AI
- Product descriptions for e-commerce sites
- Transcriptions and notes from videos/meetings
- The copy for certain web pages, like “Contact us” or “Work with us”
- Listicles from existing databases (e.g., “10 most streamed songs in January 2025”)
These are just some examples, and AI content platforms may be able to grasp several more. Of course, each might need revisions and changes from a qualified writer or editor.
Writing tasks that demand human input
- Anything that requires significant advice. The human experience is irreplaceable here.
- Anything with high stakes. Are you tackling a complex topic, like a finance or business-related article? You’re better off including insights from industry experts and writing thorough, well-researched text.
- Creative writing: books, poetry, scripts for social media videos, and everything in between.
- Comparison pieces that need an informed opinion with realistic and helpful input based on experience.
- Any content writing task where you need to imprint emotion, whether it’s comedy, nostalgia, or anything else.
The list goes on and on. While you can ask AI to write any of the previously mentioned tasks, it can hardly match, much less replace, the work done by a professional writer.
AI tools push writers to do their best and write more approachable content that’s permeated by human experience. That’s not a bad thing at all.
Grasping the nettle: how to use AI to your advantage
So, there are different tasks that AI can and can’t do. The best outcome here is for you to learn to use creative AI tools to organize your ideas, find alternative ways of expressing them, or even improve your time management. There are many ways in which freelancers can benefit from AI.
I wouldn’t recommend that you replace your writing with what the AI writes for a variety of reasons:
- Your brain is likely way more resourceful. Storytelling is one of humanity’s strongest and oldest skills.
- In many cases, AI-written content is easily identifiable and lacks uniqueness and value.
- People identify with people, which is why the content creator role has been in high demand in recent years.
- Your creativity is truly the bang for the buck. Having your own voice and developing it with practice and experience can give you the edge over AI.
- There is an ethical responsibility over the ownership of the work that AI cannot account for.
While some freelance writers fear that AI is here to replace them, it can be a valuable ally. It’s a matter of learning how to use it. You also have to focus on putting in the dedication so that your writing is as authentic as it is relevant.
There’s no use in tip-toeing around AI. The sooner you accept it’s already here, the more you’ll be able to stay ahead of it.
So yes, 2025 is still a good time to be a freelance writer
As someone who’s been doing this for years, I can tell you one thing: as far as I can see, freelance writing opportunities continue to emerge. Of course, it is not without its challenges. Such opportunities don’t look the same way that they used to.
The industry is evolving, and so should every content creator. Freelance writing can take many forms, from copywriting and technical writing to script writing for YouTube channels. Don’t limit yourself, and be ready to explore different paths.
As in any job, it’s crucial to stay updated and driven. You’ll have to put the work in the research, be persistent, and find new ways to reinvent your skills.
Utilizing platforms like Ruul and Envato can streamline your workflow and enhance your creative projects. Ruul simplifies invoicing and payment collection, allowing you to focus more on your writing. Envato offers a vast marketplace of digital assets and learning resources, providing tools to elevate your content creation.
That’s it for now! I hope this article soothed your worries and motivated you to conquer 2025 with many successful freelance writing milestones.
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