What Makes a Great Freelance Writer?
Here’s What to Look For.
POV: You hate writing
You stare at a blank page, procrastinate for three days, and finally throw together something “meh” at midnight. Whether it’s a blog post, a product description, or a full website revamp, putting your ideas into words just isn’t your thing.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone — the majority of small business owners and content creators struggle with writing compelling content that connects with their audience and ranks well online.
And that’s exactly why freelance writers like me exist.
But how do you find the one that’s right for you?
In this post, we’ll break down what a freelance writer actually does, how they can boost your traffic (and your sanity), and the key qualities to look for when hiring the best freelance writer for your needs.
What is freelance writing?
So, what is freelance writing, anyway? What do freelance writers actually do?
Without getting too technical, freelance writing is any writing a single person does for someone else in exchange for payment. This can include a variety of projects, such as:
Blog posts
Website copy
Newsletters
Online magazines
News articles
Social media posts
Even books!
Yes, that’s right — some freelance writers write books for other authors, a role known as ghostwriting. But that’s not exactly why you’re here. Well… it might be, but let’s assume you’re a business owner or a blogger just starting out, trying to figure out how to create content that actually works.
A freelance writer will take your idea and give it life through the beauty of the written language.
Words matter! A lot. If you don’t have the right words, you won’t sell anything. And yes—even a blog post about potted plants has something to sell:
Time.
Which brings me to the first quality of a great freelance writer…
Time Management Matters!
When you’re hiring a freelance writer, you’re not just hiring someone who can write. You’re hiring someone who can manage your ideas, your brand voice, and your deadlines. So let’s look at the most important qualities to keep an eye out for.
One of the first things to look for is how a freelancer manages their time. How do they organize their projects? How many clients are they juggling? And how do they handle deadlines? These are important questions to ask any freelancer—whether it’s a remodeler or a freelance writer—because effective time and project management is crucial to delivering quality work on schedule.
During your initial consultation, don’t be afraid to ask those important questions! If a freelancer can’t or won’t answer them, or if their answers don’t sit right with you, it’s perfectly okay to move on and find someone else. (Just remember—don’t bash anyone online based on a 15-minute phone call. That’s not cool!)
And that leads me to the next thing I look for in a freelance writer.
Communication
Let’s face it—communication can be tough. Whether online or in person, finding your voice isn’t always easy. I’ve been there. But if you’re going to be a freelance anything, clear, consistent communication is non-negotiable.
Many writers—especially freelance writers—tend to write the way they talk… or the way their client talks. That’s why communication is important on both ends. One way I sharpen my own communication skills is by doing mock interviews with myself or a friend about, well… anything.
The first consultation is a great opportunity to see how a professional writer communicates.
Are they open, curious, and excited about your project? Or do they seem closed off or disinterested?
Are they actually listening to you? Are they asking thoughtful questions?
Pay attention to how the conversation feels.
Most solid consultations last between 15 and 30 minutes—just enough time to get a sense of each other without diving too deep. For example, my consultations typically run 15 to 20 minutes, and I usually take them in the afternoon when I’m more awake 😉.
Now, you’re probably wondering, “When is she going to talk about the actual writing part of being a freelance writer?”
Fair question. There has to be something that separates the greats from the just-okays… and the not-so-greats. Which leads me to my next point.
Can they write?
This might seem obvious, but not all writers are created equal. A great freelance writer doesn’t just put words on a page—they understand tone, voice, flow, and purpose. They can write content that sounds like you, speaks to your audience, and drives your goals.
Here’s what to look for:
Voice-matching: Can they adapt to your tone?
SEO-aware: Do they understand how keywords work?
Research skills: Can they write confidently on topics outside their expertise?
Clarity & flow: Is the writing easy to read and engaging?
Another good question to ask is: Do they genuinely enjoy working with clients, building creative solutions, and telling stories? Or is this just a quick cash grab while they figure out their next move?
Freelance writing isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme (I promise, it’s not). It takes skill, discipline, and real passion to do it well—and sustainably. A great freelance writer genuinely enjoys helping clients bring their ideas to life. You’ll feel that in the way they talk about their work, how they engage with your project, and the energy they bring to the process.
For me, writing is personal—this job is my life. I’m an aspiring novelist, and yes, I want to make a living doing what I love. But it’s never been just about the money. Every project connects to something deeper, and I’ve been telling stories since I could hold a pencil. This isn’t just work—it’s what I do.
And that leads me to the next thing I look for in a freelance writer.
Where’s the passion?
Similar to communication and asking if they like their job, an important thing to ask is where is their passion directed?
Are they passionate about your project? Or do they see you as just another client?
Are they excited to learn more about your business, blog, or idea?
How are they directing their passion? Does their writing reflect yours and theirs excitement?
Can they be excited about more than one project at once?
I know I can!
Passion is the key to success. Mixed with hard work, it can help you achieve anything.
Conclusion
Hiring the right freelance writer takes a little research, a little patience, and a willingness to ask the right questions. But when you find the right match? It’s magic. Your brand will have a voice, your traffic will grow, and your to-do list will shrink.
Thanks for reading—I hope this gave you helpful insight into the freelance writing world. If you or someone you know has an idea, a business, or a project that needs a little storytelling magic, feel free to drop a comment or visit my contact page.
Until next time, remember:
Words matter. You matter.
– Kaitlyn Bell
