One of the most common questions from new freelance writers is: “Can I really make good money with writing?” It’s a fair concern. The internet is filled with mixed messages — some say it’s impossible without years of experience, while others promise fast riches in 30 days.
The truth lies somewhere in between.
Yes, you can earn good money as a freelance writer — even as a beginner. But it requires understanding the market, developing the right mindset, learning how to position yourself, and taking strategic steps rather than waiting for luck. In this guide, we’ll break down what “good money” really means, what to expect early on, and how to go from earning cents to building a sustainable income.
What Does “Good Money” Mean for You?
Before anything else, it’s important to define what “earning well” means in your personal context. For some, making R$1,500 per month with writing feels like success. For others, the goal is R$5,000 or more per month, working full-time as a writer.
Take into account:
- Your cost of living
- How many hours you can dedicate per week
- Whether you plan to write full-time or part-time
- Your financial goals (saving, paying bills, reinvesting)
Once you have a number in mind, you can begin to work backwards to figure out what you need to charge, how many projects you need, and where to find that work.
How Much Do Beginner Writers Typically Earn?
The income range for beginner writers is wide. Some writers earn a few hundred reais per month; others earn several thousand within their first year. The variation depends on many factors, such as:
- Type of content you write (technical articles tend to pay more than social media captions)
- Niches you work in (finance, SaaS, and health tend to pay more than general lifestyle)
- Whether you write in English or Portuguese (international clients usually pay better)
- How well you present yourself (portfolio, communication, professionalism)
- Your client acquisition strategy (active outreach vs. waiting for jobs)
On average, beginner writers in Brazil charge:
- R$50 to R$150 for a 1000-word blog post
- R$20 to R$50 per product description
- R$80 to R$200 for an email marketing sequence
- R$10 to R$30 per social media caption
While these numbers may seem modest, with volume, good organization, and gradual upskilling, it’s possible to build consistent income. And as you improve, you can raise your rates significantly.
The 3 Phases of a Freelance Writing Income Journey
Earning good money as a writer usually happens in phases, not overnight. Let’s break it down:
Phase 1: The Launch (0–3 months)
You’re learning the basics — how to write for the web, how to talk to clients, how to use platforms like 99Freelas or Workana. You might get small, low-paying gigs just to build confidence and experience. Your main goal in this phase is to get work, not necessarily to earn a lot.
What helps at this stage:
- Creating a portfolio with sample articles
- Accepting low-budget jobs to practice (without getting stuck there)
- Building a presence on freelance platforms or LinkedIn
- Studying SEO, writing structure, and tone
Phase 2: The Foundation (3–9 months)
You start getting repeat clients. You’ve improved your writing speed and clarity. You begin to understand what clients want, and your communication becomes more professional. Now, you can start raising prices and choosing better projects.
What helps at this stage:
- Niche down (specialize in one or two areas, like real estate or health)
- Create service packages (e.g., 4 blog posts per month)
- Learn how to write invoices and manage deadlines
- Test cold outreach to get better clients directly
Writers at this stage often start earning R$1,000 to R$3,000 per month — sometimes more, depending on workload and time investment.
Phase 3: The Growth (9+ months)
By now, you have a portfolio, testimonials, and experience with several types of content. You may start to work with agencies, international clients, or retainer contracts (monthly deals). You become faster, more strategic, and more selective about what you accept.
What helps at this stage:
- Developing your brand (LinkedIn, blog, or Instagram presence)
- Pitching higher-paying clients outside of freelancer platforms
- Offering complementary services (e.g., SEO audit, content planning)
- Outsourcing or batching tasks to increase productivity
At this stage, it’s not uncommon for writers to earn R$4,000 to R$8,000 per month — especially if they work full-time and focus on higher-ticket services.
Key Strategies to Increase Your Earnings as a Beginner
Even if you’re just starting out, you don’t have to stay at the lowest rates forever. Here are strategies that will help you grow faster:
1. Specialize Early
Generalists tend to compete on price. Specialists compete on value. Choose a niche you’re interested in and get better at it than most writers. Clients pay more for writers who “get” their industry.
2. Deliver More Than Expected
Add small extras — like formatting the article in Google Docs, suggesting a catchy title, or linking to relevant sources. Clients love attention to detail, and it increases your chance of being rehired.
3. Improve Your Communication
Be clear, polite, and prompt in your emails and messages. Confirm deadlines. Ask smart questions. Writers who are easy to work with are always in demand.
4. Raise Your Rates Gradually
After every 3 to 5 successful projects, consider increasing your prices slightly — especially if clients are happy. A 20% increase often goes unnoticed if your work is excellent.
5. Seek International Clients
If you write in English, try platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn to connect with international clients. They usually pay 2x or 3x more than local clients.
6. Build a Portfolio Website
Even a simple page with your photo, about section, services, and writing samples can make a big difference in how professionally you’re perceived.
7. Avoid the “Price Trap”
Don’t get stuck working for R$10 jobs forever. Use low-paying gigs as stepping stones, but always keep your eyes on growing and positioning yourself for better opportunities.
The Importance of Thinking Like a Business
If you want to make real money as a writer, you need to stop thinking like a “freelancer” and start thinking like a small business owner.
This means:
- Tracking your income and expenses
- Managing your time wisely
- Learning how to sell your services
- Setting goals and reviewing your progress monthly
When you approach writing as a business, you make decisions based on long-term growth — not just what’s easiest right now.
Final Thoughts: You Can Earn Well — But It Takes Work
Yes, beginner freelance writers can earn good money. But it won’t happen by accident. It happens when you treat writing like a career, not a hobby. When you’re willing to put in the effort to improve your skills, communicate well, deliver quality, and market yourself strategically.
In the beginning, the earnings may be small. But every article you write, every satisfied client, and every lesson learned is an investment in your future.
Stay consistent, keep learning, and believe in the value you bring with your words. The money will follow — and so will the freedom you dreamed of when you first opened that blank page.
