More people want to dive in and become a freelance journalist, and you might be one of them. But where do you start?

Before we get into first steps, let me just say: journalism and how people consume news are evolving.

If you’re only thinking about pitching articles to major news outlets, start by broadening your horizons. Consider also exploring video, photojournalism, podcasts, and a wider range of potential clients than you might have initially had in mind.

So, how can you start building your freelance journalism business?

Launch a Dedicated Journalism Platform

Start a channel to showcase your journalism—whether it’s a personal website, a social media page, a video channel, or a podcast. Then, get to work!

Show what you can do and that you’re willing to put boots on the ground to get it done. Don’t let your platform stagnate. Build an audience to prove you can capture attention and keep people engaged.

Unless you already have a semi-related platform, avoid mixing your journalism with existing personal channels. You want to appear serious, focused and professional, not like you’re amateur or just dabbling.

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Pitch Local or Regional Outlets

Try getting pieces published with local or regional news providers, magazines, or online publications. Pitch story ideas or inquire about joining their freelance roster.

When reaching out to editors, be concise—most smaller publications are understaffed and overworked, so long, rambling emails or DMs are likely to be ignored.
If pitching isn’t getting traction, take a bolder approach. Write or record a news piece and send it unsolicited. Sometimes, editors are more likely to buy a finished product they can see. Plus, if they’re in a pinch for content, your piece could be selected to fill the gap.

Include a brief note stating the piece is for sale so that’s clear.

And even if an outlet doesn’t bite, you’ve got content for your own platform or portfolio.

Explore Non-Traditional Outlets

Think beyond traditional news providers. Many organizations, like local or state tourism boards, B2B publications, government agencies, or nonprofits, produce newsletters and have online channels.

Offer to create a piece for them. These opportunities can help you build your portfolio and establish credibility in unexpected places.

Reply to Freelance Ads

As you would with a traditional job, reply to those who are hiring. You can find freelance job openings in a wide range of places, such as LinkedIn Jobs or on a platform like X, using keywords like “writers wanted” and “hiring journalist.” There are also lists, newsletters, and websites like JournalismJobs.com.

Generally, those hiring will want a resume, link to your portfolio and/or social media, and samples.

If you don’t have any published samples, for best results, present your work via a portfolio site instead of just attaching a bunch of files to an email or DM. It’ll look so much better and is much more inviting.

Also, remember don’t just rely on replying to freelance ads. (More on that here)

Offer Support to News Creators

Reach out to freelance journalists, YouTubers, or podcasters and offer to assist with tasks like research, sourcing or creating visuals, editing, or creating story outlines–any contributions can lighten their workload.

Although you won’t be reporting right away, you can earn some money while building trust. In time, they might invite you to create full pieces for their platform. Even if they don’t, you’re gaining valuable experience to bolster your resume.

Network Relentlessly

Network your ass off. Connect with journalists, editors, and industry professionals both online and offline. Attend journalism conferences, join professional associations, and participate in webinars.

Don’t sleep smaller, more connected group opportunities, such as Discord servers or social media communities. Find the right ones and you’ll find a close-knit group of folks that may pass along or recommend work, if not hire internally.

Building relationships can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and constructive feedback to refine your craft. Plus, it’s a great way to grow your journalism platform.

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If you’re not already connected or experienced in the media world, building your freelance journalism business will take time. Keep creating and connecting but set realistic expectations so you don’t get discouraged.

As you’re building your platform, consider making it a primary source of freelance income. With shrinking newsrooms, budget cuts, and a declining appetite for traditional media, more journalists are finding success and fulfillment being independent.

Plus, there’s growing consumer demand for indie media. Pew Research found that 54% of U.S. adults get at least some of their news from social media with about a third regularly turning to platforms like Facebook and YouTube for news.

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