10 High-Paying Freelance Writing Niches in 2023, based on Average Yearly Salaries

10 High-Paying Freelance Writing Niches in 2023, based on Average Yearly Salaries _ MediaOne Singapore

We get it — you’re an all-rounded content specialist with many hats to wear. You can write just about anything and everything thrown at you. But even something as great as that has its limits — it’s not financially feasible to be a Jack-of-all-trades.

Plus, it’s 2023, and content milling is passé. Search engines aren’t interested in generic content, and clients aren’t paying top dollar for it either.

In December 2022, Google released the latest version of their Search Quality Raters Guidelines. The E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness) criteria received a new add-on — Experience.

From the guidelines, Google makes it clear that they’re expecting content creators to write from experience rather than rewriting what’s already floating around in the oversaturated eco-chamber of rehashed content. 

So, if you’re looking to make a serious bank in the freelance writing game, let alone retain your career in the content industry, then it’s time you upgraded your skillset.

And what better way to do it than to pick a niche and hone your craft around it?

What’s a Freelance Writing Niche?

A freelance writing niche is a specialisation in the writing field.

Instead of spreading yourself thin, trying to deliver content on a range of topics, you limit your scope to specific types of projects.

For example, medical writing is a niche, so is technical writing or legal writing.

So, How Do You Discover Your Freelance Writing Niche?

It’s simple. If you already have an established content writing career, consider the topics you gravitate more towards. Or take a cue from your resume — what type of topics do most of your projects revolve around?

Ask yourself — what kind of writing do I find the most interesting?

Once you’ve found this direction, it’s time to take a leap of faith and commit to it. Dig deep into the niche and try to understand its nuances.

For example, if your freelance writing niche is healthcare and medical writing, you want to begin by familiarising yourself with the latest techniques in diagnostics and pharmaceuticals.

Next, you want to identify the top content creators in your niche and study their writing styles.

Read as many articles as possible to understand the lingo and all the associated technical terms.

You can then identify authority and influencer websites in the niche and see if you can start contributing to them.

After that, you want to start your own blog and establish yourself as an authority in the field.

In other words, becoming a niche-specific freelance writer requires a combination of research, networking, and practice.

So What are the Best Freelance Writing Niches for 2023?

Well, read on to find out:

#1. Finance

Consumers spend millions of dollars annually on credit cards, loans, insurance, investments, and banking services.

That means banks, credit card companies, and finance-related businesses have millions of dollars to invest in content marketing yearly.

There’s an excessive demand for finance writers to help these brands create content that educates and informs prospective customers.

Most of these companies are looking for unique angles and engaging stories to draw the reader’s attention. 

Remember, the niche doesn’t entertain fluff, only hard facts and accurate data.

So, how much are you likely to make with this niche?

Using Contena Job Board as a reference, you can see that many well-known and established brands looking for specific finance topics on the site are willing to pay an average salary of US$52,000/year (about SG$ 70,000).

Topics in the Financial Writing Niche

Here are a few topics you can explore in the financial writing niche:

  • Retirement Planning 
  • Credit Card Reviews
  • Investment Strategies
  • Saving & Budgeting Tips 
  • Estate Planning 
  • Mortgage Advice 
  • Insurance Policies

If you’re new to this niche, we suggest you start with topics you’re comfortable writing about. Initially, it’s best to focus on one particular topic niche and become an expert in that area before spreading your wings further. 

Here are a few example topics to write about for your writing samples:

  • The 10 Best Budgeting Apps for 2021 
  • A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Retirement Planning 
  • What You Need to Know About Credit Card Interest Rates in (Your Region)
  • 5 Tips on How to Pick the Right Investment Strategy 
  • The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Insurance Policies 
  • 10 Ways to Cut Your Mortgage Costs Quickly 
  • The Three Credit Cards to Get as a College Student 

And here are a few sites you can guest blog on for an online portfolio:

And here are ten sites that will pay you to write articles in the financial niche:

#2. Digital Marketing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A3DmvpZMuo&pp=ygUXRnJlZWxhbmNlIFdyaXRpbmcgTmljaGU%3D

Do you have a knack for promoting businesses online? If so, the Digital Marketing niche could be your ticket to high-paying writing gigs. As this field constantly evolves, there is an ever-growing demand for content about the latest trends and strategies.

Your clientele will be digital marketing companies, marketing agencies, and digital media outlets looking for freelancers to help them write email newsletters, SEO articles, website copy, blog posts, and more.

Currently, 132 remote Digital Marketing jobs are available on Indeed.com, and the average salary for these positions is US$58,000/year.

Digital Marketing Niche Topics You Can Write About:

Digital marketing is as wide as the internet itself. You can even specialise in the digital marketing field. Here are a few niche topics you can write about:

  • Affiliate Marketing Advice
  • Social Media Advertising Strategies 
  • Email Marketing Tactics 
  • Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) 
  • Content Marketing Tips
  • Website Development and Optimisation
  • eCommerce
  • Push Notifications
  • Social Media Marketing

For writing samples, you want to choose topics that convey your expert knowledge of digital marketing. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • The 2023 Guide to Facebook Ads 
  • Understanding the Impact of Search Engine Algorithms 
  • Content Marketing Strategies from Top Industry Leaders 
  • How To Build an Engaging Email List 
  • Optimising Your Website for Mobile Users 
  • The Definitive Guide to Push Notifications 
  • Maximising Your eCommerce Revenue Through Content
ALSO READ  The Art of Asking Open-Ended Questions

Here are a few sites you can guest blog for and get your name out there in the digital marketing world: 

And here are a few sites that pay you to write digital marketing articles:

  • A List Apart: Pays between $50 to $200 (600 to 2500 words)
  • Bmichellepippin: Pays between $50 and $150 (words not specified)
  • CopyHackers: Pays between $300 and $1000 upon acceptance (words not specified, but they only accept long-form articles – thinks 3000 words and above).
  • DivvyHQ: Pays between $250 and $400 per article (no words specified).
  • Income Diary: Pays between $200 and $500 per article (words aren’t specified, but aim for long-form articles if you want to be accepted). 

#3. Alternative Health Writing

Alternative health is an ever-growing niche, and there are plenty of opportunities for freelance writers to cash in on it. Here are a few topics you can explore: 

  • Yoga
  • Chiropractic care 
  • Essential Oils 
  • Herbal Remedies 
  • Aromatherapy 
  • Acupuncture 
  • Homoeopathy 
  • Body Building
  • CBD Oils
  • Senior Living
  • Supplements
  • Speciality Diets – Intermittent, Keto, Paleo, etc
  • Running
  • Nutrition & Diet Planning 

If you’re interested in writing in this niche and would like to churn out a few samples, here are a few topic ideas to get you started: 

  • The Benefits of Yoga for Stress Management 
  • Your Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy 
  • Chiropractic Care – An Overview 
  • Understanding the Basics of Homeopathy and How it Works
  • Eating Healthy on a Budget – Tips and Tricks 

You can find alternative health writing clients on sites like Upwork, Freelancer, Guru, and ProBlogger. Rates vary depending on the type of project you’re working on – but anywhere from $0.10 to $1 per word is typical in this field. So if you can write an article with 1000 words, you can easily make $100 – $1000 for every piece you write.

Here are a few websites that hire freelance writers to write about alternative health topics: 

For guest blogging opportunities, here are a few sites to check out:

A simple trick to find a site you can write for is to search “guest post” + “alternative health” in the Google search bar. 

#4. Book Writing (Ghost writing)

Not everyone was born a writer, but if you’re passionate about words and have a knack for creating captivating stories, then ghost writing may be your calling! Ghost writers create books on behalf of authors. 

As the ghost writer, you usually get paid upfront for the entire book project – instead of per page or word count. Rates vary depending on the type of project you’re working on, but anywhere from $5,000 to over $20,000 per project is standard. 

So, if you’re looking for a well-paying freelancing niche – this may be the one for you.

Here are a few freelance websites where you can find ghostwriting gigs: 

As a book ghostwriter, you’ll be responsible for writing:

  • eBooks
  • Novels
  • Children’s books 
  • Memoirs 
  • Self-help guides
  • And much more! 

So, if you’ve got the writing chops and are looking for a high-paying freelancing niche, book ghostwriting is definitely worth considering. Who knows — you could end up having a bestseller on your hands.

How much could you make?

The amount you’ll make for a particular book writing project depends on factors like the book’s length, the complexity of the topic, and the writer’s experience. However, seasoned ghost writers can easily make anywhere between $3,000 to over $20,000 per project – depending on the length and type of book. 

Your earning potential as a ghost writer is really up to you and your experience – so if you’re an experienced writer, this could be a great freelancing niche for you.

#5. Video Script Writing

While content is king, video is rapidly becoming the new currency of the internet. Videos are now a staple on most websites and social media platforms, and they’re also taking over more advertising space. That means that demand for scriptwriters is on the rise too.

Video scriptwriters typically write scripts for videos ranging from educational to promotional – like tutorials, explainers, commercials, and more. Most scripts are short, between 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length.

The earning potential for video script writing is outstanding — the average rate per finished script is around $500. And if you freelance full-time, you could quickly bring in upwards of $50,000 a year just from this one niche alone. Plus, it’s a great way to hone your writing skills and explore new things. 

So, if you’re looking for a lucrative freelance writing niche in 2023, video script writing could be just the ticket.

So, how much could you make scripting videos?

The sky’s the limit. You could easily make anywhere from $500 to upward of $50,000 a year, depending on your experience and the size of the projects you take on.

Generally, most scripting gigs pay between $0.3-1$ per word. That means if you’re writing a script of 1,000 words, you can expect to be paid between $300 and $1,000.

Types of projects you can expect in this niche are:

  • Corporate training videos
  • Promotional videos
  • Explainer videos
  • Educational series
  • Course Lessons
  • Sales Page Video Copy
  • Tripwire video copy

Where Can You Find Video Scripting Projects?

First, check with freelance marketplaces such as Upwork, Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and Guru. You can also look for projects on job boards like ProBlogger or job sites such as Indeed and LinkedIn. Search with terms like “video script writer” or “freelance video writer” to find relevant opportunities.

#6. Food and Wine

We all love food. Whether you’re a fan of fine dining, a foodie looking for some delicious recipes, or passionate about the culinary arts, writing about food and wine can be one of those profitable writing niches.

It’s not the easiest market to break into. There’s a lot of competition, and the content needs to be top-notch to stand out. But if you’re passionate about food, it can be gratifying.

What types of projects can you expect in this niche? 

  • Restaurant reviews, 
  • Cookbook reviews, 
  • Food and wine pairing articles, 
  • Travel guides to foodie destinations.
  • Recipe developer
  • Food events
  • Industry news
  • Wine and beer copywriting
ALSO READ  10 Innovative Approaches to Develop a Solid Content Marketing Strategy

How Do You Find Food and Wine Writing Projects?

There are several websites dedicated to food and wine writing. Look for job openings at sites like Culinary Agents, Wine Jobs, or the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). You can also look for gigs on freelance marketplaces such as Upwork, Freelancer.com, or Fiver.

For guest blogging opportunities, here are five food and wine sites to check out:

If you want to break into food and wine writing, start by creating portfolio pieces and pitching them to the above publications or any other food-related websites you find online. 

If you’re stuck on what topics to write about, here are a few topic ideas to consider:

  • 27 Advent Treats You Can Make with Your Spouse 
  • The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Wines with Cheese 
  • How to Make the Perfect Apple Pie for Thanksgiving 
  • Which Restaurants are Serving the Best Dishes in Your City?
  • Exploring New Cuisines: A Beginner’s Guide

#7. Email Writing 

Email marketing is the most effective way to nurture leads and make sales. Email copywriters are in high demand as businesses must write effective emails that resonate with their target customers. The ability to craft compelling subject lines, create persuasive copy, and design visually appealing emails is a skill only a few possess. 

As a freelance email writer, your job will be to create emails that get people to click through and take action. You’ll need to be creative, have an eye for design, and know how to capture the reader’s attention with your copy.

If you’re interested in taking on email writing gigs, create a portfolio of email samples demonstrating your writing ability. It also helps to familiarise yourself with email marketing tools such as MailChimp and Constant Contact to understand how the process works. 

The types of projects you’ll be handling include:

  • Newsletters
  • Email sequences
  • Landing page copy
  • Email sales funnel
  • Marketing material 

With the right skillset, you could earn an average of $50 – $200 per hour for your email writing services. So, if you’re looking to break into this lucrative market, it’s time to start building your portfolio.

#8. Software as a Service (SaaS) Copywriting

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a software solution hosted and managed on the cloud, providing users with an easy-to-manage solution for their businesses. SaaS copywriting involves crafting content that helps customers understand how the software works and why it benefits them.

A good example is crafting content for an e-commerce platform, explaining to customers how it works and why they should use it. Your job as a SaaS copywriter will be to create compelling content that helps your client’s customers understand their products better.

You’ll need to understand technology and software products well to break into this niche. You should also be able to write persuasive and engaging content that encourages customers to take action.

The average salary for a SaaS copywriter is $69,700 per year, with experienced writers earning up to $90,000 yearly. It can be a great way to boost your income if you have the skills and experience needed for this niche. 

 Here are some of the topics you may need to write about: 

  • Software overviews
  • Product feature descriptions 
  • User guides and tutorials 
  • E-commerce platform information
  • Marketing content that promotes the product
  • How-to guide and tutorials
  • Round-ups (statistics, apps, etc.)
  • Case studies
  • Client success stories
  • Press releases
  • Technical articles
  • White papers 
  • Comparing different software solutions, etc

Remember that this is a technical field, and your job as a SaaS writer would be to simplify everything and make it easy to understand for the end-user. 

#9. Anime Writer

If you’re an anime fan, this could be your perfect niche. Anime writing involves creating content about Japanese animation and its various subgenres, such as manga, light novels, and video games. 

As an anime writer, your job would be to research topics about the industry and create articles, reviews, summaries, blog posts, or even scripts for anime series. You may also be required to create promotional material such as press releases and social media tags.

The average salary for an anime writer is around $60 400 per year. Experienced writers can earn up to $80,000 or more annually, depending on their skill set and the type of anime they’re writing about. 

Here are some of the topics you’ll be covering as an anime writer:

  • Anime Reviews
  • Anime News
  • Figurines
  • How-to Guides
  • Recommendations
  • Cosplay
  • Anime cons and events
  • Fashion and trends 
  • Merchandise, etc. 

If you’re a fan of Japanese culture and have the skills to create engaging content, then you can never go wrong with this niche.

Here are some anime sites you can write for to build your portfolio:

#10. Blockchain Writer 

Blockchain technology is the backbone of the crypto economy and is set to revolutionize how we do business. This niche requires you to be up-to-date with the latest developments in blockchain technology, so your research skills need to be on point. 

As a Blockchain writer, your job primarily involves writing articles about digital currency, emerging blockchain technologies, and cryptocurrency trading. You’ll also need to be familiar with the different types of blockchains, such as public, private, and hybrid, and understand the various applications of this technology.

The average annual salary for a Blockchain writer is around $64,200. Highly experienced writers can earn up to $80,000 per year or more. 

Here are some sites you can write for to build your portfolio: 

The topics you’ll be writing about include:

  • Blockchain
  • Cryptoprenuers
  • Crypto credit
  • Bitcoin Mining
  • Cryptocurrency trading 
  • Smart contracts, etc

And if you’re looking to write a few samples to kickstart your new-found career, here’re a few topic ideas to ride with: 

  • The Pros and Cons of Investing in Bitcoin
  • An Introduction to Ethereum Smart Contracts
  • How Crypto Mining is Changing the Landscape of Blockchain Technology 
  • Securing Your Digital Assets with Cryptocurrency Wallets 
  • Understanding The Different Types of Blockchains. 
  • Why Libra Could Revolutionize the Way We Do Business. 
  • How to Tell a Crypto Scam Before It’s Too Late

So, if you have a knack for technology and finance, this is one of the best freelance writing niches to get into in 2023. With the right skill set and a bit of luck, you can even make six figures from home as a Blockchain writer.

About the Author

Tom Koh

Tom is the CEO and Principal Consultant of MediaOne, a leading digital marketing agency. He has consulted for MNCs like Canon, Maybank, Capitaland, SingTel, ST Engineering, WWF, Cambridge University, as well as Government organisations like Enterprise Singapore, Ministry of Law, National Galleries, NTUC, e2i, SingHealth. His articles are published and referenced in CNA, Straits Times, MoneyFM, Financial Times, Yahoo! Finance, Hubspot, Zendesk, CIO Advisor.

Share:

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

PSG Grants: The Complete Guide

How do you kickstart your technology journey with limited resources? The Productivity Solution Grant (PSG) is a great place to start. The Productivity Solution Grant

Is SEO Better Or SEM Better?

I think we can all agree that Google SEO is pretty cool! A lot of people get to enjoy high rankings on Google and other

Social Media

Technology

Branding

Business

Most viewed Articles

Top Wood Cutting Services in Singapore

7 Top Wood Cutting Tools: Applications, Functions, Uses: Multiple wood cutting tools can be found retailed widely that may mechanically slice wooden pieces and save

Other Similar Articles

GET FREE MARKETING QUOTE