Getting Started with Content Writing: My Proven Methods for Success in 2025
- shalini murthy
- Jan 25
- 4 min read
Getting started with content writing but struggling to make it work? I was you, once upon a time. When I first ventured into freelance writing, I was bombarded with advice about joining expensive communities, purchasing premium courses, and investing in costly tools.
Today, I want to share something that might surprise you: you don't need any of that to get started and make a living out of content writing.
The Only Three Tools You Really Need for Getting Started with Content Writing
Through years of experience, I've discovered that a successful content career boils down to three essential tools.
1. Your Portfolio: Quality Over Complexity
Think of your portfolio as your professional handshake. It doesn't need to be extensive or fancy—just 4-8 pieces of your best work will suffice.
I've found that a well-curated collection of quality pieces speaks volumes more than a lengthy portfolio of mediocre content.
When building your portfolio, focus on:
Demonstrating versatility within your chosen niche
Showcasing different content formats
Including pieces that solve specific business problems
Adding brief context about each piece's purpose and impact
2. Google Sheets
A simple Google Sheet serves as your entire client management system. It is best to organize with these essential columns:
Company details
Name of the person
Their LinkedIn profile
Contact information
Outreach dates
Follow-up schedule
Comments
This straightforward approach keeps you organized without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity.
3. Email Tracking
A simple tool that will let you know if the email is being opened. This is where a tool like Streak becomes invaluable. As a free Chrome extension that integrates seamlessly with Gmail, Streak provides crucial insights about your pitch emails without requiring any financial investment.
What makes Streak particularly useful:
You can see when prospects open your emails
It shows how many times they've reviewed your pitch
It helps identify the best timing for follow-ups
Pro Tip: Don't just track opens; pay attention to patterns.
If a prospect opens your email several times over a few days, they're likely seriously considering your proposal. This is your cue to send a value-adding follow-up message.
Finding and Approaching Prospects
I've discovered that recently funded companies make excellent prospects for content writers Here's why: they typically have both the need for content and the budget to invest in it. Using free tools like Hunter or Apollo, you can easily find the right contact person at these companies.
The Perfect Pitch Email Formula
Through countless iterations, I've used a pitch formula that consistently got responses for me.
Start with a Genuine Observation "I recently read your blog post about [specific topic] and particularly appreciated [specific detail]."
Offer Valuable Insights Point out one area where their content could be enhanced, but frame it constructively. For example, suggest adding customer success stories or incorporating more visual elements.
Present a Clear Solution Explain how your skills specifically address their content gaps.
End with a Personal Touch Include your relevant experience and portfolio link, maintaining a friendly, professional tone.
The result?
High open rates, meaningful responses, and potential job opportunities.
Here’s the email template:
Hi <Prospect's name>,
How are you doing?
I came across <Company name> blogs recently, and they have great <introductions, content, etc.>.
However, most of them are centered around your product alone. They would be even more effective if they included testimonials or past client success stories.
Additionally, you are missing a few crucial elements, such as images, internal links to other blog posts or guides, and subject-matter expert opinions.
Incorporating these crucial elements will make your blogs more authentic and position your brand as an expert.
On that note, are you looking to expand your content team? I'm <your name>, a writer/strategist with nine years of experience creating content for the SaaS and Martech industries.
Here's a link to my portfolio: <link>
I would love the opportunity to work with your content team.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
<Your name>
My tip: Always ensure your suggestions are based on actual content you’ve reviewed from the prospect's website—generic advice won’t have the same impact. 📈.
Remember, success in getting started as a content writer isn't about having the most expensive tools or comprehensive courses. It's about:
Maintaining a focused approach
Using simple but effective tools
Crafting personalized, valuable pitches
Following up strategically
Most importantly, remember that you only need one client to get started.
Focus on quality outreach rather than quantity, and keep refining your approach based on the responses you receive.
Conclusion
Getting started as a writer doesn't require a significant investment in tools or courses. With a solid portfolio, organized prospect tracking, and smart email monitoring, you have everything you need to begin your writing journey successfully.
Remember, every successful writer started exactly where you are now—with determination and a few essential tools. The key is to start taking action today with what you have.
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