Finding Freelance Writing Jobs On Facebook

Don’t quit the platform just yet. There may be some value.

Facebook has been in the news a lot recently — and not for good reasons. There are some serious problems with the platform in how it manipulates users and spreads misinformation and propaganda.

I’m not going to go into all that here because while Facebook has a lot of problems, it has a lot going for it as well. The part I’m going to focus on, however, is its value as a networking tool for freelancers, how I’ve found a lot of freelance writing work on the platform, and ways you can as well.

I’ve been freelancing for over 20 years — mainly in the publishing industry. About two and a half years ago, I got an opportunity to dive into freelance writing, and since then, I’ve been pivoting my freelance focus more toward that.

I hit the usual suspects in looking for freelance work, but a lot of it was low-paying or with shady operations. What surprised me, though, was noticing that many of my most successful freelance writing gigs were to connections I made with people on Facebook.

I didn’t really expect that.

The Jobs

Here are some jobs I’ve found thanks to Facebook and how they worked out:

• The spouse of an old school friend of my wife’s put out a call for freelance tech writers for a digital marketing agency. Even though I didn’t have much experience at the time, I followed up on it, got some assignments, then got more. It pretty much launched my freelance writing career.
• Someone on a Facebook group devoted to the game Dungeons and Dragons put out a call for writers for a collection of demon-themed adventures his company was looking to publish. I produced two contract pieces for that collection. Another person involved with the project hired me to work on some content for a separate project.
• In a discussion on a Facebook group for dads, I mentioned I was pivoting my freelance focus from layout and publishing to just writing. A member of that group asked me about the kind of work I did. He ran a digital marketing agency, and they are now one of my most steady clients.
• A friend of a friend on Facebook mentioned she was looking for some feature writers for some small regional publications. I reached out with some links to my previous work. I’m now writing monthly features for three Colorado publications. I’ve been to Colorado only once in my life and barely left the convention center. Still, I’m a regular contributor with a bit of a local following.
• An individual I was friends with on Facebook solely because we were on the same panel once at a convention mentioned she was looking for some freelance tech writers for a few months of work. I responded, shared some links, and received the gig today.

These are just some examples. Since I seriously started pursuing freelance writing about two and a half years ago, I’ve picked up quite a few assignments via Facebook simply by keeping my eyes open. Sure, I’ve picked up work from LinkedIn, Indeed, and Twitter, but Facebook seems to be where a lot of my work just more or less dropped into my lap.

Factors That Made a Difference

I know a lot of people in the publishing industry. This is partly due to my twenty years working in publishing as a freelance book designer. I also spent several years editing a medical journal and producing the in-house periodical for The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. My Facebook friends list is full of authors, editors, and publishers.

I also have quite a few friends from the tech industry on my friends list. While I don’t have a formal background in tech, I’ve been a computer enthusiast since the 80s and still noodle around with classic computers. Some of my work came from these avenues as well.

However, the biggest factor in how I get a decent amount of work from Facebook connections is that when I see an opportunity, I respond quickly. The process tends to run like this:

• Someone I have a connection with — any kind of connection — mentions something in a post. It’s the luck of the algorithm if I see it or not.
• Having seen it, I read the posting carefully, so I understand what the poster is looking for.
• I ask myself if I could do this. I try to be honest with myself. If I think it’s a topic that’s too outside my comfort zone, I’ll give it a pass. If I know someone else who might be a better fit, I’ll send them the info.
• If I feel I could do this, I respond to the post expressing my interest. I may include a link to a sample piece that is similar to what they’re looking for.
• Sometimes the poster gives other contact information, in which case I’ll follow up via email or Messenger. I’ll include sample links, ask about rates if that information wasn’t already provided, and deadlines.
• If they respond (and often they do within the same day), we hash out the details and, if we mesh, I formally accept the assignment.

Crucial Note

Always turn in the piece on time. Facebook can be a small community at times. There is usually only one chance to make a good impression as far as writing work is concerned. You can quickly get a reputation as an unreliable freelancer if you’re late with work.

If you do take an assignment from a Facebook connection and have trouble meeting the deadline, make sure to communicate. More than often, something can be worked out.

And, of course, don’t plagiarize. I hate to even mention it, but you’d be surprised how many Facebook friends of mine have reported this as an ongoing issue.

The Key Takeaway

I spent a good portion of this piece discussing freelance writing assignments I’ve found on Facebook. To be honest, my successes could easily have occurred on nearly any social media platform.

The crucial thing to do is pay attention. There is a lot of work out there for freelance writers, and jobs can show up at the most unexpected times. Recognize an opportunity when it comes into view and act quickly.

Facebook may be a pit at times, but it can be a valuable tool if you use it right.

Cheers!

About John Teehan

John lives in Rhode Island with his wife, son, and dog. He specializes in tech, health, business, parenting, pop culture, and gaming. Visit wordsbyjohn.net for more info and rates. Twitter: @WordsByJohn2