Content creation and freelance writing

The most common entry point into writing side jobs is through content creation. This includes everything from blog posts and website pages to newsletters and long-form articles. It's a high-demand, high-competition space that rewards clarity, adaptability, and SEO awareness. 

Freelance writers who understand how to engage a specific audience (and optimize their content for search engines) are especially valuable to clients. Look for gigs on:

• Upwork: A huge freelance marketplace for finding ongoing content work.

• ProBlogger Job Board: A curated list of quality blogging and content writing gigs.

• Writers Work: A job finder and writing portfolio platform in one.

Pro tip: Start by choosing a niche, like health, finance, or tech, to stand out among generalists. Many content apps allow you to tag your specialties and improve visibility.

AI training and tech writing

This is one of the most exciting new frontiers for writers. AI training roles require you to create prompts, edit machine-generated text, or evaluate AI responses for quality and tone. 

These roles are ideal for critical thinkers with a creative side who enjoy language structure, research, and nuance. The pay is often above average, and the work is typically asynchronous and fully remote.

Mindrift is a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing the field of AI through collaborative projects with writers. Our focus on Generative AI data creation offers a unique chance for freelancers to contribute to AI development from anywhere, at any time.

“If you enjoy discussing, writing about, or explaining topics connected to your area of expertise, this can be a great opportunity — not only to explore something new, but also to get paid for it,” says Roman, a QA at Mindrift. 

If this sounds like you, and you have professional experience in any domain, check out our current opportunities to get started. 

Pro tip: These roles may involve testing and rating responses. Strong grammar and editorial judgment are valuable here — think like an editor or teacher.

Copywriting

Copywriting is where storytelling meets psychology. The goal? Drive a specific action — whether it's buying a product, signing up for a service, or clicking a link. 

Unlike general content writing, copywriting focuses on brevity, tone, and conversion. It’s one of the most profitable niches once you master the structure of persuasive messaging. Look for gigs on:

• Fiverr: Ideal for packaging and selling copywriting services by niche or deliverable.

• PeoplePerHour: Great for connecting with small businesses seeking on-demand copy.

• LinkedIn: Tons of copywriting opportunities, both remote and location-specific.

Pro tip: Track results from your copy (like open rates or conversion stats) and add them to your portfolio. Metrics make your proposals stronger and help justify premium rates.

Technical and scientific writing

For writers with a STEM background or analytical mindset, technical writing offers stable and often higher-paying side work. 

These roles involve turning complex ideas into digestible, reader-friendly documents like manuals, SOPs, scientific reports, or white papers. Clients may include tech companies, research labs, or universities. Look for gigs on:

• Kolabtree: Great for PhDs and specialists in technical or scientific writing.

• Indeed or LinkedIn: For locating remote technical writing contracts with larger companies.

Pro tip: Did you know you could use your in-demand expertise and background to train AI models? Mindrift offers flexible, paid opportunities for experts in various domains. Check out our current opportunities and see where you might fit in. 

Scriptwriting and ghostwriting

Scriptwriting is ideal for writers who think visually and rhythmically. You could be crafting YouTube scripts, explainer videos, training modules, or podcast outlines. 

Ghostwriting, on the other hand, involves adopting someone else’s voice for a blog, a speech, or a full-length book. These roles require adaptability, discretion, and sharp listening skills. Look for gigs on:

• Scripted: A platform for writers to work with agencies and brands needing video scripts or blog posts.

• Reedsy: Especially good for ghostwriters with experience in long-form or book projects.

• Mindrift: Use your creative writing skills to train AI models on flexible, paid projects.

Pro tip: Ghostwriting clients often require NDAs, so be ready to provide anonymized samples or testimonials.