I fell into freelance content marketing: Here’s how

Saima Omar: My Journey into Freelancing and Content Marketing

Hi there,

I’m Saima, a freelance content marketing manager. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take the leap into freelancing, let me share my story with you.

I’ve always loved English. More precisely, books. Storytelling. The way words can tell a story and capture attention. How they can move hearts and create an impact. Words in poetry, novels, or even on a website — all of them are deliberate.

Every word is chosen for a reason.

I studied English Language and Literature for my Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s in Magazine Journalism. Both shaped my path into content marketing.

But my real education came through freelancing itself.

The Start of My Freelancing Journey

I’ve been a freelance content marketer for over 10 years now. It started in the early days of my career when I worked with legal firms and tech companies. Back then, I used LinkedIn a lot to pitch my work or services — sending direct messages to potential clients about content marketing packages I’d freshly launched for blogging and social media.

I’ll admit, I had no clue about pricing back then. My rates were laughably low —£70 per month for social media management and £50 per blog. But I was thrilled when I landed two clients in my first month of pitching. (P.S. 10 years later, this freelance cold pitching malarkey feels much harder right now!) One needed social media management, and the other wanted five blogs a month. That extra £320 a month felt like a win.

At the time, freelancing was just a side hustle. I had a full-time job, so there wasn’t pressure to rely on my freelance income. But slowly, the side hustle started to grow.

When a law firm reached out for a package including social media, SEO, and blogging, I priced it at £550. They signed up, and I was over the moon. It was starting to feel real. (That same package now, is worth £3000!)

Why I Took the Leap

Everything changed when I became a mum. My daughter was tiny, and I knew I wanted more freedom than a 9-to-5 could offer. I wanted to be there for her whenever she needed me. I wanted to take a random Tuesday afternoon off if I felt like it. But also, I was made redundant when I was on maternity leave, with a month left to go back to corp life. I would have done. I loved my job. My boss was easy-going but also helped us become the best independent marketers in charge of our own little show.

By then, I’d already built a base of four clients. Their work covered my full-time salary, so the leap into freelancing didn’t feel as risky. It wasn’t starting from scratch. It was building on a foundation I’d already laid. That same month, I’d made the decision to go freelance, I signed up a Social Media contract worth half my salary. That felt really cool. And the start of something that could snow ball into whatever I dared to make it.

What I Learned Along the Way

My freelancing approach is rooted in my experience working at agencies. I learned how to pitch clients, create strategies, write proposals, and execute content plans. Those lessons became the blueprint for how I run my business today.

One thing I’ve learned is to value clients who value my work. It’s that simple. I work with people who understand that content marketing isn’t about quick wins. It’s about building something lasting.

SEO is a great example. It’s not flashy or fast, but it works. Over time, it compounds. Invest in it early, and you’ll see results when others are just starting to figure it out. Paid media is great too, but when paired with SEO, it’s even better. The long-term results are worth it.

Advice for Aspiring Freelancers

If you’re thinking about freelancing — whether it’s in content marketing, design, or something else: start small.

Build a side hustle while you’re still working full-time. Having even one or two clients will give you the confidence to take the leap.

Freelancing is a rollercoaster, no doubt.

But it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Good luck on your journey,
Saima

Feel free to drop me a line if you’re thinking about starting a freelance journey and have a burning question you want to talk about. I offer coffee chats to fellow freelancers here.