You just read yet another income report, and the writer claims they’ve made $150,000 in the last 9 months.

(Many of them aren’t lying.)

You then open LinkedIn, and almost every connection has a variation of “SaaS content writer” or “freelance b2b saas content writer” on their headline.

Guilty as charged.

Now you’re left wondering, what the heck is SaaS content writing? And how do you become a SaaS content writer?

You start digging. You read a few job postings. They mention terms such as “technical fluency,” “understanding B2B buyer journeys,” “product-led content,” and “explaining complex software solutions.” 

None of which sounds like the blog posts you’ve been writing about iGaming, travel destinations, or recipes.

Then you notice the rates. $800 per article. $1,200 for a 2,000-word piece. Some writers charge $5,000 monthly retainers for just 4-6 articles.

You’re currently getting $150-$250 for similar word counts. Ouch.

You click on a few writer profiles to see what they’re producing. The content looks…fine? It’s not Ogilvy. Neither is it Emily Dickinson—except maybe with the em dashes. Not dramatically better than what you write or could write.

So what gives? Why the massive gap? 

What do these SaaS writers know that you don’t? Do they have computer science degrees? Years of tech experience you’ll never have?

Turns out, none of that.

I would know—I’ve been writing long-form content for software companies like HubSpot, Zapier, SimpleTexting, and many more for over 5 years now.  

I didn’t have a tech background to start with (I finished university with a degree in Statistics). I wasn’t a developer. I didn’t even fully understand what “SaaS” meant when I wrote my first piece about copywriting resources.

What I did have was curiosity about why this niche existed and a willingness to learn a new way of thinking about content.

Because that’s what SaaS content writing really is.

You need to understand how Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) businesses make money (spoiler: recurring subscriptions, not one-time purchases). 

You need to translate technical features into benefits that matter to non-technical buyers. And you need to create content for 3-6 month sales cycles where five different people evaluate the product before anyone agrees to spend money.

All of this is learnable. Faster than you’d expect.

This guide breaks down what a SaaS content writer actually does on a day-to-day basis, why companies pay significantly more for this work, and what skills separate the high earners from the struggling generalists. 

You’ll also see specific steps to land your first SaaS clients, even if you’ve never written a single word about software—all drawing from my experience.

By the end, you’ll know whether this niche is right for you. And if it is, you’ll have a roadmap that doesn’t involve spending months figuring things out through expensive trial and error.

Table of Contents

What a SaaS content writer does

A SaaS content writer writes sales and marketing content for software companies. They write about software products and the problems they solve. 

The content they create is designed to guide people through various stages of awareness. From “I have a problem” to “this specific tool solves my problem better than the alternatives.”

The goal is to educate potential customers, build trust, generate leads, and ultimately grow revenue.

Something I’d like you to emphasize is that you will be primarily writing marketing content about these software products. 

Yes, an understanding of what the product does is essential, but you’re not going to be “writing software.” Instead, you’re promoting the SaaS product.

For example, Notion’s engineers have built features such as databases, AI, and template systems. If Notion hires you as a SaaS content writer, you’re not going to be joining the engineers in writing code.

Your responsibility would likely be to write a blog post, like “How to Use Notion as Your Second Brain,” that shows freelancers why they need Notion.

You’re explaining why those features matter to someone trying to organize their entire work life.

Get it?

The content you’ll create

On any given week as a saas writer, you might work on:

Educational blog posts 

These attract an audience searching for solutions to specific problems. Blog posts are often optimized for search engines and designed to demonstrate expertise and build trust with potential clients. 

For example, in this blog post for Zapier, I help marketers understand how to personalize their emails.

The piece includes real-life emails and expert recommendations on how it’s done. 

Since it’s for Zapier, the post also ties in Zapier’s integration with the email service providers people use.

Product-led content

Product-led content demonstrates how software addresses real-world problems. 

Instead of listing features in isolation, product-led content walks readers through use cases, workflows, and outcomes. It answers the question every B2B buyer has: “Will this work for someone like me?”

My favorite source of product-led content inspiration comes from Ahrefs’ blog. 

Almost every article weaves in different Ahrefs features or products as the solution to their audience’s problem.

Comparison pages 

Comparison pages position software products against competitors. 

This type of content requires researching what competing tools offer, understanding where your product excels, and presenting that information honestly without sounding defensive or overly biased.

Here’s an example of a piece comparing Squarespace and WordPress.

Case studies and customer stories

If you want to buy a new pair of running shoes, you’ll likely spend a ton of time reading what other people have said about said shoes. The same principle applies to software products.

Software buyers want to see how others like them have fared using a product.

Case studies and customer stories help companies prove that their product can deliver results.

For you, as a writer, this means interviewing clients, extracting compelling details, and structuring those insights into narratives that feel authentic rather than like thinly-veiled sales pitches. 

Here’s an example of one I wrote for SimpleTexting. In the piece, I wrote about how a text messaging strategy (powered by SimpleTexting, of course) helped a brand build its contact list to nearly 500 from zero.

Email sequences 

Software companies often have huge email lists of prospects. The person likely downloaded a lead magnet, signed up for a webinar, or took some other action.

Once a subscriber is on this email list, they expect to receive relevant and engaging content.

As a writer, you can help these software companies create email content that nurtures subscribers and eventually turns prospects into customers.

Help documentation and tutorials

Some people might already be familiar with a software tool, but at times need support using specific features.

That’s why these SaaS brands need help docs and tutorials. And that is where you can come in.

While this often falls under technical writing, many SaaS content writers contribute to onboarding guides, knowledge bases, and resource libraries that help customers get value from the product faster.

For example, this was a tutorial I wrote for Zapier, helping users connect their Gmail account to a custom domain.

This is by no means everything you might expect to create. Other examples include alternative guides, listicles, social media content, ebooks, whitepapers, landing pages, lead magnets, and reports.

Who you’ll work with

The job of a freelance writer requires constant collaboration with:

Product teams

You’ll work with them to understand new features, roadmap changes, and technical details that require clear communication. You can’t write convincingly about a tool you don’t understand.

Marketing teams

They help you align content with campaigns, positioning, and overall strategy. You need to understand the messages the brand is pushing, its target audiences, and how the content aligns with broader company initiatives.

Sales teams

They’ll tell you what questions prospects actually ask, what objections come up repeatedly, and what information helps close deals. The best SaaS content addresses real concerns that sales reps hear every day.

Customer success teams

They show you how users actually use the product, where they get stuck, and what outcomes they achieve. This insight makes content more practical and grounded in real experience rather than theoretical benefits.

The process behind each piece

I’m pretty sure you have a process for writing. Everyone does. Here’s what mine typically looks like when writing for a B2B SaaS brand.

Do research first

Before writing anything, dig into the topic—like you did into that ice cream bowl last Saturday. Not judging.

This may involve reading competitor content to identify gaps, analyzing the intent behind the questions people search for, reviewing product documentation, testing features, or studying user feedback to understand pain points.

Gather information from multiple sources

Depending on the topic, I may need to schedule calls with internal and external experts to 1) gain a deeper understanding of a product’s technical details, and 2) understand everyday user struggles, discuss objections with sales, and occasionally speak directly with customers for case studies or testimonials.

Being comfortable conducting these interviews is essential.

Draft with strategy in mind

With AI coming for everyone’s food, you must do more than transcribe what you learn from the interviews or hit the required word count.

At this stage, I’m deciding what angle serves the audience best, what structure makes the content most useful, where to place calls to action, and how to balance education with subtle product positioning. 

Every piece should have a clear purpose beyond just existing. Understanding how your content fits into the broader marketing strategy makes you more valuable.

Expect feedback and iteration

First drafts go to stakeholders for review. 

Product teams verify technical accuracy. Marketing checks brand voice alignment. Sometimes, Legal reviews the claims your article makes.

I incorporate feedback and refine the piece until it meets everyone’s standards. To prevent abuse, though, I advise limiting revisions to two rounds.

Coordinate for publishing

Sometimes, I provide directions for images in my drafts and offer suggestions for meta descriptions, URL slugs, and internal linking opportunities.

At other times, I assist with social promotion (although this could be a standalone service).

This collaborative process means that a single blog post may involve touchpoints with five different people over two weeks. 

I know you enjoy working alone. That’s why you chose the freelance lifestyle. However, you need to be comfortable working cross-functionally with product, marketing, sales, and customer success teams.

Why SaaS content writing is different (and why that matters for your career)

You could apply your general content writing skills to any niche. 

So why specialize in SaaS? Because the work requires specific skills that command premium rates, and once you develop those skills, you become significantly more valuable than writers who haven’t.

You must learn how to:

Handle technical complexity without the jargon

SaaS products are complicated. A marketing automation platform might have dozens of features, integrations with other tools, and workflows that vary by user type.

As a writer, you need to understand these technical details well enough to explain them clearly to readers who aren’t experts.

However, it’s not always a walk in the park. You can’t simply dump technical information on readers and expect them to figure it out.

Instead, you’d need to learn how to spot jargon and technical phrases that confuse readers. It means using examples that ground abstract concepts in concrete scenarios. It also means knowing when to simplify and when technical precision actually matters.

This skill takes time to develop, but it’s precisely why SaaS companies pay more. They need writers who can bridge the gap between technical teams and non-technical audiences.

How to develop this 

Start using SaaS tools regularly. Sign up for free trials of project management software, CRM platforms, marketing automation tools, and other common categories. 

Actually use them for real work. When you encounter features you don’t understand, dig into help documentation and tutorials until you get it. 

Practice explaining technical concepts simply to friends or colleagues who aren’t familiar with those tools. That way, you’d be building your capacity to learn systems quickly.

An example of explaining a technical concept in everyday language is this article about two-factor authentication. 

Throughout the article, I compare authentication to relatable things like locking your front door, which makes it easier to understand.

Write for multiple buyer personas in one sale

B2B SaaS rarely has a single decision-maker. A typical enterprise software purchase might involve:

• An end user who’ll work with the tool daily
• A manager evaluating whether it fits the team’s workflows
• A director considering strategic alignment and ROI
• An executive approving the budget
• IT reviewing security and integration requirements

Each person cares about different things. The end user wants ease of use. The manager wants productivity gains. The director wants measurable business outcomes. The executive wants cost justification. IT wants technical specs and compliance certifications.

You’re expected to create content that speaks to these different personas without causing confusion. Sometimes, that means one piece addresses multiple audiences. Other times, it means creating targeted content for each stakeholder in the buying committee.

Support long sales cycles with strategic content

Someone buying a $10 product online makes a fast decision. Someone committing to a $50,000 annual software contract doesn’t. Considering the multiple stakeholders and the costs involved, it’s not surprising to see B2B SaaS sales cycles stretch across months. 

During that time, prospects need different types of content at different stages:

Early stage (Top-of-the-Funnel/TOFU): They’re researching their problem, not ready to evaluate specific solutions. Content at this stage educates without overly promoting a product. It builds awareness and establishes a brand as a credible source of information in the space.

Middle stage (Middle-of-the-Funnel/MOFU): Prospects are now comparing options, reading reviews, and trying to understand which tool best fits their needs. The content here needs to clearly differentiate a product and address common questions that arise during the evaluation process.

Late stage (Bottom-of-the-Funnel/BOFU): The prospect is now ready to buy but needs final reassurance. Content here might include detailed implementation guides, ROI calculators, security documentation, or customer stories from similar companies.

A good SaaS writer understands this progression and creates content that supports buyers at each phase. Instead of writing isolated blog posts, you’re thinking about how each piece fits into a larger content strategy that moves people toward conversion.

Of course, not all software costs that much or is even for a B2B audience. Sometimes, you may need to write for a tool that costs around $10 or is targeted at a single person. However, similar principles apply.

Focus on outcomes, not just traffic

General content writing often focuses on one key metric: page views. More traffic equals success.

Software companies do not make their revenue from traffic. They make it from selling the product. And that is what your content should do. It should attract the right traffic, who then book a demo and eventually become customers.

You need to think about:

• Are we attracting our target audience or random readers who’ll never buy?
• Does this content answer questions that actual prospects have?
• What action should someone take after reading this?
• How does this piece support the sales process?

To write content focused on business outcomes, you need to understand concepts such as keyword intent, conversion paths, and content attribution.

How to develop this

Study the greats. There are numerous case studies of companies that have increased their annual recurring revenue through content. Prime examples of these companies are Zapier, HubSpot, and Ahrefs.

Look at what they do and how they do it. Study why they structured content a certain way, what keywords they’re targeting, how they position against competitors, and what calls to action they use.

Ask yourself questions about every piece you read: Who is this for? What problem does it solve? What should the reader do next? Look for patterns in how these SaaS brands communicate their value.

This strategic thinking stems from understanding content marketing holistically, rather than viewing each assignment as an isolated task. 

Implementing these strategies helps you stay informed about SEO best practices and content trends in the SaaS industry.

How to break into SaaS content writing even if you don’t have the experience

How’re you feeling? We’re ~2650 words in and you’re still here.

I’ll take it that all of what I’ve said so far makes sense to you. If not, you can always send me a message on LinkedIn or Twitter (heard people call it X nowadays) and ask any questions you have.

Let’s now see how you can transition into this niche.

Here’s a practical roadmap for positioning yourself, building relevant skills, and landing your first SaaS clients.

Study SaaS content marketing in action

Before you can write effectively for software companies, you need to understand what good SaaS content looks like and why it works. 

That was how I started. I followed the work of the top software content writers I could find. Some of my favorites are Lizzie Davey, Marijana Kay, Mike Keenan, Elise Dopson, Kaleigh Moore, and, more recently, Rosanna Campbell, Brinda Gulati, and Rochi Zalani.

I recommend you follow them too.

Note how they write and the companies they write for.

Just like I said earlier about studying the great, read as much as possible from software companies producing great content.

Screenshot examples of particularly effective writing and build a swipe file you can reference.

You can create a simple swipe file with Notion. Here’s what mine looks like:

As you study, also make daily writing a habit.

Cultivating a writing habit helps you improve as you practice all the things you’re learning.

Learn SaaS lingo

Aside from writing clearly, familiarize yourself with the language of SaaS businesses. 

Learn fundamentals such as:

Business metrics: MRR (monthly recurring revenue), ARR (annual recurring revenue), churn rate, CAC (customer acquisition cost), LTV (lifetime value), expansion revenue

Growth models: Product-led growth (PLG) vs. sales-led growth, freemium models, free trial strategies, usage-based pricing

Common roles: Product manager, customer success manager, sales development rep, account executive, marketing ops

Industry terms: ICP (ideal customer profile), buyer personas, sales funnel stages, tech stack, integrations, API

You don’t need an MBA, but you should understand these terms well enough to use them naturally in conversation with clients. 

When a CMO mentions “we’re focused on reducing CAC while improving MRR,” you should know exactly what they mean and why it matters for your content strategy.

Resources that can help include SaaS industry blogs such as SaaStr, ChartMogul, and OpenView Partners. You can also listen to podcasts like “SaaS Open Mic” or “The Animalz Content Marketing Podcast.” And follow SaaS founders and marketers on LinkedIn and pay attention to what they discuss.

Get familiar with common SaaS tools

You’ll write more authentically about software if you’ve actually used it. Many SaaS products offer free trials specifically to allow people to test them out.

You don’t need to become an expert in every tool. Just get hands-on experience with a few in each major category. Notice how they explain features during the onboarding process. Pay attention to what’s confusing and what’s intuitive. Read their help documentation and tutorials to see how they teach users.

This experience gives you concrete examples to reference in your writing. Instead of speaking theoretically about “CRM features,” you can write from experience using these tools.

Build your portfolio with relevant samples

If you don’t have SaaS clients yet, you still need samples that demonstrate your ability to write effectively for this niche.

Here are some ideas to help you create spec pieces that showcase relevant skills:

Write a detailed blog post about a SaaS tool you actually use. Pick something genuinely helpful like “How to Use [Tool] for [Specific Use Case]” or “Complete Guide to [Feature] in [Tool].” Make it comprehensive and useful—something that a client would pay for.

Also, ensure it’s relevant to the work you’d want to do more of. Don’t create samples for marketing software brands if you want to get hired by a tax brand.

Draft a comparison page. Pick two competing tools in a category you understand. Research their features, pricing, and positioning. Write a fair, balanced comparison that helps readers decide which fits their needs better. This shows you can handle competitive content.

Rewrite poor product descriptions. Find SaaS websites with weak copy. Rewrite their homepage, feature descriptions, or about page to be clearer and more compelling. Include a brief before/after explanation of what you improved and why.

Create a case study (even if fictional). Interview someone who uses a SaaS tool for work. Write up their story, challenge, solution, and results in a case study format. This proves you can extract insights and structure compelling narratives.

These samples should go in your portfolio alongside any paid work you’ve done. They show you have what it takes even before you have official SaaS clients. Quality spec work has landed many writers their first paying gigs in this niche, including this guy right here.

Position yourself strategically

How you describe yourself matters. Generic positioning attracts generic (low-paying) clients. Specific positioning attracts the right clients at better rates.

Instead of: “I’m a freelance writer who creates blog posts and articles,” Say: “I’m a content writer specializing in B2B SaaS companies. I help software brands attract qualified leads through strategic, SEO-optimized content.”

Instead of: “I write about technology and business topics,” Say: “I write for SaaS companies in [specific categories like marketing tech, HR software, or developer tools], helping them explain complex products clearly and convert readers into customers.”

I’m not saying these exact phrasings will 100% land you clients, but it helps you stand out in a sea of other writers.

When a SaaS marketing manager sees “content writer for B2B SaaS,” they immediately know you might be relevant. When they see “versatile writer covering all topics,” they assume you’re a generalist who probably doesn’t understand their niche.

So drop this article for a minute, and update your LinkedIn headline, website copy, email signature, and any platform profiles to reflect this specialization. 

Make it immediately obvious what you do and who you serve.

Finding writing jobs

Knowing where to look saves time and increases success rates. Don’t waste energy on general freelance platforms where you’re competing on price with thousands of other writers.

Here’s where to focus your energy.

Join paid communities

Free groups are fine, but paid communities attract more serious members and often have better job opportunities.

Superpath ($500/year) is one of my favorite communities for SaaS content marketers. 

The Slack group is active, job postings are frequent, and the quality of members is high. Many freelancers land their first SaaS clients here. The community also runs events, workshops, and a job board specifically for content roles at tech companies.

Other communities I pay for and find extremely valuable are Exit Five and Top of the Funnel.

The ROI on these communities comes from three things: job postings you see first, connections that lead to referrals, and learning from people ahead of you. One client from a community typically pays for years of membership.

Do outreach

Outreach (especially cold outreach) gets a bad rep, but it could help you get your foot in the door.

Identify SaaS companies that either aren’t producing much content or whose content could be significantly better. 

Send personalized emails explaining what you noticed and how you could help. Include relevant samples. This works better than you’d think if your outreach is genuinely thoughtful and not just template spam.

Another way to do outreach is through LinkedIn.

Search for content marketing managers, heads of content, and CMOs at B2B SaaS companies.

Engage thoughtfully with their content before pitching. When you do reach out, reference specific things about their company and explain how you could help with concrete examples.

Respond to calls for writers

Content managers frequently post “Looking for a SaaS content writer who can…” directly to their feed.

The advantage of these opportunities is that someone is actively looking right now. You’re not interrupting or cold pitching. They want to hear from qualified writers. Respond promptly with relevant samples and clear availability.

Don’t be discouraged by the number of people already responding to the call. You can still get in, just like my freelance pal, Rochi, did when she responded to a call for writers at WordPress.

Connect and network

Tell everyone you know that you’re specializing in SaaS content writing. 

Friends at tech companies might connect you with their marketing teams. Past clients might know SaaS companies looking for writers. 

I’ve noticed that referrals convert at much higher rates than cold outreach. 

When someone refers you, strive to do your best work because that person’s reputation is on the line as well.

The key with networking is playing the long game. You’re building relationships, not immediately extracting value. Help people, stay in touch, and opportunities will emerge naturally over time.

Build your personal brand

Your personal brand is how you show up online and what people think of when they hear your name. 

In practical terms, for a freelance writer, this means:

Maintain an updated LinkedIn profile that clearly states you write for SaaS companies. Your headline should immediately communicate your specialization. Your about section should explain who you help and what outcomes you deliver. Share insights occasionally about SaaS content marketing, not just self-promotion.

You can check my LinkedIn profile for inspiration.

Create a simple portfolio website showcasing your best work. Include case studies if you have results to share.

Make it easy for prospects to see relevant samples and contact you. You don’t need anything fancy. A clean one-page site with samples and a contact form works fine. TechWriteable is a nice option for such a portfolio.

Share your knowledge strategically. Write LinkedIn posts about what you’re learning in SaaS content marketing. Share insights from projects (without revealing client details). Comment thoughtfully on industry discussions. You don’t need to post daily, but consistent visibility helps.

Guest post on relevant sites when opportunities arise. Having a byline on SaaS marketing blogs builds credibility and often brings inbound inquiries.

Speak at events or run workshops if that’s your style. Even virtual presentations to small groups position you as an expert and often lead to client conversations.

The goal is to make sure that when someone thinks “I need a SaaS content writer,” your name comes to mind. Or when someone searches for SaaS content writers, they find you and see evidence that you know what you’re doing.

Personal branding compounds over time. Content you publish today might bring a client inquiry six months from now. It’s worth the investment even if results aren’t immediate.

Pricing yourself appropriately

One mistake new SaaS writers make is underpricing themselves due to a lack of confidence. Another mistake is overpricing without a portfolio to justify rates.

So how should you set your rates?

There are three common pricing structures writers use:

Per word

This is straightforward for clients to understand. You charge a set rate for every word you write—$0.15 per word, $0.25 per word, and so on.

Pros: Simple to calculate. Clients know exactly what they’re paying upfront. And it’s easy to compare across different writers.

Cons: It doesn’t account for research time, revisions, or strategic thinking. A 1,500-word piece about a complex technical topic, requiring three interviews, takes the same amount of time as a simple listicle, but you’re paid the same. This can incentivize quantity over quality, which isn’t great for building long-term client relationships.

When it works best: Blog posts, articles, and other straightforward content where word count correlates reasonably with effort.

Typical SaaS rates:

• Starting out: $0.10-$0.15 per word
• Moderate experience: $0.15-$0.30 per word
• Strong experience: $0.3-$1+ per word

Per hour

You charge for your time regardless of output. This works well when the scope is unclear or projects involve significant research, interviews, or revision cycles.

Pros: You’re compensated for all your time, not just writing. It makes sense for complex projects where you can’t predict word count upfront. It also accounts for strategy calls, revisions, and unexpected complications.

Cons: Clients cannot easily predict final costs, which makes some uncomfortable. You need to track time carefully. Some clients worry you’ll work slowly to inflate hours (even if you wouldn’t).

When it works best: Strategy work, content consulting, extensive research projects, or when the scope keeps changing.

Typical SaaS rates:

• Starting out: $50-$75 per hour
• Moderate experience: $75-$125 per hour
• Strong experience: $125-$200+ per hour

Per project

You quote a flat fee for the entire deliverable, say $800 for a blog post, $2,500 for a whitepaper, and $1,200 for three email sequences.

Pros: Clients get cost certainty. You’re rewarded for efficiency (if you finish faster, you still get the full fee). Per-project pricing makes it easier to raise rates over time as you get faster. It also aligns incentives around outcomes, not just time spent.

Cons: You need to estimate the scope accurately, or you’ll end up underpaid. Scope creep can hurt if you don’t define boundaries clearly.

When it works best: Most SaaS content projects once you understand how long different types of content take you.

Typical SaaS rates:

• Blog posts (1,500-2,000 words): $500-$2,000 depending on complexity
• Case studies: $800-$2,500
• Whitepapers/ebooks: $2,000-$5,000+
• Landing pages: $500-$1,500
• Monthly retainers (4-6 pieces): $3,000-$8,000+

Which should you use?

Most experienced writers prefer per-project pricing. It rewards efficiency and gives clients predictability.

When starting, per-word pricing feels safer because you can’t drastically underquote. But transition to project-based as soon as you understand your workflow.

Use hourly pricing for strategy work, consulting, or situations where the scope is genuinely unclear and likely to change.

Some writers use hybrid models—per-project for the writing itself, hourly for revisions beyond two rounds or for strategy calls that extend past the initial scope.

Whatever you choose, be clear about what’s included. Does your rate cover research? Interviews? How many revision rounds? What about images or meta descriptions? Define this upfront to avoid scope creep eating into your profitability.

One tip: Consider value-based pricing for certain projects. If you’re helping a SaaS company rank for a high-value keyword that could generate significant leads, the content is worth more than generic blog posts. Price accordingly and clearly explain the ROI.

Career path and what to expect

Understanding what a sustainable SaaS writing career looks like helps you make informed decisions about freelance versus in-house work, how to grow, and what’s realistic at different experience levels.

Freelance vs. In-house: choosing your path

Both options have merit. The right choice depends on your priorities and working style.

Freelance SaaS writing offers:

Flexibility in schedule and workload. You control when you work, how much you take on, and when you take breaks. This matters if you have other commitments or just value autonomy.

Higher earning potential per hour. Freelancers typically charge more than they’d earn hourly as an employee because they’re responsible for their own benefits, taxes, and inconsistent work.

Variety across different products and industries. You’ll write for marketing software one week, HR platforms the next, and developer tools after that. This keeps the work interesting if you get bored easily.

Building a diverse portfolio. Working with multiple clients gives you a broader range of samples and experience, which can be valuable if you later want to transition to other opportunities.

Control over which clients you work with. Don’t like a client’s communication style or project type? You can decline future work. As an employee, you’re often stuck with whatever gets assigned.

In-house positions offer:

Stable income and benefits. No worrying about where next month’s work comes from. Predictable paychecks, health insurance, retirement matching, and paid time off.

Deep product knowledge. Working on one product long-term means you develop expertise that makes your writing more sophisticated and strategic over time.

Team collaboration and learning. You’re surrounded by product, marketing, and sales people you can learn from daily. This accelerates skill development compared to working alone.

Career progression within the company. Strong content writers can transition into content strategy, product marketing, or management roles. There’s a clear path forward beyond just writing.

Less business management overhead. No invoicing, contract negotiations, client acquisition, or tax complexity. You can focus purely on the work itself.

Many writers start as freelancers to build skills and a portfolio, then move in-house for stability. Others do the opposite, gaining experience in-house before going independent. Some do hybrid arrangements, keeping one steady client or part-time role while freelancing on the side.

There’s no wrong choice. Just be honest about what matters most to you: flexibility and earning potential, or stability and team environment.

What you can realistically earn

Compensation varies based on experience, the specific services you offer, and whether you’re freelance or employed. Here’s what the market looks like.

Freelance SaaS content writers typically earn:

Starting out: $30,000-$50,000 annually if you’re treating it as full-time work, building your client base, and still developing skills

Established (2-4 years in the niche): $60,000-$100,000 annually with a solid portfolio, reliable clients, and efficient systems

Experienced (5+ years, strategic work): $100,000-$200,000+ annually when you’re doing consulting and strategy work beyond just writing, commanding premium rates, and working with larger clients

These numbers assume full-time freelancing. Part-time work obviously scales down proportionally. The wide ranges reflect differences in rates, the amount of work you take on, and your operational efficiency.

In-house SaaS content marketing roles pay:

Content Writer/Junior level: $50,000-$70,000 in most markets, more in high-cost cities.

Content Marketing Manager/Mid-level: $70,000-$100,000, responsible for both writing and some strategy.

Senior Content Marketer/Content Lead: $100,000-$140,000+, focusing on strategy, managing other writers, and owning content performance.

Director of Content/VP level: $140,000-$200,000+, setting overall content strategy for the company.

These ranges typically reflect those of B2B SaaS companies. Well-funded startups in expensive cities (San Francisco, New York) pay significantly more. Smaller companies in lower-cost areas pay less. Remote positions tend to pay somewhere in the middle unless the company adjusts for location.

Understanding your value in the age of AI

It’d be disingenuous of me to write an article about content writing without addressing the biggest elephant in the room—AI.

Oh, look, an em dash. Did AI write that?

To say AI has impacted the content writing industry would be an understatement. No thanks to AI, I lost 80% of my clients at the start of 2025. And similar stories flood the internet daily.

Everywhere you turn, you see companies replacing entire teams with AI and another LinkedIn bro asking you to comment “Report” to get a workflow that’ll automate your life.

So now you’re asking, Is it still wise to build a career in content writing right now?

Yes. And I’ll tell you why and how to continue to demonstrate your value when AI promises to create an article in 2 minutes.

Where AI falls short (and why companies still need you)

AI can generate words quickly, but words aren’t the same as effective content. Here’s where the cracks show:

Fact-checking and accuracy. AI hallucinates. It makes up statistics, invents quotes, and presents fiction as fact with complete confidence. In SaaS content, this is dangerous. One fabricated stat about your product’s capabilities can destroy trust with prospects. Misrepresenting a competitor’s features can almost lead to lawsuits.

Strategic thinking. AI executes prompts. It doesn’t question whether the content brief makes sense, suggest better angles based on search intent, or push back when a piece won’t serve the actual business goal. A good writer brings strategy, not just execution.

Original insights and expertise. AI can’t interview your product team to extract unique perspectives. It can’t spot the compelling detail in a customer success story that makes it memorable. It can’t draw from lived experience using tools and facing the problems your audience has.

Authentic voice and tone. Unless provided with extensive context, AI-generated content often sounds generic. And since many companies use the same tools, their content ends up sounding identical. The average AI-generated SaaS blog post is indistinguishable from thousands of others. Differentiation comes from human judgment about voice, tone, and perspective.

Editing and quality control. AI content is rarely publish-ready. It requires significant human oversight, fact-checking, restructuring, and tone adjustment. Companies quickly realize that “AI writes it in 2 minutes” ignores the hour of editing needed to make it usable.

What I’m doing differently now (and what you should too)

Although I lost most of my clients due to AI, I’ve had more inquiries in 2025 than in previous years. Here’s what changed in how I position myself and deliver value:

Build your personal brand consistently. When people know you for creating great content, they’ll pay for that reliability. Share insights on LinkedIn. Publish examples of your thinking. Make it easy for prospects to see you’re not just another writer—you’re someone who understands SaaS marketing deeply.

Your brand becomes your moat. AI can be prompted to sound like anyone, but it can’t build years of credibility, client testimonials, and demonstrated results.

Connect before you need something. Build your network now. Engage with other writers, marketing managers, and SaaS founders. Comment thoughtfully on their content. Share useful resources. Help when you can without expecting immediate returns.

When their budget opens up for a writer (or their client is looking for more writers), they’ll think of people they already know and trust. 

Use AI strategically. Yes, use it. Accountants use calculators. Designers use Figma. Writers can use AI.

The key is knowing how to direct it and when to override it. Use AI for research, generating outline variations, or creating first-draft structures you’ll completely rewrite. Use it to speed up tedious parts of your workflow.

Experienced writers know what good content looks like and what it should accomplish. We can prompt AI effectively and edit ruthlessly. AI deniers will be left behind by writers who leverage these tools intelligently.

Interview more, not less. Interviews help you uncover insights you won’t find anywhere else. You’re drawing from the experiences of people who live and breathe what you’re writing about.

AI can’t schedule a call with a product manager and ask follow-up questions when their first answer is vague. It can’t read between the lines when a customer describes their challenge. These human-to-human conversations produce content that AI cannot replicate.

Make interviewing a core part of your process. It’s your competitive advantage.

Do the things you write about. When you actually use the tools and face the problems you’re writing about, your content carries weight AI-generated content never will.

Sign up for the SaaS products. Run real projects with them. Experience the frustrations and breakthroughs your readers will have. This lived experience is reflected in your writing through specific details, genuine understanding, and credibility.

Think like a marketer, not just a writer. Take it upon yourself to do more than deliver a draft. Bring strategy and direction to projects.

Suggest content angles based on keyword research. Point out when a brief targets the wrong audience. Recommend restructuring based on the changes in search intent. Identify content gaps in the client’s existing library.

Writers who think strategically become partners who aren’t easily replaced.

Taking action: Your next steps

You now understand what SaaS content writing involves, what skills matter, and how to position yourself in this niche. Here’s what to do next.

If you’re completely new to SaaS writing:

Start by studying excellent SaaS content. Follow the companies mentioned earlier and analyze what makes their content effective. 

Sign up for free trials of popular SaaS tools and actually use them. Create 2-3 strong spec pieces for your portfolio that demonstrate you understand the niche. Update your positioning to reflect your specialization.

If you’re an experienced writer looking to transition:

Leverage your existing skills while filling knowledge gaps. Study SaaS business models and industry terminology. Reach out to your network and let people know you’re specializing in SaaS. 

Consider taking a slightly lower rate for your first few SaaS projects to build relevant portfolio pieces, then raise rates once you have social proof.

If you’re already doing some SaaS writing:

Focus on positioning yourself more strategically. Raise your rates if you’ve been undercharging. Develop the strategic thinking that commands premium pricing. Build systems that let you take on more work without burning out.

Determine whether you want to go deeper in a specific SaaS category (marketing tools, HR software, developer platforms) or stay a generalist.

One final tip: The SaaS content writing niche rewards people who stay curious and keep learning. 

Software changes constantly. Marketing tactics evolve. New tools emerge. 

The writers who succeed long-term are those who genuinely enjoy learning about products, understanding how businesses operate, and figuring out how to communicate complex ideas clearly.

If that description resonates with you, this niche offers excellent income potential and interesting work. The demand for quality SaaS content writers far exceeds supply, which means opportunities exist for anyone willing to develop the right skills and position themselves effectively.