How to Become a SaaS Content Writer (My Path)

I've been a SaaS for a few years now, and I really love the challenge that comes with it.

It's much more than just writing an article or blog, and that's exactly what makes it exciting! You have to think like a strategist, a writer, a reader, and even a potential customer.

I remember at first, I was so confused by "SaaS" and it was almost like SaaS writing had become a trend, I'd see it everywhere. It also felt like suddenly everyone was calling themselves a SaaS writer.

I never fully understood what was required to write a good piece that converts, until I learned it first-hand.

But first, in case you're confused too:

What is SaaS writing

SaaS stands for Software as a Service.

Basically, it's software you access online and usually pay for with a subscription, instead of buying and installing it yourself.

For example, a business that sells online doesn’t build its own payment system. It uses Stripe, and pays a small fee every time a customer makes a payment.

Or think of Zoom: instead of buying video-call software, you sign up for a monthly plan and use it in your browser or app.

In both cases, you’re paying to use software that someone else builds, hosts and keeps updated. That’s SaaS.

Some well known SaaS products include:

• Salesforce

• HubSpot CRM

• Zoho CRM

• Slack

• Mailchimp

• Canva

• Notion, etc.

SaaS writing is content your create for these companies. It can be blog posts, comparison pages, how-to guides, landing pages and more.

Its job isn't just to inform, but also to help the right people find the product, and convince them to use it.

Now here's how you can become a SaaS writer, if you're considering it:

1. Build a good portfolio (ideally related to SaaS)

A writing portfolio is a must.

Almost every client will ask to check your work becfore dedicing whether to hire you.

It doesn't necessarily have to include only SaaS related examples, but relevant examples help. They increase your chances of getting hired.

The good news is, a portfolio doesn't have to be complicated, either. You don't need a super professional website full of sections that don't bring value to the client, or a Google Docs with 50+ links that mostly have nothing to do with what they need.

A good portfolio is made out of 3-5 high-quality pieces, ideally related to SaaS, and ideally pieces that brought results for previous clients.

When I started, I didn't have many SaaS examples. So I sent clients the pieces I considered my best and shot my shot. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't.

As I started working with SaaS clients, my portfolio grew with more SaaS pieces.

I built a simple website and optimized it for SaaS

This step is, in fact, optional. You don't have to build a website to showcase your portfolio, there are other (free) ways you can easily do that.

For example, you can publish samples for free on a WordPress blog, Medium, and Substack.

If you just need samples for pitching, and don't want them published, a Google Docs, or Word document works, too.

Either way, quality is what matters.

I optimized my LinkedIn profile...well kind of

My LinkedIn profile desperately needed attention and love. (Still does...) But I did pay some attention to optimizing the heading, the description, and added a few links (including my website) to help potential clients get to know me better.

To be sincere, I haven't landed clients from LinkedIn recently. But that's because I am not as active there, so I am not the best judge of it...yet.

But I know I know it works wonders for many writers. So if you don’t have an account, or you have one but aren’t active (like me), I strongly suggest you, and me both, start changing that.

2. Get real SaaS experience

Well, to be fully transparent, I ended up writing for SaaS 'by accident', before I even had a dedicated portfolio.

Through one of my long-term clients, I got the opportunity to write for Birch - an AI-assisted SaaS platform that manages paid campaigns across socials - and I am so grateful I did!

The challenge was real at the beginning. I had never written about paid marketing before, so I had to learn the industry, the platform, and the brand's voice at the same time.

The thing with SaaS platforms is that you're not writing "just because". You're writing to make an impact, and that impact gets measured.

Sometimes my drafts were heavily edited. That felt 'scary' at first, but it taught me so much about what makes writing good: straightforward, no fluff, and persuative without sounding salesy.

Working with SaaS clients is the fastest way to learn. If you're a beginner and don't have that experience yet, you can:

• Offer a few free or discounted samples to SaaS founders in exhance for featuring the work in your portfolio.

• Write your own samples pieces. Look at what companies in the industry publish, list a few topics that would help you get clients, and write them.

• Try guest posting. Many brands have a space dedicated to writers who are interested in writing for them, in exchange of featuring their pieces in their portfolio.

Do you need a writer who'll help you bring in more leads? Let's have a chat!

3. Actively find opportunities that are worth your time

I have officially reached that point in my freelancing journey where I'm very selective about new clients. I'd rather work with 1-3 clients who are really worth my time, than 10 clients who drain my energy.

Here's how you can find new clients:

Job newsletters

Recently, my favourite way to find projects is the Freelance Writing Club - a newsletter that sends curated writing jobs to your inbox, so you don't have to search for them yourself.

I pay $5/month for the premium version, which gives access to more opportunites. Some of them pay well, and the time it saves me (researching) is worth it.

Freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr)

Freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr work for some freelancers, but the truth is, they're not for everyone. Starting there as a beginner is possible, but it's the long way round.

It takes time, and constant effort, well-paying clients are hard to find, a part of what you earn goes to comission, and applying for jobs costs Connects, which expire if you don't use them.

Don't get me wrong, you can always give it a shot and see how it works for you!

Personally, I no longer use Upwork (or use it very rarely). It was a hit or miss for me, though it did pay off in some ways. I still work with a great client I met there, and working with another (SaaS) client helped me expand my portfolio.

I still get invitations occasionally, but I no longer spend time chasing projects that rarely reply.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the best places to find SaaS clients and build a network of like-minded people. I know writers who are thriving there.

Like everything else, it takes consistent time and effort. If you have a busy schedule, planning posts in advance helps, and that’s what I’m planning to do.

Do your own research

You can also search for opportunities yourself: Google “SaaS writer jobs” or similar keywords and see what comes up. I used to do this, but it takes a lot of time, and I don’t think it’s sustainable every day.

Referrals

Referrals are gold. Ask your network whether they know of any opportunities that fit you. Even if they don’t right now, they’ll keep you in mind for later.

Cold pitching

I know cold pitching can be intimidating; it was for me too. I haven’t tested it enough to give you a clear answer yet, but I know, from other writers, that it works!

Just Start!

Yes, I know it's cliche. But don’t many good things start with one?

If you’re thinking about focusing on SaaS writing, it’s possible. Take your time, study the industry, and be willing to start small with free samples or lower-paying projects. As you gain experience, you’ll grow fast. I’m speaking from well-lived experience.

Good luck!

Need a SaaS writer who’ll help you bring in more leads? Let’s talk.