Difference between a blogger and a freelance writer

A blogger is someone who writes for their own blog or contributes to one. A blogger doesn’t have to have their own blogging space to be considered a blogger, though many do.

Early on, bloggers are on the hook for the upkeep of their website, generating most if not all of the content (photo, copy, etc.) and building a following (sharing, SEO, ads, etc.) Bloggers choose what to talk about, when to talk about it and when to release it. Except if they are acting as a Guest Blogger.




A freelance writer pitches their pieces to editors of blogging sites, newspapers, etc. Freelance writers can also be tapped by Editors to write on a specific topic.

Freelance writers contribute to an already existing platform and are usually only on the hook for the copy. Their writing will likely be submitted to an editor for review, images are chosen by the editor along with the release date. The heavy lifting outside of the writing is handled by the team the freelance writer is contributing to. Depending on their popularity freelance writers are often pitching or being pitched by several periodicals at a time. Some of your favorite websites leverage the work of freelance writers.


Someone, like me, can be both a blogger and a freelance writer.

Both freelance writers and bloggers can be paid or unpaid contributors. When the freelancer is pitching or being pitched payment terms are discussed up front. Some periodicals pay per word while others have a flat rate.

While blogging platforms may be monetized guest bloggers often do so as for exposure and cross-pollination instead of payment.