I'm new to SaaS writing, here's what I'm doing.

Venturing into a new career is one of the bravest steps anyone can take, in my opinion—especially a career as competitive as SaaS writing. Whether you’re going in as someone entirely new to writing or you’re transitioning from a different niche, things can get confusing quickly.

In this article, I’ve shared proven steps from different SMEs and my journey that will help point you in the right direction as a newbie SaaS writer.

Let’s get right into it!

5 steps to becoming a SaaS writer from scratch

Something that stood out when I interviewed the SMEs was that not every SaaS writer embarked on the same journey.

For some writers like Oluwaseun Akinlembola, a freelance writer for SaaS agencies, it was an intentional pursuit.

For others like Deborah Oyewole, a freelance writer for SaaS and tech companies, it just sort of happened and she went with the flow.

Whichever side of the coin you’re on, the following steps should work for you.

Step 1: Study the niche

If you’re completely new to writing, I recommend starting with a basic writing course before diving into the uncharted waters of SaaS writing.

If you’re transitioning from another niche, you’re already one step ahead—but don’t get too comfortable. In SaaS writing, the learning never really ends.

Don't take my word for it. Learn from Oluwaseun:

“I studied the niche extensively to understand the terminology. There’s a lot to learn and I’m still learning.”

In essence, get a good understanding of the terminology used in the niche. Get to know the different companies in the SaaS industry, the sub-niches, the top industry experts, the work culture, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and most importantly, understand the business of SaaS writing.

But don’t forget: learning never ends in this niche.

Step 2: Get a course

Taking a course is the next step, but without consistent practice, your progress will be undeniably slow.

Here’s a take-home lesson from Deborah:

“What pulled me in wasn’t the niche itself, it was the challenge of simplifying technical topics without watering them down. The more I wrote, the more I genuinely enjoyed it.”

Her journey is a reminder that real growth comes from doing. So, as you take the recommended courses below, be sure to apply what you learn by practising regularly.

• The Alison Technical Writing Course (free)

• Tyler Tech’s Breakthrough Bylines (USD$ 149)

• HubSpot’s Content Marketing Course (free)

• Ahrefs' Blogging for Business (free)

• Write Wiser's Command Your Content (USD$ 25)

• SEMrush’s Content-Led SEO (free)

Step 3: Build your bylines

Bylines are like the trophies of the SaaS writing industry. Collect enough, recruiters as well as your fellow writers start taking you seriously and you’ll start landing high-paying gigs. But a beginner has to start somewhere, right?

Use guest posting! Find websites that are beginner-friendly—pitch an idea you think would benefit their blog, and write for free.

That way, you’ll have solid samples to showcase in your portfolio when it’s time to apply for jobs.

Step 4: Build a personal brand

If you already know about SaaS writing and you’re actively trying to start a career in it, then you’ve probably come across the phrase “build your personal brand”.

That’s just textbook language for “show up as your most authentic self online while sharing value consistently.”

What has your most authentic self got to do with it? You may ask. Well, your voice is what differentiates you from others.

Everyone shares values. But no one shares it from your unique point of view. That’s what will set you apart and earn you the visibility you need as a beginner.

I recommend using LinkedIn as your platform of choice because you can connect with experienced writers in your niche, and it’s also a great place to job hunt as a beginner.

While at it, define what consistency looks like for you. Some people post every day, others post three to four times a week. Do whichever is within your capacity, but I suggest posting at least five times a week as a beginner.

Step 5: Apply for jobs

Let’s do a quick checklist:

• You’ve gotten acquainted with the niche.

• You’ve learned how to write for the niche by taking courses.

• You’ve built a solid portfolio through your bylines.

• You’ve built a personal brand online.

  
  

Now you'll be considered if you start job hunting, which is your next step. We will go into details on job applications in a later section of this article, but before that, let's see if you should consider getting a mentor.

Mentorship: Is it worth it for beginners?

Personally, mentorship has helped me gain direction in my path. Even though I’m still on the journey myself, I wouldn’t be writing this article now if I were still flying solo.

But that’s my opinion. Let’s hear what our SMEs have to say.

Nsikak Etim, a freelance content writer who helps SaaS companies drive revenue through content, says:

“Personally, I didn’t have a mentor, but I think it delayed my progress. Having a good mentor would help to ensure that you don’t waste time doing meaningless things. It would help you have a structured and tested path to growth.”

Nathan Ojaokomo, a content strategist and writer for B2B SaaS, says:

“Yes. Mentorship helps new writers make fewer mistakes and can open the way to new connections."

Edidiong Jennifer also chimed in on a LinkedIn post where I talked about the mistakes I would avoid as a newbie writer. 

So you see, having a mentor is like having an older sibling guide you and say, “This works, and this doesn’t work.”

How does a newbie SaaS writer get a job?

Landing a job as a newbie in any industry is tough, but in SaaS writing? It can feel nearly impossible. Most opportunities are skill- and experience-based, which means if you’re just starting, you’ll often get overlooked.

Experienced writers tend to have the upper hand, leaving beginners wondering: How do I even get my foot in the door?

To help answer that, I turned to our SMEs, and they had a lot to say.

Job applications vs. cold emails

One question that always comes up is whether cold emails are more effective than traditional job applications, especially for beginners.

Nsikak weighs in:

“Cold emails. Job applications hardly get read and are initially screened by AI. With cold emails, you can personalise them and also choose companies that you like. You can articulate yourself better, too.”

Nathan thinks so too, especially when time is of the essence:

“Cold emails if you need a gig fast. Why I say cold email is that you can offer the recipient a no-risk offer (whether a discount or doing it for free, only when starting), which you cannot do with a job application.”

Apparently, job applications are a newbie’s worst nightmare. Cold emails for the win!

With job applications, you’re most likely competing with thousands of people and as a newbie with less experience and fewer skills, chances are you won’t be picked.

Cold emails, on the other hand, give you the opportunity to show the value you offer without competing against the masses.

LinkedIn DMs

But cold emails aren’t your only option. Oluwaseun takes a slightly different route:

“I’ve not had much success with cold emails and job ads. I stopped using them altogether, as the rejection emails and ghosting were too much. I prefer LinkedIn and Slack DMs.”

As I mentioned earlier, no two journeys are the same. For Oluwaseun, the breakthrough didn’t come through cold emails—it came through LinkedIn DMs.

DMing is similar to cold emailing, but this method allows you to warm up your prospects first by engaging with their content before reaching out directly. It’s a more personal, relationship-driven way to get noticed.

What I’ve learned so far

Breaking into SaaS writing as a beginner can be daunting, but it’s not impossible. Personally, I started with a course, studied the niche, practised on my own, and then got a mentor. Now I’m writing my first byline.

The insights I've shared in this article are designed to help you avoid guesswork, move forward with clarity, and have a solid starting point. But the most important thing is taking the first step.

Find Keri's writing insightful? Find her on LinkedIn or comment below with your thoughts.