I make a good full-time living from freelance writing, and probably 95% of what I do is write blog posts for clients (bylined and ghostwritten). I started less than a year ago, and I didn't have any solid samples at the time either.

Here's what I did:

1. Created a freelance writer website (you can do this using Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, Wordpress, etc.) that clearly stated my niche. You want your ideal clients to immediately recognize that you're the right fit for them, so make sure your niche is clear on your home page.

2. Started cold emailing clients. I used LimeLeads and Google to find clients within my niche to email.

3. Built a presence on LinkedIn and Twitter. When you're marketing to specific types of businesses, LinkedIn is awesome. You can add your target clients and then start publishing blog posts using LinkedIn Publisher that are specifically made to attract them. Then, you've got some good client-attracting portfolio pieces too.

You'll also want to optimize your LinkedIn profile and headline with keywords so potential clients will be able to easily find you.

1. Kept improving my pitches over time to get more work. I could talk all day about how to pitch, but I'll just share this post with you instead: www.problogger.net/archives/2015/10/29/5-easy-ways-to-improve-your-pitches-and-get-more-freelance-writing-work/

Rates vary. But don't take pennies per word just because you're new and don't have a giant portfolio. If you can deliver what the client wants, that's the main thing that matters.

Also, use the ProBlogger job board to find gigs. I found three of my highest-paying clients there. The trick is to check it multiple times per day and focus on applying to gigs that fit your niche right away when you see them (the jobs tend to fill quickly!).

Hope this helps! Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions. (btw, I have a blog for freelance writers - check it out if you're interested.)