If you have a passion for writing and enjoy the freedom of working on your schedule, becoming a freelance copywriter could be perfect. As a freelance copywriter, you can work from anywhere (home office, library, coffee shop, or even while traveling to amazing locations) and choose the projects that interest you the most. But getting started as a freelance copywriter takes some knowledge and guidance. In this article, I’ll give you a roadmap to becoming a freelance copywriter. 

Steps to Becoming a freelance copywriter

First, you need to find your niche. This is the type of copy you like to write or things that interest you, like health and wellness, fitness, finance, education – you get the idea. Your niche will determine the type of content you will write as a freelance copywriter and the clients you work with. Whatever your niche is, choosing a specialty you’re passionate about and have experience in is essential. This job is supposed to be fun, remember!

Next, you need to build a portfolio. Your portfolio is your calling card as a freelance copywriter. It showcases your writing skills and demonstrates your ability to deliver results. You can start by creating sample pieces for your portfolio or offer your services to friends and family. Once you have a few samples, you can start looking for clients and building your business as a freelance copywriter.

Understanding the Role of a Freelance Copywriter

This all sounds great so far, so how exactly do you function as a freelance copywriter? Let’s explore the mechanics of this business and how it works. 

What is a Freelance Copywriter?

As a freelance copywriter, you will create written content for various clients. This content can include anything from web copy and blog posts to product descriptions and advertising slogans. Your job is to write in a way that captures the attention of your target audience and persuades them to take action, whether that means making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or simply learning more about a particular product or service.

Skills Needed to Become a Freelance Copywriter

To become a successful freelance copywriter, you will need various skills. First and foremost, you must have excellent writing skills. You should be able to write in a clear, concise, and engaging manner that captures the attention of your target audience. You should also have a strong understanding of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 

In addition to writing skills, you will need to have a solid understanding of marketing and advertising principles. You should be able to create content that informs and persuades. This means understanding how to use language and tone to evoke emotion and create a sense of urgency. 

Finally, you will need to have strong organizational and time management skills. As a freelance copywriter, you will manage your workload, meet deadlines, and communicate with clients. This means prioritizing tasks, staying focused, and working efficiently. In summary, becoming a freelance copywriter requires a combination of writing skills, marketing knowledge, and organizational abilities. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful career as a freelance copywriter.

Building Your Skills as a Freelance Copywriter

If you want to succeed as a freelance copywriter, you need to have a strong foundation of skills to help you create compelling and persuasive content. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Developing Your Writing Skills

As a copywriter, your writing skills are your most important asset. You need to be able to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Here are some ways to improve your writing skills:

• Read widely to expand your vocabulary and knowledge of different writing styles.
• Practice writing every day, even just for a few minutes.
• Get feedback on your writing from other writers or editors.
• Take writing courses or workshops to learn new techniques and approaches.
• Learn to develop a business owner mindset and how to remove blocks to your success with mindset work.

Learning About Marketing and Advertising

Copywriting is about persuading people to act, whether buying a product, signing up for a service, or donating to a cause. To be effective, you need to understand marketing and advertising principles. Here are some areas to focus on:

• Learn about target audiences and how to create content that resonates with them.
• Understand the psychology of persuasion and how to use it in your writing.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in marketing and advertising.
• Study successful advertising campaigns and analyze what makes them effective.

Studying the Work of Successful Copywriters

One of the best ways to improve your copywriting skills is to study the work of successful copywriters. Here are some ways to do that:

• Read books and articles by famous copywriters like David Ogilvy and Gary Halbert.
• Study the copywriting on successful websites, landing pages, and sales pages.
• Join online communities or forums where copywriters share tips and advice.
• Take note of the techniques and strategies that successful copywriters use, and try to incorporate them into your writing.

Getting Started as a Freelance Copywriter

Congratulations on becoming a freelance copywriter! This can be a fulfilling and lucrative career choice for those with solid writing skills and an entrepreneurial spirit. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Creating a Portfolio

Before you can start pitching to clients, you need to have a portfolio of your work. This can include writing samples, case studies, testimonials, and other relevant information to showcase your skills and experience. Here are some tips for creating a strong portfolio:

• Choose your best work: Select pieces demonstrating your writing skills and showcasing your niche or specialty.
• Include a variety of formats: Show that you can write for different mediums, such as blog posts, social media, emails, and more.
• Organize your portfolio: Make it easy for potential clients to navigate and find what they’re looking for.
• Continuously update: Add new pieces to your portfolio as you complete them.

Networking and Building Relationships

As a freelancer, building relationships with potential clients and other professionals in your industry is important. Here are some ways to network and build relationships:

• Attend industry events: This can include conferences, meetups, and workshops. You can meet potential clients and other professionals in your field.
• Join online communities: Participate in forums and groups related to your niche. You can share your expertise and connect with potential clients.
• Reach out to your network: Let friends, family, and colleagues know you’re looking for freelance work. They may know someone who needs your services.

Finding Your First Clients

Now that you have a portfolio and have started building relationships, it’s time to find your first clients. Here are some ways to get started:

• Job boards: Check out job boards like Indeed, Freelancer, and Upwork for freelance copywriting opportunities.
• Cold pitching: Reach out to potential clients directly with a personalized pitch. Make sure to research the company and tailor your pitch to their needs.
• Referrals: Ask satisfied clients to refer you to others who may need your services.

Remember, finding clients takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get hired right away. Keep building your portfolio and network, and eventually, you’ll find success as a freelance copywriter.

Growing Your Freelance Copywriting Business

After establishing yourself as a freelance copywriter, it is time to start growing your business. Here are some tips on expanding your services, managing your time and workflow, and scaling your business.

Diversifying Your Services

One way to grow your freelance copywriting business is to diversify your services. In addition to copywriting, you can add other services such as marketing consulting, content strategy, social media management, or email marketing. You can attract more clients and increase your income by offering various services.

Another way to diversify your services is to specialize in a particular niche. For example, you can focus on writing copy for the healthcare industry or tech startups. By becoming an expert in a specific area, you can charge higher rates and attract clients seeking specialized expertise.

Managing Your Time and Workflow

As your business grows, it becomes more important to manage your time and workflow effectively. One way to do this is to create a schedule and stick to it. Set aside specific times for writing, client meetings, and administrative tasks. Use tools like Trello or Asana to help you stay organized and on track.

Another way to manage your workflow is to outsource some tasks to other freelancers. For example, you can hire a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks or a graphic designer to create visuals for your content. Outsourcing can help you free up time to focus on your core services and grow your business.

Scaling Your Business

If you want to take your freelance copywriting business to the next level, consider scaling. This means finding ways to increase your revenue without increasing your workload. One way to do this is to create passive income streams, such as selling digital products or creating an online course.

Another way to scale your business is to hire other copywriters to work for you. This allows you to take on more clients and projects without sacrificing quality. However, it is important to hire copywriters who share your values and work ethic to ensure your brand remains consistent.

What are the benefits of being a freelance copywriter? 

I’m glad you asked! While each person has their reason for wanting to become self-employed, these are some of the key benefits of being a freelance copywriter: 

• Flexibility: Freelance copywriters can work from anywhere they choose, whether from home, a coffee shop, or even while traveling. This allows them to create a schedule that works best for their lifestyle.
• Variety: As a freelance copywriter, you can work with a wide range of clients and industries, allowing you to learn about different topics and develop your skills.
• Control: Freelance copywriters have control over the projects they take on, the clients they work with, and the rates they charge. This allows them to build a business that aligns with their values and goals.
• Income potential: Freelance copywriters have the potential to earn a high income, especially if they specialize in a specific niche or have a unique skill set.
• Personal growth: Freelancing requires a lot of self-discipline and self-motivation, which can lead to personal growth and development. It also allows you to take on new challenges and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Being a freelance copywriter can provide a lot of freedom and flexibility while offering the potential for high earnings and diverse, creative work.

Getting started on your freelance journey

Looking for some expert guidance, instruction, and community in your freelancing journey? Check out my blog about the exact path I took and how I positioned myself for success with ONE copywriting course. There’s so much noise out there, and let me tell you, after listening to much of it, I can say with confidence this course is the only copywriting/business course you’ll ever need. Check it out here.