Intrigued by freelance copywriting?
Maybe you dream of a more flexible job and ability to work from anywhere.
If so, freelance copywriting is a fantastic option.
In this guide, we’ll explain the definition of freelance copywriting, review the types of writing copywriters do, and share specific, actionable strategies that’ll help you kickstart your copywriting career.
The freedom you’ve longed for could be just a few paragraphs away.
Let’s get started!
What is Freelance Copywriting?
Copywriting is often mixed up with copyrighting.
But in reality, the two have nothing to do with each other.
At its core, freelance copywriting is the craft of writing persuasive, engaging content as a self-employed professional.
Freelance copywriters are the creative masterminds behind a catchy slogan, a compelling email, an insightful blog post, a sales letter, and persuasive web copy.
In a world where content marketing is king, these wordsmiths wield the power to influence consumer behavior and drive business objectives.
And with the rise of digital marketing and an ever-increasing need for high-quality content writing, the demand for skilled freelance copywriters is skyrocketing.
Businesses across sectors know the value of compelling copy and are willing to invest in professionals who can help them articulate their value and encourage their audience to buy in.
What Does a Freelance Copywriter Do?
Picture a craftsman of words, skillfully shaping words to persuade, convince, and inspire action.
The typical freelance copywriter might be asked to create sales copy, articles, blog posts, email campaigns, and more for clients who have something to sell (but don’t have the writing skill to do the persuasive writing themselves).
Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?
The freedom to choose projects that align with your passions, the joy of setting your schedule, and the potential to scale your income are just some of its irresistible appeals.
But like a two-sided coin, freelance copywriting comes with its challenges.
It’s not all lounging in pajamas and sipping lattes at a café.
Deadlines can be demanding, finding consistent work can be a rollercoaster ride, and then there’s the isolation that can come with working solo.
It’s a career that requires dedication, resilience, and an insatiable love for the written word.
And for some, freelance copywriting is the perfect fit.
If you think you might be one of them, here’s how to get started:
7 Critical Steps to Becoming a Freelance Copywriter in 2024
Would you like to transform yourself into a freelance copywriter? If so, here’s a basic roadmap:
Step 1: Learn Copywriting
Your journey begins with honing your copywriting skills.
And although some might assume this means “become a stronger freelance writer,” that’s not all there is to this craft.
While being a wordsmith is a plus, successful copywriting requires a fusion of creativity and strategy.
Think of it as storytelling with a purpose. You’ll need a firm grasp of marketing principles, a knack for understanding consumer psychology, and the writing skill to weave these elements into a compelling narrative.
And while a degree in English or journalism can be beneficial, it’s not a requirement.
The digital age offers a treasure trove of resources — online courses, blogs, books, ad copy — that can provide the perfect starter guide for your freelance copywriting career.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned freelance writer looking to branch into copywriting, these resources can be a launchpad for your journey.
Step 2: Identify Your Niche(s)
As a budding freelance copywriter, you might find it tempting to be a jack of all trades. But identifying a niche could just be your golden ticket.
Do you have a tech background that could make your software product descriptions sing?
Or perhaps you’ve got a penchant for travel that would allow your travel writing to take readers on a journey?
Pinpointing your niche is akin to finding your sweet spot at a bustling party — it’s where you can truly let your skills shine.
A niche not only helps you to stand out in the saturated copywriting market but also allows you to deepen your expertise in a particular area.
So take a look at your personal history, your likes and dislikes, skills, areas of expertise, and interests, and see which niches appeal most to you.
Step 3: Understand Your Market
The third step on your freelance copywriting adventure is channeling your inner Sherlock Holmes.
Your goal? To deeply understand your market.
You’ll want to research your potential clients and their clients thoroughly, grasping their needs, and figuring out the language and tone that resonate best with them.
This understanding will allow you to speak to a potential client and write copy that speaks directly to their audience and persuades them to take action.
It’s all about knowing what makes your clients tick, what their customers need, and how to bridge that gap with your words.
Step 4: Build Your Portfolio
Once you’ve sharpened your copywriting skills, it’s time to showcase them.
Your portfolio is a gallery of your work — it’s what a potential client will use to assess your fit for their projects.
The good news? You don’t need a truckload of samples to start with.
A few well-crafted pieces that show your copywriting skill and align with your niche can work wonders.
Remember, it’s not about the quantity, but the quality and relevance of your samples.
And as you gather more projects and your skills evolve, be sure to update your portfolio regularly. Your portfolio is your brand; let it reflect your growth and proficiency.
Step 5: Find and Win Clients
Venturing into the realm of finding clients might seem a bit daunting, but it’s an essential part of your freelance journey.
Finding a prospective client is a blend of networking, marketing your skills, and a sprinkle of good fortune.
You can tap into your existing network, mine job boards for potential leads, or leverage professional platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise.
Once you’ve identified potential copywriting clients, the next step is crafting stellar proposals.
Remember, your proposal is your introduction, your handshake to the copywriting business world, so make it memorable.
Each proposal should be tailored to the client’s needs, highlighting your understanding of their project.
For example, if your potential client is a copywriting agency, you want to research what types of clients they serve, and explain why you’re a great fit.
Or if you’re targeting a business directly, research their product so you can demonstrate a knowledge of what their customers are looking for.
And let your personality shine through — clients are investing in you, not just your copywriting services. The art of winning clients is about building relationships as much as showcasing your skills.
Step 6: Price Your Work
Here comes the big question — how much should you charge for your work?
This can be a tightrope walk. On the one hand, you want to ensure your work’s value is recognized; on the other, you don’t want to price yourself out of the market.
Researching market rates is a good starting point.
Consider the project’s complexity, your experience, and your living expenses when setting your rates.
Also, remember that negotiation is part of the process. Your pricing should reflect not just the value you bring to the table but also allow for flexibility based on the specific circumstances of each project.
Step 7: Communicate with Clients
Excellent communication is the lifeblood of successful client relationships.
Clear and open communication helps set expectations, prevents misunderstandings, and keeps the project running smoothly.
Keep your communication professional yet approachable, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarifications.
And when you turn in your work to a prospective client, do your best to wow them. Satisfied clients not only bring repeat business, they also become your brand ambassadors, recommending your copywriting services to their network.
Building positive client relationships can create a virtuous cycle of freelance copywriting jobs, ensuring a steady flow of work.
Because the more awesome relationships you have with clients, the easier it will be to build and maintain a non-stop flow of job opportunities!
Supplemental Skills of the Successful Freelance Copywriter
Being a freelance copywriter is not just about writing skills — you’ll need a host of supplemental skills to thrive. Here are just a few critical abilities to develop:
Time Management
Managing your time as a content writer can be trickier than for those with traditional 9-to-5 jobs.
You’ll be juggling multiple clients, deadlines, and projects, not to mention all of your personal responsibilities.
In other words, if you want to succeed, mastering time management is a must.
Implement tools like calendars and to-do lists, adopt time-saving techniques such as the Pomodoro method, or consider project management software.
Remember to carve out time for breaks — recharging is essential to maintain productivity.
With effective time management, you’ll find a rhythm that allows you to maximize your freelancing productivity without compromising on your health and personal life.
Financial Skills
Diving into the world of freelance copywriting means trading your employee hat for an entrepreneur’s cap.
Financial management, which might include budgeting, tracking income and expenses, invoicing, and tax preparation, becomes your responsibility and no one else’s.
If you want to be a financially stable freelancer, familiarize yourself with basic accounting principles, invest in finance tracking tools, and consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re meeting obligations.
Managing your finances well ensures the sustainability of your freelance journey and brings you peace of mind.
Flexibility
Flexibility is the heart of freelancing.
Some months your inbox may overflow with project offers; other times, things might seem eerily quiet. It’s essential to embrace this ebb and flow.
Use slower periods as opportunities to upskill, update your portfolio, network, or simply take a breather.
Remember, it’s not about the pace; it’s about the journey. Adapting to change and uncertainty with a positive mindset can turn these potential stressors into growth opportunities.
Continual Learning
In the digital arena, change is the only constant.
So if you want to stay competitive as a freelance copywriter, adopting a mindset of continual learning is key:
- Keep abreast of evolving marketing trends, new social media platforms, and changes in consumer behavior.
- Take online courses, attend webinars, listen to podcasts, and follow industry blogs to stay in the loop.
- Hone your writing craft, explore new niches and practice different types of written content.
By consistently expanding your knowledge and skills, you’ll become a more versatile, resourceful, and in-demand copywriter.
Remember, your growth as a freelancer is a marathon, not a sprint, and continual learning is your secret weapon.
Embrace the Freelance Copywriting Adventure
Diving into the world of freelance copywriting can be both thrilling and daunting.
But remember, every word you write is a step closer to your dream of the life you want to live.
With perseverance, dedication, and a dash of creativity, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Now that you have a roadmap, it’s time to take the first step on your freelance copywriting adventure.
