Want to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and become a freelance copywriter?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your journey as a successful freelance copywriter.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some writing experience, I’ll show you the exact steps to turn your writing skills into a thriving freelance business.
Alex Cattoni, a copywriter, gives you the information you need to become a copywriter.
Why Become a Freelance Copywriter?
Before we dive into the how-to’s, let’s talk about why you might want to become a freelance copywriter. Trust me, there are some pretty awesome perks to this career path!
Working as a freelance copywriter gives you the freedom to work from anywhere, choose your clients, and set your own schedule. Plus, the demand for good copywriters is growing like crazy. With more businesses moving online, they need people like you to write their websites, emails, ads, and social media content.
The best part? You can start with zero experience and grow your income as you build your skills. Many freelance copywriters make anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour once they’re established. Not bad, right?
What Does a Freelance Copywriter Actually Do?
Let’s clear up what freelance copywriting is all about. As a freelance copywriter, you’ll write content that helps businesses sell their products or services. Think of yourself as a salesperson who uses words instead of face-to-face pitches.
Your day-to-day work might include:
- Writing website pages that convince visitors to buy products
- Creating email campaigns that keep customers coming back
- Crafting social media posts that grab attention
- Developing ad copy that makes people click
- Writing blog posts that build trust with readers
- Creating product descriptions that make sales
- Writing video scripts for marketing content
- Developing brochure and sales letter content
Getting Started: Skills You’ll Need As a Freelance Copywriter
To become a freelance copywriter, you don’t need fancy degrees or certificates. However, you do need some basic skills to succeed. Don’t worry if you’re not perfect at these yet – you can improve them over time.
First, you need to write clear, conversational content. This means writing like you talk, but better. You should be able to explain things simply and make complex ideas easy to understand.
Next, you need to understand how to persuade people. This doesn’t mean being pushy or sleazy. It means knowing how to connect with readers and show them why something matters to them.
You also need basic research skills. Good copywriters are curious people who love learning about different topics and industries. You’ll often write about things you’re not familiar with, so knowing how to find and understand information quickly is super important.
Building Your Foundation as a Freelance Copywriter
Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about how to build your skills and get ready to work with clients.
Start by reading lots of copy – everywhere you go. Look at websites, emails, ads, and social media posts. What catches your attention? What makes you want to buy something? Save examples you like and study why they work.
Practice writing every day. Even 15 minutes helps! Try rewriting ads you see or creating mock projects for made-up clients. The more you write, the better you’ll get.
Next, pick a focus area. While you can write all kinds of copy, starting with one type helps you get really good at it. Maybe you love writing emails, or perhaps website copy is your thing. Choose something you enjoy and that businesses need.
How to Create Your Portfolio as a Freelance Copywriter
Here’s the truth: clients want to see your work before they hire you. But how do you show samples when you’re just starting? I’ve got some tricks for you!
Write sample pieces for imaginary clients or rewrite existing copy to show your skills. Create 3-4 strong samples in your chosen area. Remember, quality beats quantity every time.
If you can, offer to write for free for a local business or non-profit. This gives you real-world experience and samples with actual results. Just don’t make a habit of working for free – it’s only to get started.
How to Find Your First Clients as a Freelance Copywriter
Getting your first clients might feel scary, but everyone starts somewhere. Here’s where to look for your first freelance copywriting gigs:
Start with people you know. Tell friends, family, and former coworkers that you’re now a freelance copywriter. You’d be surprised how many people know someone who needs writing help.
Join online communities where your potential clients hang out. This could be Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or industry forums. Don’t spam – just be helpful and make connections.
Use freelance job boards like Upwork or Fiverr to get started. While rates might be lower at first, these platforms can help you gain experience and reviews.
How to Set Your Rates as a New Freelance Copywriter
Money talk time! Setting your rates can be tricky when you’re new. Start with project-based pricing rather than hourly rates. This makes it easier for clients to budget and for you to learn how long things take.
For example, you might charge:
- $200-500 for a homepage
- $50-150 for an email
- $100-300 for a product description
- $300-600 for a landing page
Remember, these are just starting points. As you gain experience and prove your value, you can (and should) raise your rates.
How to Manage Your Freelance Copywriting Business
Becoming a freelance copywriter means you’re running a business. Here’s what you need to handle:
Set up a simple business structure. Most copywriters start as sole proprietors, but talk to a tax professional about what’s best for you.
Create a basic contract template. This protects both you and your clients by spelling out what you’ll deliver, when, and how you’ll get paid.
Track your income and expenses. A simple spreadsheet works fine when you’re starting. Just make sure you save receipts and record everything.
How to Grow Your Freelance Copywriting Career
Once you’ve got some clients and experience, it’s time to level up your freelance copywriting business. Here’s how to grow:
Specialize in an industry or type of copy. Maybe you love writing for tech companies, or perhaps you’re amazing at email campaigns. Becoming known for something specific can help you charge more.
Build a network of other copywriters. Join professional groups, attend virtual events, and connect with peers. They can share tips, refer clients, and support you when things get tough.
Keep learning new skills. The marketing world changes fast. Stay current by reading industry blogs, taking courses, and practicing new types of writing.
Common Challenges You’ll Face As a Freelance Copywriter and How to Handle Them
Let’s talk about some bumps in the road you might hit as a freelance copywriter and how to handle them:
Dealing with writer’s block? Take a break, go for a walk, or work on a different project. Sometimes your brain just needs a reset.
Difficult client? Make sure your contract is clear and communicate professionally. If things aren’t working out, it’s okay to end the relationship politely.
Not enough work? Always be marketing yourself, even when busy. This helps create a steady flow of clients.
Tools and Resources You Need as a Freelance Copywriter
You don’t need much to start your freelance copywriting business, but some tools make life easier:
A reliable computer and internet connection are must-haves. You’ll also want a quiet place to work, even if it’s just a corner of your home.
Use free tools like Google Docs to write and share work with clients. Grammarly can help catch errors, and Hemingway Editor helps make your writing clearer.
Tips for Long-Term Success as a Freelance Copywriter
Want to make it as a freelance copywriter? Here’s what successful copywriters do differently:
Meet your deadlines. Being reliable is just as important as being talented. If you say you’ll deliver something Tuesday, make it happen.
Ask for testimonials from happy clients. These prove to new clients that you’re worth hiring.
Keep your skills sharp. Read books about copywriting, take courses, and practice new techniques.
Build relationships with your clients. Going above and beyond often leads to repeat work and referrals.
How Hard is it to Become a Freelance Copywriter?
Becoming a freelance copywriter isn’t as hard as you might think. The main challenge isn’t the writing itself – it’s building confidence and finding your first few clients. If you can write clear, conversational content that connects with readers, you’ve already got the most important skill you need.
The learning curve isn’t super steep, especially if you start with basic projects like blog posts or social media content. You don’t need fancy degrees or years of experience to get started. What matters most is your willingness to learn, practice regularly, and put yourself out there to find clients.
The hardest part for most new copywriters is dealing with self-doubt and fear of rejection. But here’s the good news – everyone feels this way at first! Focus on learning the basics, creating some sample work, and reaching out to potential clients. Remember, even the most successful copywriters started as beginners.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Copywriting from Scratch?
You can learn the basics of copywriting in about 2-3 months of consistent practice. This means spending time each day reading good copy, practicing writing, and understanding what makes people want to buy things. Think of it like learning to cook – you start with simple recipes before moving on to fancy dishes.
Getting really good at copywriting usually takes about 6-12 months of regular work. During this time, you’ll learn from real projects, get feedback from clients, and develop your own writing style. The great thing is that you can start taking on paid work while you’re still learning and improving.
Most people find they’re comfortable handling different types of copy after about a year of regular writing. But remember, this isn’t like studying for a test where you learn everything at once. You’ll keep getting better with each project you complete, and even experienced copywriters say they learn new things all the time.
Can You Make $1000 a Month As a Freelance Copywriter?
Making $1000 a month as a freelance writer is totally doable, even for beginners. To hit this goal, you might need to write just 4-5 blog posts a month at $250 each, or mix different types of projects like a couple of emails, some social media posts, and a few product descriptions. Many writers reach this income level within their first few months.
The key to making your first $1000 is finding the right clients and charging fair rates for your work. You don’t need to work with tons of clients – just a few good ones who value quality writing and pay reasonable rates. Plus, as you get better and faster at writing, you can take on more work without spending more time.
Starting with smaller projects and gradually increasing your rates is a smart way to build up to $1000 monthly. For example, you might start writing $50 blog posts, then move up to $100, then $200 as you gain experience. Many writers find they can make way more than $1000 once they’ve built up their skills and client base.
What Type of Freelance Copywriting Pays the Most?
Technical writing and specialized B2B (business-to-business) copywriting usually pay the highest rates.
When you write about complex topics like software, finance, or healthcare for business audiences, you can often charge $100-200 per hour or more. This is because these topics require extra knowledge and research skills on top of writing ability.
Sales pages and direct response copywriting also command high rates because they directly impact a company’s bottom line.
Good sales copywriters often charge $1000-5000 for a single landing page, and some even get a percentage of sales. Email campaigns for big businesses can also pay very well, especially if you can show that your writing gets results.
Content writing for specific industries like technology, finance, or healthcare tends to pay better than general topics. For example, while a general blog post might pay $100-200, a technical article for a specialized industry could pay $500-1000 or more.
The key to earning top rates is becoming an expert in a specific type of copywriting or industry that businesses value highly.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Ready to become a freelance copywriter? Here’s what to do right now:
- Start practicing your writing every day
- Choose your focus area
- Create your first portfolio pieces
- Set up your basic business tools
- Tell people you’re available for work
Remember, everyone starts somewhere. The key is to take action, even if you don’t feel 100% ready. You’ll learn and improve as you go.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a freelance copywriter can change your life. You get to work from anywhere, choose your projects, and earn good money doing something creative. Sure, it takes work to get started, but the freedom and opportunities are worth it.
Don’t let fear hold you back. If you love writing and helping businesses succeed, you can absolutely make it as a freelance copywriter. Start small, keep learning, and stay consistent. Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving copywriting business of your own.
Remember, every successful copywriter started exactly where you are now. The only difference between them and everyone else? They took action. Now it’s your turn to become a freelance copywriter. What will your first step be?