Are you an aspiring copywriter wondering how to find copywriting clients? Or maybe you’re just looking to expand your client base?
Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll explore proven strategies on how to find copywriting clients and kickstart your freelance career.
As someone who’s been in the trenches of freelance copywriting for years, I know firsthand the challenges of client acquisition.
But don’t worry – with the right approach, you can build a thriving copywriting business. Let’s dive in!
What's In This Post?
Understanding Your Target Market
Before we jump into specific strategies for finding clients, it’s crucial to understand who your ideal clients are. This knowledge will shape your entire approach to client acquisition.
Ask yourself:
- What industries am I most interested in or knowledgeable about?
- What size of businesses do I want to work with?
- What types of copywriting projects do I enjoy most?
For example, you might decide to focus on writing email campaigns for e-commerce startups, or perhaps you prefer crafting website copy for local service businesses.
Whatever your niche, defining it will help you target your efforts more effectively.
Building Your Portfolio
Now that you know who you’re targeting, it’s time to showcase your skills. A strong portfolio is essential when learning how to find copywriting clients.
Start with Spec Work
If you’re new to copywriting and don’t have any client work to show, create some spec pieces. Choose a few businesses or products you admire and write a sample copy for them. This could be:
- A landing page
- An email sequence
- Social media posts
- A product description
Make sure to note that these are spec pieces when you include them in your portfolio.
Highlight Your Best Work
As you start landing clients, always ask for permission to include their projects in your portfolio. Show lots of writing styles and project types that align with your target market.
Remember, quality trumps quantity. It’s better to have a few great examples than a dozen mediocre ones.
Make Use of Online Platforms to Find Copywriting Clients
Online platforms can be a goldmine for copywriters looking for clients. Here are some popular options:
Freelance Job Boards
Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are great starting points for new copywriters. While competition can be fierce, these platforms offer a steady stream of potential clients.
Tips for success on freelance platforms:
- Create a compelling profile that highlights your unique skills and experience
- Start with lower-priced projects to build your reputation and reviews
- Gradually increase your rates as you gain more experience and positive feedback
LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers – it’s a powerful tool for freelancers looking to connect with potential clients. Here’s how to leverage it:
- Optimize your profile with keywords related to copywriting
- Share valuable content regularly to establish yourself as an expert
- Join relevant groups and engage in discussions
- Use LinkedIn’s search function to find and connect with potential clients
Social Media
Don’t underestimate the power of other social media platforms when figuring out how to find copywriting clients. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can all be valuable tools for networking and showcasing your expertise.
Consider starting a blog or YouTube channel where you share copywriting tips. This can help attract potential clients who are searching for copywriting advice.
Networking and Referrals
While online platforms are important, never underestimate the power of good old-fashioned networking. Some of my best clients have come through personal connections and referrals.
Attend Industry Events
Look for local business events, marketing conferences, or copywriting workshops. These are great opportunities to meet potential clients face-to-face and build relationships.
Remember, the goal isn’t to hard-sell your services. Focus on making genuine connections and providing value. The work will often follow naturally.
Join Professional Organizations
Consider joining organizations like:
- American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI)
- Professional Writers Alliance (PWA)
- local chambers of commerce
These groups often offer networking opportunities and job boards for members.
Ask for Referrals
Once you’ve worked with a few clients and delivered great results, don’t be shy about asking for referrals. A simple email like this can work wonders:
“Hi [Client Name],
I’m so glad you were happy with the [project] we completed together. I’m currently looking to take on a few new clients. If you know anyone who might benefit from my copywriting services, I’d be grateful for an introduction.
Thanks for your support!”
Cold Outreach
While it might feel intimidating at first, cold outreach can be an effective way to find copywriting clients, especially when you’re just starting out.
Identify Potential Clients
Look for businesses in your target market that could benefit from your services. Maybe their website copy needs work, or their email marketing seems non-existent. These are opportunities for you to add value.
Craft a Compelling Pitch
Your pitch should be brief, personalized, and focused on the potential client’s needs. Here’s a simple template:
“Hi [Name],
I recently came across [Company Name] and was impressed by [specific aspect of their business]. However, I noticed that [area where you could help, e.g., “your website copy doesn’t fully showcase your unique value proposition”].
As a copywriter specializing in [your niche], I’ve helped businesses like yours [specific benefit, e.g., “increase their website conversion rates by 25%”].
Would you be open to a quick chat about how we could improve your [specific area, e.g., “website copy”] to drive more sales?
Best regards, [Your Name]”
Follow Up
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately. It often takes several touchpoints before landing a client. Set up a system to follow up politely after a week or two.
Specializing in a Niche
As you gain more experience in how to find copywriting clients, you might consider specializing in a particular niche. This can make you more attractive to certain clients and potentially command higher rates.
Some popular copywriting niches include:
- B2B technology
- Health and wellness
- Financial services
- E-commerce
- Nonprofit organizations
When you specialize, you can position yourself as an expert in that field, making it easier to find and win clients in that niche.
Providing Exceptional Service
Once you start landing clients, providing exceptional service is key to building long-term relationships and generating referrals. Here are some tips:
- Always meet deadlines (or communicate early if there’s an unavoidable delay)
- Be responsive to client communications
- Go the extra mile – offer suggestions beyond the scope of the project if you see opportunities for improvement
- Ask for feedback and act on it to continuously improve your service
Remember, a satisfied client can become a source of repeat business and referrals, making your job of finding new clients much easier in the long run.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
The world of copywriting is always evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices can give you an edge when seeking new clients.
Consider:
- Taking online courses to expand your skillset
- Reading industry blogs and books
- Attending webinars and workshops
- Experimenting with different copywriting techniques in your own marketing efforts
Not only will this make you a better copywriter, but it will also give you more to offer potential clients, making it easier to find and win new business.
Tracking Your Progress
As you implement these strategies for finding copywriting clients, it’s important to track your progress. This will help you understand what’s working and what isn’t, allowing you to refine your approach over time.
Consider keeping a spreadsheet that tracks:
- Where you found each lead (e.g., LinkedIn, cold email, referral)
- The outcome of each interaction
- Revenue generated from each client
This data will be invaluable as you continue to grow your copywriting business.
FAQ: How to Find Copywriting Clients
Here are some frequently asked questions about finding copywriting clients:
Q: How long does it typically take to land your first copywriting client?
A: This can vary widely depending on your approach and the amount of time you dedicate to client acquisition. Some copywriters land their first client within a week, while for others it might take a few months. Consistency and persistence are key.
Q: Is it better to specialize in a niche or be a generalist when starting out?
A: Both approaches have their merits. Specializing can help you stand out and potentially command higher rates, but being a generalist can open up more opportunities when you’re just starting. Many copywriters start as generalists and gradually specialize as they gain experience.
Q: How important is having a website for finding copywriting clients?
A: While not absolutely necessary, having a professional website can certainly help. It serves as a central hub for your portfolio and can lend credibility to your business. However, don’t let the lack of a website stop you from seeking clients – you can start with a simple LinkedIn profile or online portfolio.
Q: What should I charge as a beginner copywriter?
A: Rates can vary widely based on your experience, the type of project, and your target market. As a beginner, you might start around $50-$100 per hour or $0.10-$0.20 per word, but these are just rough guidelines. Research rates in your specific niche and geographical area for more accurate benchmarks.
Q: How do I handle clients who want to pay low rates?
A: It’s okay to turn down work that doesn’t meet your minimum rate. However, when you’re just starting, you might consider taking on a few lower-paid projects to build your portfolio and gain experience. As you prove your value, gradually increase your rates.
Conclusion: How to Find Copywriting Clients
Learning how to find copywriting clients is just the beginning of your journey as a successful freelance copywriter. As you’ve seen, there are many strategies you can employ to attract and retain clients, from leveraging online platforms to networking and cold outreach.
But what if you could fast-track your success? What if you could learn how to land high-paying copywriting clients in just 7 days, even if you have zero experience?
That’s exactly what my comprehensive copywriting course offers. In this course, you’ll discover:
- The exact strategies I used to go from struggling newbie to in-demand copywriter
- How to identify and approach your ideal clients with confidence
- Proven templates for pitches that get responses
- The secrets to pricing your services for maximum profit
- How to deliver exceptional results that keep clients coming back for more
Plus, you’ll get access to a supportive community of fellow copywriters and personalized feedback on your work.
Don’t spend months or years figuring out how to find copywriting clients through trial and error. Invest in yourself and your career today. With the strategies you’ll learn in this course, you could be booking your first (or next) high-paying client in as little as a week from now.
Ready to transform your copywriting career?
Click the link below to enroll in the course now. Your future as a successful, in-demand copywriter is waiting – all you have to do is take the first step.
Enroll Now and Start Finding Copywriting Clients Today!
Remember, the world needs great copywriters. With the right skills and strategies, that copywriter could be you. Don’t wait – your dream clients are out there, waiting for you to reach out. Take action now and start building the copywriting career you’ve always wanted!