How to Become a Successful Freelance Copywriter
Photo by Austin Distel
How you start freelance copywriting depends on where you are now:
You’re an absolute beginner and want to start as a freelance copywriter
Your freelance copywriting is a side hustle, and you want to make it full-time
You’re a copywriter at an agency or company and want to go freelance
Build Your Freelance Copywriter Social Media Presence
As a freelance copywriter, you should have a social media dedicated to your freelancing.
The platforms that work well for freelance copywriters are LinkedIn, Twitter, and Reddit. There are also good Facebook Groups for freelancers. Find them and join. Learn how to make the most of each platform by publishing and posting appropriately.
You don’t have to be on all of them. For me, it’s Twitter and LinkedIn.
Consider creating separate social media accounts that focus on your copywriting, especially if you’re using those platforms for other interests. (No one wants to wade through political rants, your favorite games, or other hobbies. Keep your copywriting accounts focused on your new business.)
How to Start Freelance Copywriting as a Beginner
If you’re jumping into freelance as a beginner, your goal is to show prospective clients that you can write. You need to demonstrate that you can communicate ideas in a way that everyone understands. That means creating your copywriting portfolio.
How to Create a Copywriting Portfolio When You Haven’t Done Any Jobs
The best marketing is expertise, but how do you show that when you’re just starting?
You need written samples in the area you want to pursue. That could be advertising, social media, blog posts, longer content pieces… whatever area of copywriting most interests you, that’s what you should try to get into your portfolio.
How do you do that? Here are three ways to create a portfolio before you have any clients:
Re-write someone else’s work—but be sure to give proper credit. Or just take their subject matter and write your own version. This works well in social media. Do your take of someone’s tweet.
Write spec pieces for businesses that interest you — you don’t have to show your copy to the company, these are just for your sample portfolio. Or, if it’s a local business, show them. They might pay you to use it.
Team up with graphic designer friends to create samples that you can both use in your portfolio
If you have anything else you’ve written and are proud of, you may want to include that too. That could be writing such as school projects, presentation decks, case studies, or pitches.
At this stage, you want to pick something that shows you can write. As you get real projects for your portfolio, you’ll replace these early pieces.
Decide How to Name Your Freelance Copywriting Business
Keep in mind that when you start freelance copywriting, you’re starting a business. So, you have to pick a name.
Most freelance copywriters just use their name, and that’s fine. You may want a more corporate name if you have any plans of building a bigger company or agency.
You also need a name that you can register as a URL for your website. Before settling on a name, make sure you can get the URL. Building your freelance copywriting website is the next step.
Build Your Freelance Copywriter Website
This website should be focused just on your freelance writing. It should include your portfolio samples, an About page with a picture of you, and, most importantly, contact information.
If you’re comfortable building websites or have someone who will do it for you, build on WordPress. Or, if you want to do it yourself, use one of the simple hosted sites such as Squarespace or Wix.
In many cases, you can buy your domain name where you plan to host. That makes it easier, eliminating the need to transfer your domain to your host.
5 Ways to Get Your First Clients as a Freelance Copywriting Beginner
This is where you have to work your network. Assuming you have your website built and you’re active on social media, now is the time to seriously look for work.
If you have friends who have retail stores, restaurants, cafés, or any kind of business, let them know you’re now a freelance writer. Tell them you’re offering the special “friend’s rate” (which might even be free) to help them—anything for a good sample for your portfolio.
Pay attention on social media. If none of the people you follow post writing opportunities, ask around to find someone who does. I regularly see people looking for freelance writers on Twitter and LinkedIn. Grow your network to find those people.
The most obvious of all. Tell EVERYONE you’re now a freelance copywriter. Your dentist, hairstylist, butcher, greengrocer—they should all know you offer freelance copywriting services. Why? They all have networks. Friends of friends. Don’t be shy. BTW, you may want to get business cards to hand out. A box of 500 cards could be your best investment.
Start a blog on your website. It’s an excellent way to force yourself to write. How about a new blog post every day? Say, 500 words minimum? Then promote your posts on social media. Use your blog to augment your portfolio—show prospects that you can write and that they should hire you.
Sign up on platforms such as Upwork. Although established writers may not use these sites, many of them started here. You’re reaching a global market. You can see how other freelance copywriters promote themselves (you’ll learn something there). You’ll learn how to pitch your services. This site has excellent tips on how to get your first job on Upwork.
BONUS TIP: If you know any copywriters or designers, either freelance or employed, talk to them. The creative community is generally friendly and helpful. You might find your best opportunities here.
In all of this, be honest about your experience. It’s fine that people know you’re starting. Don’t pretend to be a writer with ten years under your belt. You will soon get found out.
How to Move from Staff Copywriter to Freelance Copywriter
While you’re still employed, find freelance clients. I wrote a post Should Employees Freelance here. It’s worth reading. There are some ethical points you’ll want to note.
You’ll want to do everything I mentioned above — get active on social with a freelance focus, get your portfolio in shape, and build your freelance copywriter website.
Maybe Your Employer Could Help You Become a Freelancer
Let’s say you’re working full-time for your employer. How would they feel if you proposed to cut that to part-time, say half of your current hours? You’d want to negotiate how you get paid and what services you deliver.
This was exactly my introduction to full-time freelance. I had a half-day job and the other half-day to build my freelance business. It was the perfect solution—the security of steady pay with the time to grow my own business.
Read about My Easy Transition From Full-Time to Freelance. See whether that could work for you.
Next post: Best Clients for Freelancers and How to Find Them
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