Freelance Copywriting for Beginners: Your Essential Starter Guide
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7 minutes 32 seconds
Do you enjoy writing different kinds of content? Is no subject scary to you? Do you want to develop your skills in this area and become a professional copywriter? This is the perfect article for you. I will tell you what you need to know about this profession, how to gain experience, and how to create your website for free!
Who is a copywriter?
There used to be no such thing, and now there is—boomers would say. I hasten to explain, especially for them: there has always been someone who earned money by writing stories, descriptions, advertisements, etc. The only thing that has changed is that they have been given a proper name.
So, what exactly do copywriters do? The art of creating content to elicit a specific response from the recipient. They are even indispensable in companies that care about their content marketing and SEO.
However, it's not all that simple. Over the years, the profession has undergone various transformations and, at some point, become heavily specialized. Hence, we now distinguish, for example, creative copywriters or SEO copywriters.
How to become a copywriter? Guide to freelance copywriting
If you are on this page, I assume you are looking for a place for yourself in copywriting, but I would describe your level of expertise as a beginner.
In my experience, if this is the case, it's a good idea to start by finding assignments on social media (e.g., Facebook topic groups) and portals like useme.com.
Quite possibly, after a few good texts, some agency, or company will hire you for a longer project. Interestingly — a copywriter does not just write long texts, like blog posts, but also social media posts, advertising slogans, and slogans, newsletters or e-books.
When you feel more confident and notice that such a work mode does not suit you, you can start looking for your path. Your path should be based on these 4 steps:
1. You can find your specialty.
Discovering your niche allows you to build a brand and start a purposeful career. To write well, you need to know what you are writing about. Ideally, you should see the industry and the subject inside out. Did you study psychology? You can become an ideal copywriter in the field of psychology. Of course, if you want to write about everything - you have that option. Here, the key will be good and deep research.
2. Gain professional experience.
A copywriter's job is all about skill, and you can develop this skill by working and trying your hand at various marketing agencies. A lot of pressure, a variety of topics and people from whom you can learn - it's an excellent environment for development.
Of course, he understands that it's not for everyone, which is why you can find a variety of courses and tips on how to write content well online. It is also important to know SEO principles.
3. Get trained and stay up-to-date
A good professional knows what he is doing and what is advisable, knows the techniques, and is up-to-date with industry news. These seemingly small things are extremely significant. Anyone who wants to be a good copywriter should follow industry blogs and polish their craft.
4. Create Portfolio Website
Promote yourself as a freelance copywriter. By this, I mean building a personal brand by designing your own logo and slogan. Also, create your website to post detailed information about yourself and your services.
You can use an AI website builder for this. It will create your website in as little as 3 minutes, and later, you can modify and customize it as you wish.
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Freelancer Copywriting - Advantages
Now to the point. For a while I was in your shoes myself and looked for collaborations on my own.
Here are what advantages I see in it:
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Copywriting requires little or almost no investment. You don't need to get any certification or a college degree. All you need to get started is the ability to write light and engaging texts;
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The copywriting industry is not going to die with the development of artificial intelligence (this was written about in Time not so long ago);
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You learn new things every day. You will come across new concepts and ideas as you work on your text. You may find them not only fascinating but also necessary for further development;
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If you are good, text rates will be rewarding. Many companies can pay a considerable sum for a text that can bring them conversions;
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You enjoy freedom. You decide when, where, and how much you work. By running your own business, you will focus on work when it is most natural for you. You can spend the rest of your free time developing your passions, making friends, or simply relaxing.
How do you Price your Work as a Copywriter-Freelancer?
Getting to know your value
The trepidation of a beginning freelancer is quite usual. It's not surprising that many underestimate their rates at the start. But you don't go down that road!
You've already taken the first step — market research. Now, compare your skills with what others can do. Ordinarily, find out what stage of development you are at. Then, set prices that will be worth your time. They must suit not only your customers but also you. Sometimes, it's even worth letting go of an assignment and looking for something more reasonable.
But what if the project seems exceptionally attractive to you, and you don't want to let go easily? There are methods for that. One of them is to send references of satisfied clients and raise the stakes. Yes, having some arguments (and collecting them from the first order) is always a good idea to increase your chances of negotiating.
Billing
You can bill for your work in two ways: per hour of work or per task completed. Which one is better for you?
Freelancers' hourly rates guarantee compensation for the time invested in a project. Even if you go over your target number of hours, you can still be billed for them. However, this has some downsides: at the outset, you must estimate quite accurately how much a task will take you and price it accordingly. If it requires specialized skills, clients may be deterred by the high hourly rate. The price per hour of your work will also gradually increase as your experience increases. So, you need to update your offer constantly.
What about rates based on the entire project? Billing this way makes it easier to set different rates for different assignments, depending on their complexity and expected time investment. This allows you to develop your personal brand and increase your profitability (rates are proportional to your growth). By choosing this type of billing, you sell your experience, expertise, and quality instead of your time.
Quality and level of sophistication of the project
The rate you offer your client will also depend on the project's quality and level of sophistication. This is quite obvious. A copywriter will offer a different price for a product description, and another for a high-quality, specialized text. If the project is hugely elaborate, he may have to hire subcontractors. All this affects the final rate for the client.
Time in a freelancer's job
You certainly don't want to earn less as a freelancer than as a salaried employee. At the beginning of your career, you also have to spend a lot of time browsing for quotes and getting assignments. That's why your working hours can't equal an hour spent in the office.
Financial capabilities of the client
Finally, pay attention to the client's financial capabilities. If the project seems complicated and the rate is inadequate, give up.
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FAQ
What is freelance copywriting, and how does one become a freelance copywriter?
Freelance copywriting involves creating written content for various clients on a project-by-project basis. To become a freelance copywriter, you need to develop strong writing skills, build a portfolio showcasing your work, and start pitching to potential clients. Platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork can help you find copywriting jobs and connect with clients looking for freelancers.
How can a beginner find copywriting clients?
Beginners can find copywriting clients by leveraging job boards, networking on LinkedIn, and joining freelance writing platforms like Upwork. It’s also beneficial to pitch directly to business owners and use cold pitch emails to reach prospective clients. Building a strong online presence and showcasing your portfolio can also attract potential clients.
What are some effective ways to pitch as a freelance writer?
To pitch effectively as a freelance writer, research your prospective clients, understand their needs, and tailor your pitch accordingly. Highlight your relevant experience and how your skills can benefit them. Keep your pitch concise and professional, and always include samples of your work to demonstrate your abilities.
How do I choose a niche for my freelance writing career?
Choosing a niche involves identifying areas where you have expertise or a strong interest. Consider what industries you are passionate about and where there’s demand for content. Specializing in a niche can help you stand out to potential clients and allow you to charge higher rates as you become an expert in that field.
What role does SEO play in freelance copywriting?
SEO, or search engine optimization, is crucial in freelance copywriting as it helps improve the visibility of content in search engines. As a copywriter, understanding SEO principles and incorporating keywords into your content can make it more attractive to clients looking to enhance their digital marketing efforts.
How can I make a successful freelance writing career with absolutely zero experience?
Even with absolutely zero experience, you can start a successful freelance writing career by creating your own blog to showcase your writing, volunteering for non-profits, or writing guest blog posts. This builds your portfolio and experience. Networking with other freelancers and applying for jobs on platforms like Upwork can also provide opportunities to gain experience and grow your freelance writing business.
How much can I expect to earn per month as a freelance copywriter?
Earnings as a freelance copywriter can vary widely based on experience, niche, and client base. Beginners may start with lower rates, but as you build a reputation and specialize, you can increase your rates. According to Glassdoor and other sources, the median income for freelance writers can range significantly, and successful freelancers may earn substantially more per month.
What should I include in my portfolio to attract copywriting clients?
Your portfolio should include a variety of writing samples, such as blog posts, email copy, and any pieces of copy you’ve created for past clients or personal projects. Highlight your best work and any notable achievements. If you’re just starting, create sample content that demonstrates your skills and showcases your ability to meet client's needs.
How do I manage deadlines as a freelance writer?
Break projects into smaller tasks, set realistic timelines, and communicate effectively with clients about project progress. Meeting deadlines consistently helps build trust and credibility with your clients.
Is it worth transitioning from a 9-5 job to freelance writing?
Transitioning from a 9-5 job to freelance writing can be rewarding if you value flexibility and autonomy. However, it requires careful planning, financial stability, and building a steady client base. Weigh the pros and cons, consider starting part-time, and gradually increase your freelance workload as you gain more clients and experience.
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