How to become a freelance copywriter
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Are you thinking of becoming a freelance copywriter?
Have you read an ad and thought, “Hey, I could write that!” or stumbled across a website and thought, “I can do better!”
That’s the power of copywriting.
Now you may be thinking …
What if I’m not good enough?
How do I even start?
Will anyone pay me for this?
Then stick around because this post is for you…
What is Copywriting?
No, copywriting isn’t about copyrighting your latest mixtape or that self-portrait you drew.
Copywriting is the art of crafting compelling text that prompts the reader to take action.
It’s the charm behind that ‘Buy Now’ button you couldn’t resist clicking on or that email subscription you signed up for.
Now, imagine doing this from the comfort of your own home, or beach, or a cozy café.
What’s not to love?
Well, that’s the joy of being a freelance copywriter!
Skills Required
Before we jump onto the freelance train, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need in your copywriting toolkit:
- Writing Skills: No surprises here! You must be good with words, metaphors, etc well, you get the drift.
- Research Skills: Good copywriting isn’t just about pretty words. It’s about understanding the product, the audience, and the industry.
- SEO Knowledge: SEO is necessary if you want your copy to rank on Google. I recommend checking out stupid simple SEO course.
I swear by it, and it’s as good as an SEO bible!
Getting Started
So, you’ve got the skills and are ready to go. What’s next?
Building a Portfolio:
Before you can start impressing clients, you need to show ’em what you’ve got.
Start by writing samples that showcase your style and versatility.
Remember, quality over quantity every time!
Creating a Website:
This is your virtual business card, so here Include your portfolio, services, and contact information.
You should also make sure it screams ‘you’.
My website, for instance, is a wild mix of humor, gardening metaphors, and coffee puns!
Finding Clients
Ah, the big question: Where do you find ‘clients’? Well, here are some tried-and-tested methods:
Networking:
They say your network is your net worth. So start with your immediate circle and then venture out. Attend industry events, webinars, and workshops. I landed my first big client at a neighborhood BBQ. True story!
Freelance Platforms:
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are excellent platforms for finding clients. But remember, it’s a jungle out there, so you gotta stand out.
A few ways to stand out is by having a killer profile that showcases your skills and experiences, as well as by crafting eye-catching proposals.
Social Media Marketing
LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram can be goldmines for potential clients.
So don’t be shy to slide into those DMs!
Setting Rates
This is where things get a tad tricky. But remember, don’t sell yourself short!
Check out industry standards, factor in your expenses, and don’t forget to value your time.
A good tip is to start with an hourly rate and then move on to project-based pricing as you gain more experience.
I’ll be straight up with you here, my friend; this is part of the freelance gig that gives most of us a serious case of the jitters!
I mean, how much should you charge, really?
Should you ask for more? Less?
You see, when I first started, I was as clueless.
Sure, I’d heard the term ‘industry standard’, but what did it actually mean?
And how was I supposed to know my worth?
Well, fast forward a couple of years, and now I know that setting rates means you have to understand your market and the value you bring to the table and then be confident enough to back yourself up.
Also: Don’t forget to factor in taxes!
Negotiating Rates
Negotiations can be as nerve-wracking as a dentist’s appointment, but it’s part of the freelance gig.
Don’t be afraid to stand your ground, but also be flexible and open to compromise.
Remember, your skills are valuable!
Managing Your Business
And voila, you’re now running your own business!
But with great power comes great responsibility.
You’ll need to handle taxes, contracts, and invoices.
And let’s not forget about marketing your services.
Sounds scary, but with tools like Quickbooks and apps like HoneyBook, it’s manageable, I promise!
Conclusion
Your roadmap to becoming a freelance copywriter is a wild ride filled with challenges, coffee, and lots of creative chaos, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
So, if you’re ready to jump in, my advice is to start writing, start sharing, and, most importantly, start believing in yourself!
Got any queries, doubts, or stories to share?
Feel free to drop them in the comments below. And remember, in the freelance world, the ‘write’ attitude is everything!
See what I did there?😁
