Whether you’re an experienced copywriter or simply aspire to become one, pursuing freelance copywriting as a career option is a superb idea. Not only does it allow you to create and implement creative writing while also earning some decent money, but it also provides you with the opportunity to work from home.
Wherever you are in the world, it’s now possible to work remotely as a copywriter. Indeed, for those based in the United Kingdom, there is even the option to pursue this career remotely in London. Naturally, the advantages of a remote career do come with certain challenges, but with the increasing demands of the digital nomad lifestyle, more and more people are discovering the delights of a freelancing life.
So whether you’ve had a change of heart or have simply been considering the option, here are some top tips on how to get copywriting jobs and make this freelance lifestyle work for you.
Build A Portfolio
The first and most vital step to securing freelance copywriting jobs is to build a portfolio. Even those who consider themselves experienced writers will be surprised by how many jobs they can get with a good portfolio. After all, having a diverse portfolio is a great way to increase your chances of securing multiple engagements. And, as a freelance copywriter, the more copy you produce, the more opportunities you will have to showcase your work.
Therefore, it’s essential that you produce high-quality content on a regular basis. This will not only help you establish yourself as an experienced copywriter, but it will also serve as evidence of your work. Naturally, the type of content you choose to produce will be down to you and your expertise, but some suggestions include:
- Product reviews
- Feature articles
- Case studies
- Web content (such as blogs)
- White paper copy
- Corporate brochures
- Product catalogues
- E-books
- Annual reports
- Presentations
- Press releases
- Mapping out the structure of a business plan
Join A Society
One of the wonderful things about being a freelance writer is that you are your own boss and can set your own working hours. Naturally, this flexibility can be both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes, you might feel inspired by a particular theme or project, but you cannot commit to it because of other obligations you have in your schedule. However, as a freelancer, you have the option of joining a society of other writers and gain access to exclusive content and discount vouchers. Some of the benefits of belonging to a writing society include:
- Access to an exclusive database of writing jobs
- Vouchers to use on digital nomad lifestyle websites
- Regular competitions to win cash prizes and enhance your portfolio
- The opportunity to network with other creatives and gain further inspiration
Decide On Your Pricing
Pricing is one of the most vital aspects of being a successful freelance copywriter. Naturally, you will establish your fees initially, but it’s also wise to revisit this point from time to time and adjust them. Different industries will have different approaches to pricing, so it’s important that you find your own level and stick to it. Some considerations include:
- Cost-effectiveness
- Demand for your services
- Your expertise
- Your service level
- Fair payment arrangements
- Your terms and conditions
Make Sure You’re Up To Date
As a freelance writer, it’s vital to keep up to date with the latest industry news and developments. Not only does this allow you to keep abreast of the changing demands of your prospective clients, but it also provides you with the opportunity to pitch stories to publications that cover your chosen subject matter. Keeping up to date also means you can be mindful of trending news stories and topics, allowing you to quickly and easily adapt your content to what your audience wants and needs.
Follow The Money
Having financial independence is one of the ultimate benefits of being a freelance writer. Your income is completely reliant on your ability to produce quality content for which people are willing to pay. Therefore, you need to ensure you are charging the right price for your work. Always consider what your target audience wants and what they are willing to pay for. In some instances, you might choose to lower your price in order to secure a piece of work. However, in most cases, you will want to raise your prices as much as possible, as this will directly translate to more opportunities and a more lucrative lifestyle as a freelance writer.
Secure A Backlog
A large portion of any successful freelance writer’s workload will involve securing new writing assignments. Indeed, without continuous demand, the days of consistently high earnings are likely to come to an end. This is why it’s essential that you develop a strategy for getting assignments and that you work diligently to ensure you meet the demands of your audience. In most cases, this will involve pitching stories to publications, attending industry events and social gatherings, and demonstrating your value to existing clientele.
As a freelance writer, establishing yourself as an expert in your field can be tremendously beneficial to your career. Not only will you have the ability to generate quality content for which you can be paid, but you will also be able to offer insight and advice to those seeking your services.