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How to Start Freelance Copywriting?

I was a struggling copywriter for many years, working for agencies and brands who didn’t value my voice or didn’t see the value in my creative eye. I wrote thousands of words a day, only to have my work censored and edited by strangers from TV stations, major publishing houses, and even the government. I put in long hours without seeing much in the way of results, while being drained of my creative energy. I felt like I was spinning my wheels, and that my skills were going to waste. Then, one day, I had a conversation with a talented copywriter who encouraged me to consider freelancing. I was finally going to be able to use my skills to their full extent, and be my own boss.

Why Copywriting?

Copywriting is a skill that can absolutely transcend the online world and flourish in the real world. It is the foundational skill needed to succeed as a writer โ€“ be that you are writing for SEO, press releases, social media content, email marketing, or adverts. To that end, it makes absolute sense for you to start your freelance copywriting career. Whether you are a full-time employee who needs a bit of a change of pace, or you are looking for the perfect way to monetise your skills, freelancing is a great option.

What Are The Requirements To Become A Freelance Copywriter?

In order to become a freelance copywriter, you will need to first establish yourself as a skilled writer. This means you should already have a solid foundation in copywriting and a portfolio of published work to show for it. Ideally, you should have a background in PR, journalism, or communications โ€“ areas that revolve around gathering and disseminating information. If you don’t have any formal or specific writing education, you can still succeed as a freelance copywriter โ€“ provided you have the talent and can prove yourself in the workplace.

How Do You Find Clients?

When it comes to finding clients, there are a variety of ways you can go about it. You can either approach businesses and organisations directly, or you can look for clients online. If you are a confident writer with a decent portfolio, you can definitely approach businesses directly. However, if not, you can still succeed through affiliate marketing, where you will write blog posts for free in order to gain a commission on any sales you drive to the website. There are many such sites, like Build A Blog, where you can find affiliate marketing opportunities.

The Different Stages Of A Freelance Copywriting Career

A freelance copywriting career can involve a lot of ups and downs. While you are still establishing yourself as a skilled writer, you will most likely be pitching for work at first. This will likely be very low-paying work, but it will also be very useful to establish your name in the market. As you grow your portfolio and prove yourself time and time again, you will start to see your income increase, and eventually you will be able to secure higher-paying contracts. Along the way, you will encounter a lot of rejection, but as long as you keep building your portfolio, you will succeed in the end.