You’ve decided to pursue the career you were born to live, and that means, at the very least, you’ll be creating copy. This article is going to help you figure out what to name your copywriting business so you can begin branding yourself as a professional copywriter.
The Basics
This industry is huge. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, published in March 2019, employment in the U.S. economy is projected to grow 22% from 2018 to 2028.
In 2022, there will be more than 1.7 million jobs in the U.S. for writers and editors. That’s 1 out of every 5 jobs available in America today.
If you’re considering this career track, you’d better be sure you’re prepared to commit the time it takes. The average American spends 4.9 hours a day commuting, and 14.8 hours working. That’s a lot of time to be writing copy, especially considering you’ll be investing in expensive equipment and working in a cramped workspace.
The Biggest Challenge
No matter what stage you’re at in your career, naming your business can be a challenge. You want to choose a name that’s representative of your services, that customers will understand, and that won’t be taken by others. Above all else, you don’t want to choose a trademarked name unless you’re prepared to defend it.
On the other side of the coin, however, is the opportunity to get paid to do what you love. In addition to having an exciting career, you’ll be able to provide for your family. Finally, if you follow the correct steps, you can begin to brand yourself as a copywriter and gain recognition for your work. It won’t be easy, but it’s a good problem to have.
Steps To Take
In order to establish your credentials as a professional copywriter, you’ll need to take a few steps. Begin by educating yourself on the topic. Take some time to read books and do as much research as possible to form a solid foundation.
Once you’ve got the basics down, apply for a writing credit. To do this, you’ll need to register with Copyblogger, a company that connects businesses with freelance writers. Once you’re approved, begin pitching some ideas to potential clients. You’ll need to take some time to build a portfolio, so take the opportunity to write guest posts for some of the biggest blogs in the industry. If you can, begin pitching stories to magazines and newspapers.
As you begin to build your reputation as a professional copywriter, gain experience by taking on contract work. The reputable copywriting agencies like Mad Hippie and One Hour Fiction can help by providing you with placements. During this time, it’s important to continue researching and building a foundation for the career.
As you gain experience, begin looking for a business partner. Ideally, you’ll want to find someone with experience in the industry who can serve as an additional hand, brain, and eye. A business partner can help take care of the administrative tasks, provide guidance, and help you secure larger contracts.
Industry Veteran
At some point in your career as a copywriter, you’ll be asked to put your skills to the test and take on a project you’ve never done before. To perform at your optimum level, you’ll need to be confident that you’ve got all the necessary knowledge and experience to succeed. It would be best to find a business partner who’s had experience in the industry so you can take advantage of their knowledge, gain trust, and work together as a team.
Above all else, be sure to choose a name that’s both recognizable and unique. As you become more established as a copywriter, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your own hours, meet with clients, and set your own prices. However, if you’ve taken the time to build a reputable brand, you’ll have the opportunity to command higher fees and ensure higher-quality work.