Table of Contents

How To Become a Freelance Copywriter in 10 Steps (Even Without Experience)

October 17, 2024

How to become a freelance copywriter in 10 steps, even without experience:

Understand the basics of freelance copywriting.
Shift from a freelancer’s mindset to a business owner’s mindset.
Accept any type of freelance copywriting work.
Specialize in a freelance copywriting niche.
Build your freelance copywriting portfolio.
Set your freelance copywriting rates.
Generate leads and find more copywriting clients.
Grow and nurture your freelancing network.
Learn and improve your freelance copywriting skills continuously.
Manage your freelance copywriting business properly.

Becoming a freelance copywriter entails learning the copywriting basics and emphasizing personal branding. This ensures that you have a unique value proposition that boosts client acquisition. It also helps to focus on niche selection, portfolio creation, and networking. Plus, you can create exceptional content by developing the right copywriting skills.

A freelance copywriter specializes in crafting persuasive content for various clients. But they work independently rather than being employed by a single company or agency. Offering freelance copywriting services means you’ll be managing your own clients. You set your own rates and choose your own work hours. You can work on one-off projects. Or you can establish ongoing client relationships for a more regular income.

Tyson 4D emphasizes the importance of mastering fundamentals early. He encourages immediate outreach to secure clients, even before reaching full proficiency. Tyson also suggests continual learning, focusing on advanced skills. These include email marketing and landing pages to differentiate oneself in the marketplace.

Copywriters work with digital and print media. Some popular examples are ad campaigns, billboards, brochures, email marketing copy, and magazines. They also work on product descriptions, social media captions, and website content. Copywriting is heavily involved in marketing and sales. So, you should be skilled in market research, sales psychology, and audience segmentation.

Freelance copywriters are in demand in 2024. Currently, the USA has around 131,200 copywriters. The market is predicted to increase by 7.6% from 2016 to 2026, based on data from CareerExplorer. Services like content marketing and SEO copywriting have the most demand. However, AI has made the industry more competitive. Seth Godin said at an Ad World conference that mediocre copywriting is doomed. This is because of the rise of AI writing software. This Redditor commented on the issue, stating that AI hasn't replaced copywriters. She said that copywriting is for those who are passionate and skilled with it.

intro Reddit comment on AI writing software vs copywriting

While freelance copywriting is profitable, this industry has many challenges. These include consistent content creation, client retention, and market saturation. I have experienced firsthand how competitive this business model is. That's why I prefer local lead generation. Yes, it requires some copywriting. But once your website ranks, you don't have to generate content daily.

In this article, I'll talk about the 10 steps on how to become a freelance copywriter, even if you have no experience. Plus, learn what pitfalls to avoid to build a successful freelance copywriting business.

1. Understand the Basics of Freelance Copywriting.

Start by understanding the fundamentals of freelance copywriting. Learn from reputable individuals who have experience with copywriting. These include Eddie Shleyner and John Carlton. You can subscribe to newsletters or read through social media posts.

The goal of copywriting is to get customers to purchase a product. But it could also be to sign up for a newsletter, download an app, or any other desired outcome. The essence of copywriting is motivating readers to act. You should learn these freelance copywriting basics:

Understanding Your Target Audience. It is a group of people defined by demographics and behavioral characteristics. These include age, gender, location, and income. This way, you can tailor your messaging to attract potential customers. To understand a company’s target audience, create a detailed buyer persona. This is a profile of an individual that represents a business’s entire customer base. A buyer persona includes the demographic traits and interests of the fictional customer.
Practicing Creating Different Types of Copy. Experimenting with various formats (sales copy, SEO copywriting, etc.) makes you more versatile. It will also help you learn what type of copywriting you're most skilled at.
Learning To Turn Features Into Benefits. Copywriting goes beyond researching a product’s features and writing about it. You should convert product or service features into tangible benefits for the reader. Henneke Duistermaat says it's important to think about features as facts and benefits as the reasons that get people to buy. For example, instead of saying, “This laptop has 16GB of RAM,” you should say, “Experience lightning-fast performance and multitask with ease.” Think about how the product will make your customer’s life better. And sell the results they’ll have if they buy a product or avail of a service.
Mastering Sales Basics. Sales techniques allow you to write effective copy for different products and services. These include understanding the customer’s needs and wants. Plus, you should know the product’s features and the brand’s sales process. It allows for a structured approach to converting leads into customers. You should also master closing techniques to create a sense of urgency within your copy.
Writing Great Headlines. According to Copyblogger, 80% of people who see your copy will read the headline, but only 20% will read past it. This means crafting an attention-grabbing headline. It increases the chances of readers making it to your call to action (CTA). To write a great headline, follow the 4U’s strategy of the American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI). These 4 U’s stand for “useful,” “urgency,” “unique,” and “ultra-specific.”
Using Personal Language. Craft your messaging to make your readers feel like you’re writing for them. It makes your copy more personal and urges them to take action. This is why understanding your target audience matters.
Writing a Strong Call to Action. The entire purpose of writing copy is to get people to do something. A strong CTA will state what you want the reader to do.
Leveraging Unique Selling Propositions (USPs). The USP is what makes the product or service you’re writing about different than the competition. A strong USP can make writing copy quicker, as it gives you a clear focus to sell around.
Learning To Use Copywriting Formulas. Copywriting formulas provide a proven structure for creating compelling copy. They save you a lot of time on planning. These formulas also ensure you cover all necessary elements.

1. PAS (Problem - Agitate - Solution)

PAS is the most popular sales blueprint because of its versatility. You can use it in blog posts, emails, landing pages, social media ads, and more. According to Dan Kennedy, PAS is the most reliable copywriting formula that exists. Here are the components:

Problem. Identify a problem your target audience is experiencing. You need to understand your customer’s pains if you want to write with PAS.
Agitate. After making your reader feel understood, agitate their pain points. Dig deeper into the consequences of their problem. Make them feel an urgent need to find a solution. This step builds emotional investment.
Solution. Introduce your product as the solution to your customer’s problem. Describe how your offering eases their pain points. This part should lead your reader to take action.

Here’s an example copy of the PAS formula, taken from Ticker Nerd Crypto’s landing page:

2. AIDA (Attention - Interest - Desire - Action)

AIDA is one of the oldest marketing formulas developed by Elias St. Elmo Lewis in 1898. Contrary to PAS, this formula focuses on your readers' wants instead of their pains.

Attention. The first step is to grab the reader’s attention with a powerful headline or intriguing image.
Interest. Once you’ve captured the audience’s attention, build their interest. State facts that increase their curiosity. Appeal to their emotions by highlighting problems only your product can solve.
Desire. Next, make them desire your product by emphasizing the benefits (not features). Use testimonials or case studies. Help the reader imagine how much better life would be if they purchased what you’re selling.
Action. Finally, prompt the reader to purchase your product or avail of your service. Use a high-level call to action.

Here’s a well-executed example of AIDA on the landing page for design agency Sumit Hegde:

3. Before-After-Bridge

The Before-After-Bridge is an excellent strategy to show some kind of transformation. Its beginning is like PAS, where you open the customer’s eyes to their current situation. You focus on a problem that they have and may not know about (the “before”). Then, show them what their world would be like if their problem was solved (the “after). The bridge between these two states will be your product. It’s the pathway your customers can take to leave their non-ideal present.

This tweet by Kevan Lee, vice president of Buffer, is a good example of Before-After-Bridge copy:

You don't have to pay to learn the basics of freelance copywriting. You can watch videos on YouTube, follow experts on LinkedIn, and learn skills on Udemy. This Redditor recommends following professionals like Cole Schafer, Michal Eisikowitz, and Dave Harland. He also suggests visiting Harry Dry's website to learn more about the psychology of copy.

freelance copywriting learning resources reddit

Becoming a freelance copywriter means you’ll be self-employed. You should learn how to work independently and communicate with clients. Don’t get too caught up in this step. Only spend 2-3 days learning the fundamentals.

2. Shift From a Freelancer’s Mindset to a Business Owner’s Mindset.

Shift to an online business owner's mindset. This means thinking beyond individual projects. Consider the long-term benefits of your freelance copywriting career. Start thinking about:

Business objectives
Financial plans
Client acquisition
Project management
Content marketing strategies
Other high-level tasks

A freelancer’s mindset revolves around working on a project-by-project basis. They often rely on client needs and demands. But if you shift to a business owner’s mindset, you’ll have more control over the next steps in your journey. Consider yourself a CEO. A CEO is confident, not fearful. Each prospective client you pitch to will sense if you’re hesitant. They will perceive you as inexperienced and not hire you.

According to Jorden Roper, owner of the Writing Revolt blog, most freelance copywriters get stuck with limiting thoughts. These include comparing themselves to others or having imposter syndrome. These thoughts then become feelings of discouragement, failure, and rejection. Mindset is what differentiates freelance copywriters who succeed from those who don’t. So, having the right mindset is a game-changer.

3. Accept Any Type of Freelance Copywriting Work.

Reach out to your existing network and find any type of freelance copywriting job. Your focus at this stage is to gain experience. You don’t need a niche or a portfolio just yet. You simply have to offer your copywriting services, even if you do it for free or at a minimal rate. You can sign up on freelancer platforms like Upwork, cold email potential clients, etc.

This is the part where most tutorials tell you to choose a niche. But this can be limiting and time-consuming if you’re a beginner. A common mistake for beginner freelance copywriters is getting stuck in niche research. Instead, spend your time looking for projects that offer good experience.

Where to find freelance copywriting jobs for beginners:

Your Existing Network. Reach out to family, friends, and colleagues. Notify them that you’re pursuing a freelance copywriting career. Then, ask them if they know anyone in need of copywriting services.
Facebook Groups. Lurk around online communities in a market you’re interested in (for example, e-commerce, dentists, SaaS, etc.). If it’s allowed by the group’s admin, upload a post offering your copywriting service. You can provide them for free or in exchange for testimonials.
Direct Contact. Visit local businesses or startups’ websites and directly offer your services. Small companies often need copywriting help. They need high-quality content for their websites, email campaigns, and other ad copy.
Online Freelance Marketplaces. Quora user Mitali Aggarwal suggests creating freelancer accounts. Some popular platforms include Fiverr, Freelancer, and Upwork. In these marketplaces, you can bid on job posts or set up “gigs” that clients can purchase. While this option is easy to set up, it’s difficult to get clients because of the high competition.

4. Specialize in a Freelance Copywriting Niche.

After completing a couple of copywriting projects, it's time to niche down. You will have a better understanding of what niche to specialize in. Select a freelance copywriting service that you're good at and is in demand. These Redditors mentioned popular niches like pharmaceuticals, health, wealth, relationships, gaming, and beauty.

in demand freelance copywriting niches reddit 1

in demand freelance copywriting niches reddit 2

Matthew Morgan, YouTuber and copywriter, highlights three criteria for selecting a niche. These are profitability, personal interest, and avoiding extremes of specificity or broadness. He also recommends personal development and relationships, real estate, e-commerce, tech (SaaS), and health and wellness as the top copywriting niches in 2024. These industries offer high margins and consistent demand for copywriters. By focusing on these areas, you can increase your chances of success. You can also generate more income and avoid wasting time on niches that don’t lead to financial rewards.

Copywriting coach Ashlyn Carter defines niching down as being “referable.” If you’re referable, you’re the go-to person for something clients can categorize in their brains. Ashlyn has a two-step process for becoming a referable copywriter:

Niche Horizontally: A horizontal niche is a skill that serves an array of audiences. Do you want to specialize in ad copy, website copy, email copy, social media copy, direct mail copy, or blog content? You can also do voiceover scripts, sales letter videos, PRs, or short-form content.
Niche Vertically: This involves choosing a specific audience to serve. Some examples include small business owners, dentists, or painters. Many freelancers resist doing this because it feels limiting. But it’s a necessary step if you want clients to remember you. Ashlyn says you don’t have to stay in your chosen lane. You can still offer your services to different audiences. However, your marketing should focus on this vertical niche.

5. Build Your Freelance Copywriting Portfolio.

Build a copywriting portfolio to showcase your skills and experience. You can upload your portfolio on Google Drive or download it in PDF format. This way, it's easier to attach to emails, online messages, or virtual applications. You can also build your portfolio on websites like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. Remember to include your contact details.

Building a strong freelance copywriting portfolio helps attract potential clients. Here's a concise guide to get you started:

Gather your best work. Collect samples of your written outputs. These include articles, blog posts, ads, social media content, etc.
Organize your samples. Group your work by industry, type of content, or writing style. This makes it easy for potential clients to find relevant examples.
Set up an online portfolio. Use platforms like Canva, Clippings.me, and Contently. You can also create your own website to showcase your work.
Include diverse content. Show your versatility by including different types of copy. Some popular ones are long-form articles, short-form ads, and email campaigns.
Highlight results. Include metrics or testimonials that show the effectiveness of your copy. Showcase excellent results, such as conversions, sales, or engagement metrics.
Keep it updated. Regularly add your latest and best work to keep your portfolio fresh and relevant.
Tailor for specific clients. When finding clients, consider creating custom samples that align with their needs.

This Reddit user highlights the value of making a freelance copywriting portfolio. He recommends doing spec work for 10 companies through email streams or newsletters. He says that a website or a PDF copy are both good formats for a portfolio.

importance of freelance copywriting portfolio reddit

6. Set Your Freelance Copywriting Rates.

Your freelance copywriting rate depends on your knowledge and capabilities. Copywriters get paid per hour, per word, per project, or with a retainer fee. You can also get royalties, commissions, and performance-based pay. Payments are processed through bank transfers or online payment services like Stripe and PayPal.

According to Indeed, freelance copywriters in the U.S. make $19.17 to $60.76 per hour, averaging $34.13 per hour. And based on a survey of 656 copywriters by The Copywriter Club, the average annual copywriter salary is $68,586. Exact earnings depend on experience, niche, market, country, and work arrangement.

freelance copywriter salary in the US by Indeed

Some pricing strategy tips by Christine Gomolka (host of the Paid Copywriter podcast):

Set Your Income Goal First. You can work backward and gauge how much work you need to do and at what rate to earn it. Don’t fall for the “6-figure copywriter” hype online. If you’re a beginner, start with a realistic goal ($50,000 to $70,000 for your first year). This improves your standards because you will create a minimum rate to charge. For instance, you shouldn't write a $15 blog post if you know it won’t help you reach your income goal.
Use a Freelance Copywriter Hourly Rate Calculator. Some copywriting blogs like Copyhackers and All Freelance Writing have free calculators. These tools quote what you should charge. It's based on project type, experience, professional training, and desired yearly income.
Charge Per Project. Christine doesn’t recommend charging a set hourly or per-word rate. Instead, she uses an hourly-to-flat pricing equation. You get to estimate how long it’ll take you to finish a project by the hour and what dollar amount to assign to each hour. You can then multiply that hourly rate by the total completion time. This will be your price for the entire project. This equation is useful for lengthy jobs. These include long blog posts with multiple client calls for revision requests.
Set Up Value-Based Pricing. This pricing strategy is perfect for direct response copywriting. It's because you can estimate how well your copy will convert. Then, you can charge your clients based on that amount. For example, you are writing a sales page for a high-ticket coaching service worth $5,000 per sale. You can calculate projected revenue based on the product’s conversion rate. Then, determine your price depending on how much money you’ll make them. Say your copy generates over $200,000 worth of sales. Then charging them $20,000 for writing the landing page is reasonable.
Use Industry Reports. Download AWAI’s State of the Industry report on copywriting. It’s a free report with pricing ranges for different copywriting services. Christine relies on this data a lot. She says that if you’re a beginner, aim for the mid-range number and increase as you become more skilled. Here’s a breakdown of fee ranges from the report’s copywriting pricing guide:

Copywriting Service	Fee Range
Homepage Copy	$1,500 - $3,000
New Website Page	$500 - $1,250 per page
Updating Website Pages (About, Services, etc.)	$250 - $1,000 per page
Full Microsite (2-5 pages)	$3,000 - $7,000
User Experience (UX) Copywriting	$150 - $1,000 per page $100 - $500 per email
Lead Gen Landing Page or “Squeeze” Page	$500 - $1,500
Long-Form Sales Page	$3,500 - $5,000+ for beginners $7,500 - $12,500+ for intermediate copywriters Up to $25,000+ for highly skilled copywriters (plus royalties at all skill levels)
Short Blog Post (300-1,000 words)	$250 - $800 per post
Long Article (1,200-2,000 words)	$250 - $1,000
Pillar Blog Post (4,000 words or more)	$500 - $2,500 per post
How-To Guide	$500 - $1,000
FAQs	$500 - $1,000
Blog Content Strategy	$500 - $800 per calendar $250 - $800 per post
Product Page Update	$100 - $250 per page
Order Page or Shopping Cart Sequence	$400 - $800
Banner or Text Ad	$250 - $1,000
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Campaign	$75 - $350 per ad
Social Media Ad Campaign	$500
Standalone Email	$250 - $2,000
Email Sequence or Autoresponder	$100 - $1,000 per email
Cold Prospecting Email Templates (10-pack)	$1,500 - $2,500
Follow-Up Email Templates (10-pack)	$1,500 - $2,500
E-Newsletter	$800 - $2,000 (writing and/or consulting)
Newsletter Editorial (600-800 words)	$200 - $500
Social Media Setup	$500 per network
Company Description	$25 - $500
Press Release	$500 - $1,000 per release
Case Study/Customer Success Story (2-3 pages; 800-1,200 words)	$1,200 - $2,000
Testimonial	$500 - $800
Resume or Personal Profile	$2,000 for bundled services
Survey Wording	$500 - $1,000
White Paper (5-10 pages)	$2,000 - $10,000
E-Book	$2,000 - $7,000
Event Speech	$3,000 - $5,000+
Short Video Script (1-5 minutes)	$500 - $1,500+
Long-Form Video Sales Letter (20-45 minutes)	$5,000+ based on length/VSL
Podcast Script	$500 - $1,000 per minute
Radio Commercial Script (30-60 seconds)	$1,200 - $1,500
TV Commercial Script (30-60 seconds)	$1,000 - $1,800
Training Script	$500 - $3,000
Webinar Script	$1,500 - $3,000
Chatbot Script	$2,000
Telemarketing Script	$500 - $2,000
Sales Call Script (5 versions)	$2,000 - $2,500
Sales Deck (20 slides)	$2,000 - $3,500
Sales Proposal	$500 - $750 per page
Direct Mail Sales Letter Package	$1,500 - $5,000+
Direct Mail Renewal Series	$1,500 - $2,500+
Brochure (3+ panels)	$750 - $1,500 per page
Magazine or Tabloid	$9,000 - $15,000
Postcard or Double Postcard	$750 - $1,500
Sell Sheet	$500 - $1,000
Sales Battlecard	$1,000 - $2,000
Small Print Ad	$800 - $2,000
Advertorial	$800 - $1,500+
Store Poster	$250 - $500 per sign or poster
Copyediting	$31-$75 per hour OR 3-5 cents per word
Product Naming	$1,000 - $3,000

7. Generate Leads and Find More Copywriting Clients.

Your ability to generate leads and secure new clients is as crucial as your writing skills. It’s the lifeblood of your business, ensuring a steady flow of projects and income. Here are some freelance copywriting strategies Alex Cattoni uses to gain new clients:

Hunt. Most people “post and pray,” creating Upwork profiles or updating LinkedIn bios. You should be proactive. Know what products you want to write about and what type of copywriting client you want to work with. Then, check out their website’s Careers page. You can also look for contact information and start pitching your services.
Gather. This method is all about networking. You should constantly build your list of freelance clients and fellow copywriters. You can attend local meetups, marketing seminars, and workshops. Alex says she met her first, longest, and highest-paying client at a 2011 marketing event. All she did was show up, give value, and make connections with them.
Play. Being active in online communities is essential in freelance copywriting. So, you should be everywhere. Be on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, forums, freelance marketplaces, and job sites. You should also build your copywriting website. Complete it with the necessary pages (About, Services, Contact, and a scheduling page). Don’t just lurk around the platforms, either. Engage with your audience by providing value in your interactions. Your online presence improves your branding. It makes you more memorable to potential clients.
Slay. Don’t generate leads aiming to get one new client after another. You have to actually be good at your job and deliver quality work. Alex says that 80% of new projects will come from existing clients. It's either through referrals or contract extensions. So, build great relationships with all your clients. Treat each connection as a stepping stone to new connections.

finding freelance copywriting clients reddit

This Redditor recommends creating a profile on platforms like Freelancer, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. He suggests taking advantage of the bio section to show your experience and skills. He also says to use warm and cold pitches to entice potential clients.

8. Grow and Nurture Your Freelancing Network.

Once you have recurring leads, cultivate your growing network. Client nurturing will lead to new freelancing projects and professional partnerships. It can also be a reputable source of information to help you grow your copywriting business. You can maintain a strong freelancing network by:

Improving Your SEO. Optimize your website and online profiles with effective SEO (search engine optimization) strategies. It will increase your business’s organic traffic and visibility. It also helps to publish high-quality content on your blog. Consider guest posting on well-regarded sites in your industry.
Marketing Your Service via Paid Ads. While organic reach is a great long-term strategy, paid advertising offers quicker wins. It can expand your network faster. Take, targeted ads on Facebook, for example. It can help you reach out to clients who need copywriting services.
Creating a Reliable Referral System. A referral system encourages satisfied clients to refer others to you. You can give them a discount or a bonus service for closed referrals.

Chris Do, host of The Futur YouTube channel, reminds freelancers to build trust and gain referrals. To grow a freelancing network, create a strong personal brand. Engage in online communities to showcase your expertise. You can also attend networking events to collaborate with other freelancers. Offering free value, such as consultations or content, builds trust. Additionally, regular follow-ups nurture client relationships.

9. Learn and Improve Your Freelance Copywriting Skills Continuously.

learn freelance copywriting skills Udemy

Improve your existing freelance copywriting skills and learn new, in-demand ones. Seek educational resources such as copywriter courses, books, workshops, and industry conferences. You can also subscribe to copywriting and marketing blogs or listen to podcasts. Another popular method for learning is watching tutorials on YouTube. That said, the best resources for learning freelance copywriting skills are:

Online Course Platforms. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses taught by expert copywriters. These courses often include interactive elements, assignments, and peer feedback. Some courses are also free. A quick search for copywriting courses in Udemy will get you over 2,175 results.
“The Copywriter’s Handbook” by Robert Bly. David Ogilvy recommends this book to improve your writing skills. It offers practical tips on effective headlines, readability improvements, and email marketing tactics. It also provides a roadmap for building a successful freelance copywriting career.
“Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley. This is a crucial resource if you want to learn how to communicate well using written content. This book provides actionable advice on creating content across various online platforms. It highlights storytelling and empathy when fostering connections with an audience.
“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini. This New York Times bestseller dives into the psychological principles that compel people to say “yes.” It also talks about ethically persuading others in business and everyday interactions. This work covers the 6 fundamental principles of influence. It’s not just about writing. It's about understanding the human psyche to craft messages that achieve desired outcomes.
Copyblogger. Brian Clark founded this platform. Copyblogger has been a seminal content marketing resource since 2006. It’s a simple blog about creating content that attracts attention. VentureBeat claims that “Copyblogger is the bible of content marketing.”
The Copywriter Club. Co-founded by Kira Hug and Rob Marsh, it aims to help copywriters think big about their business. They have a popular podcast and an active Facebook community. These resources foster a supportive environment for copywriters to enhance their craft.
Copy Chief Radio. Copywriting mentor Kevin Rogers is the host of this podcast. And it’s a treasure trove of real-world marketing success stories. It's a great podcast to get insights from experienced copywriters.

10. Manage Your Freelance Copywriting Business Properly.

Monitor your freelance copywriting operations and manage them properly. Now that you’re running your own service business, you can choose to stay small or build a team to take on more projects. Prepare to handle many business-related tasks. These include marketing, client experience, invoicing and payments, pricing strategy, and taxes. You can use project management tools like Asana, Monday.com, and Trello.

project management tool example for freelance copywriters Asana

Managing a freelance copywriting business demands entrepreneurial and organizational skills. It requires a logical approach to business operations. Here are some top practices successful freelance copywriters implement:

Establish a Legal Foundation. Set up your copywriting business as a legal entity, particularly as a limited liability company (LLC). It will help protect personal assets and offers tax advantages.
Manage Your Finances. Keep a detailed record of your income and expenses. Use accounting software like Freshbooks, Quickbooks Online, and Wave Accounting (which is free). It allows you to track your business’s financial health.
Use Tools for Client Interactions. CRM software, such as Moxie, Monday, and Hubspot, can improve relationships with clients. It encourages timely communication and gives them the ability to track projects.
Learn To Negotiate Contracts. Be prepared to negotiate rates and contract conditions. These include your scope of work, timelines, and payment terms.
Outsource Non-Core Tasks. Consider outsourcing administrative and accounting tasks. It also helps to hire VAs for non-core activities, so you can focus on growing your business.
Practice Self-Care. Prevent burnout by taking regular breaks and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Schedule your working hours based on your productive time.

What Skills Do Freelance Copywriters Need?

Writing proficiency. It involves mastering grammar and spelling, but goes far beyond that. Copywriters must adapt their writing style to suit different brands, audiences, and mediums. They should be adept at crafting attention-grabbing headlines and writing persuasive body copy. Copywriters also create engaging calls-to-action.
Research skills. Freelance copywriters often need to write about topics they're not familiar with. The ability to quickly research, understand, and distill complex information is invaluable. You should know how to find reliable sources and fact-check information. Stay updated on industry trends. Good research skills also help in understanding target audiences and competitors.
Marketing knowledge. Understanding basic marketing principles is crucial for creating a high-performing copy. This includes knowledge of consumer psychology, buyer personas, and the marketing funnel. Familiarity with different marketing channels helps copywriters tailor their content. These include social media, email, and print.
SEO understanding. Many copywriting projects involve creating web content. That's why knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential. This includes skills like keyword research, keyword placement, and on-page SEO. A good grasp of SEO helps ensure that your content reads well and ranks in search engines.
Communication skills. Clear, professional communication with clients is necessary for freelance copywriters. This includes asking the right questions to understand project briefs. It also involves providing regular updates and explaining your creative decisions. Good communication skills also help in networking and pitching to potential clients.
Editing and proofreading. This involves catching typos and grammatical errors. This skill improves the flow and impact of your copy. Attention to detail is key here. Even minor errors can affect the effectiveness of your written copy.
Tech savviness. Familiarity with various digital tools is important. These include content management systems, writing tools, and project management software. You can use platforms like my free content writing tool, WordPress, or Zoho Projects. Understanding how to format content for different platforms is also valuable.

What are Some Good Freelance Copywriting Jobs for Beginners?

Some good freelance copywriting jobs for beginners are:

Social Media Copywriter. This job requires crafting short, engaging posts for platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Your goal is to convey messages concisely by creating content that encourages engagement. As a social media copywriter, adapt your tone to different brands. This role often involves understanding hashtags, trends, and platform-specific best practices.
Product Description Copywriter. Writing for e-commerce involves creating interesting yet accurate descriptions of products. This helps you develop skills in persuasive writing and attention to detail. You need to highlight key features and benefits while maintaining a consistent brand voice.
Website Content Copywriter. This encompasses creating various types of content for websites. This includes written copy for homepages, 'About Us' pages, and service pages. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about web usability, information architecture, and SEO. You'll also gain experience in adapting your writing style to different target audiences.
Blog Post Copywriter. This involves creating informative or entertaining articles for websites. It's an excellent starting point because it allows you to explore various topics and writing styles. You'll learn to research well and structure articles for easy reading. Plus, you'll be exposed to basic SEO principles. Many businesses and websites need fresh content. This makes it a high-demand job for freelance copywriters.
Local Business Advertising Copywriter. Working with small local businesses can be less intimidating for new copywriters. You might write flyers, brochures, or local newspaper ads. This work helps you understand how to appeal to specific local audiences. It also teaches you how to create copy that drives action in a limited space.

How Much Money Do Freelance Copywriters Make?

Freelance copywriters make around $30,000 to $200,000 yearly. This depends on factors like skills, experience, knowledge, and strategies. Your copy's performance also matters. High-performing content leads to more sales, especially for value-based pricing. Rates fall between $50 to $250 per hour with project-based pricing. A 2022 survey by ClearVoice found that 45% of freelance writers earned $50,000 or more yearly. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for copywriters was $69,510 in 2021.

Here's the average freelance copywriting income:

Entry-level: $30,000 to $50,000 per year
Mid-level: $50,000 to $100,000 per year
Experienced: $100,000 to $200,000+ per year

Specialization significantly affects earnings. For instance, technical copywriters often command higher rates, sometimes exceeding $150 per hour. Direct response copywriting pays the most because it's tied to sales results. Skilled direct response copywriters can earn six-figure incomes. Top performers make over $500,000 per year. Your location also matters. New York-based copywriters earn about 20% more than the national average.

how much freelance copywriters make reddit

This Reddit user reveals making $400,000 in net income in a year from writing for 25 hours weekly. He focuses on technology-based companies since they pay more. These businesses spend $500 for simple blog posts and $10,000 for a 2,000-word eBook.

Is Freelance Copywriting a Good Side Hustle in 2024?

Freelance copywriting is a good side hustle in 2024 because of growing digital marketing demands. Upwork reveals that 53% of businesses are more likely to hire freelancers. Plus, Content Marketing Institute states that 84% of companies outsource content creation. This Redditor mentioned how freelance copywriting is still profitable. This is because of tools like Apollo and MailsAI that help acquire potential clients.

freelance copywriting as a good side hustle reddit pro

It's not hard to become a freelance copywriter because of the low barrier to entry. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer free signups. You get to choose the clients you want to work with. You can also use tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT to speed up your content writing process. However, you can encounter challenges like market saturation and continuous skill development. You need to compete with other freelance copywriters to secure long-term clients. That is why some copywriters on Reddit don't recommend it.

freelance copywriting as a good side hustle reddit con

4 Business Pitfalls To Avoid as a New Freelance Copywriter

Neglecting Consistent Study. Set aside time to incorporate continuous learning, even on a busy schedule. Free online courses or books on freelance copywriting provide fresh insights. It can offer new writing strategies you can implement. You can also participate in writing exercises and contests to hone your skills.
Hesitating To Write Polarizing Copy. Appealing to everyone can dilute your message. Whereas polarization helps define and reach your ideal audience. You should understand that not every product is for everyone. That's why being authentic in your copy creates a stronger message that stands out.
Putting Up With Bad Clients. A successful copywriter knows when to draw the line with problematic clients. SEO content strategist and author Maddy Osman says that you should uphold contracts and vet potential clients. Don't shy away from ending a toxic professional relationship if it comes to it. These measures will save you from countless headaches in the long run.
Not Making Friends With Other Freelancers. Sean Ogle from the Location Rebel YouTube channel is strongly against this. Some freelancers delegate during peak times. If you fail to build relationships with other freelancers, you may miss out on referral work. Fellow freelance copywriters in your network may become overloaded with projects. If they trust you, they’ll look to you to help them.

Become a Freelance Copywriter or Start a Local Lead Gen Business?

Becoming a freelance copywriter offers schedule flexibility and income scalability. However, the industry is becoming more challenging every year. Freelance marketplaces like Upwork have become crowded. According to Upwork, around 64 million freelancers were active in 2023. And the vast majority of them earn modest incomes. Only 1 in 800 (or 0.13% percent) of freelance copywriters earn over $1,000 per month. Add to that the instability and unpredictability of finding copywriting clients.

Local lead generation provides a more sustainable income since businesses always need customers. Plus, there's far less competition because you're focusing on localized niches and services. And, tons of small service-based businesses are popping up globally. Local lead gen is a more lucrative approach to maximize your copywriting skills. This strategy moves away from the traditional client-servicing model. You have more control over the business and your digital assets.

The local lead generation business model involves building websites for local businesses. Then, you rank these sites organically on search engines like Google. Once your niche websites rank, you start generating leads for free. This is when you rent out your websites to local business owners. Each site offers around $500 to $2,000 in passive income monthly.

Local lead generation exceeds the transitory nature of freelancing. I know because I've been generating leads through local SEO for over 10 years. With it, you can be a digital landlord owning prime real estate in Google’s search results. You’re working on your own websites instead of your clients’ websites. You can use your copywriting skills to turn your websites into lead-generating platforms. It’s a direct connection to a targeted customer base.

If you’re ready to pivot from the competitive freelance hustle to a model that affords more control and a steadier revenue stream, consider the local lead gen biz model.

Follow Me

Ippei Kanehara

Founder/CEO

$52K per month providing lead generation services to small businesses

Ippei.com is for digital hustlers, industry leaders and online business owners.

His #1 online business recommendation in 2024, is to build your own lead generation business.