Are you determined to make it as a copywriter? Are you ready to take your writing career into your own hands and start working for yourself? Or maybe you’re already an experienced copywriter, looking to expand the scope of what you do. 

Well, if any of those sound like you, this is the perfect guide for getting your company up and running in the world of copywriting!

Have you ever wondered who writes all the words you see online and in advertising? 

Well, chances are it’s a freelance copywriter. These creative professionals are the brains behind the catchy slogans, persuasive product descriptions, and engaging social media posts that grab our attention and make us want to buy, click, or share. 

Whether they’re crafting digital ad copy, blog articles, or website content, successful freelance copywriters are experts at capturing the tone and voice of a brand and delivering it to their audience in a way that’s engaging, candid, and friendly. 

Before diving into the world of freelance copywriting, it’s important to understand just what these talented writers do and how their work helps businesses thrive in today’s digital age.

So, what is freelance copywriting, and how to get started? Here we are going to walk you through everything from finding clients and setting pricing structures to staying organized and managing projects. 

So put on that coffee pot—this comprehensive guide will have your freelance writing business set up in no time!

How to Start a Copywriting Business: Step by Step

Cover the Basics

Starting a copywriting business may seem daunting, but fear not! With proper planning and preparation, you’ll be on your way to success in no time. 

First and foremost, ensure that you have all the necessary supplies to be an effective copywriter – a computer, internet access, and a website to advertise your services. 

Keep track of any purchases made for your business, so you can receive income tax deductions. Don’t forget about the legal side of things – registering your business and purchasing insurance may be necessary to protect both yourself and your clients. 

Remember, with a little bit of effort and a lot of passion, you can make your copywriting dreams a reality!

Plan your Business

Are you ready to take your freelance copywriting business to the next level? 

Developing a plan of action is key to achieving your goals and reaching your target clients. But don’t forget to analyze your competition too! Take a deep dive into the services they offer and the prices they charge. 

This will give you a good idea of what the market looks like and how you can differentiate yourself. And of course, a solid promotional strategy is crucial for growing your business over time.

Trust me, it’s worth the effort to put in the time and energy to create a plan that works for you. Your future clients will thank you for it!

Choose your services

Are you looking for a freelance copywriter who can write anything from advertising copy to website content? 

Look no further! Our freelance copywriting business specializes in a wide variety of copywriting services, tailored to meet the needs of each individual client. 

Whether it’s crafting captivating ads and web pages or developing compelling email marketing campaigns, we’ve got you covered. But that’s not all – we’re also open to focusing on specific niches based on your needs. 

So, whether you’re looking for general copywriting that covers all bases or a more specialized approach, my freelance copywriting business has got you covered. Let’s create something great together!

Develop your Brand

When it comes to making your business stand out in today’s competitive market, a strong brand is essential. But what exactly does “strong” mean? 

It means having a personality that clients can easily connect with and appreciate. Your brand is more than just a logo or a color scheme; it’s about how you present yourself to the world. 

It’s about the tone and style you use in your marketing materials and sales letters, the way you interact with your customers, and the messages you convey through your content. 

Once you’ve established your brand, you can use it across all your marketing efforts to create consistency and build trust with your audience. 

So, if you want your business to be seen and heard in a crowded market, take the time to develop a strong brand that reflects your values and speaks directly to your customers.

Establish your Rates

Now that you know what freelance copywriting is, are you wondering how to set your rates? 

Well, before you jump in and start charging clients willy-nilly, it’s important to do a little research. Check out what other successful freelance copywriters in your area are charging for similar services with similar experience levels. This will give you a good idea of a realistic range for your industry. 

Don’t forget to set both an hourly rate and a per-word rate for some pricing flexibility. And let’s face it, no one wants to go broke! Make sure you take into consideration all of your business expenses, including rent, utilities, and health insurance, when setting your rates. 

Sure, it might be tempting to lowball it to attract more clients, but remember, sustainable rates lead to sustainable success. Good luck!

Gather your Writing samples

Starting your own copywriting business can be an exciting venture, but it can also be daunting, especially if you don’t have any previous copywriting experience. 

However, there are ways you can showcase your skills and make yourself stand out to potential clients. One good way is to do spec work, where you develop copywriting, for big brands or businesses without actually working for them. 

This not only allows you to demonstrate your talent, but it also shows your potential clients the kind of work you can produce to make a big splash. 

Regardless of whether you have previous experience or not, having a range of writing samples is crucial to establishing yourself as a reliable and competent copywriter. 

So, gather up your best pieces and get ready to take the copywriting world by storm!

Develop an Online Portfolio

Congrats on selecting all your writing samples, that’s a big step in showcasing your work! 

Now it’s time to get down to business and develop an online portfolio to truly show potential clients what you’re made of. Building an impressive online presence can be daunting, but fear not! 

There are plenty of resources available to make this process a little easier. Whether you choose to use a portfolio template from WordPress or SquareSpace or hire a web developer to create a custom site, the opportunities are endless. Take the time to make your portfolio stand out – provide a detailed listing of your services, showcase your writing samples, and share a bit about your background. 

Your online portfolio is essentially your own online billboard, so make sure it’s the best possible representation of your writing expertise. Best of luck!

Sharpen your Skills

Keeping your technical writing and skills sharp as a copywriter is important if you want to grow your business. 

Whether you want to learn something entirely new or simply brush up on your existing technical writing skills, there are plenty of options available to you. For instance, you could enroll in classes at a local college or sign up for online courses that can be completed from anywhere. 

Don’t have a lot of time or money? 

No problem. Services like Udemy and Skillshare offer online courses that are quick and affordable. The key is to never stop learning and always strive to improve your craft. 

With the right mindset and resources at your disposal, you can take your writing to the next level and accomplish great things in your career.

Create a Legal Contract

Are you a new freelancer looking to protect yourself and your work? 

Look no further! Having a templated contract in place is a must when starting out as a freelancer. Not only does it give you peace of mind, but it also clearly outlines the work your client will receive from you. 

Don’t know where to start? 

Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with an in-depth guide on how to develop a legally binding contract for small businesses. 

With a contract in place, you can focus on doing what you do best: providing quality services to your clients. Happy freelancing!

Establish an Accounting system

Congratulations on your first client payments! That’s a huge step for any small business. But now comes the not-so-fun part – keeping track of those payments and managing your invoicing. Don’t panic! 

Accounting doesn’t have to be scary. First, familiarize yourself with the basics of small business accounting (but don’t worry, you don’t need to be a math genius). Then, choose an accounting system that works for you. 

You can go old school and track everything manually with Excel or Word, or you can make your life easier by using a cloud-based accounting service. Trust us, your stress levels will thank you. 

So take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get your own business accounting system set up so you can focus on what really matters – growing your freelance copywriting business.

Pitch your Business

As a copywriter, your words hold power! But before you can captivate your readers and draw them into your client’s brand, you need to convince those clients to hire you to write copy, in the first place. 

How can you do that? 

By crafting the perfect pitch email. Start by introducing yourself and your services, but don’t stop there. You need to offer a persuasive reason why you’d be the perfect freelance copywriter for your business. And if you’re not sure where to start, advertising agencies often hire freelancers to work on a project-by-project basis – and they can be a great place to start sending your pitches. Of course, don’t forget to link to your online portfolio and include writing samples that are particularly relevant to the brand you’re pitching. 

It all comes down to making a connection – and with the right pitch, you can convince any client to take a chance on you.

Attend Networking Events

As a freelance copywriter, finding new clients is key to the success of your business. But let’s be honest, it can be tough to market yourself when you’re working alone. That’s where networking events come in. 

These gatherings offer a rare opportunity to meet with potential clients face-to-face, have real conversations, and build relationships that could lead to new projects. And the best part? You don’t have to limit yourself to events that are specific to your industry. Be strategic with your networking and seek out events that are attended by entrepreneurs, startups, and others who could benefit from your skills. 

Who knows, you might just land your company its next big client over drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Ask for Referrals

Don’t be afraid to ask potential customers for referrals!

It’s understandable to feel hesitant about this – asking can sometimes feel pushy or self-serving. But the truth is, referrals from satisfied clients can be some of the most powerful marketing tools in your arsenal. 

After all, if your client is happy enough with your work to recommend you to someone they know, that’s a ringing endorsement! And often, clients are happy to help out – they appreciate the opportunity to support a business they believe in. To sweeten the deal, consider offering a reward for referrals. A $50 discount off their next invoice can be a win-win for both you and your client. 

So go ahead – put your modesty aside and ask for those referrals!

Is copywriting really in demand?

Copywriting is a valuable service, especially for every industry, real estate firms or tech startups, or eCommerce stores, all can use your writing service to fetch new clients or more website traffic. 

Startup founders are always on the lookout for great writers who can help them develop their brand voice, and write compelling website copy, sales copy, and social media posts. 

Freelance copywriters can work on a contract basis with clients, spending time writing copy for their specific niche. For example, a freelance copywriter may work with three clients in a month, including a coffee shop, a new business in your niche, and a software company. 

There’s no big secret to what makes an in-demand copywriter. It’s someone who can write excellent marketing copy that sells products or services. You don’t need to be a great writer or have any background in sales to succeed as a copywriter nor do you have to have a fixed amount of time you would spend working.

With the rise of freelancing and remote work, businesses are increasingly looking for talented copywriters to join their teams or work on a project basis. From websites to social media to co-workers to businesses’ sales copy, freelance copywriting is a growing industry.

Do you need a degree to become a copywriter?

Hey, listen up aspiring copywriters! I’m here to let the good writers of you in on a little secret: You don’t necessarily need a fancy degree to make it in this industry. 

However, if you want to stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of landing that dream job, having a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications or Journalism is definitely the way to go. 

Not only will it give you a competitive edge, but it also provides opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships. Plus, who doesn’t want additional career connections to jumpstart their future? 

So, whether you’re getting ready to apply for college or considering a career change, keep in mind that a degree might just be what you need to make it big as a copywriter.

How much does a freelance copywriter charge?

Are you a freelance copywriter looking to set your rates? It can be tricky to know exactly how much to charge for your services. 

But fear not, there are a few factors you can take into consideration to ensure you’re pricing yourself fairly. 

Firstly, research what other copywriters in your area are charging for similar work. This will give you a good benchmark to work from. You can look for other freelancers over Upwork or Fiverr to get an idea.

Next, remember that your experience level plays a role in how much you should charge. The more experience you have in persuasive writing, the more you can justify charging. 

Additionally, don’t forget to factor in any overhead fees you may have. And when setting hourly rates, be sure to account for any non-billable time you spend on meetings, pitches, research, and admin work. 

By taking all of these things into consideration, you’ll be well on your way to setting fair and competitive rates that reflect your skills as a copywriter.

As you can see, starting your own copywriting business requires steps like understanding your skills and deciding how much to charge. It’s important to research and understand the industry before diving into it. 

Although having a degree is great for creating a successful copywriting business and career, it’s not an absolute requirement. Copywriters are solutions workers who provide solutions and valuable insights with their skills. 

With dedication and desire, you can succeed as a copywriter. If you’re willing to put in the needed time, effort, planning, and ongoing self-improvement of your craft, you will have the skills necessary to build a profitable enterprise. 

With this guide in hand, start gathering your resources and begin pursuing your dream of becoming a professional writer and an independent copywriter!

Stay tuned to Our Cubicle for amazing content that would help you earn a decent amount and recommend new side hustles for some extra bucks!