I started my freelance writing career on a whim. I wasn’t a particularly good writer, but I had plenty of time on my hands and an entrepreneurial spirit that wouldn’t quit.
After spending two years working as a copywriter and marketer, I was able to grow my fledgling side-business into a full-fledged six-figure business. Here’s how:
Takeaways |
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Strategies to turn writing skills into a lucrative copywriting career. |
Insights into the journey of achieving six-figure success as a copywriter. |
Tips for leveraging personal experiences to build a unique copywriting brand. |
Importance of networking and connecting with clients to secure profitable projects. |
How to balance creativity and strategic thinking in the world of copywriting. |
Overcoming challenges and setbacks on the path to a successful copywriting business. |
Understanding the role of digital marketing and SEO in growing a client base. |
Exploring opportunities for specialization and niching down for higher earnings. |
Learning from the author’s experiences to accelerate your own copywriting career. |
Set Up A Mini-Site
If you’re going to be a copywriter, you need to show that you can write. That’s why I recommend setting up a mini-site for your business.
This is a simple website that gives potential clients an idea of who they would be working with, and what kind of work they can expect from you and it also shows them how much money their investment in your services will generate.
Here’s how to do it:
Create a portfolio page where people can see the projects that are most representative of your skillset and experience (this might include past ads, brochures, website copy, or even blog posts).
Include contact information like email address and phone number on this page so visitors know how best to reach out if they’d like to hire you for their next project.
Link to social media profiles so clients have access directly from this mini-site as well!
Enhancing your writing skills involves a combination of practice, dedication, and learning. If you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, explore our article on 10 Things That Will Make You a Better Writer for valuable insights and actionable tips.
Start Networking
If you want to start a copywriting business, the most important thing you can do is start networking. Networking is the key to success in any field, and this is especially true if you are starting your own business.
There are so many ways to network as a freelancer that it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options, but what matters most is that you’re doing it! Here are some of the best ways I’ve found:
In-person
You can attend events hosted by local businesses or industry groups like The SoCal Writers Guild.
This gives you the chance to meet editors, publishers, and other professionals from different industries who might be looking for freelance work themselves (or know of someone else who needs help).
Do this often enough and something will inevitably fall into place for one of these people — maybe even for yourself!
Online
Join professional organizations like Copyblogger Media’s Freelance Writer’s Den where writers discuss topics relevant not just to copywriting but also things like getting paid faster as well as specific questions about writing articles on platforms such as LinkedIn Pulse or Medium.
You’ll also find mentors there who can advise on how best to improve your craft while making sure they never overstep their boundaries by giving away too much information about their businesses; they want what’s best for yours too!
Turning your blog into a lucrative freelance writing business requires strategy and dedication. Our guide on How to Turn Your Blog Into a Six-Figure Freelance Writing Business offers practical steps and advice to help you transform your passion into a profitable venture.
Create Some Freelance Writing Samples
To get started, you’ll need to create some samples of your work. You can use any combination of the following methods:
- A blog post or mini-site that showcases your writing style.
- A PDF with a brief outline of your skills and experience.
- A video highlighting some of your best work.
- A printable (such as a checklist) for people who don’t have time to read through long forms or don’t like to click links embedded in emails (this is an easy way for clients to evaluate whether they want you on their team).
Whatever medium you choose, the goal is simple: Show off what makes you unique and valuable in such a way that prospects will be tempted into hiring you before they even know what all this “copywriting” business means!
Poll Your Network
Now that you’ve done some research and started writing, it’s time to get some help from your network. Networking is one of the most important things you can do as a new writer.
It doesn’t have to involve going out and talking to people; it can be done by simply asking for help. This can take many forms:
- Ask them to share your work with other people in their network
- Ask them for feedback on what’s good or bad about what you’ve written (I’ll go into more detail on this later)
- Ask them to refer you to other people in their network who might want someone like you on their team
You might be thinking “That sounds great! But how am I supposed to do all of these things?” Well, luckily there are plenty of tools out there designed specifically for this purpose. For example…
Take Paid Gigs No One Else Wants
If you want to be a copywriter, you have to do the work. It’s as simple as that. If you want to make money, you have to write for it.
The first client I ever worked with was a developer who hired me to create some ads for his company and their latest product launch.
The project took two months of my time and effort (which he paid me $2,000 for). It was hard work and not necessarily fun all the time but it taught me so much about how businesses operate from the inside out that I will never forget those lessons again.
Publish On Linkedin Pulse, Medium, And Guest Posts
You can also publish your thoughts on LinkedIn Pulse and Medium. These platforms allow you to syndicate your content across their extended networks when it’s published.
This means that not only will people see it on the site where it was published, but also in the feeds of anyone following you on these sites.
For example, if I write an article for my blog and share it via Twitter with a link to my blog post that’s hosted on WordPress (which has no built-in sharing option).
Then people won’t be able to find my article unless they follow me directly or use Gooogle Search engine optimization techniques
Crafting impactful copy involves adhering to certain rules and principles. Discover our comprehensive list of 12 Rules for Better Copy That Will Make You a Better Writer to enhance your copywriting skills and create content that resonates with your audience.
Answer Questions On Quora
There’s a simple reason why Quora is such a great place to get exposure, why it’s one of the best ways to build your brand, and why so many people are using it to make money.
The most obvious answer is that answers get a lot of views. But the real reason you should be answering questions on Quora is that those answers will help you build authority and credibility within your niche.
Let me explain: when someone searches for something related to your topic on Google (and if you’ve been writing about what you’re good at long enough).
There’s a good chance they’ll find one or two results from Quora in their search results page and those results often show up prominently above other articles on sites like Medium and LinkedIn Pulse!
When someone sees an article with lots of answers by experts alongside it, they’ll assume that this person knows what they’re talking about even if they’ve never heard of them before!
Be A Thought Leader
What is a thought leader?
A thought leader is someone who has something to say and says it well. They’re the ones who lead the way in their field. A copywriter becomes a thought leader by developing content that educates and inspires others on their journey through life.
Thought leaders don’t just talk about their experience they show you how to do it yourself, so you can be successful too!
Why should I become a thought leader?
Think of it this way: if you’re reading this article right now because I’m telling you what to do, then chances are good that somewhere down the road someone else will also read my stuff because they want to know how they can do what I’m doing.
In other words: If I tell people about my success story (which is exactly what writing does), then who knows how many people might want me as their cheerleader on their entrepreneurial journey?
The more success stories we share, the higher our collective potential for success grows together!
Share, Share, Share
This is the most important part of your role as a mentor. I’m talking about sharing your knowledge, experience, ideas, insights anything that might be useful to others.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert at copywriting or just starting. Share your work and projects with friends, colleagues, and people who are new to the industry to get their feedback on how they think it’s going or what they would do differently.
If there are any opportunities for you to speak at conferences or workshops then go ahead and do so it’s a great way of getting more exposure for yourself as well as making contacts within your field (and hopefully making some sales!)
If someone asks for help with something related to what it is that you do then don’t turn them away without giving them some kind words of encouragement first;
This could be anything from asking them if they’ve tried using Google first before asking questions like these which everyone should know when working within any given field…
Navigating the world of freelance writing comes with its challenges and triumphs. Read about one writer’s journey in our insightful post on Self-Reflection on My First Year as a Freelance Writer, where you’ll find lessons learned, experiences shared, and valuable takeaways.
Deliver More Than You Promise
So, if you want to make a six-figure copywriting business or any other kind of business you have to be all of these things. You need to throw yourself into every aspect of your work, and do what it takes to deliver more than you promise.
If you can do that, then amazing things will happen.
You’ll start reaching out to new clients and getting sales right away because people will see your work and want it for their own companies or projects. You’ll become known as someone who delivers results.
Your clients will tell others about you, which will lead to more referrals and repeat business from people who already know how great your writing is (and now they know how much value you bring as an entrepreneur).
You’ll start getting calls from potential clients asking if they can hire you because they’ve seen some of the projects that are on your website or LinkedIn profile and those calls lead to even more opportunities for income down the road!
Do All You Can To Help Your Clients Succeed
As a copywriter, it’s important to do all you can for your clients.
It’s easy to think that the only thing that matters is getting paid and meeting deadlines. That’s not the case at all, though. You want to help and support your clients along their journey of success with your work, even after you’ve completed a project together.
You should always be thinking about ways in which you can help them get more traffic or sales from their website or email list.
Whether it’s through creating compelling content for them, optimizing their site for search engines or social media channels like Facebook Ads and LinkedIn Ads (which I’ll talk about later), or making connections with influencers in their industry who could promote their product/service on social media.
You should always try to come up with new ideas as well as offer any assistance that comes across your desk while working together.
Building an expert authority website through effective SEO strategies is crucial for online success. Dive into our guide on SEO for Tourism: How to Build an Expert Authority Website in 3 Months to uncover actionable tips for establishing your online presence and driving meaningful traffic.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, there’s no reason you can’t be a six-figure copywriter.
The key is to position yourself as an expert by setting up your site, networking with others in the industry, and sharing your knowledge on platforms like LinkedIn Pulse, Medium, Quora, and guest posts.
This will not only help build trust with potential clients but also show them why they need someone like YOU on their team!
Further Reading
Explore these additional resources to enhance your understanding of copywriting and business growth:
Building a 6-Figure Copywriting Business in 2022: Learn from industry expert Alex Cattoni about strategies and insights for achieving a successful six-figure copywriting business in the current year.
How to Become a Copywriter: A Comprehensive Guide: Jacob McMillen provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the path towards becoming a skilled copywriter, covering essential skills, techniques, and steps to kickstart your career.
Freelance Copywriting: A Guide to Building Your Business: Discover the world of freelance copywriting and how to build a thriving business in this field. Growth Models offers valuable insights and tips for aspiring freelancers.
FAQs
Have questions about copywriting, business growth, and more? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
How can I build a successful copywriting business in 2022?
Building a successful copywriting business in 2022 requires a combination of honing your copywriting skills, understanding market trends, and implementing effective marketing strategies. Stay updated with industry changes, provide exceptional value to clients, and continuously refine your craft.
What steps can I take to become a professional copywriter?
Becoming a professional copywriter involves mastering persuasive writing techniques, understanding consumer psychology, and creating impactful content. Start by learning the fundamentals of copywriting, practice consistently, and seek feedback to improve your skills over time.
Is freelance copywriting a viable career option?
Yes, freelance copywriting can be a lucrative and flexible career choice. Many businesses require skilled copywriters for their marketing campaigns, making it possible to build a sustainable income by offering your services as a freelancer.
How do I attract clients as a freelance copywriter?
To attract clients as a freelance copywriter, showcase your expertise through a professional portfolio, engage in networking, leverage social media, and provide valuable content that demonstrates your skills. Building a strong online presence and positive reputation can help you attract potential clients.
What are some effective copywriting techniques for boosting conversions?
Effective copywriting techniques for boosting conversions include crafting compelling headlines, emphasizing benefits over features, addressing pain points, using persuasive language, incorporating social proof, and creating a clear and compelling call-to-action that encourages readers to take the desired action.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.