How To Be A Freelance Copywriter: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

Yay! You’re interested in being a freelance copywriter!

There are a lot of different ways to get started, and there’s no wrong way to do it. So let’s start by filling you in on everything you need to know about getting started—and getting paid.

If you’re reading this, you probably already have an idea of what a copywriter is and does. But if not, here’s the skinny: Copywriters are responsible for writing marketing materials like websites, social media posts, ads, emails, and more. They write content that calls people to action. Sometimes that’s buying something, but sometimes it’s just downloading a free product or signing up for a free trial.

Steps To Becoming A Freelancer Copywriter

You’ve been thinking about becoming a freelance copywriter, and we couldn’t be more excited for you! If you’re looking for a little guidance on where to start, here’s a list of some great resources that can help:

1. Take some courses on copywriting

There are plenty of free resources out there that can give you an idea of the basics, like this course here.

2. Make a website for yourself

You don’t need anything fancy—just something with your contact info, some examples of your work, and maybe a nice headshot of yourself. If you need inspiration, check out Pinterest here.

3. Start networking!

Reach out to friends who might have businesses and ask if they need any help. Connect with other writers on LinkedIn. Or just make small talk about your new venture at parties. The more people who know what you’re doing, the better chance you’ll have at getting some business!

4. Get yourself out there!

Reach out to brands that seem like they’d be a fun fit for your style and ask if they need any help.

List Of Skills Needed To Be A Freelancer Copywriter

There are definitely some skills that are necessary for making it as a freelance copywriter. Here are a few:

Research skills

This is big. You’ve got to know how to research your clients’ products and their target markets, as well as how to find the right information about your client’s industry and how they operate within it.

Writing skills

It goes without saying—you’ve got to be able to write! But you’ve also got to know how different types of writing work and which will be most effective in a given context. For example, writing for social media is different from writing for a blog or a website page.

Editing skills

You’re going to need to know what makes a sentence good or bad, but you’ll also need basic grammar and spelling skills so that you can identify mistakes and fix them quickly before sending over your work.

Marketing skills

Copywriters are often tasked with helping their clients market their products, so it’s important that copywriters have a basic understanding of marketing principles so they can effectively accomplish this goal.

Proofreading skills

This skill is closely related to editing, but it has more to do with ensuring that everything in the final product is correct (e.g., no spelling)

Attention to detail

One typo or broken hyperlink can ruin your chances of getting a job or even maintaining the relationships you already have with clients.

Being able to sell yourself

Copywriting is all about selling—yourself first and foremost, then whatever product or service you’re writing about next. You’ll need to cultivate this skill if you want to work on your own.

Flexibility and adaptability

You never know when the client will come back and ask for something completely different from what you gave them the first time around, so you’d better be able to roll with it!

Ability to prioritize tasks and manage your time well

Sometimes you’ll need to get four projects done in three days, which means you’ll need to figure out how best to prioritize those four things and make sure they’re all done on time and up to spec for each client’s needs.

People Also Ask

How do I become a freelance copywriter?

First, you need to learn how to write! We recommend you start by taking a copywriting class in college. Next, get a job at an advertising agency, or at the marketing department of a large corporation. Learn as much as you can about the business you’re working for and make sure you are familiar with their target market. Then, once you have enough experience, look for freelance jobs in your area.

Can I work from home?

Yes! Many freelancers work from home because it’s convenient and allows them to spend more time with family or friends instead of being stuck in an office all day long. However, there are some disadvantages: You’ll need reliable Internet access so that clients can contact you easily when needed.

How can I become a freelance copywriter?

You’ll want to start by working on your portfolio. As a copywriter, your portfolio is what shows off your writing skills, so you know it has to be great. Make sure all of your writing is proofread and polished—it should show off your tone, voice, and personality.

What does “copy” mean in copywriting?

Copywriting is the practice of writing promotional material for businesses, websites, social media campaigns, etc. It’s all the stuff on billboards, the backs of cereal boxes, radio ads… Basically anything promotional that’s written down.

What is a freelance copywriter?

A freelance copywriter is an independent contractor who writes content for clients on a contractual basis.

Is a freelance copywriter the same as a content manager?

No. A content manager is someone who manages the creation, distribution, and publication of content across all channels. A freelance copywriter creates that content.

Do I need any special skills to be a freelance copywriter?

You should have excellent writing skills since this job is all about writing! You should also be skilled in time management and organization since you are responsible for your own schedule as a freelancer.

Where do I find clients?

You can find clients in many places: some freelancers advertise on platforms like Craigslist or Upwork. You can also often find clients by networking with friends and family—sometimes by word of mouth alone. You can also cold-call potential clients to see if they need work done, or even apply to jobs at companies that you know use freelancers (like marketing agencies).

What is a copywriter?

A copywriter is a writer who specializes in promoting particular brands and products by producing content like website copy, brochures, flyers, and magazine ads.

Who hires copywriters?

Copywriters are typically hired by companies or individuals who need promotional content written. That includes all different kinds of companies, from local restaurants to big tech firms.

How much does a freelance copywriter earn?

According to PayScale, the median hourly rate for freelance writers as of May 2020 is $24.73 per hour.

What is a typical day like for a freelance copywriter?

A typical day for a freelance copywriter will vary depending on what kind of work you’ve accepted and how many clients you have. If you’re just starting out (or if you don’t want to be too busy), then your day might look something like this:

1. Wake up whenever you want. Don’t forget to stretch in bed!

2. Go to your favorite coffee shop and order an Americano with two shots of espresso and a little bit of milk. (Don’t forget to tip.)

3. Hang out in your favorite chair and write as much or as little as you feel like writing. A good stopping point is when you’ve had enough coffee that you need to pee again—you should probably take a break then anyway!

What is the highest-paying client I can get?

There are so many great ones out there. It really depends on what you want to write, who you want to write for, and how much experience you have. Do your research, find something that fits with your desired writing style and company culture, and go for it!

When do I get paid?

It varies by company, but typically freelance copywriters are paid once per month (and sometimes more often). You might be able to negotiate an agreement with clients that allows you to be paid every two weeks. But honestly, every company is different, so once you’re hired ask them what their payment schedule is like—they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!

What kind of experience do I need to be a freelance copywriter?

While you don’t necessarily need the experience to be a good freelance writer, you do want some background in the type of writing you’re doing.

What kind of training do I need?

There are many different types of training available for those who wish to become freelance copywriters. Some of these include:

– Certificate programs are usually offered by community colleges and technical schools. These courses will teach you how to write effective advertisements and how to market yourself effectively as a freelance copywriter.

– Online courses – Online courses provide the same basic coursework that you would receive in a traditional classroom setting, but they can be completed at your own pace and in your own time. These courses will often require you to complete assignments.

Do I really have to be a great writer?

Yes! If you want to get paid well and earn the respect of your clients (and let’s face it—you do!), then you absolutely must put in the work to become an exceptional writer. That’s true for any job that pays well; you have to bring something special or unique to the table if you want people to value and compensate for your services appropriately.

Can I become a freelance copywriter if I have no experience?

Yes! Most people who start freelancing do it without any prior work experience in the field. It’s much like starting any other business: you’ll learn as you go and figure out what works best for you over time.

How much money can I earn as a freelance writer?

That depends on several factors, including:

Your skill level

The company you work for (if any)

Your focus area (technical writing, marketing writing, etc.)

What are the hours like?

Freelance copywriting is much more flexible than working in-house as a copywriter—you’re not bound to 40 hours per week, and you can take on as many clients as you need in order to make ends meet.

What do I charge?

The amount that you charge will depend on the job and your experience level, but it’s always best to offer a fixed price rather than an hourly rate. This way, your client knows exactly what they’re paying for and you won’t be surprised by the time it takes you to complete the project! 

The going rate for most writers is between $25-$50 per hour, but charging less might be necessary if this is your first job or two since clients want experienced writers who can deliver quality.

Is it hard to find projects as a freelance copywriter?

It can be, depending on your level of experience and how many connections you have. But once you get started, it becomes easier to find new projects. The key is to never stop looking—if you’re not finding work, you should look harder. Networking with other freelancers and attending conferences can help you build relationships that will lead to more work.

Is there a difference between copywriters and content writers?

Yes! Copywriters focus on sales material like advertising or brochures. Content writers focus on creating website content or blog posts that don’t necessarily sell anything directly, but rather inform readers or build their interest in a product or service. Content writing tends to be less focused on selling products than copywriting is.

What is freelancing?

A lot of people think that freelancing means you’re self-employed—you have your own company, and you do the work yourself from your home office. But that’s not really it at all! Really, freelancing just means that the person doing your work for you contracts with you instead of working for you full-time.

So if you need a freelance copywriter, for example, instead of hiring a full-time employee to write for you, you can hire someone who’s already done that job before and knows what they’re doing. They will contract with you to do a certain project or a set amount of projects over time.

What are the benefits of working with a freelance copywriter?

There are TONS of benefits to working with a freelance copywriter! First of all, they will be able to better personalize their work to your specific audience. That’s because they aren’t limited by their knowledge base (like an in-house employee would be) or the resources available to them (like an agency employee would be). 

Also, freelancers tend to specialize in one or two areas, so they know exactly how to cater their content to those fields.

Do I have to pay taxes if I make money freelancing?

Yes, you do. The IRS does not take kindly to folks who don’t report their income—even if that income is only $10. And you definitely do not want to be on the wrong side of the IRS! If you’re not sure how to go about reporting your freelance copywriter earnings, consult a tax professional.

How much do freelance copywriters make?

Freelance copywriters can make anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000 per year depending on their level of experience and average project rate. Freelance rates vary greatly depending on the type of project(s) you take on and how experienced you are.

What should I include in my portfolio?

Showcase work that’s relevant to the projects you’re looking for. If you’re a B2B writer, for example, don’t show off your consumer copywriting chops! You can also include writing samples from your favorite projects at work—just be sure to omit any confidential information.

Do I need to have a degree in writing or any kind of degree at all?

Nope! Realistically, though, you’ll probably want some kind of subject matter expertise in the field you are writing for. For example, if you want to write copy for biotech companies, you may want to get a degree in biology or chemistry.

That being said, it’s not necessary. If you have no experience in the field and are just starting out as a freelance writer, find other avenues for learning about your topic so that you can write about it with confidence.

What’s the best way to market yourself?

There are lots of ways to market yourself! You can make your own website and add a blog to it (make sure the blog is focused on things that are related to your industry). You can also advertise yourself on social media accounts like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Do I need to be a native-English speaker to be a freelance copywriter?

No! Anybody can become a freelance copywriter whether you are a native-English speaker or not. In fact, if you are familiar with multiple languages, you can even use those skills to your advantage in order to help clients reach out to new audiences.

Do I need to have a degree in writing or communications to be a successful freelance copywriter?

Not at all! You don’t need any formal training or degree to start your career as a freelance copywriter. While having some of these things under your belt can definitely set you up for success, they’re not at all required to start freelancing and make money doing it.

Is it free?

No, but the investment you make in becoming a copywriter is small, and the costs are more than made up for by your ability to work from anywhere, with clients all over the world. Plus, you can write your own paycheck!

Final Thoughts

This is truly a guide for any professional interested in learning how to be a freelance copywriter. This article contains some common questions that freelance writers often face. It may also help the interested reader find out if he or she possesses the necessary skill set for becoming a successful freelancer.