You’ve got a dream of writing or editing for a living, but you don’t have time to wait around for someone else to give you the job after a few interviews.
You just want the freedom that comes with being your boss. You’ve heard about freelancing, and it sounds perfect but where do you get started? Well, I’m glad you asked! Freelancing isn’t exactly easy, and it’s not for everyone.
But if you’re smart about how and where you pitch yourself, it can be done.
Here are my best tips for getting your freelance copywriting or editing career off the ground in the few hours per week that most of us have to spare:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Building freelance copywriting and editing clients takes time and effort. |
| 2. Utilize your spare time effectively to prospect and reach out to potential clients. |
| 3. Focus on creating a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and expertise. |
| 4. Networking and building relationships with other professionals in the industry can lead to client referrals. |
| 5. Provide exceptional quality and timely delivery to build a reputation and attract repeat clients. |
| 6. Continuously improve your skills and stay updated with industry trends to stay competitive. |
| 7. Be proactive in marketing yourself and promoting your services through various channels. |
| 8. Implement effective time management strategies to balance client work and personal commitments. |
| 9. Seek feedback from clients to improve and refine your services. |
| 10. Stay persistent and patient, as building a client base takes time and perseverance. |
Get Started On Your Platform
To build clients, you have to have a platform where people can find you. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your website has to be professionally designed (although it helps).
You could simply create a free blog on WordPress or Squarespace and start writing posts regularly.
You could also start a newsletter where you share tips and ideas with readers on how they can become better freelancers, or even write an e-book about the same topic.
If you know something about social media marketing, write how-to guides for other freelancers who want to learn more about this topic but aren’t sure where to start.
Or if you are experienced in marketing copywriting, create video courses that teach people how to improve their writing skills with animation and voiceovers included!
It doesn’t matter what kind of platform it is because as long as it is value-added in them then people will be interested in learning from what YOU have created!
Having a well-crafted portfolio is crucial in the competitive world of freelance copywriting and editing. Learn valuable tips and tricks for creating a standout portfolio that impresses potential clients in our guide on how to make a portfolio that gets you the job.
Decide Where You Want To Pitch
What kind of clients do you want to attract? This is the first step in determining the best platforms to advertise on.
For example, if you’re looking for high-paying clients and long-term partnerships with companies that will allow you to gain experience in different types of writing, LinkedIn could be your best bet.
However, if your goal is to work with startups that are just getting their feet off the ground and need someone who can help them grow their digital marketing presence by creating content around their brand.
Facebook might be better suited for this purpose.
Once you’ve decided where you want to pitch yourself as a freelance writer or editor, it’s time to take a look at how much money these sites make from ads.
If a particular platform has ads that pay well per click (CPC), then it may not be worth it to try out other options since there are easier ways for people.
Like yourself, whose main concern is making money without having any overhead costs associated with owning an actual business like renting office space or buying equipment needed for producing creative content such as video cameras or computers with editing software installed onto them.
Learn From Other Freelancers
The best way to learn about freelancing is by looking at someone else’s website. You can see how they communicate their value, what they are charging, and if they have great testimonials or reviews of their work.
This will help you understand the market and see what other people are doing right so that you can make sure whatever you do is better than theirs.
When I started freelancing I looked around at the websites of other writers, editors, and designers in my area and picked up valuable tips on how to improve my site.
Some of them had great portfolios; others had terrible ones but offered competitive rates (which was useful because it helped me know what kind of money I should be aiming for).
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Find Ideas In The World Around You
You’re probably spending a lot of time on the internet, so it’s easy to find inspiration for your copywriting projects. However, you can also find ideas in the world around you by looking at other things you do:
Look for ideas in your daily life. For example, if you’re going out to lunch with friends talk about the food they ordered and how they made their choices.
You could write an article about choosing good restaurants based on factors like price and location or even write some content that compares different types of foods (burgers vs pizza).
These are all topics people have opinions on and would love to read more about!
Look for ideas in the news. The news is full of stories that people care deeply about.
From politics to science and those stories often translate well into content creation opportunities because they’re already interesting enough that someone wants them written down somewhere (like online).
Managing a full-time job alongside freelance writing requires careful planning and self-care. Explore proven techniques and personal insights on maintaining work-life balance in our article on how to maintain a full-time job and freelance writing without losing your mind.
Choose Your Pitch Wisely
Step 2: Choose Your Pitch Wisely
Choosing the right platform for your business is key. If you have no experience in freelancing and don’t know where to begin, it’s best to start with a platform that has lots of clients who are likely to need the services you offer.
For example, if you’re a copywriter who specializes in eCommerce copywriting, then Upwork may be an ideal place for you because many businesses on Upwork need help with their website content.
On the other hand, if you’re experienced and want more control over who works with your business (and when), then perhaps a Freelancer would be better suited for what you’re looking for.
But not necessarily because they’ll pay more per job; rather, because they allow companies like yours to set up contracts so that any work done is guaranteed by them (the client).
Make A First Impression (By Not Making It About You)
As a freelancer, you’re going to be looking for new clients all the time.
If you find yourself working in a field that doesn’t get much information out of its clients (like law).
It can be tempting to assume that everyone else is just as closed off and secretive about their needs as the last person who hired you.
But don’t assume anything! Just because someone works in an environment with more established rules than yours does not mean they have no interest in learning about what your business does or how it works.
Some people might feel more comfortable asking questions about your services if they know what’s available beforehand so don’t be afraid to ask!
Here are some tips on making sure your first impression doesn’t come across as egotistical or self-promoting:
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Follow Up With Everything You’ve Got
Here’s a tip: follow up with everything you’ve got. I’m not just talking about the prospects who have responded, but also the ones who haven’t.
Even if they didn’t respond, at least they opened your email!
A simple reply saying “no thanks” or “please don’t contact me again” is better than nothing, and it might just lead to something else down the line.
So here’s what you do: follow up with people who haven’t responded by sending them another email within two weeks of their first interaction (not right away).
This one should be more personal and tailored to each prospect you can even ask some questions about their writing preferences or style so that when it comes time for an actual project proposal.
You’ll be able to offer them something really valuable in return for their business.
You can build clients and make a living freelancing as long as you work hard and stay focused
The most important thing you can do to grow your freelance business is work hard. If you’re not working hard, then you’re not going to get anywhere.
The second most important thing is to stay focused. You have to stay focused on what you want and when it comes down to it, focus on doing the things that will help you achieve that goal.
The third thing is being able to change direction when needed and be able to adapt quickly when necessary.
For example, if someone asks for something completely different than what was originally discussed or agreed upon then make sure that know how much time it will take before asking for more money in case they’re late with a payment.
So there are no surprises later on down the road when trying re-negotiate terms once again just like any other business relationship building relationships with clients can take time.
But once done properly then these people may become lifelong customers who continue using the services provided by their businesses throughout life, so keep this in mind while building those relationships because they could mean big profits down line as well!
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Conclusion
I hope this helps you to get started on building your list of freelance clients, as well as a dream career writing and editing in your spare time.
The key is just to know that it can be done, then take action. Start by choosing one area where you want to focus on getting better at pitching or following up with clients, and make it a goal to improve in that area every week.
After all, the biggest barrier people face when trying to build their business isn’t a lack of talent it’s a lack of persistence.
As long as you keep putting yourself out there and learning from what doesn’t work as well as what does work for you (remembering that everybody’s different!), you’ll have nothing standing between where you are now and realizing those dreams someday soon.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful in expanding your knowledge on freelance copywriting and related topics:
Freelance Copywriting as a Side Hustle: Discover how to leverage your writing skills and turn freelance copywriting into a profitable side hustle.
Starting a Freelance Copywriting Business: Learn the essential steps and considerations for launching your own freelance copywriting business.
The Role of a Freelance Copy Editor: Gain insights into the responsibilities and best practices of a freelance copy editor in the digital content industry.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about freelance copywriting and editing:
How do I find clients for my freelance copywriting business?
Finding clients for your freelance copywriting business can be done through various channels such as networking, online platforms, and referrals. Consider reaching out to your professional network, establishing an online presence, and actively marketing your services to attract potential clients.
What rates should I charge as a freelance copywriter?
Setting your freelance copywriting rates depends on factors like your experience, niche, and the scope of the project. Research industry standards and consider your value proposition when determining your rates. It’s important to strike a balance between being competitive and ensuring your work is appropriately compensated.
How can I improve my copywriting skills?
Improving your copywriting skills involves continuous learning and practice. Engage in reading resources, attend workshops or courses, and analyze successful copywriting examples to understand effective techniques. Additionally, actively seek feedback on your work and refine your writing based on constructive criticism.
How do I ensure client satisfaction as a freelance copywriter?
To ensure client satisfaction, maintain clear communication, set realistic expectations, and deliver high-quality work within agreed-upon deadlines. Regularly seek feedback from clients to understand their needs and preferences, and be responsive to their requests or revisions.
How can I expand my freelance copywriting business and attract more clients?
Expanding your freelance copywriting business requires proactive marketing and networking. Consider creating a professional website, utilizing social media platforms, showcasing your portfolio, and leveraging testimonials from satisfied clients. Networking with industry professionals and joining relevant communities can also lead to potential client referrals.
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.
