HOW TO BECOME FREELANCE COPYWRITER: Beginner’s Guidelines

You don’t need a college degree to work as a freelance copywriter. One of the first things you’ll need to master is writing engaging, interesting pieces of work that are free of errors in grammar and spelling. Some of the world’s highest-paid copywriters never attended college or took a writing class. Some enrolled in the freelance copywriting course and are cashing out today. Junior copywriters typically earn between £25,000 and £32,000 per year as a starting salary. On the other hand, the salary of a middleweight freelance copywriter with three or more years of experience ranges from £30,000 to £50,000, so if you’re good at creating marketing content but aren’t sure if copywriting is a good business idea, you might want to try it. This article will guide you through everything you need to know to become a freelance copywriter, with some examples.

Is Copywriting a Rare Skill?

Good copywriters are  rare. They are skilled writers who know how to persuade readers to take a certain action.

Is Copywriting a Good Side Hustle?

Yes, copywriting is a good side hustle.  You can pick up clients from anywhere and work with them on your own time. It’s also adaptable, inventive, and enjoyable.

How to Become a Freelance Copywriter With No Experience

To become a good freelance copywriter with no experience, you must first understand what copywriting is and why people hire copywriters. Being a good writer does not guarantee that you will be a good copywriter. 

#1. Become Popular in a Particular Niche

A common temptation for new copywriters is to boast that they can write anything they want. The ‘logic’ here is that the more variety of copy you offer, the better your chances of finding work are – you don’t want to miss out on any opportunities.

However, it’s better to focus on a specific type of copywriting or an area of business you’re knowledgeable about. Focus, for example, on blogging. Alternatively, if you’re a fitness enthusiast, target the fitness industry. When you meet with a gym owner, they are much more likely to listen to your advice if you show that you know a lot.

#2. You Do Not Need to Have a Large Portfolio.

There are gurus who say, you must have a diverse portfolio to attract customers. You should definitely have at least a few pieces of your writing to show potential clients if they ask to see your work. However, it is important to realize that projecting confidence is equally important.

Most people will take you at your word. So, if you can confidently state that you can handle the job, you’re halfway there.

It’s also worth noting that most potential clients don’t care what you’ve written for someone else. Your work for them is all that matters. If you think it will get you over the line, offer to write a demonstration piece.

#3. Participate in a Networking Group

There are numerous business networking groups available. In order to join, you must declare yourself to be a copywriter, and no one else can join that particular chapter or group.

Members refer each other, but no one will refer you if they don’t know who you are. The most important way to build trust is to attend one-on-one coffee meetings with other members as frequently as possible so they can get to know you.

#4. Collaborate With Businesses That Are Complementary to Yours.

Other members of networking groups will frequently have complementary businesses to copywriting—some of the more important ones include web developers, graphic designers, printers, and business coaches.

Discuss ways you can help each other, such as working together on joint projects and learning how to best approach potential customers.

#5. Take a Freelance Copywriting Course

You can equip yourself by browsing the web to gain knowledge about copywriting. You can learn a lot on the Internet, and there are some really good online copywriting courses you can take. Some of these sites are listed below.

Online Freelance Copywriting Course

#1. Copyblogger

No non-fictional writing article would be complete without the inclusion of Copyblogger, and they have a fantastic free resource in the form of My Copyblogger. This is, without a doubt, far superior to many of the paid courses available. If you read every word of this and apply it, you will know more about copywriting than 90% of the copywriters out there.

If you’re an expert writer looking to advance your career, Copyblogger also offers the Certified Content Marketer program. There isn’t a set schedule for when it’s open, so you’ll have to keep checking back or sign up for their mailing list to receive notifications when it does.

#2. Be a Freelance Blogger

BAFB, as it’s known, is another site with a fantastic blog where you can learn so much for free. It’s run by Sophie Lizard. But when you’re ready to pay for a freelance copywriting course, Sophie has a wide range of options, including live mentorship.

However, freelance bloggers who are just starting out can get this course. From organizing your website, identifying your markets and topics, and setting your rates to setting up your accounting and growing your business, you’ll learn everything you need to know.

This course, The Freelance Copywriting Blogger’s Client-Hunting Masterclass, is an excellent option if you’re struggling to find regular clients. Learn where to find higher-paying clients, how to negotiate, pitch, and more.

Additionally, you can sign up for one or more mentoring sessions with Sophie if you require additional assistance or simply want to discuss a topic that is not covered in the freelance copywriting course.

#3. Make a Living Writing/The Freelance Writer’s Den

All the information you need to succeed as a freelance writer can be found on Carol Tice’s two sites, both of which are run by Carol Tice, an experienced freelancer. The main site is Make a Living Writing, where you can read the blog, get the Freelance Copywriting course for free, and learn from some brilliant and experienced writers. You can also find a list of all of Carol’s books and purchase some of them if they cover the topics you need to learn about.

If you’re just starting out as a freelance writer, this is a great place to start learning and getting advice. It could keep you from getting burned by clients who don’t pay well or aren’t honest.

#4. Bushra Azhar’s Persuasion Revolution

Although this is not a Freelance copywriting course, if you want to sell anything as a writer, you must know how to persuade, and Bushra is a master persuader. She’s also hilarious and outspoken, so you’ll have a good time while learning!

Furthermore, if you’re on a tight budget, you can start with a free blog to see if you like her style and learn without having to pay.

Her paid Persuasion Hacks Lab teaches you how to persuade people to open your emails, sign up for your course, attend your webinar, and more. It also covers how to deal with clients, such as raising your rates or asking for testimonials, as well as scripts you can use right away.

#5. Itty-bitty

You’re also running a business as a freelancer, and Naomi Dunford’s Ittybiz is ideal for learning both how to do that well and how to write great copy. The blog is free to read and excellent for learning how to blog, deciding what to say to clients, or learning how to write better copy.

Many products and courses are available in the store, such as ebooks, templates on digital marketing, and courses on building your list, attracting more clients, and doubling your sales to help you produce high-quality content quickly. 

Naomi’s blog is a great place to start if you’re wondering, “How can any of that help me become a better copywriter?” The answer is simple: read her blog and soak up her style and knowledge. Successful copywriters never stop learning. One of the best ways to learn is to follow other freelancers who have already made it big. 

How Do Freelance Copywriters Get Clients?

• Family and friends.
• Businesses you patronize.
• Your downtown spot.
• Your neighborhood business park.
• There are events for business networking.
• Social media.
• When you work in a niche industry, you know.
• Profiles of content sites.

How Many Hours a Week Do Freelance Copywriters Work?

Many freelance copywriters put in as many as 40 hours a week, yet some would be better off putting in only 20 or 30. This gives them the freedom to schedule in time for administrative tasks like checking and responding to emails or making phone calls that do not directly contribute to the bottom line.

How Much Does a Freelance Copywriter Make?

The average salary range for a freelance copywriter is between $49,342 and $61,489.

Salary Expectations of a Freelance Copywriter with No Experience

The salary of a freelance copywriter varies depending on the size of the company and where they work. You have the option of changing jobs and agencies. This could give you an advantage in terms of higher pay and additional benefits. Cheltenham, according to Indeed, is the best place in the UK to work as a copywriter. London and Guildford are in second and third place, respectively.

The starting salary of a junior freelance copywriter typically ranges between £25,000 and £32,000 per year. Middleweights are copywriters with three or more years of experience. Their pay ranges from £30,000 to £50,000.

While the senior freelance copywriter salary with ten to fifteen years of experience can earn up to £90,000 per year. Creative copywriters who have won awards and gained popularity for the success of their campaigns earn the most. Their range of salaries exceeds £120,000.

Furthermore, if you work as a freelancer, your pay may be influenced by a variety of factors. such as the type of employer, the length of the project, the hours you work, and your portfolio. With enough experience and clients under your belt, you may be able to take the next big step and launch your own freelancing agency. Without a doubt, being your own boss entails additional responsibilities. However, once the business is established, you won’t have to worry about job security. Besides, you won’t have to worry about money and could earn hundreds of thousands of pounds per year.

How Much Do Beginner Copywriters Make?

The average beginning copywriter income ranges from $49,000 to $61,000 per year.

What Factors Influence the Salary of a Freelance Copywriter?

The salary of a freelance copywriter varies greatly due to a variety of factors.

• Experience as a freelance copywriter. In addition to education and experience, specialist knowledge is vital. It is preferable if you are a copywriter who is also an SEO expert or have extensive knowledge in a specific field (e.g., accounting, dietetics, or IT).
• Writing speed and text quality The fast preparation of high-quality content will raise the pricing. A student with no experience, for example, will write a text quickly for a low rate. But no one expects it to be an excellent copy. So it all depends on what the client expects. Some businesses require a large number of texts in a short period of time and seek the lowest possible rate. Others will be able to pay a higher price and wait for higher-quality content.
• Customer content value Some content will be more important to the customer than others, resulting in a more expensive bid. As a general rule, all image content will be present, as well as text for the website and expert articles for the blog.
• Providing additional services. If you perform other services (e.g., translations, graphic design) in addition to writing copy, your rate should reflect this.
• Difficult Topics. More difficult topics necessitate a greater amount of research time. The topic’s extension may result in a higher payment. Hourly billing is an option for freelancers when working on projects that require extensive communication with the client.

Conclusion

It is vital for a freelance copywriter with no experience to enroll in a copywriting course. There are many excellent copywriting resources available, and experts such as Dan Kennedy and Gary Halbert will teach you a lot. Despite their titles, copywriters are more than just writers. They are a mix of writers, salespeople, and behavioral psychologists. To be a good copywriter, you must master all of these aspects. When you get more work, your credibility will improve. And before you know it, you’ll be a veteran freelance copywriter.

How to Become a Freelance Copywriter FAQs

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