What is Freelance Copywriting? A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 8 min read

If you've ever wondered what freelance copywriting is all about, you're in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the world of freelance copywriting, including the different types of copywriting, the skills required, and how to build a successful career in this field. So, let's dive into what freelance copywriting entails and how you can make it work for you.

Defining Freelance Copywriting

Freelance copywriting is the process of creating persuasive written content for clients on a contractual basis. As a freelance copywriter, you'll work independently, crafting content that aligns with each client's business goals, brand voice, and target audience. From ads and blog posts to website copy and social media content, freelance copywriting offers a diverse range of opportunities for talented writers.

Types of Copywriting

Freelance copywriting can be broken down into several categories, each with its own unique focus and set of challenges:

Advertising copywriting involves creating persuasive ad copy for various media platforms, such as print, radio, television, and digital advertising.
Content copywriting includes crafting blog posts, articles, whitepapers, and other long-form content that informs, educates, or entertains readers.
Website copywriting focuses on creating engaging, informative, and search engine optimized content for websites, landing pages, and product descriptions.
Email copywriting involves writing compelling subject lines, body copy, and calls-to-action for email campaigns designed to drive conversions and customer engagement.
Social media copywriting centers on creating short, attention-grabbing posts and captions for various social media platforms that resonate with target audiences and inspire engagement.

Skills Required

To excel as a freelance copywriter, you'll need a diverse skill set that goes beyond just writing well. Here are some key skills that will help you succeed:

Writing expertise: Mastery of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as the ability to write clear, concise, and engaging content.
Research and analytical skills: The ability to research and analyze information to create well-informed, accurate, and compelling content.
Adaptability: The capacity to adapt your writing style to different clients, industries, and media platforms.
SEO knowledge: Understanding of search engine optimization techniques to help your clients' content rank higher in search results.
Time management: The ability to effectively manage your workload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines while working independently.
Communication and collaboration: Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with clients and understand their needs and goals.

Now that we've covered the basics of what freelance copywriting is, it's time to learn how to build a portfolio, find clients, and set rates for your services. Stay tuned for more practical tips and insights to help you succeed in the world of freelance copywriting.

Building a Portfolio

A strong portfolio is essential to showcase your skills and attract potential clients. Here are some crucial steps to building an impressive freelance copywriting portfolio:

Personal Website

Creating a personal website is a great way to showcase your work and establish an online presence. Make sure your website includes:

About section: A brief introduction to who you are, your background, and your expertise in freelance copywriting.
Portfolio section: A collection of your best work, organized by type of copywriting (e.g., advertising, content, website, email, social media).
Contact information: Clearly display your contact details and provide an easy way for potential clients to get in touch with you.

Sample Projects

If you're just starting out, you may not have a lot of client work to showcase. In this case, create sample projects to demonstrate your skills:

Mock campaigns: Develop advertising copy for fictional brands or products to showcase your creativity and persuasive writing abilities.
Blog posts: Write engaging, well-researched articles on topics you're passionate about or that relate to your target industries.
Website copy: Draft compelling landing pages, product descriptions, or website copy for existing businesses or imaginary companies.

Testimonials

Client testimonials can help build credibility and trust with potential clients. Whenever you complete a project, ask your clients for feedback and permission to use their testimonials in your portfolio. Display these endorsements prominently on your website to highlight your skills and past successes.

With a strong portfolio in place, you're ready to start finding clients and building your freelance copywriting business. Let's explore some effective strategies for finding clients and growing your network.

Finding Clients

Finding clients might seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, you can build a steady stream of work. Here are some proven strategies to help you find clients for your freelance copywriting business:

Freelance Platforms

Freelance platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr can be a great starting point for finding clients. These websites connect freelancers with businesses looking for specific services, including copywriting. To stand out on these platforms:

Create a detailed profile that highlights your skills, experience, and portfolio.
Be proactive in bidding on projects that match your expertise and interests.
Deliver high-quality work, and ask for positive reviews to boost your reputation on the platform.

Networking

Never underestimate the power of networking when it comes to finding freelance copywriting clients. Reach out to your existing connections, attend industry events, and join relevant online communities to expand your network. Some tips for successful networking include:

Be genuinely interested in others and look for ways to provide value to them.
Keep track of your connections and follow up with them regularly.
Don't be afraid to ask for referrals or introductions.

Using social media effectively can help you attract potential clients and showcase your expertise. Share your work, engage with others in your industry, and participate in relevant discussions. Here's how you can leverage social media for your freelance copywriting business:

LinkedIn: Optimize your profile to highlight your copywriting skills, share your work, and connect with potential clients.
Twitter: Follow industry leaders, share valuable content, and engage in conversations related to your niche.
Facebook and Instagram: Share your work, behind-the-scenes insights, and personal stories to create a connection with your audience.

By using these strategies, you'll be well on your way to finding clients and growing your freelance copywriting business. Next, let's discuss how to set your rates and ensure you're fairly compensated for your hard work.

Setting Rates

Setting rates for your freelance copywriting services can be a bit tricky, especially when you're just starting out. It's important to strike a balance between being competitive and fairly compensated for your work. Let's explore some factors to consider when setting your rates:

Hourly vs. Project-based

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to charge clients by the hour or on a per-project basis. Each method has its pros and cons:

Hourly: Charging by the hour ensures you're paid for the time you invest in a project. However, it can be difficult to accurately estimate how long a project will take, and clients may be hesitant to agree to open-ended hourly rates.
Project-based: Charging a flat fee for each project makes it easier for clients to budget and can be more appealing to them. However, you'll need to be careful when estimating the scope of a project to ensure you're not undercharging for your time and effort.

Whichever method you choose, it's essential to communicate clearly with clients about your rates and any additional charges that may apply, such as revisions or rush fees.

Market Research

Conducting market research can help you determine what other freelance copywriters in your niche are charging and where your rates should fall. Here are some steps you can take to gather this information:

Check out the rates of other freelancers on platforms like Upwork and Freelancer.
Join online communities and forums where freelance copywriters discuss rates and pricing strategies.
Reach out to other freelancers in your network and ask about their experiences with setting rates.

Remember, it's important to consider factors such as your experience, skills, and the value you bring to clients when setting your rates. Don't be afraid to adjust your rates over time as you gain experience and develop a better understanding of the market.

Now that you have a better understanding of how to set your rates, let's explore some essential tools that can help make your freelance copywriting business a success.

Tools for Success

As a freelance copywriter, having the right tools at your disposal can make a significant difference in your productivity and overall success. Let's take a look at some key resources that can help you stay organized, efficient, and on top of your game:

Writing Tools

Great writing tools can help you streamline your workflow and produce high-quality content. Here are a few you might consider:

Grammarly: This popular writing assistant can help you catch grammar and spelling errors, improve your writing style, and ensure your copy is clear and concise.
Google Docs: This cloud-based word processor makes it easy to collaborate with clients, share drafts, and access your work from any device.
Hemingway Editor: This tool analyzes your writing for readability, highlighting areas where you can simplify sentences, remove passive voice, and tighten up your prose.

Project Management

Keeping track of your projects, deadlines, and client communications is vital for a successful freelance copywriting business. Here are some project management tools to help you stay organized:

Trello: This visual project management tool uses boards, lists, and cards to help you organize your tasks, track progress, and collaborate with clients.
Asana: This comprehensive project management platform offers features like task assignments, due dates, and project timelines to help you stay on top of your work.
Google Calendar: This simple yet powerful tool can help you schedule deadlines, set reminders, and keep track of your appointments and meetings.

Invoicing and Contracts

Managing the financial and legal aspects of your freelance copywriting business is crucial. Here are some tools to help you create professional invoices and contracts:

Invoice Ninja: This invoicing software allows you to create customized invoices, track payments, and manage your clients and projects.
Bonsai: This all-in-one freelancing platform offers contract templates, invoicing, and project tracking, making it easy to manage your business from a single dashboard.
AND.CO: This app provides invoicing, contracts, and expense tracking, among other features, to help you stay organized and professional in your dealings with clients.

With these tools in your arsenal, you'll be well-equipped to manage your freelance copywriting business effectively. Next, let's discuss how to stay motivated and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Staying Motivated

As a freelance copywriter, maintaining motivation and a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success. Let's explore some practical strategies to keep you focused, driven, and happy in your career:

Setting Goals

Establishing clear, achievable goals can help you stay on track and measure your progress. Consider these tips for setting effective goals:

Be specific: Define what you want to achieve in concrete terms, such as "increase monthly income by 20%" or "gain three new clients this month."
Set deadlines: Assigning a timeframe to your goals provides a sense of urgency and helps you stay committed to achieving them.
Break it down: Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make them more approachable and less overwhelming.
Review and adjust: Regularly review your goals and adjust them as needed to ensure they remain relevant and attainable.

Work-Life Balance

Striking a balance between your work and personal life is essential for staying motivated, avoiding burnout, and maintaining overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you achieve that balance:

Establish boundaries: Set clear work hours and stick to them, making sure to communicate your availability to clients.
Take breaks: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest, recharge, and prevent mental fatigue.
Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities you enjoy outside of work, such as exercise, hobbies, and socializing with friends and family.
Manage your workload: Avoid taking on too many projects at once, and learn to say "no" when necessary to prevent overcommitting and overwhelming yourself.

By implementing these strategies, you can stay motivated, focused, and satisfied in your freelance copywriting career. Remember, the key to success is finding what works best for you and adjusting your approach as needed. Now that you have a better understanding of what is freelance copywriting and the tools and strategies to succeed, you're well on your way to building a thriving business and enjoying the freedom and flexibility that comes with it.

If you're looking to enhance your freelancing skills and thrive in the industry, don't miss out on the workshop 'The Freelancing Fundamentals To Make You Flourish' by Jasmine MacPhee. This workshop will equip you with essential tips and strategies to help you flourish in the world of freelancing.