Let’s be real:

Posting on job boards, tweaking your Upwork profile, or endlessly “networking” on LinkedIn isn’t exactly landing you those high-paying copywriting clients, is it?

You’re out here doing the work. You’ve studied the greats. You know how to write persuasive copy.

But when it comes to getting actual freelance clients?

Crickets.

Here’s the truth nobody tells you: you don’t need a fancy portfolio, a giant following, or years of experience to start landing freelance copywriting gigs.

You need a pitch that works.

And cold emailing—when done right—is still one of the fastest, simplest, most direct ways to get your first (or next) copywriting client.

This post is gonna show you exactly how to do that.

First, we’ll break down why cold emailing still works in 2025, even when everyone says “email is dead.”

Then we’ll cover a few cold emailing best practices most freelance copywriters screw up (and how to avoid them).

And finally, I’ll hand you 7 proven cold email templates—the same types I’ve used (and taught others to use) to land freelance copywriting gigs without sounding desperate, sleazy, or spammy.

No fluff. No filler. Just practical cold email examples you can copy, tweak, and send today.

If you’re still on the fence about cold emailing—thinking it’s outdated, annoying, or a waste of time—I get it. Most freelance copywriters either do it totally wrong… or never do it at all.

But when it’s done the right way?

It’s a total game changer.

Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your client-getting toolbox:

1. It puts you in control of your pipeline

Sitting around waiting for freelance clients to magically find you is not a strategy. It’s a hope-and-pray approach. Cold emailing flips the script. You’re not relying on job boards, algorithms, or referrals to grow your business—you’re taking the first step.

You’re putting yourself in front of decision-makers, directly.

No gatekeepers. No middlemen. No BS.

It’s one of the most proactive (and fastest) ways to learn how to get copywriting clients without relying on luck or timing.


2. You don’t need a fancy portfolio

A lot of people hold off on outreach because they think they “need” to have a polished website, a long list of testimonials, or a beautiful PDF portfolio.

Nope.

What you need is a strong pitch—one that shows you understand their business, you’ve done your homework, and you can bring real value to the table. That’s it.

Cold emails are about what you can do for them, not how pretty your branding is.


3. The competition is surprisingly low (if you do it right)

Most cold emails suck. They’re boring. Generic. Filled with fluff and desperation.

But if you write like a real human and you know how to write persuasive copy (which you do), you already have an unfair advantage. You're not sending mass spam—you’re sending direct response copy, one-on-one.

That instantly puts you ahead of 99% of the inbox noise.

And when you use a proven cold email template that actually converts? Game over.


4. You can start landing clients without spending a dime

Cold emailing doesn’t cost anything but time.

You don’t need to run ads. You don’t need to pay for some overpriced lead gen service. You don’t need to drop hundreds on tools or courses.

Just your brain, your fingers, and a smart strategy.

If you're low on cash but rich in skill, this is the leanest way to start building real momentum with copywriting gigs.


5. It forces you to improve fast

This one’s underrated.

Every time you send a cold email, you’re testing a headline (subject line), a hook (your first sentence), a body (your offer), and a CTA.

It’s basically sales copy in miniature.

And the best part? You get immediate feedback.

Did they open? Did they reply? Did they book a call?

Cold emailing isn’t just a client-getting method. It’s hands-on copy training. You get better with every email, every reply, every tweak.

That’s how you become a freelance copywriter who doesn’t just write—but gets paid to write.

Let me know when you’re ready to move on to: Cold Emailing Best Practices for Landing Copywriting Clients.

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Here’s the deal—most cold emails go straight to the trash. Or worse, they never even get opened.

Not because cold emailing doesn’t work... but because the person writing it didn’t know what they were doing.

If you’re serious about landing freelance copywriting gigs through cold outreach, you can’t just blast a generic message to 100 random businesses and hope for the best.

You need a strategy. A process. A few golden rules that’ll make your emails stand out, sound legit, and actually get replies.

Here’s what that looks like:

1. Research before you reach out

This is non-negotiable.

If you can’t take 3-5 minutes to learn who you’re emailing, what they do, and how you can help them—don’t bother sending the email.

You’re not spamming strangers. You’re offering a valuable skill to someone who needs it.

Want to know how to get copywriting clients faster? Do your homework. Mention something specific about their business. Show them you’re not just spraying and praying. That alone will separate you from 95% of other “freelance copywriter” emails in their inbox.


2. Lead with value (not your life story)

Nobody cares about your passion for storytelling. Or how you “discovered copywriting” three years ago during the pandemic. Keep it short. Keep it focused on them.

The business owner reading your email has one question: “Can this person help me make more money or solve a painful problem?”

Answer that—fast.

If you use a good cold email template, it’ll guide you to open with a relevant hook, pitch your value, and offer something compelling... without rambling.


3. Write like a real person, not a robot

This is where most freelance copywriters blow it.

They write these overly formal, robotic messages trying to “sound professional.” But stiff, corporate language doesn’t build trust—it builds distance.

Talk like a human. Write like you're talking to someone at a bar. Keep it casual but clear. Warm but confident. If your email sounds like a LinkedIn post, rewrite it.

Your tone should match your target. But either way—friendly and to the point beats cold and corporate every single time.


4. Keep it short and skimmable

You’re writing a cold email, not a sales page.

3-5 short paragraphs. That’s it.

Use line breaks. White space. Short sentences. Bold one-liners (if it fits your style). Make it easy to read at a glance.

The goal is simple: get them to read the next line. Then the next. Then the CTA. Done.


5. Always end with a clear CTA

This might be the most important part of the email - and the most ignored.

Don’t just say “let me know what you think” or “hope to hear from you soon.” That’s weak and passive. Instead, tell them exactly what to do next.

Examples:

• “Would you be open to a quick 10-minute call this week?”

• “Want me to send over a few ideas tailored to your site?”

• “Can I shoot over a few writing samples?”

Make it easy for them to say yes. That’s how cold email turns into real freelance clients.


6. Follow up (seriously, follow up)

This is where the money is.

Most freelance copywriters send one cold email… and then give up when they don’t hear back. Big mistake. Huge.

People are busy. They miss emails. They forget. They mean to reply but don’t.

That doesn’t mean they’re not interested—it just means you’re not top of mind.

That’s why follow-up is mandatory if you actually want to land freelance clients through cold outreach.

Here’s a simple rule: follow up 3–5 times, spaced a few days apart. Be polite. Keep it short. Maybe add a little humor or a new angle. But don’t be annoying or needy.

And no, it’s not “pushy” or “desperate.” It’s sales. It’s persistence. It’s part of the game.

In fact, a lot of freelance copywriting gigs get booked on the second, third, or even fourth follow-up. So if you’re not following up, you’re leaving money on the table—every single time.

Quick bonus tip: Use a spreadsheet or tool to track who you’ve emailed and when to follow up. Don’t rely on memory. Pros track everything.

Follow these six principles and you’ll avoid 99% of the mistakes that kill most cold email examples before they even hit the inbox.

Now, let’s get into the good stuff—the 7 proven cold email templates you can swipe, tweak, and send today to start landing more copywriting clients.

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This one’s killer if you’ve had even one decent win as a freelance copywriter—whether it was a paying client, a passion project, or even a spec piece that got results. You’re using social proof to catch their attention, without coming off like you’re bragging.

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Subject: Helped [Client/Niche] boost [Result]—thought of you

Hey [First Name],

Wanted to reach out real quick—I recently helped a [business in their industry] improve their [emails / landing page / sales copy] and they saw a [specific result, like 2x email opens or a bump in sales].

Checked out [Company Name] and instantly saw some similar opportunities that could move the needle for you, too.

I’m a freelance copywriter who specializes in helping [niche or type of business] write stronger copy that converts more readers into buyers. If you’re open to it, I’d love to share a couple quick ideas you could test.

Want me to send a few over?

Best,

[Your Name]

[Website or LinkedIn]

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Why this works:

• You're anchoring the conversation in results.

• You’re not pushing for a call—you’re offering ideas.

• It builds credibility without needing a long portfolio.

Even if the result came from a free project or your own test, it still shows you’re out here doing the work—and getting wins. That’s what freelance clients want to see. Not theory. Not fluff. Proof.

This is one of the fastest ways to turn past experience into future copywriting gigs.

This one’s all about flattery—the genuine kind. You’re showing that you’ve paid attention to their brand, giving them a sincere compliment, and using curiosity to open the door to a deeper convo.

It works especially well when you’re reaching out to a founder-led brand, a growing eCom company, or someone who’s clearly proud of what they’ve built.

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Subject: Really liked your [specific thing]—quick idea for you

Hey [First Name],

Been following [Company Name] and just wanted to say—I really liked your recent [email / product launch / blog post / ad]. Smart move, and clearly a lot of thought went into it.

It got me thinking about a few copy tweaks that could help you get even more traction next time around.

I’m a freelance copywriter who helps brands like yours write punchier, conversion-focused copy that connects and converts (without sounding salesy or stiff).

Happy to share a couple quick ideas if you’re curious—just let me know.

All the best,

[Your Name]

[Website or LinkedIn]

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Why this works:

• You lead with a real compliment—no fake flattery.

• You position yourself as observant and strategic.

• You spark curiosity without overselling.

This kind of email stands out because it’s not aggressive. You’re playing the long game. You’re planting a seed that could easily turn into a DM, a follow-up, or a full-blown freelance copywriting gig down the line.

Sometimes, all it takes is that one thoughtful email to start a real relationship with a future copywriting client.

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Most cold emails fail because they’re too vague. “Let me know if you ever need copy help” doesn’t cut it.

This template flips that by making a clear, specific, irresistible offer. You’re showing the prospect exactly what you can do, how it’ll help them, and why it’s worth 10 minutes of their time.

Perfect for when you’ve got a niche, a proven skill, or just a killer idea for how to help them.

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Subject: Want 3 email ideas to boost [specific goal]?

Hey [First Name],

Saw you’re selling [product or service], and I had a few ideas for emails that could help boost [conversions / click-throughs / cart recovery / reactivations] without changing anything on your site.

I’m a freelance copywriter who helps [type of business] write emails that drive more sales—whether it’s welcome flows, abandoned cart sequences, or re-engagement campaigns.

If you’re open to it, I can send over 3 quick email angles tailored to your audience. No strings. Just value.

Sound good?

Cheers,

[Your Name]

[Website or LinkedIn]

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Why this works:

• The offer is specific and easy to say yes to.

• You’re not asking for a call—you’re offering help.

• It shows confidence without being pushy.

This kind of cold email example is especially effective if you’re going after eCommerce brands, coaches, or SaaS companies that live and die by email performance. It’s not theory—it’s a mini sample of the value you bring.

And if they like what they see? Boom. You just opened the door to ongoing freelance copywriting gigs.