You want to break free from the 9-to-5 grind, call the shots, and create a career that offers freedom, wealth, and happiness.
Sound like a pipe dream?
It's not.
The answer lies in how to start a copywriting business.
In today's digital age, businesses are hungry for compelling content that converts. And guess what? You can be the one to provide it.
In this guide, we're diving deep into everything you need to know to launch your own copywriting business in 2024.
Including… what copywriting actually is, what a copywriting business requires, 5 juicy reasons why you should start a freelance copywriting business right now AND a simple, actionable 5-step plan to kickstart your journey as a freelance copywriter.
Ready to transform your career?
Let's get started…
What Is Copywriting?
Copywriting is the craft of writing content that persuades and converts readers.
It involves creating engaging headlines, compelling emails, and convincing sales pages—all designed to motivate the reader to take a specific action, like making a purchase or subscribing to a service.
At its core, copywriting is about understanding your audience’s needs and desires.
It's like having a conversation with them, addressing their concerns, and offering solutions in a way that resonates.
This skill is crucial for businesses because well-written copy can drive traffic, increase sales, and build strong customer relationships.
In today’s competitive market, the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively is more valuable than ever.
That’s where copywriters step in.
With the right words, you can help businesses connect with their audience and achieve their marketing goals. Now, let's dive into what a copywriting business actually entails.
What Exactly IS a Copywriting Business?
It’s simple.
Running a copywriting business (aka freelance copywriting) means you’re a business owner and the service you provide to clients is your copywriting.
A freelance copywriting business is where you offer your writing skills to various clients, helping them sell their products or services through persuasive and engaging content.
Running a freelance copywriting business means you’re in charge of everything.
Not only will you be writing copy, but you’ll also handle business-related tasks. This includes finding and securing clients, setting your pay rates, managing your schedule, and even dealing with taxes. You’re not just a writer; you’re also a marketer, accountant, and project manager.
Starting a freelance copywriting business comes with the freedom to work from anywhere and the flexibility to choose your clients and projects. Plus, it requires minimal startup costs—just a computer, internet connection, and your writing talent.
5 Reasons Why YOU Should Start a Copywriting Business ASAP
1. High Demand for Copywriters
Businesses of all sizes need compelling content to attract and retain customers. With the rise of digital marketing, the demand for skilled copywriters is skyrocketing. Every website, social media post, email campaign, and ad requires well-crafted copy. This means there's a consistent need for your services, providing a steady stream of potential clients.
2. Low Startup Costs
Starting a freelance copywriting business is incredibly affordable. You don't need an office or expensive equipment—just a computer, internet connection, and your writing skills. This low barrier to entry makes it easy for anyone to start and scale their business with minimal financial risk.
3. Flexibility and Freedom
As a freelance copywriter, you have the freedom to work from anywhere and set your own schedule. Want to work from a beach in Bali or your cozy home office? It's up to you. This flexibility allows you to create a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle, giving you the freedom to pursue other passions or spend more time with loved ones.
4. Unlimited Earning Potential
Your income as a freelance copywriter is directly tied to the effort you put in and the clients you land. Unlike a traditional job with a fixed salary, your earning potential is limitless. As you gain experience and build a portfolio, you can charge higher rates and attract bigger clients, significantly increasing your income.
5. Personal and Professional Growth
Running a freelance copywriting business offers immense opportunities for growth. You'll continuously improve your writing skills, learn about various industries, and gain valuable business experience. This journey will not only make you a better copywriter but also a more versatile and confident entrepreneur.
Now that you're convinced of the benefits, let’s move on to a simple, actionable 5-step plan for creating a successful freelance copywriting business.
A Simple 5-Step Plan for Creating a Successful Freelance Copywriting Business for Beginners
Here’s how to start a copywriting business from scratch. These are the 5 steps I followed to build a 6-figure copywriting business and what I teach my students.
Step 1: Develop Your Copywriting Skills
The first step to starting a successful freelance copywriting business is to develop your copywriting skills.
It's crucial to learn the basics and understand the principles of direct response copywriting (the stuff that sells) because your success as a freelance copywriter boils down to the value you provide clients.
If you can get quantifiable results for your clients, the sky is the limit to your success (and your income).
Here’s exactly what I did to learn copywriting. I recommend you follow my footsteps (and hundreds of my students):
- Read these 10 books. Strive to read 25+ pages per day + take detailed notes.
- While you read, practice these copywriting exercises.
- And make sure you write copy daily – whether it’s re-writing popular website copy, ads you see on social media or writing prompts you find online. Get into the habit of writing sales copy EVERY SINGLE DAY
This first vital step should take around a month or so.
Do NOT skip this step or else your copywriting business will crumble before it gets the chance to grow.
Step 2: Rapid Fire Experience
After you have a solid grasp on the copywriting fundamentals, it’s time to make some $$$$$.
The next crucial step in building your freelance copywriting business is to gain experience as quickly as possible.
This means accepting any and all work that comes your way.
The goal here is to write for a variety of clients across different industries, covering diverse topics and types of copywriting.
By diving headfirst into a wide range of projects, you’ll quickly build a robust portfolio that showcases your versatility and skill. This approach not only helps you break into the industry but also allows you to discover which niches and types of copywriting you enjoy the most.
Don’t worry about charging premium rates at this stage.
Focus on getting your foot in the door, impressing clients with your work, and gathering testimonials.
This rapid-fire experience will be invaluable as you continue to grow your freelance copywriting business.
See this ultimate guide to gain a steady flow of clients ASAP.
Step 3: Choose Your Dream Niche
Once you've gained a variety of experience, it's time to choose your dream niche.
Specializing in a specific industry or type of copywriting can set you apart from the competition and position you as an expert. Whether it's health and wellness, technology, finance, or any other field, finding your niche allows you to focus your efforts and attract clients who need your particular expertise.
Choosing a niche doesn't mean you have to turn away all other work. Instead, it helps you tailor your marketing efforts and build a reputation in a specific area. Think about the industries you enjoyed writing for during your rapid-fire experience phase. Which ones resonated with you the most? Where did you feel you added the most value?
By focusing on a niche, you can develop deeper knowledge and understanding of that industry, which will reflect in your work and attract high-paying clients who need a specialist. Specialists are able to attract clients more easily, position themselves as the authority figure, and earn more money compared to generalists. This strategic move will help elevate your freelance copywriting business to new heights.
When you’re ready for this stage, devour this blog post.
Step 4: Create an Impressive Portfolio that Attracts Higher-Quality Clients
With your niche chosen, it’s time to create an impressive portfolio that will attract higher-quality clients.
Your portfolio is your most powerful marketing tool—it showcases your best work, highlights your expertise, and demonstrates the value you can provide.
Start by selecting a range of projects that reflect your niche and display your versatility within that area. Include various types of copy, such as blog posts, landing pages, email campaigns, and social media content. Each piece should not only be well-written but also show how it achieved results for the client. Whenever possible, include metrics like increased traffic, higher conversion rates, or improved engagement to back up your claims.
To make your portfolio stand out, present it professionally. Create a dedicated portfolio section on your website where potential clients can easily browse through your work. Use high-quality images, clear formatting, and concise descriptions for each project.
Remember, your portfolio is often the first impression potential clients will have of your work. Make it count by highlighting your best pieces, showcasing your niche expertise, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of your copywriting. This will help you attract and secure higher-quality clients for your freelance copywriting business.
Ready to create your copywriting portfolio? Click here.
Step 5: Scale Your Freelance Copywriting Business to 6 Figures & Beyond
Now that you’ve built a solid foundation, it’s time to scale your freelance copywriting business to six figures and beyond.
Scaling means increasing your income without necessarily increasing your workload.
This ultimate guide reveals 3 fool-proof ways to scale any freelance copywriting business:
Also…
Here are a few additional tips:
1. Raise Your Rates
As your skills and reputation grow, so should your rates. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. Higher rates not only increase your income but also attract higher-quality clients who value your expertise. Review your pricing regularly and adjust it based on the value you provide and the results you achieve for your clients.
2. Focus on High-Value Clients
Target clients who have bigger budgets and ongoing needs for copywriting services. These clients are more likely to pay premium rates and offer long-term contracts, providing you with steady income. Use your impressive portfolio and niche expertise to attract and secure these high-value clients.
3. Diversify Your Services
Expand your offerings to include complementary services like content strategy, SEO, or social media management. This not only provides additional value to your clients but also opens up new revenue streams for your business. The more you can offer, the more indispensable you become to your clients.
4. Outsource and Delegate
To truly scale, you’ll need to delegate tasks that don’t require your direct attention. Consider outsourcing administrative tasks, hiring a virtual assistant, or even collaborating with other writers for larger projects. This allows you to focus on high-value activities like client acquisition and strategic planning.
5. Invest in Continuous Learning
Stay ahead of the curve by continuously improving your skills and staying updated with industry trends. Attend workshops, take advanced courses, and network with other professionals. The more knowledgeable and skilled you become, the more valuable you are to your clients, and the higher rates you can command.
By implementing these strategies, you can scale your freelance copywriting business to six figures and beyond, achieving the freedom, wealth, and happiness you’ve been aiming for.
Conclusion
It’s official.
You now know how to start a copywriting business from scratch.
Starting a freelance copywriting business in 2024 offers incredible opportunities for those willing to put in the effort.
By developing your skills, gaining rapid experience, choosing a niche, building an impressive portfolio, and scaling strategically, you can create a successful and profitable copywriting business.
Ready to take the leap?
Start your journey today and unlock the freedom and financial success that come with being a top-tier freelance copywriter.
Also…
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