How to Become a Freelance Copywriter
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Freelance Copywriter
What does a Freelance Copywriter do?
A Copywriting is the act of writing text for the purpose of advertising or other forms of marketing. The product, called copy, is written content that aims to increase brand awareness and ultimately persuade a person or group to take a particular action. Copywriters help create billboards, brochures, catalogs, jingle lyrics, magazine and newspaper advertisements, sales letters and other direct mail, scripts for television or radio commercials, taglines, white papers, social media posts, and other marketing communications.
Please bear in mind, though, that this only reflects my own knowledge and experience, based on 10 years as a freelance copywriter in the UK.
Your own experience may vary, and other copywriters might give different advice.
Freelance copywriters can work directly with clients, or through intermediaries such as agencies or online work exchanges.
The text produced by a freelance copywriter can be used in advertisements, websites and digital media, printed marketing or anywhere else, but it always has some sort of practical aim, whether it’s persuading people to buy a product or just giving them information.
Online, the rise of content marketing and native advertising has blurred the line between ‘copywriters’ and ‘journalists’.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Freelance Copywriter
Best tips for those who want to become a Freelance Copywriter
Here are some tips to become a Freelance Copywriter.
Don’t say no to everything but don’t say yes to free.
Create your own portfolio in the beginning.
Share your knowledgeDemonstrate your expertise through content like this, that shares your copywriting knowledge.
Make sure you fully understand the brief.
Make the final edits on a print-outOnce you’ve written and edited your work and are happy with the result, don’t forget the final key step of printing it out.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Freelance Copywriter
Best colleges and universities for Freelance Copywriter
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Freelance Copywriter
Is being a Freelance Copywriter Worth it?
Sure, there are advertising copywriters making many hundreds of thousands, but you will never be a successful ‘ad writer’ working alone.
For the jobbing copywriter, White Papers are wonderful ‘meaty’ projects that can pay well.
Interviews with celebrities or high-profile business people are a great way to gain credibility as a copywriter.
As a copywriter, accepting jobs from various clients allows you to diversify your portfolio.
Freelance copywriters make a good living, but it requires a lot more hustle than working a typical job.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Freelance Copywriter
What skills do you need to be a Freelance Copywriter?
Management often looks to professional level roles for execution on their visions and goals, as such some specific skills are required. The workload of this role requires knowledge of: Content Creation, Copywriting. If you highlight these skills during your interview process, you will be more likely to land the job!
Career and business courses for freelance copywritersBeginner and general copywriting coursesCourses for experienced copywriters and marketing professionals.
The average freelance copywriter has less than one year of experience.
In addition to creative skills, a successful freelance copywriter must be able to connect the client’s business goals with the audience’s interests.
Entry-level freelance writers may have lower fees based on their experience.
Salaries vary based on the freelancer's experience, own rates, clients and even persistence to seek out new clients when just starting out.
Step 6: View average salary for Freelance Copywriter
How much does a Freelance Copywriter make?
The average salary range for a Freelance Copywriter is from $52,753 to $66,622. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Freelance Copywriter jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Freelance Copywriter jobs, and apply.
Looking for Freelance Copywriter jobs?
Here are some Freelance Copywriter jobs in the United States.