So, like me, you finally made that awful decision to start a freelance copywriting business 🙂
Maybe you did a lot of research, and you were convinced just about anyone could become a copywriter.
Or maybe you discovered you have a talent for writing and organising. And decided, ‘Hey! Copywriting is a fine way to monetize that skill.‘ I mean, why not?
Regardless of your reason, we can all agree that being a copywriter is nothing unique. Because it still takes a lot of work, practice and dedication – just like every other career worth its salt.
Obviously, there are more than 10 valuable tips I could share. But in order not to drone on and on, I’ve decided to keep this short and sweet. So right away, please allow me to share my first 3 tips on how to start & build a sustainable copywriting business.
1. Know What Type of Copywriting Client You are After.
The reason for this is simple. Once you know what type of client you want to serve, you do not make the mistake of trying to please everyone. When you’re not even certain of who you’re after, you will take on every client. Even those that are not a good fit for you or your business. – Susan Greene.
The huge downside to this is that you will value quantity over quality. And end up limiting your own success and getting burnt-out on the clients who are high maintenance and continually drain your resources.
Instead focus all of your efforts on the ones that are the perfect fit for your copywriting business.Build your client portfolio with care.
Work with people who truly appreciate what you bring to the table and don’t have a problem paying for it. That, my friend, is how you get extraordinary results.
2. Study Whatever you can about Copywriting.
As Alex Cattoni puts it, if you DO want to build a successful freelance copywriting business, you need to get out there and learn from the best. Buy programs.
Enrol in seminars. Sign up for courses. For starters and pros alike, I personally recommend the most affordable, yet most comprehensive copywriting course I have ever completed ($600) – by Filthy Rich Writer – Nicki. I will also add that you watch FREE YouTube content as there is a wealth of knowledge on the platform.
I follow and learn from copywriting experts that have over 20 years of experience and they still read, listen to podcasts, and learn frequently. So always hone your craft and focus on how you can get better and better and better.
3. Make Cold Calls or Send out Cold Emails.
At the very start at least, your clients will not come find you. You need to research your potential client industry, and then abuse LinkedIn to create an email or phone list of clients you want to work with.
Then pick up that phone and start ringing, or start sending emails. Understand that a great majority of your time will be spent researching, emailing and following up. But stay consistent and you will see results. As a green copywriter myself, this is the method that works best for me.
As a pull strategy, be clear on what you offer and who you serve. Set up an online presence (website/portfolio) so the right people can find you. Be sure to check my blog to learn more.
Want more tips to start and grow your freelance copywriting business? Email me at derrick@thewriteguy.ie
Thank you x
