Want to learn a new skill and start making a six-figure income? Follow my step-by-step guide on how to start your own copywriting business.
Copywriting is high in demand and continuing to grow. Without the need for a degree or qualifications, you can get started in minutes.
Sound interesting?
Follow these simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to landing your first client!
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A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Copywriter
1. Learn the Basics
You may be thinking, what even is copywriting?
Copywriting is essentially, sales and persuasion in print.
Copywriting is not about content writing, copywriting is selling.
Sound cool? You might be wondering, ‘How can I get started?
By far the best way is to learn the essentials and basics from books.
All great copywriters read. By reading, you internalise patterns. You learn how to write interestingly or how to tell a good story. My personal favorite is ‘Cashvertising‘, here is a list of a few books to get started:
To begin with I also watched a lot of Alex Cattoni’s Youtube videos to help me get started.
2. Choose a Copywriting Speciality
Copywriting examples are everywhere, and you’re probably reading them without realising it. Most copywriters specialise in a particular market, this could be Facebook adverts, email copy, or Instagram brand posts.
With the increasing need for short-form video content, there are even script opportunities. These range from TikTok videos, Webinars or Ads.
Copywriting is often divided into two categories:
Direct response – you want the reader to take action immediately.
Examples of this could be creating lead magnets or sales letters.
Branding – the goal is to create trust and memorability around the product or service.
Examples include – white papers, content marketing, digital marketing and search engine optimisation (SEO).
Top tip: To attract clients, position yourself as an expert in a specific market niche.
When you start your copywriting business, I would advise you to invest in a high-value course that focuses on a speciality like email writing or creating webinars.
Each one is like learning a new language. You’ll find picking up a second or third speciality easier than the first.
But remember, focus on one. Google ‘[speciality] copywriting course’.
3. Practice some Copy for Yourself or Friends
Practice this by using a traffic source. This could be for an email list, blog or social media groups. Write some persuasive copy promoting either your own product/service or somebody else’s.
If you don’t have a product of your own, I’d recommend checking out some of ClickBank’s affiliate products.
The advantage of practicing with affiliate marketing first is that it allows you to make money while honing your copywriting skills.
To get started, consider reaching out to a friend to write copy for their business in exchange for data and a review.
To summarise: get copy published and gather data.
4. Get Your First Gigs From Job Boards
Sign up to multiple job boards. I have personally used and would recommend Upwork. Fiver is also a great option to get started.
Step 1: start applying for freelance copywriter jobs.
Apply to at least 10 jobs per week until you land your first three gigs.
Starting with smaller business clients is advisable since you likely have more knowledge about copywriting and marketing than they do.
After you have a few referrals under your belt, it’s time to start branching out to design studios and ad agencies. Advertising and content marketing agencies are some of the steadiest sources of income for a new copywriter.
You may be thinking, how does this work?
- The advertising agency hires you as a copywriter, usually on a salaried basis. Smaller businesses may keep you as a freelancer with a retainer.
- You will work with the agencies clients, gaining valuable writing experience and connections all whilst getting paid.
- The client will pay the agency for your work.
- The agency then pays you (the copywriter) according to your agreement with them.
This is the same model for any service business, a law firm for example.
5. Build Your Reputation to Generate Referrals
Write testimonials for your clients and ask them to approve them.
Write for well-known blogs and magazines.
Remember, most clients care about your ability to generate sales for their business.
Building Your Portfolio:
When applying for jobs it is best to tailer your portfolio work to something similar to what the client is looking for. They will be more inclined to hire you if you have proof you can do their work. Demonstrate that you have read the job description and be personable and friendly.
Call attention to your writing sample and explain how it solves the clients needs.
Note: Not all of your market niche will be doing this.
It will also be a good idea to include proof of an established copywriting course in your portfolio.
How to Earn Six Figures
To be able to make the big bucks you will need to start working with well-known and influential clients as quickly as possible.
The proof you will obtain from that client is worth millions over the course of your career.
Proof is priceless.
Copywriting & AI
Some writers believe AI will eventually take over the need for copywriters. This is far from the truth.
AI technology cannot incorporate emotion and creativity into writing. Meaning we can use this to our advantage when starting a copywriting business .
However, AI can assist you with elements such as grammar and content writing ideas.
If you can help people articulate and present themselves to sell more via written word you will be paid a lot in return.
Explore these other 6 ways to make money online here.
Psst! Start a copywriting business and pair it with method number five.
Please note that the information provided in this post is for educational and informational purposes only. Investing involves risks, and it’s important to conduct thorough research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The mentioned platform or service may not be suitable for everyone. Any actions taken based on the content of this post are at the reader’s own discretion and risk.