Tips For Successful Freelance Copywriting

by Ray Edwards

Many people are looking for new ways to make money as the prices of commodities continue to rise. Picking up a second job has become very appealing, despite the fact that it is difficult and adds stress to your current job and personal life. This is also even more difficult for those already working in an established career such as copywriting. Fortunately there is a way to make more money as a copywriter without having to pick up a second job: Freelancing.

Freelancing has become a successful option for many copywriters who need to make more money. Unlike taking on a second job where you have to learn new skills, freelance copywriting allows you to practice your current profession in a new setting. This way, you are able to use the skills you learned as an employed copywriter to earn more money.

Freelance copywriters can earn a larger income than employed copywriters because they don’t have to deal with an advertising agency. Normally the commission on a project is split between the copywriter and the agency. As a freelancer though, you get to keep all the commission. Freelance copywriters can also take on more jobs at once, allowing them to maximize their time and efforts. Also, if one works hard enough and practices their skill a lot, they can become more efficient and finish projects at a higher pace. Allowing them to take on more projects in a given period.

Freelancing also allows you to have a much more flexible schedule than regular employment because you dictate your own hours. As a freelancer, you do not have to “clock in” like regular jobs; you merely have to get the job done. So you can work whenever it is convenient for you without being locked into a fixed schedule. You must be able to properly budget and manage your time, but you have final control. You won’t find this kind of freedom in many other career options.

Another great benefit to freelance copywriting is that you can work from anywhere that has an Internet connection. The World Wide Web and high bandwidth allow people to telecommute, meaning they can “commute” to work via the Internet. Therefore a copywriter doesn’t have to be in the same area as their client. Which means freelance copywriters can work from anywhere in the world.

But like anything, switching your career to freelancing will take some work. Here are a few pointers to help you see what a freelance copywriter has to do in order to make a career move:

Build Up Your Name

As a freelance copywriter, your workflow will dramatically rely on how well known you are. Which means you need to spend some time getting your name out into the market. It’s good to attend copywriting seminars and workshops in order to learn and meet people. This way you can make contacts and start networking with other copywriters out there. Ask for referrals from people you know in the business. You should also build a portfolio that has examples of your best work and testimonials from your past clients. Many copywriters do not have websites, so this can give you a competitive edge out there.

You also need to consistently do good work. Your business will be built on the quality of your product. All the advertising in the world won?t get you any business if you can’t consistently produce good work. Therefore you must do your best all the time. Subsequently, your success will grow as your skill grows, so you should also continue to learn about your field. There is a wealth of information out there, so go ahead and search for “copywriting tutorials” check into some books by copywriting experts, like Dan Kennedy. This will help your business greatly.

You need to run a good business as well. This means that you will need to treat people professionally and get your work done on time. Difficult copywriters have a difficult time getting work, so be personable. Also, if you miss deadlines, you will hurt your credibility.

Hopefully this article showed the benefits of freelance copywriting and gave you an idea in what was involved. Becoming a freelancer can be a great career move. If freelancing interests you then don’t be afraid to do some more research and to see if freelance copywriting is right for you.

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One Response to “Tips For Successful Freelance Copywriting”

  1. I would add that as a freelancer, you’re an entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, you’re a marketer.

    I have a bias, but I don’t think that it’s enough to just be a “copywriter,” but rather, a direct-response copywriter.

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