How to become a freelance copywriter

Copywriting is one of the most popular freelance professions. This is in part because many companies do not have the capacities to hire a full-time copywriter and also due to the general versatility that comes with the job: a good copywriter can write content for any type of industry and business. From catchy slogans to informative articles, they really do it all. If this sounds like a dream job to you and you would like to know how you can become a freelance writer, we advise you keep reading.

Copywriter, writer, content creator – whatever you want to call it, they all basically do the same thing: write copy for clients. This can be short texts like slogans, claims or brand mission statements, but also longer formats like articles, website and newsletter copy or even finding the right wording for flyers and other marketing materials. In short, whenever companies need some catchy copy, they call their copywriter.

Understanding the grammar and written rules of a language of course is key for any copywriter. But there is so much more to this then just getting the spelling right. Professional copywriters must have a feel for their language and how to use it. They have to speak to all different types of people, draw them in and make them feel something when they read their copy. A copywriter must know how to address different groups of people, old or young, male or female, and choose the right tone of voice to get the message across.

In addition to these skills, a copywriter has to come up with new concepts and ideas almost every day and therefore needs to have a certain level of creativity. On top of that, knowing what the industry is up to and what competitors are doing is also essential for not falling behind or maybe even unintentionally copying an idea. Finally, a broad general knowledge can be beneficial for copywriters to be able to make references to current affairs in their copy.

In this industry, it is far more important to have the talent, than to hold an official certificate. It doesn’t matter if you have a degree in English or Physics, if you know how to write a good headline, you are in. The final product is what it’s all about.However, being creative does take a lot of discipline and there are at least two things you can do to improve your writing and to find your own personal style.

1. Read a lot

Read as much as you can. This is the only way to sharpen your understanding for language and to learn what sounds good, and what doesn’t. This can be through books, but also with advertising material such as flyers and social media posts. Ask yourself: Is this text getting to you? And if so, why? What are the techniques being used to draw you in and keep your attention? So, you can only improve your writing, if you read a lot yourself.

2. Write a lot

It might be an old saying, but it is still true: Practice makes perfect. Writing a lot can help you improve your style and find the right tone of voice. It also really helps to have someone read your stuff to get direct feedback and hopefully some constructive criticism. A second opinion can open you up to new ideas and bring in a different perspective that you otherwise would have never considered.

Content marketing has become increasingly popular over the last years and many companies want to create more content. And for that, they need professional copywriters. So, based on the current demand for content creators, it should be fairly easy for you to get started as a freelance writer.

But unfortunately, this also means that there is a lot of competition out there and you need to stand out with your talent even more. It could be beneficial to have special knowledge in a certain area, but mostly you should convince people to collaborate with you through your previous work. Use a website or your social media channels to showcase your talent and let potential new clients know what types of projects you have worked on before. Especially when starting off as a copywriter, it is crucial to get the attention of new customers by marketing your work. Because at the end of the day, good copy is the only thing that will really set you apart.