How do I get my first freelance copywriting job?
Every aspiring copywriter arrives at the moment when they need to take the plunge. When it's time to put yourself out there and begin your freelance career. It's probably something you've dreamed about for a long time, Googled more times than you want to admit and are more than a little bit nervous about starting.
Don't worry as you're not alone. Many freelance writers have gone before you and if they can do it, so can you! So, how do you find that first elusive freelance writing job?
Read on for 6 tips to help you in your freelance writing job search.
Plan your copy - research your audience and clients
1. Think about your niche for freelance work
Write what you know, the old saying goes. It makes sense to create a 500-word blog post on software trends if you are a tech head and that's your area of expertise. Or a series of blog posts on your own blog about gardening if having green fingers is the thing you're interested in. Whatever you enjoy and are knowledgeable about, writing about it is a great piece of advice for aspiring copywriters to achieve success. You won't be staring at a blank page for long and your confidence will quickly build as your fingers fly over the keyboard.
Your first client is more likely to remember you if you have a unique selling point above other freelancers. That thing that makes you stand out and show them what you're about as a writer or freelancer. Having a niche can be a great advantage and secure lots of brilliant leads.
Working on your amazing portfolio
But remember that niche writing or journalism can also be limiting. If you only advertise yourself as an organic food expert, how will you know if you can write email copy about cat litter trays? Or for an electric car company? When I first began copywriting, I didn't realise that I would become a bit of an authority on boilers. I can talk energy bills and cold water storage tanks with the best of them based on my work with one client. I'm also pretty au fait with surveillance cameras and the best way to customise DAM software (meaning Digital Asset Management – I'm not swearing.)
Think about your interests but give yourself the best opportunity to write and create content on a wide range of topics as well. That way, you will become a well-rounded writer and your content marketing efforts will pay off.
Coffee, peace and quiet, and the space to write - heaven
2. Research and read blogs about freelance writing jobs
This is probably my favourite tip. What writer doesn't love being told to do more reading? Developing your research skills is vitally important if you want to write successful copy and land freelance jobs. You need to know how to find reputable information with easily accessible sources that slot nicely into your article or post.
If you're looking for a copywriter's blog to follow that gives great, sound advice on all elements of writing – check out Caroline Gibson's blog. A highly experienced copywriter, it is hard to find an area of the industry that she doesn't give advice on.
The biggest tip - have fun with your words! Copywriting should be enjoyable, otherwise you’re not doing it right
3. Pitching for freelance writers
It is perfectly possible to get your first freelance writing jobs with little to no experience. You may tell yourself it's a long shot but with careful planning and a healthy dose of positivity, you can land writing jobs successfully without using many additional resources at all.
Pitching is how you sell yourself and your services to business clients. So where do you start? Simple. Start by choosing a client/business you would like to write for and craft an email showcasing your skills and talents. It's a good idea to do your research first, join their mailing lists and find out what they need from their freelancers.
Let's break that down a bit more.
Step 1- Grab their attention with an eye-catching subject line.
Step 2 – Showcase what you're selling and why they need it. Be confident and focused on your particular skills.
Step 3 – Always remember who your audience is. Use words that will help persuade and a tone that relates to what is important to them. The more you know about your target audience, the easier it'll be to design a relatable pitch.
Step 4 – Let them know that you are able to write for a wide range of subjects, but highlight the areas you have specific knowledge in.
Step 5 – Make it very clear how the potential client can get in touch with you. Include your contact details at the end of your pitch. Do everything you can to make it easy for them to reply with a positive answer.
Connect with other freelance writers to build your network
4. Building a portfolio
This tip is a no-brainer. To be a successful copywriter in our digital world, it's essential to have a portfolio of your work to show to a business marketing team. Obviously, when you're just starting out, you aren't likely to have much of a portfolio.
The good news is that it doesn't take long to collate a collection of your work. Just get writing!
Remember to put in a wide variety of topics and industries to help you appeal to more clients. Include blog posts, articles, social media posts, reviews, comments, anything you have created and want to show off.
Make your portfolio-
· Easy-to-use
· Full of high-quality copywriting
· Well thought-out and styled
· Outlined with your skills, talents and freelance services
Getting involved with online learning
5. LinkedIn & freelance writing job board searches
Social media is clearly the perfect place to advertise your freelance services. Not to mention the hugest job site around - LinkedIn, (Facebook for professionals) can connect you with the right company in need of your help and allow you to promote your freelancing skills. The jobs might just roll in to you. Most freelancer writers have a LinkedIn profile set up, so if you haven't, that's one of your next tasks.
LinkedIn gives you a chance to show your CV to brands and companies that may need a freelance copywriter or might be advertising freelance writing jobs. It's easy to set up a profile, filling in your education, skills and endorsements, recommendations and interests. And the best thing about LinkedIn is that you won't have to scroll through hundreds of random selfies before getting to the information you need (unlike Facebook).
If you have a website for your writing, you can add it to your LinkedIn profile and any samples of your work you'd like potential clients to see to help you secure the best writing jobs.
Working from home on your newest project
6. Take a course with The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy
It's understandable to be nervous when you first step out into the world of copywriting. Writing by nature, is a solitary process. Many writers and editors enjoy the isolation when writing – you can't underestimate quality peace and quiet as a writer. But remember that it's important for most freelance writers to have support to help them gain confidence and grow their writing style. That's where The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy comes in.
Studying a professional copywriting course will enable you to write engaging and effective copy, build a portfolio and find clients. You will also have support from a professional copywriting mentor and join an encouraging community of like-minded students eager to land their first freelance writing jobs. So, what are you waiting for? Join the course and get your freelance career started!
