In-House vs. Freelance Copywriting: Making the Right Career Choice

When it comes to pursuing a career in copywriting, two primary paths emerge: in-house copywriting and freelance copywriting. Each option presents its unique set of advantages and challenges, making it crucial for aspiring copywriters to evaluate their personal goals and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of both in-house and freelance copywriting to help you make an informed decision.

Freelance copywriting gives you the opportunity to work where you like, when you like

How to Get the Confidence to Go Freelance

Embarking on a freelance copywriting journey can be daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, it's an achievable feat. Here are some steps to boost your confidence and set you on the path to becoming a successful freelance copywriter, whichever option you choose:

Skill Mastery

Before making the leap into freelancing, ensure you have a solid foundation in copywriting. Hone your writing skills, understand the nuances of persuasive language, and familiarize yourself with various writing styles and tones. Continuous learning and practice will give you the confidence to handle diverse client projects. 

When you’re freelancing, you may also have to handle some difficult clients and there’s no manager there to take over when you’re struggling. Mastering your skills will give you the authority to give advice and guidance, even when a client isn’t the easiest to deal with. 

Portfolio Development

It’s essential to create a compelling portfolio showcasing your best work. You should include a variety of projects that demonstrate your versatility and expertise. A well-structured portfolio not only impresses potential clients but also reinforces your self-confidence in your abilities.

At first, it’s a good idea to utilise any work that isn’t useful to your clients by adding it to your portfolio. Personally, I use any content and copy in my portfolio that was part of the draft process and not accepted or paid for by the client. This can beef up your portfolio without wasting time and energy creating fake pieces. 

Networking

Networking is something I always personally struggled with. Being an avid reader and natural introvert, getting out there by yourself can be tough. However, with freelancing, you only have yourself to rely on, so you need to put on your best smile and get yourself out there. 

Try to connect with fellow copywriters and professionals in the industry. Networking can open doors to potential clients and collaborations. Engaging in industry events, online forums, and social media communities will help you gain valuable insights and build your confidence.

Financial Preparation

Freelancing often comes with irregular income. It’s a good idea to prepare a financial safety net by saving for potential dry spells or unexpected expenses. Having financial security will ease your transition into freelance copywriting and boost your confidence in managing your finances. 

While that can be easier said than done, it’s a great career to train online and begin working in your spare time to build your client base. I took several online courses and launched Lyons Tales Editing while I was still working in my full-time role. I then scaled this down gradually as my income started to build. 

While freelancing can be scary and sometimes difficult to get into, I’ve found that I’ve learned so much more this way. Making your own mistakes and learning from them can really give you the confidence to strike out on your own. 

Tailor your projects to your goals and interests

The Benefits of Freelance Copywriting

To help you make an informed decision, here are just some plethora of benefits that can be enticing for aspiring writers if they’re considering freelance writing. 

Flexibility and Autonomy

One of the most significant advantages of freelancing is the flexibility it offers. You have the freedom to set your own schedule, choose your clients, and work from anywhere in the world. This autonomy allows you to balance work with personal commitments and tailor your career to your lifestyle.

Diverse Projects

Freelance copywriters often work on a wide range of projects for various industries. This diversity not only keeps your work interesting but also allows you to broaden your skillset. You'll constantly learn and adapt to different client needs and preferences. 

It’s also a great opportunity to decide which types of work you actually enjoy doing. You can focus your career specifically on projects that you know you love. Tailor your business to your own areas of interest.

Work-Life Balance

Achieving a better work-life balance is often easier for freelance copywriters and is one of the main reasons that people opt for this career path. You can adapt your work hours to fit your personal life, reducing stress and burnout while maintaining productivity.

Adjust to an amazing work-life balance

Will Working as a Freelance Copywriter Suit My Lifestyle?

Freelance copywriting offers flexibility, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. Assessing whether this career suits your lifestyle is crucial to making an informed decision. Perhaps you may feel more supported and financially secure if you can see that pay cheque coming at the end of every month. 

In order to hack the freelance lifestyle, you must have self-discipline. You need the ability to manage your time effectively and the self-motivation to keep going, even when things get tough. 

You also need to understand that it can be isolating. When you’re having a rough day, there’s often no one there to stand beside you and support your decisions. I personally don’t mind working for home alone. This gives me the ability to concentrate and push my ideas forward. But it might not be for everyone. 

Is In-House Copywriting Too Limiting?

While freelance copywriting offers many advantages, in-house copywriting also has its merits. Let's explore whether in-house copywriting might be a better fit for your career goals:

Stability and Benefits

In-house copywriters typically enjoy a stable salary with benefits like healthcare, paid leave, and retirement plans. If you prioritise financial security and stability, in-house positions may be more appealing.

Team Collaboration

Working in-house often involves close collaboration with marketing teams, designers, and other professionals. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy teamwork, in-house copywriting may be a better fit. It’s also a greater opportunity to find clients without having to go-it-alone. If you’re an introvert who’s worried about presenting your work to new people, working for a company could find the clients that fit your writing style for you.

Mentorship

In-house positions often offer mentorship opportunities and structured career development. If you're looking for guidance and professional growth, the in-house route may be more appealing. 

Use your creativity to build your business your way

Deciding whether you want to search for an in-house opportunity or begin your freelancing business can be a huge move in your career. Both paths have their merits, and the key is to align your career choice with your strengths, values, and long-term aspirations. Whether you opt for the freedom of freelancing or the stability of in-house work, your decision should empower you to build a fulfilling and prosperous copywriting career that makes you happy.