Starting a freelance copywriting business is an exciting venture that opens the door to numerous opportunities for creative professionals. Having guided over 10,000 individuals to become successful freelance copywriters, I’m here to help you achieve similar success.
In this blog post, I'll outline the crucial steps and resources you need to not only start but thrive in your new copywriting business.
Why You Need a Copywriter's Rate Card
One of the first things you'll need as a budding freelance copywriter is a rate card. This essential tool defines average industry rates and helps you communicate with clients confidently, ensuring you charge appropriate fees for your services.
Understanding common pricing methods, whether hourly, per word, by project, or retainer empowers you to make informed decisions and avoid undercharging, which can lead to dissatisfaction in your work.
To assist you in setting your rates, download our Copywriter’s Rate Card Cheat Sheet. This invaluable resource will help you answer the critical question: “How much should you be charging for your freelance writing?”
With your Copywriter’s Rate Card, you'll discover:
- What others are charging
- What YOU should be charging
- Why you should NEVER charge by the hour
- The standard ‘industry rates’
- How to price with confidence
- How to get paid for creative briefings
Mastering the Art of the Pitch
Next, mastering the art of the pitch is vital for engaging with potential copywriting clients effectively. A pitch script serves as a guideline for discussions, enabling smooth and structured talks that helps you land more jobs and higher paying clients.
By staying focused in your conversations, you maintain professionalism and build trust, which are essential for attracting new clients.A strong pitch also allows you to tap into existing networks where opportunities for copywriting work abound.
To help you craft the perfect pitch, download our Elevator Pitch Template for Copywriters.
Have you ever been asked, “What do you do?”
This common question presents an opportunity for you to showcase your skills. Are you giving an answer that wins you work or loses you opportunities?
Stop giving the wrong answer and create an elevator pitch that gets results every time. With this template, you’ll learn how to:
- Craft a pitch on the spot
- Tailor it for the person you’re speaking to
- Create a point of difference
- Have clients clamouring for your services
Download the template now (it’s free) and use it the next time someone asks, “What do you do?” Learn how to turn every conversation into a sales opportunity!
Building Your Portfolio: The Gateway to Opportunities
An impressive portfolio showcases your capabilities and serves as a testament to your skills and creativity. If you're new to copywriting and lack a portfolio, consider creating speculative work.
Rewrite existing ads or develop mock campaigns to highlight your skills. These examples demonstrate your potential to clients, regardless of whether they are published works. Even early in your career, this speculative work effectively communicates your ability to think creatively and produce compelling content.
Drafting a Professional Copywriting Proposal
Having a ready-to-send proposal is vital when clients express interest after preliminary discussions. Emerging copywriters often miss opportunities due to a lack of prepared documents. To prevent this, leverage templates that simplify the proposal process, enabling you to present yourself professionally from the start. A well-crafted proposal not only outlines your services and rates but also reflects your understanding of the client's needs and how you can meet them.
Ready to land your next client? Grab this free copywriting proposal template to put your best foot forward! This easy-to-use Word document is designed to help you win the job. Just fill in the blanks, customise it to your needs, and send it off. It’s the perfect tool to make a professional first impression and take the stress out of client proposals.
The Role of the Business Card in a Digital Age
While some may view business cards as outdated, they remain one of the simplest and most effective tools for expanding your client base. Handing over a card during personal interactions leaves a lasting impression and makes future networking smoother and more personal. It positions you as a prepared and professional copywriter, ready to engage with potential clients on the spot.
Conclusion
Equipped with these tools, you'll be prepared to launch a successful freelance copywriting business. Remember, even if you're just starting, proper preparation and the right materials can bridge experience gaps and demonstrate value to clients.
Best of luck, and happy writing!
