10 Steps to Start a Freelance Copywriting Business

Starting a freelance copywriting business from home offers flexibility, creativity, and financial independence. If you’re ready to turn your writing skills into a profitable business, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

1. Do I Need A Degree To Be A Freelance Copywriter?

No. Clients care more about your writing skills and portfolio than formal education.

2. How Much Can I Earn?

Beginners charge $0.05-$0.20 per word, while experienced copywriters earn $100+ per hour.

3. Where Do I Find Clients?

Start with job boards like Upwork (https://www.upwork.com/), Fiverr (https://www.fiverr.com/), and ProBlogger (https://problogger.com/).

4. What Types of Copywriting Pay Best?

Email marketing, sales pages, and website copywriting typically pay higher rates.

5. How Do I Create A Portfolio Without Clients?

Write sample pieces on topics you’d like to get paid for. Offer free work to small businesses in exchange for testimonials.

6. How Do I Set My Rates?

Research industry rates, consider your skill level, and charge per word, hour, or project.

7. What Tools Do I Need?

A laptop, Grammarly for editing, Google Docs for writing, and Toggl (https://www.toggl.com/) for time tracking.

8. How Do I Market Myself?

Create a personal website, network on LinkedIn, and consistently share valuable content.

9. How Do I Avoid Bad Clients?

Request deposits upfront, sign contracts, and avoid clients who refuse to pay fair rates.

10. How Long Until I See Results?

With consistent effort, many copywriters land their first client within a month.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Copywriting Business

Step 1: Define Your Niche

• Choose a specialty like email copy, blog writing, or sales pages.
• Research competitors to see what works.
• Create three sample pieces showcasing your expertise.

Step 2: Build Your Portfolio

• Offer free or discounted work for testimonials.
• Write guest blog posts for industry sites.
• Publish content on LinkedIn or Medium.

Step 3: Set Up Your Website

• Use WordPress (https://wordpress.org/) or Wix (https://www.wix.com/).
• Include an “About” page, portfolio, testimonials, and contact info.
• Optimize for SEO to attract organic traffic.

Step 4: Establish Your Pricing

• Charge hourly, per word, or per project.
• Adjust rates as your experience grows.

Step 5: Find Clients

• Sign up for Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour.
• Pitch directly to businesses via cold emails.
• Join Facebook and LinkedIn groups for freelancers. See: Finding Clients

Step 6: Create a Contract

• Outline payment terms and deadlines.
• Define the scope of work and revisions.
• Use tools like Bonsai (https://www.hellobonsai.com/) for contract templates.

Step 7: Market Your Services

• Post on LinkedIn weekly.
• Start a blog or YouTube channel sharing writing tips.
• Offer a lead magnet like “10 Copywriting Tips for Small Businesses.”

Step 8: Deliver High-Quality Work

• Use Grammarly and Hemingway Editor for clarity.
• Stick to deadlines and communicate promptly.
• Ask for testimonials and referrals from happy clients.

Step 9: Scale Your Business

• Increase rates as demand grows.
• Offer additional services like content strategy.
• Consider hiring a virtual assistant to manage admin work. Get more tips here.

Step 10: Manage Finances & Taxes

• Open a separate business account.
• Track earnings with Wave (https://www.waveapps.com/).
• Set aside money for taxes and consider working with an accountant.

Checklist to Launch Your Copywriting Business

✅ Choose a niche
✅ Write three strong sample pieces
✅ Build a simple portfolio website
✅ Determine your pricing strategy
✅ Sign up for freelance platforms
✅ Market yourself consistently
✅ Use contracts for every project
✅ Deliver quality work and meet deadlines
✅ Ask for testimonials and referrals
✅ Scale and increase rates as experience grows

Reputable Resources to Grow Your Business

• Copyblogger – https://copyblogger.com/ (Copywriting education and tips)
• The Copywriter Club Podcast – https://thecopywriterclub.com/ (Freelance writing insights)
• Grammarly – https://www.grammarly.com/ (Editing and proofreading tool)
• ProBlogger Job Board – https://problogger.com/jobs/ (Freelance writing job postings)
• LinkedIn Learning – https://www.linkedin.com/learning/ (Courses on copywriting and freelancing)

Final Thoughts

Starting a freelance copywriting business from home takes dedication, but with the right strategies, you can build a profitable career. Follow these steps, continuously refine your craft, and market yourself effectively. Soon, you’ll have a thriving business that provides financial freedom and creative fulfillment.