Deinfluencing You From Becoming a Freelance Copywriter
For some reason, there is a mass movement convincing people they can go from not knowing what copywriting is to building a six-figure freelance business overnight.
Take this as someone with a fully functioning brain.
There isn’t a single business on earth that is easy to build, especially one that can eventually pay you a high salary. to build.
So if you want to be a freelance copywriter and you think this will be easy, and or a fast way to make money, reality might disappoint you.
I am a website copywriter for emerging CPG brands, and I want to give you a glimpse of what it actually takes to get consistent clients in this industry.
What I Actually Had To Do To Get Clients As A Freelancer:
Stalk my ideal clients.
Not literally, but close.
I had to become active in the places my ideal clients already were. Founder communities, brand discussions, marketing conversations. Cold pitching wasn’t going to work for the niche I’m in, so I focused on becoming a familiar face.
Write blogs like the one you’re reading.
This blog isn’t just about showcasing my copywriting skills.
It’s an engine.
I’ve intentionally built content around topics I know my ideal clients are searching for: branding decisions, marketing strategy, positioning, and growth.
When founders Google questions about building their brand, I want my work to show up.
That’s how you build discoverability.
Show up with zero results for a while.
This might be the hardest part, and it will always hit your ego.
For a long time, nothing will happen.
Initially, I saw zero results.
Then I started to see engagement on my social media posts.
Then, inquiries that led to great conversations.
Eventually, some of those turn into paying clients.
But it’s gradual. Very gradual
And this is just a glimpse of what it took.
If you have made it this far, then that is a good sign. You are still interested in this game as a freelancer.
So let’s get to the real reason why you are here.
Here are the realities of being a freelance copywriter.
You need a niche
There are so many types of copywriters, it’s insane.
Email copywriters
Website copywriters (like me)
Ad copywriters
Sales Page copywriters
And within those specialties, there are industry niches.
If a business is paying a high fee for a freelancer, they usually want someone with specific experience in their category.
This means if you are currently wanting to pivot, you may have to rebuild credibility or do some spec work.
Specialisation is actually the advantage of freelancing. Clients pay premium rates for experts, not generalists.
Client acquisition is a full-time job.
Getting clients never really stops.
It’s constant relationship building, pitching, networking, and staying visible.
If you’re strategic, you’ll also build systems like:
Blogging
Search-driven content
Pinterest distribution
Social media visibility
Personally, I focus heavily on social media. I am active across multiple platforms, which means scheduling time five days a week just to stay visible.
Marketing yourself is part of the job.
You are now a business owner who serves other business owners.
Most aspiring freelancers don’t even think about this part.
When you become a freelance copywriter, you are not just a copywriter.
You’re also responsible for:
Client experience
Contracts and pricing
Project management tools
Invoicing and finances
Customer service
Marketing
The copywriter portion is just one fraction of the job.
The learning never stops.
Marketing evolves constantly. Platforms change. Consumer behavior shifts. Trends come and go.
To stay competitive, you have to keep learning.
I suggest you set aside time to read, study, and analyze the industry and stay plugged in as much as possible.
Consistency takes time.
It can take years to reach a point where clients consistently come to you. Most freelancers spend a long time actively marketing themselves before their reputation starts generating inbound work.
You build momentum slowly.
But once it builds, things start to compound.
So, should you become a Freelance Copywriter?
You can do it.
But it won’t happen overnight.
And anyone selling that version of the story is probably selling a course.
Freelancing rewards consistency, positioning, and patience far more than quick wins.
If you’re still here after reading all of this, that’s actually a good sign. You aren’t looking for a shortcut; you want to build a sustainable career as a Freelance Copywriter.
Dora:
Here are a few resources from me to help you get started:
