If I started a Freelance Copywriting business in 2026, I'd do this.
Congrats! Welcome to the Copywriting Club. Starting a Copywriting business is not something you see all the time. Other freelance careers, such as designers, photographers, and social media managers, are much more notable. However, it's the copywriter who keeps those jobs running.
If you're overwhelmed on where to start as a Freelance Copywriter, how much to charge, and where to find clients, we’ll handle everything. In 2026, we will turn your dreams into a 6-figure business. Copywriting will not be your side hustle; it will be your career.
Here is everything you need to know to start a Freelance Copywriting business in 2026.
How to Start a Freelance Copywriting Business
Before you get too excited, let's start from the back. If you could wave a magic wand and get an email from your dream client, what would that look like? Rate and project it. That is your goal. The beauty of freelancing and entrepreneurship is that it can be literally anything you want. I know everyone is anti-niche these days, but being niche with the type of copywriting services I provide and the client type is why I’m booked and busy. For example, I am a website and brand messaging strategist for CPG brands. I also only work on a project-based schedule. Nobody can keep me on a retainer, nobody can hire me just to do a few emails, etc. However, I welcome those add-on services to my main services. And if a client wants to continue to work with a post-project, I would gladly accept if I’m aligned. I chose this service type because I love building brands. Being at the start of an emerging brand or start-up is what brings me joy.
So, to get started as a Freelance Copywriter, answer these few questions:
What copy service do I want to provide (email, social media, blogging, websites etc)
What clients or industry do I want to serve? (finance, service providers, travel, etc.)
What kind of schedule do I want? (retainer, hourly or project-based)
How much to charge as a Freelance Copywriter
The rate you charge as a copywriter is so subjective. You can find my starting rate on my services page here. I would recommend looking at the type of lifestyle you want and researching what other copywriters in your niche are charging. I found other copywriters on Instagram who offered similar services to me and used their rates as a basis for mine. I should also mention that I have a decade of marketing experience and have worked with CPG brands before. I didn’t start my copywriting business without copywriting experience, so take that into consideration.
How to find clients as a Freelance Copywriter
This is the hardest question to answer, and you might be disappointed in the answer, but hear me out. My business mentor told me this, and it completely changed how I go about finding clients. “You don’t get to choose when you get a client”. What does she mean by this, you ask?
Well, all of my clients are gained from my social media accounts. I am active on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, and LinkedIn. I post daily on at least one of these platforms. For a while, my results were nonexistent. I was trying to create the perfect video or carousel that would have my inbox flooded. But that is just not a thing. There is no secret formula to creating a post that will guarantee a client. Trust me I’ve tried. I do not control which post someone will see and decide, “I want to hire her.” Here is what you do have control over if you’re like me and want to get clients from positioning on social media. You can figure out what someone who would hire you as their copywriter would find valuable, and then post about it. For example, I post a lot of videos that audit good and bad websites from CPG brands.
For some reason, my ideal client finds this content extremely valuable. So valuable, they hired me as their copywriter from these videos and didn’t even look at my portfolio on my website. But this doesn't happen overnight, and I am kind of happy it didn’t.
So the best advice I can give you is to post what your ideal client would find valuable and post a lot. All you can control is your output. You do not get to decide when someone chooses to book with you. Trust me, I wish it were that way. I’d be a billionaire by now…. Ok, maybe not.
How to get clients without experience
Ok, I am sure this is the number one question on your mind, and I do not blame you. I had the same question. Luckily for you, the answer is easier than ever with AI and social media.
If I were you, I would start by looking into my network. Family, Friends, past work buddies, etc. Ask anyone with a business if you can write a copy for them in exchange for testimonials. This way, you have a legit business in your portfolio, and they have legit copy for their business.
Your second option is to use AI to create a fake business, then write the copy. For example, I have written websites for fake businesses with graphics I made with AI to show my range as a website copywriter. Here is a website I wrote for a fake ice cream business.
Your final option is the easiest of them all. Write a blog. This is free, and with websites like Substack, you can get a nice following that can attract clients.
I am sure this was a lot to digest, and there is only so much I can write in this blog post without overwhelming you. If you would like additional support on your copywriting journey. I’d love to assist. I do offer 1:1 consulting services by request only. If you are interested in asking me literally anything about running a copywriting business, I would love to help. Email me at dalji@mocktalecreative.com and I will reach out to you with the next steps.
