How to Become a Freelance Copywriter

Ever dreamed about making a career from writing? Me too.

But what put me off was the stories of people who spend a year writing a book and then can’t get published.

Or the people I know who write content for other people’s blogs or websites, and get paid a pittance.

But then I discovered the difference between content writing and copywriting and decided to delve into it and find out how to become a frreelance copywriter -admittedly so that I could write about it on this website. And guess what – I was so impressed that I’ve decided to run it as a tandem career to my affiliate marketing business and have started the training I need.

What is Copywriting?

In a nutshell it’s writing that’s designed to persuade or sell – either for print or on-line, banners, emails for a campaign, brochures, social media – any written media you care to think of.

But essentially it’s using the right words to connect a supplier of goods or services with the potential customer who needs those goods or services.

Content writing on the other hand is designed to entertain, educate or inspire an audience – more like writing a blog!

That said, a lot of copywriters will also be employed to write content for their clients as well.

How do I Become a Copywriter?

There are three main obstacles to overcome:

Firstly – mastering the techniques used to identify the trigger words and writing style needed to connect the seller to the buyer – to create the desire to purchase or engage their services.

Secondly – acquiring the experience and portfolio to demonstrate to potential clients that you are worthy of their spend.

Thirdly – getting yourself in front of those potential clients and getting them to hire you.

There are some great training courses out there that vary widely in price and will teach you the skills to write great copy.

But I have only found one that covers the other 2 obstacles and teaches you how to take those skills to the market in a way that will earn you a good living.

There are a number of website/forums (which I won’t name because I don’t wish to bash them or provoke their wrath) whose purpose is to connect companies who need copywriters with the writers. The problem with these forums is that there are so many aspiring copywriters on them that it is an auction chasing the lowest price.

So I went in search of a training system that could give me all the tools to become a freelance copywriter.

Is It For Me?

Copywriting isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme in spite of some of the claims made by a number of sellers of copywriting courses.

But if you have a reasonable command of language and the ability to understand the concepts of using words to trigger trust and/or a desire to buy, then with the right training and hard work you could become a successful copywriter.

If you can overcome the 3 obstacles mentioned above then you can start making a living in a reasonably short period of time, measured in months rather than years.

What attracted me to the idea was that I have a long term business that I am building – my affiliate marketing business – which makes money but builds up slowly over time and in the long-run will be pretty much passive in terms of the work needed to keep it going.

But in the short term I’d like a more predictable source of income that I know will pay me in a few weeks for the work I do today.

And the real beauty of both businesses is that they meet the needs of “The Online Freedom Seeker” – The ability to work from anywhere in the world in my own chosen time.

But, once you acquire the skills and the portfolio of experience you can do as little or as much as you like – full-time freelance, employed or just as a side gig to make a bit of extra income.

 

 

 

How Much Can I Earn As A Copywriter?

This is a “how long is a piece of string?” question for sure. There are truly a lot of people making 6 figure incomes from copywriting – and working very hard at it. And there are a lot who don’t make ends meet – generally because they haven’t mastered overcoming the 3 obstacles i.e. writing technique, demonstrating experience, and getting clients.

But don’t worry about any of these obstacles if you really feel that it could be for you. Because there is a way of building your portfolio very quickly once you have the skills, and then getting in front of clients without using the auction forums I (haven’t) mentioned.

And it’s not free, but is very affordable.

The Next Step

I’ve done the research for you (and me) on how to get from wanting to become a copywriter to being up and running within a reasonable time. It’s up to you how long it takes, but with the right amount of work you could be earning your first income within a couple of months.

Please don’t be put off by the name of the course – it’s tongue-in-cheek, and a bit of a demonstration of the copywriting skills you’ll be taught – It’s by a business called “Filthy Rich Writer” and the course is the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy.

If you’re still interested take a look at my review of the Filthy Rich Writer, Comprehensive Copywriting Academy.

I’m really interested in your questions or comments on my articles so please do leave them below, or email me at adrian@theonlinefreedomseeker.com

I look forward to reading them!

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