Nowadays, every company needs a copywriter. This professional will have the role of describing and helping you sell your products. How to never run out of customers and no longer fear economic crises and unemployment? How to become a key player in any structure? How to make a living with a laptop no matter where you live? We tell you everything in this article, step by step about the freelance copywriting business.
What is the job of a freelance copywriter?
A copywriter is a person who is paid to write copy. In other words, his or her role is to write words designed to incite action. Copywriter can be translated as copywriter-editor. The copywriter must be able to act like a telepath, getting into people's heads and perceiving their dreams, desires and fears. As soon as he is able to perceive everything that is inside you, he will write slogans, emails, advertisements. He can also write landing pages, promotional articles, sales pages, newsletters, etc. He is the king of marketing content.
You can be hired as a copywriter on a permanent contract. In this case, unlike the freelance copywriter, you will not have the management of your prospection nor of your work volume or your rates. On the other hand, you will have all the advantages of a permanent contract, such as paid vacations and the security of the employment contract.
Is the freelance copywriter a web writer?
Sometimes people confuse the copywriter with the web editor, but it is clearly not the same job. It is true that the web copywriter writes content. This is the case of blog articles, posts on social networks, SEO page. His essential role is to succeed in search engine optimization. He must therefore seduce Google's crawlers with his words.
On the other hand, the role of the copywriter is to use persuasive writing to ensure the sale of his clients' products. It is a job that is more valued because it leads directly to sales.
Also read: Top 13 freelance jobs
What salary can a freelance copywriter aspire to?
There are many imaginations about the salary of a freelance copywriter. It is true that some of them earn a very good living, with a salary that can reach six figures. In concrete terms, the copywriter is often treated better in terms of salary than a web editor. On average, they can earn between 3,800 and 5,500 euros each month.
Also read: What is the most profitable freelance job?
How to become a freelance copywriter?
The main advantage of being a freelance copywriter is that there is no specific school curriculum or degree required. So you have the ability to train yourself on the job. This is even possible when you feel you are not good at copywriting. Another advantage is that you do not need to have any capital to start this business. All you need is a laptop and an internet connection and you are ready to go.
Freelance copywriting is a job for everyone. As long as you are a motivated person and willing to put in the energy required, you can succeed in this field. Being a successful freelance copywriter requires discipline. You must learn a technique and take the time to repeat it until it becomes instinctive for you.
Choose your niche to get started
To become a competent freelance copywriter, you need to choose an industry or sector that inspires you. When you are a handyman, you are not an expert in any area. For example, you can opt for the email sequence or the sales page. The goal here is to choose a content type as your specialty. A way to limit your field of intervention.
Nevertheless, it allows you to focus on an area that you are learning to master. So you may end up with more clients by becoming an expert in that type of content or industry. As an example of niches, you can specialize in innovative start-ups in finance, online education or balanced snacks.
It is indeed essential to make a list of your interests. The sectors in which you feel most comfortable, the things you are passionate about, those that intrigue you. In the midst of all these interests you have listed, point out the ones for which there is a high demand. When there are many companies selling services or products related to your interest, then it may be the right one. Go for a niche that falls between the most lucrative and the most exciting for you and go for it.
The importance of reading a lot...
There are many books on copywriting. The most brilliant ones are in English. You can read them to learn more about copywriting. You should also consider building your swipe file. This is a file that allows you to store the good ads and the best sales pages that you need to read. You can copy and paste this data or take screenshots.
Also you could find online, swipe files. You will probably learn a lot about analyzing the best sales pages. Take the time to carefully observe the titles, from the first words written at the beginning to the end. Writing techniques are a great source of inspiration for you until you find your own style.
Your swipe file can be a favorites folder on the Google browser or a folder on the drive. A binder can also be valuable. You'll just need to collect the various paper ads that are of interest to you. To have the techniques of this business, reading and analysis will be your best assets. When you are in copywriting, you should not highlight the features of a product. Instead, it will be about touting its benefits. When you want to sell a beauty product, don't waste time on its composition, but on what it brings to the table that is new and different.
And to write a lot
One of the most taught techniques in the field is to copy sales pages word for word. Doing this over and over again will eventually give you a feel for their structure. You can also write mock sales pages based on a template. This is a very instructive method. It is important to practice a lot and if possible to write every day. Take the time to practice writing emails, headlines and more.
Get trained to become a good copywriter
Even though it is possible to become a competent copywriter on your own by looking at the internet and books, training is very often a gas pedal. Getting trained makes the job easier and gives you the essentials. The important resources you need to learn the business are then all in one place. You'll learn in the basics, how to create a sense of urgency to get someone to buy the product urgently.
When a copywriting course is of high quality, it also saves you time. You don't need to spend years to master the craft. The right training course offers you structures to follow very quickly. Personalized support is also available to you through the right training. This will allow you to know exactly what to work on and to have sharp recommendations.
Practice again and again until you master
Nothing beats practice. Simultaneously with learning, sign up on platforms like freelance copywriter and look for assignments. This is an effective technique to get initial reviews on your work. This is an important element in terms of social proof. So, you need to jump in and not wait until you are perfect to start. Even if a client offers an assignment that you don't know how to do, take it. This is the best way to learn as you execute the assignment.
Stepping out of your comfort zone allows you to work and hone your skills. Do this until you have mastered the method. It will take you much less time than you might think.
Create your own codex to recharge your batteries
Creating a codex can be very useful to gather your resources and learning organized by topic. This will allow you to go back to it as soon as you need to during your writings. You can store examples, ideas, concepts and figures in your codex. The same goes for stories or theories that you consider relevant and that could be useful for future texts that you write.
Freelance copywriting: in brief
In this article, we've covered the process of taking your first steps as a copywriter. It is true that in many cases it takes time, patience and discipline. Nevertheless, once you get past all the difficulties, there are many rewards in this business.
