How to Start Copywriting Business: Step-by-Step Guide

Businesses today require compelling copies that attract prospects and influence them to purchase. Due to this, there is an increasing demand for skilled copywriters. Copywriting business is highly lucrative, but, requires significant time, effort, and adequate planning to succeed. The good news is that we’ll walk you through the steps of starting a copywriting business.

In this guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about starting and succeeding in business as a copywriter.

How to Start a Copywriting Business

Here are some things to consider when starting a copywriting business.

1. Map Out a Plan

Before anything else, you need a well-structured plan to help you achieve your goals. Map out a strategy that is best suited for your needs. Start by figuring out what industry type you want to write for. Say you want to focus on sales copy for technology companies, begin by researching the industry and finding companies that may need your service.

Also, identify the types of writing projects available in the industry. It could be blog posts, email marketing copies, or advertising copy. Set goals to decide how you’d go about offering your services and make it precise in your strategy. This will help you know where to focus your efforts.

2. Choose a Niche That Resonates With You

A copywriting niche is the specific industry, market, or field that you specialize in writing for. Carving a niche for yourself may seem like limiting the scope of your work, but this isn’t the case.

By narrowing down your niche to a specific one, you’ll target a particular industry. This way, you’ll become an expert copywriter in that industry. Clients will pay more for your expertise because they know you’ve gathered experience in that field.

When considering a niche to focus on, think of what you’re best at and what interests you. If you’re unsure what niche is suitable for your skill level, research to see where your skills can be applied.

3. Build Your Copywriting Brand

Branding is what distinguishes you from your competitors. It is the first impression you make on your ideal clients. By building a recognizable, consistent brand, you help potential clients trust you.

The better you create your brand, the easier it becomes for you to grow your business. Your brand includes the business personality, tone, voice and style, logo, fonts, and others.

The position you take as a copywriter is essential to your branding. Think about these questions, in addition to your skills, values, and passions:

• What do you want to represent?
• Which impact do you hope to make on the world?
• What do you want to be known for?

4. Establish Your Rates

Research to find out what other copywriters in the same niche and with similar experience levels as you are charging. Setting per-word and hourly rates will afford prospective clients some flexibility.

Before settling on your price, consider all business expenses covered by your income, including your utilities, health insurance expenses, rent, and others.

As a newbie, setting lower rates to attract clients can be tempting. However, ensure that the rates you charge are sustainable in the long run and don’t lead you to a business loss.

5. Gather Your Writing Samples

Gather writing samples from previous work to showcase your skills and demonstrate the range of clients and industries you’ve worked for. You’ll need this to show your potential clients that you’re capable.

If you’re just starting a career in copywriting and have no previous writing experience, draft some samples. You might consider writing copies for free for family and friends.

6. Develop Your Portfolio

Create an online portfolio showcasing your work samples, listing your services, and providing a bio, so clients can learn about you. You don’t need samples from big companies to fill your portfolio.

Potential clients are only interested in seeing writing examples that showcase your copywriting skills.

7. Sharpen Your Skills

There’s never an end to knowledge. Look for an online platform where you can improve your writing skills and learn new ones that can help grow your business.

You might want to know more about SEO principles, digital marketing, and others, so consider enrolling in flexible online courses.

8. Market Your Brand to the Right Audience

It’s time to inform your audience that you’re ready to receive clients and create excellent copies for them. Take advantage of the most affordable marketing platform to get your brand out to the public.

You may set up Google Ads and optimized websites to give your business more publicity and drive traffic to your site and brand.

You can also market your business by optimizing your LinkedIn profile and publishing content on social media. Consider writing blog posts and articles relevant to your niche. Ask others for referrals and send cold emails to potential clients in your niche.

To Wrap Up

Starting a copywriting business can be challenging–but with the right strategy and tools in place, you’ll reap the benefits of your hard work. Copywriting business is full of ample opportunities–It’s all up to you. Set up a plan, build your brand, create your samples, market your business, sharpen your skills, and take action.

Remember to execute your plan step-by-step, and keep your eye on the prize. It’s time to get started with your business!