If you answered yes to any of those questions, then becoming a freelance copywriter might be the perfect solution for you.
For the past 6+ years, I’ve worked as a freelance copywriter and I’ve loved every minute of it. But there was a time, not too long ago, when I was in your shoes…
Working a job I hated, feeling like I was missing out on precious family time I would never get back, and barely scraping by financially.
I’m here to tell you that it IS possible to make money as a freelance copywriter, and do it all from the comfort of your own home. I’m going to share with you everything I’ve learned about getting started in this business, so that you can make the leap and start enjoying the amazing lifestyle that comes with it.
First, a little bit about me and my background. I’m a wife and mom, and before I started freelancing, I was a waitress. Every day felt like torture, and I was constantly stressed out about money. I knew there had to be a better way to make a living, but I had no idea what that was. I tried all kinds of side hustles that left me feeling discouraged and defeated.
One day, I stumbled upon copywriting and it was an absolute lightbulb moment!
It sounded too good to be true, but something told me to pursue it (maybe it was a God thing!). It seemed like the perfect career for me — it was creative, flexible, and best of all, it paid REALLY well.
I started reading and watching everything I could get my hands on about copywriting, and in just a few short months, I had landed enough work to quit my restaurant job and become a full-time freelance writer. I was finally doing something I loved and making great money doing it — it was a total dream come true!
If you’re a working mom who desperately wants to find a way to make more money and spend more time with your family, then copywriting might be the right path for you too. Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about getting started as a freelance copywriter.
What Is Copywriting?
If you’re like most people, you might be confusing the word “copyright” with “copywrite.” Copyright is the little Ⓒ symbol that you see on books and websites, and it protects the creator’s intellectual property.
Copywriting, on the other hand, is the literal activity of writing the words that are on marketing materials that are trying to sell you something. This could be ads, emails, product descriptions, websites, and more.
Have you ever seen an ad, passed a billboard, or opened an email that made you stop and think, “Wow, I need that!”? It was so well-written and persuasive that you couldn’t help but click through and buy whatever they were selling? That’s the work of a talented copywriter.
As a freelance copywriter, you’ll get to use your creativity and writing skills to help businesses make money. And for that, they will gladly pay you!
What Does a Freelance Copywriter Do?
You might be wondering what the day-to-day work of a freelance copywriter looks like. It’s a little different for everyone, but once you land a client, you would be responsible for writing the copy that goes on their marketing materials. Each clients’ needs are different, so copywriting jobs can vary quite a lot (and that’s one of the reasons this career is so interesting!).
Some copywriters specialize in a certain type of writing, like website content or email marketing. Others, like myself, enjoy the variety of working on all different types of projects.
And some freelance writers might have a preferred writing style that only fits a certain type of brand or industry.
No matter what type of copywriting work you end up doing, you will spend time:
- Researching the client’s products or services
- Learning about their target audience
- Brainstorming ideas for the project
- Writing the actual copy
- Editing and proofreading your work
- Submitting it for review from your client
- Revising it based on feedback
You might even work with designers and other creative professionals to make sure the final product looks great.
The nice thing about your work is that you’re only expected to write; you don’t have to worry about the design, printing, distribution or the tech side of things (thank goodness!). As a busy mom, I know you’ll appreciate not having to take on the learning curve that might come with tech-related nightmares like HTML or Photoshop!
Your job as a freelance copywriter is to take a business’s products or services and make them sound so irresistible that people can’t help but want to buy them. The copywriting work you create can be delivered in a simple Google Doc, and then the client handles everything else!
And as a freelance copywriter, you are an independent contractor. A freelance writer is different from an in-house copywriter because you are NOT an employee — so YOU make the rules as far as where, how and when you work. You have total control over your daily schedule!
What Copywriting Skills Do You Need to Start Making Money?
When I was desperately looking for a way out of my minimum wage restaurant job, I felt unqualified for any type of work that I could do from home. The good news is that you don’t need a fancy degree or experience to become a freelance copywriter! All you need is a computer, internet connection and some killer writing skills (which you can learn!).
Luckily, becoming a great copywriter is more about understanding people and learning psychology and persuasion principles than it is about writing flowery prose. Copywriting is very conversational, so as long as you can write like you would speak to a friend, you will do great. There are plenty of tools like Grammarly, ProWriting and Hemingway Aid that can help you with the technical aspects of writing, too.
Here are a few things that will make you successful in this career:
The ability to write persuasively: You have to think of yourself as a salesperson, and your job is to make the reader want what you’re selling. This does NOT mean you need to use sleazy, “clickbait-y” techniques. Instead, focus on understanding what the reader wants and needs, and then craft your copy around that.
Creativity: The best freelance copywriters are able to come up with creative solutions to problems. If you can think outside the box, you’ll be ahead of the game.
An understanding of human psychology: People are motivated to buy for different reasons, so it’s important to understand what drives them. For example, some people make decisions based on logic, while others are more emotional. If you want to make money as a copywriter, you need to be able to appeal to both types of people.
Excellent research skills: A big part of your job will be understanding the client’s products or services and the market they’re targeting. This means you’ll need to do a lot of research to make sure you’re resonating with their ideal buyers.
The ability to work independently: Okay mamas, I’ve gotta give it to you straight here – copywriting is a freelance job, which means you’ll be working by yourself from home. This can be great for moms who need flexible hours, but it also means you’ll have to be very disciplined and at least somewhat organized. If you struggle to stay on task, becoming a freelance writer might not be the right job for you.
How Much Can You Charge for Copywriting Services?
Do freelance copywriters make good money? Definitely! Businesses are willing to pay top dollar for great copy because they need someone that can help them convert prospective buyers (or prospects) into paying customers.
How much you charge will depend on your copywriting skills, past experience and the type of projects you’re working on. Generally speaking, a newbie can expect to make $30-$50 per hour, while experienced freelance copywriters can charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour (or more!).
I don’t charge by the hour, but by the package or project. But when you break down the math, even in the beginning I never made less than $32 per hour.
Plus, I love that you can make money as a copywriter so quickly! Once you learn some of the skills above and start landing clients, you can easily make a full-time income from this career.
Within just a few months of learning what copywriting was, I was making 3x what my hourly rate at my restaurant job. Not only was I making more, but I was working less! For moms, that’s the dream, right? Make plenty of money while still having time to raise your kids.
And as a freelance writer, you can raise your rates with every successful copywriting job.
For my first few clients, I didn’t really know what to charge. So I started at a modest rate. Every single time I had a happy client, I raised my rates for the next project. I was gaining confidence and becoming a good copywriter with every new project, so it only made sense to raise my prices.
Now, I’m booked in advance and have a full roster of repeat clients. That means I’m able to turn down copywriting jobs that don’t interest me or don’t pay enough.
When you’re an in-demand freelance writer with a stack of testimonials, you can pick and choose which projects you want to work on. You can also command a high hourly rate because businesses know they’re getting a great return on their investment when they hire you.
The Benefits of Being a Freelance Copywriter
I’ve already mentioned a few of my favorite things about being a freelance copywriter, but let me list even more benefits about this awesome freelance career (because there are SO many!):
You can make your own schedule: This is huge for us moms who need to be able to pick our kids up from school or be there for important appointments. You don’t have to ask a boss for permission to take time off, you can just schedule around your family’s needs.
You can work from anywhere: As long as you have a laptop and internet connection. Want to work from the beach while your kids are on summer break? No problem! Need to nurse your baby on the couch while you wrap up some research? I did this! Prefer to get out of the house and get your creative juices flowing at a cozy cafe? Copywriting gives you that freedom.
You don’t need any formal education: I didn’t have to go back to school or get a degree in order to start my freelance copywriting business. A YouTube education and a few copywriting courses were all I needed to get started.
You can make a lot of money: Like I said before, experienced copywriters can make upwards of $200 per hour. And once you have a few happy clients under your belt, it’s not uncommon to start making 6-figures per year as a freelancer.
One of my copywriting mentors charges $50,000 for the sales letters he writes!
There are even some copywriters who make millions of dollars using their writing skills to sell their own products or services.
You don’t need any expensive equipment: Google Docs, Gmail and social media are all you need to get started with your freelance copywriting business. And the best part is, they’re all free! Does it help to have a professional website and email address or some softwares to streamline your workflows? Absolutely. But when you’re just starting out, focus on getting clients and building your portfolio first. You can always upgrade your equipment later on.
You’ll have a creative outlet: If you’re a creative person, copywriting is a great way to get paid while still using your imagination. You get to be persuasive, play with words and come up with interesting ideas for products and services – all things that us creative types enjoy (yep, I was a theater and choir kid!). And unlike many other creative jobs, copywriting actually pays well! If you ever dreamed of being an author, but you knew it probably would never pay the bills, becoming a freelance writer is a great compromise!
You can make a difference: Copywriting is a great way to make money while also helping businesses succeed. You have the power to choose what industries and brands you write for – and then by creating compelling copy, you can help your clients solve their customers’ problems. It feels good to make a difference in the world, and it’s even better when you can get paid to do it!
As a mom, I know that finding a way to make money that doesn’t involve sacrificing time with your kids can be tricky. But I also know that it’s possible – and being a freelance writer is a great option for moms who want to make good money while still being there for their families. So now you’re probably wondering how to get started… Read on…
How to Make Money as a Copywriter
If you love everything you’ve read so far, and you’re itching to start making money as a freelance copywriter, I’m going to share the simple process that I used to get started. It’s easy, I promise! But I have to give a warning first…
You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Most of you will NOT take action because it’s scary to put yourself out there. You might have a case of imposter syndrome, or you might not get responses when you offer your services at first, and that can be discouraging. You might even land a few copywriting clients, turn in the work, and get some negative feedback about your writing.
This is all normal! If you want to make a successful career out of copywriting, you need to push through the discomfort and keep going. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Now that I’ve given you the warning, here’s how to start a freelance copywriting career:
Step 1: Get educated
The first step to becoming a freelance copywriter is to educate yourself on the basics of copywriting. Don’t get lost in the weeds trying to learn everything at once – just focus on basic copywriting skills for now. The best and quickest way to do this is to take a copywriting course because you’ll have someone leading you through the process.
Yes, it IS an investment, but a good course will save you time and money in the long run by teaching you what you need to know to be successful. And if you choose a live course, you’ll also get the added benefit of networking with other students and getting feedback on your own writing.
Step 2: Get some practice
In order to land clients, you will need to show them that you know what you’re doing. The best way to do this is by writing some practice pieces and then using them for your portfolio.
If you took a copywriting course, this will be easy because you’ll already have some writing samples to work with. But if you didn’t take a course, don’t worry. My first portfolio consisted of a few pieces that I created by giving myself a “brief” (or project description) and then writing the copy as though I were being paid to do it. Basically, give yourself 2-3 writing assignments.
Doing this allowed me to track how much time each project took me to complete, so that I could start charging clients accordingly.
Step 3: Put together a portfolio
Now that you have some writing samples, it’s time to put them all in one place. Use Google Folders to organize your copy by project, or invest in a simple website that addresses your dream client’s needs. I personally use Wix for my copywriting portfolio website and WordPress for this one.
Step 4: Find your first client
Now it’s time to start looking for clients! If you know any business owners, that can be a great place to start. Reach out to them and see if they need any help writing copy that converts for their marketing materials.
If you don’t have any entrepreneurs in your network, no problem. Another great option is to join Facebook groups related to your niche (for example, there are tons of groups for small business owners in all sorts of industries) and see if anyone needs a writer. You can use the search bar in these groups to find relevant posts, or you can make your own introduction post explaining who you are and how you help business owners.
Marketing agencies and website designers are also a great resource for finding clients, as they are often looking for freelance writers to help with their projects.
You can “pitch” your services (ie. send a message explaining how you can help their business) to any of these groups or individuals, and if they’re interested, you can start working on your first copywriting project!
Copywriting jobs also get posted on job boards, hiring websites, and on LinkedIn. So make sure you’re checking those places regularly as well.
Step 5: Keep going!
The final step to becoming a freelance copywriter is to keep going! Don’t give up if your first few projects aren’t perfect. When I go back and look at some of my early writing, I can definitely see room for improvement. In fact – I’m surprised some people were even willing to pay me at first. But the more you write, the better you’ll get.
The more clients you work with, the easier it will be to get new clients, and the more you’ll learn about what works (and what doesn’t) with your copy. You’ll also get a better feel for which projects and industries you enjoy writing for, and you’ll learn how to price your services so that you’re making the income you want.
How to Make Your Writing Stand Out
If you want to become a good copywriter that can command those high rates of $100/hour or more, you will need to make your writing stand out. And the most effective way to do this is to focus on one “niche.” A niche is basically a target market or an area that you specialize in writing for.
For example, my niche is writing for skilled trades businesses (think construction, plumbing, heating and cooling, pest control, etc). It’s not glamorous, but it is very lucrative.
And I’ve worked with these types of local businesses long enough that I know exactly what high paying clients in this industry need and want. Even more important, I know what their audience needs and wants.
And because I only focus on this one niche, there is less work involved with each project. I don’t need to start from scratch with each new client, because I already have a wealth of knowledge and experience that I can draw upon.
The result is higher quality work in less time, which means I make more money per hour than if I were trying to write for lots of different niches.
Many brands hire copywriters specifically because they are experts in their field and know how to speak to their target audience in a way that resonates.
So if you want to make great money as a freelance copywriter, focus on becoming an expert in one particular niche. It will make you a good copywriter much faster than if you dabble.
Once you’ve picked an industry you want to focus on, you can even niche further by focusing on your preferred writing style. Maybe you love creating blog posts, or writing web copy, or crafting email marketing campaigns. Whatever it is, make sure you focus on becoming the best at that particular type of writing. That will set your copywriting work apart from the competition!
Writing Productivity Tips for Busy Moms
If you’re already a working mama, you might be thinking that you don’t have time to add one more thing to your plate…I totally understand! Even a few minutes to take a shower can be a luxury when you have young kids at home. So how on earth are you supposed to find the time to launch a freelance career when you’re already so busy?
If I haven’t said it enough, one of the fantastic things about freelance copywriting is that it can be done on YOUR schedule. You can choose to work early in the morning, or late at night, on lunch breaks, or during your kids’ naps.
And you can take things slow in the beginning:
Spend 30 minutes per day for the first few weeks just learning and practicing your writing. Once you have your samples in a little portfolio, spend 10 minutes per day reaching out to potential clients.
Add one client at a time to your schedule until you settle into a routine. It’s perfectly ok to start small and then build up your client base as you get more comfortable with your expanding copywriting work.
Before you know it, you’ll have a few regular clients and you can start scaling up your hours to make more money.
But if even finding 30 minutes per day is tough for you, here are a couple other productivity tips that might help:
- Get organized and make a schedule
You don’t have to do everything at once, just consistently make a little progress each day. - Set small goals with deadlines
“A Goal Is A Dream With A Deadline” – Napoleon Hill. If you don’t put a little pressure on yourself, it’s easy to make excuses and never get started. - Eliminate distractions
When you’re working, turn off your phone, close social media tabs, and focus! You’ll be surprised how much more you can accomplish in a shorter period of time when you’re not constantly interrupted. I use Newsfeed Eradicator to block my feed so it’s never even a temptation! - Use a timer
The Pomodoro Technique is a great way to break down big projects into manageable tasks with built-in breaks. - Get your family on board
Explain to your kids and partner what you’re doing and why, and ask them for help so that you can make the time to work on your business. - Set some boundaries
Let your clients know what times of day you will be available to work, and make sure you stick to those hours. I use Calendly to set my available hours. No clients have my phone number; they can email me or schedule a video meeting during times that work for me. - Take care of yourself
A well-rested, healthy mama is a productive mama! So make sure you’re taking care of your own needs too.
Overall, just be consistent. You don’t have to launch your copywriting business by next week, or even by next month. Just make a little progress each day, and eventually you’ll be making money that offsets your current income. And then you’ll be able to quit your job and focus on scaling your freelance work.
If your dream is to be a mom first and career woman second…
If you want the freedom to make your own schedule and be there for all of life’s little moments…
If you don’t want to feel limited by your 9-5 job…
Then I encourage you to explore the world of freelance copywriting. Becoming a freelance copywriter allowed me to have the best of both worlds – a career I’m passionate about and the flexibility to be there for my family when they need me. With a little hard work and some dedication, it can do the same for you!
