If you enjoy writing, sharing your skills with the world can be both fun and profitable, but you may be wondering how to get started. It can be easier than you might think, and with some time and effort, you may find that you have created a lucrative side gig or even a full career.
Lay your foundation
Before you begin, it makes sense to spend some time considering what type of writing is best suited to your particular skill set and knowledge base. This matters, because your interest will shine through in your writing, making it more engaging for the reader.
If you are particularly knowledgeable in an area, you might want to consider becoming a niche writer. The possibilities for this are almost boundless, and it can be enjoyable to share what you know with others who are also interested.
A portfolio puts your best foot forward
Once you have decided on an area of focus, it’s time to begin building your portfolio. This will make it easy to provide examples of your work to interested clients, and many writers choose to use a blog or website to do so.
You will be able to direct potential clients to your site so they can see for themselves what you do, and you may catch the attention of those looking for information, which can help you to attract a potential customer base.
When building your site, it can be wise to include audiovisual elements and graphics to gain more attention. You should also incorporate contact information and a direct link to your business email. If you’re a newbie at website building, don’t worry, as there’s plenty of professionals who will be happy to lend a hand.
When creating a portfolio, some writers have found it helpful to connect with not-for-profit groups in their area. They offer to write an article or other piece free of charge for the organization, which they then post on their website, and this provides an opportunity to get in some writing practice while also helping the charity.
Starting your search
Once you feel you are ready to start writing for clients and your website is up and running, it’s time to begin actively searching for customers. There’s a variety of ways to do so, and freelance marketplaces and job boards offer good starting points. These include Fiverr, Upwork, and many others – and with lots to choose from, it will really pay off if you do some research first.
Before you decide to work with a site, check out how it helps you with customers and also how and when you get paid for your work. Check online reviews from others who have made use of them, and you may also find dedicated job boards helpful.
Networking can be nifty
Just as in the “real world”, networking online can really pay off. Building a strong social media presence may help you both showcase your skills and connect with those in the market for your writing talents, and you can also network with other writers to share best practices.
If you have professional contacts, now is the time to make use of them. Let people know you are getting started as a writer, and you may find they would like to help.
Cold calls can pay off
While making cold calls may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they can often bring big benefits. Let potential clients know who you are, what you can do and also how this can help them to boost their sales. They can visit your portfolio, view your work and, if your website includes positive client reviews, they can feel confident in choosing you.
Keep it professional
As a freelance copywriter, you will be responsible for keeping your small business humming along. Being consistent is important, and your clients will come to learn they can count on you to get the job done on time. You will also need to take care of marketing yourself to the world, and keeping up to date on the latest developments in the sphere of copywriting as well as your niche market is vital.
Copywriting can be an enjoyable and lucrative career. Getting started doesn’t have to be difficult, and with a few simple steps, you can put your skills to work for you.