tips for new freelance copywriters

Megan Rose Freelance

Oct 3

Like lots of established freelance copywriters, I often get asked for advice on how to get started by new copywriters. And like lots of established freelance copywriters, I don't always have the time I'd like to spend on replying.

So, like others before me I've decided to pop all my top tips, resources and words of questionable wisdom in one place, so I can just send one handy link.

Let's go!

Don't expect it to be easy

That might be a bit of a downer to start on, but I think it's important to be realistic. Unless you already have a steady stream of clients lined up from your (current) day job, finding enough clients to make freelancing worth it will likely be hard at first. There's a lot of competition out there, so focus on your marketing and stay positive. Hard work and consistency do tend to pay off eventually.

And there's more to freelance copywriting than just writing. You'll need to be your own marketer, designer, strategist, admin, bookkeeper and more.

But it's an absolute joy and worth it

There you go. I'm not all doom and gloom. It really is wonderful.

Years ago, I wrote a top ten of the good, the bad and the practical for freelancers - and they all still stand today. Number 6 is especially important.

Random unsolicited advice

Always use a contract. Even (especially) if you're working with friends or family. The Procopywriters site (link in the section below) has some templates that are a good start.
Make sure you get business insurance. I'm with PolicyBee, but there are plenty of other options out there, too. Professional liability insurance is a must, and I also have public indemnity insurance. Adding cover for US-based clients can be expensive, so it could be worth excluding US clients from your policy for now and adding them if/when you get your first US client.
If you're a sole trader, you don't need a separate bank account. But putting work stuff through a separate account makes things so much easier when it comes to doing your tax return.
On that, I'd say it's worth investing in an accountant's help with your tax return, even in the early days.
There's lots of advice out there about what to charge. It's important not to undercharge (because that drags down rates across the industry) but it's also important to know that clients in different industries will pay differently. B2B often pays more than B2C (and FMCG brands often have relatively low budgets).

Resources for new and aspiring copywriters

Check these out:

Emma's excellent words of wisdom.
ProCopywriters - especially this post on how to become a freelance copywriter, this one on finding your first clients, and this one on marketing. Their annual pricing survey is also my go-to for benchmarking my rates.
Dan Nelken's newsletter, course and book. In fact, anything and everything Dan Nelken.
Kate Toon's tips, knowledge and copywriting resources.
My very own A-Z of Copywriting.