Freelance Copywriting
The demand for talented copywriters is increasing in the digital era of the modern day when almost everything is done online. In efforts to emerge from the crowded online world, need for compelling and persuasive content has grown considerably. This has resulted in freelance copywriting becoming a highly preferred career. The question is what is a copywriter?
This guide will introduce you to the freelance copywriting world and offer you the information you need to treat it as a career option.
Freelance Copywriter Vs Professional Copywriter
To move on into the world of freelance copywriting, first, we need to distinguish what are copywriters and a professional copywriter.
A freelance copywriter is an independent contractor who works on a per project basis for several clients. They are not tied to any company or brand and they are free to pick their projects and clients. They mainly work off site and can determine their schedule.
Conversely, a professional copywriter is an employee of a company or agency on a full-time basis and their key role is to produce persuasive content for the brand they are employed by. They might also work as freelancers to gain extra money, but the main source of their income is a full-time job.
Both types of copywriters demand nearly the same knowledge and sets of skills, the distinction is in the way they work and clientele they serve. Copywriters are free to write for a number of different companies and brands, while professional copywriters may be more specialized in one niche or industry.
The Lucrative World of Copywriting
Online marketing world also adores copywriting as a highly demanded skill and in case of freelance, such job provides a chance to have a good income. A Glassdoor study discovered that American freelance copywriters make an average of $60,296 per year and top performers taking home as much as $106,000 per year.
Copywriters’ income potentials are not restricted to any area, as they can enter into contracts with clients living in every part of the globe. This enables them to have access to a global market and to be able to earn more.
Another benefit of the copywriting profession is that as enterprises move towards digital marketing to reach their target market, the need for trained copywriters is expected to increase, thus, providing a sustainable and profitable career.
Typical Duties and Skills Required
Your core function as a freelance writer is to generate engaging content that resonates with your client’s target market and drives the promotion of his or her products or services. Lots of things fall under this category such as writing website content, social media posts, email marketing campaigns, and many other examples.
To be successful as a freelancer copywriter, you need to know English well and have very good writing abilities. The company voice and message intended for the target market should be correctly captured.
Other essential skills for freelance copywriters include:
1. Research Skills: Working with clients of various industries copywriters should possess high research skills to understand the client’s brand, target audience and industry. This aids in the development of more persuasive and precise content for the client.
2. SEO Knowledge: Today, most clients need to have the kind of copy that is optimized for search engines in order to improve their online visibility. A basic knowledge of SEO is required as a copywriter to include keywords properly in your writing.
3. Time Management: Time management is essential in a freelancer's life, especially when it comes to meeting deadlines and delivering quality work to the clients. This also guarantees that a company’s goodwill is not tainted and may result to repeat business.
4. Communication Skills: Though as a copywriter you may not have the pleasure of personal interactions with your clients, effective communication is still crucial. You should be able to comprehend and respond to the requirements of the client, ask pertinent questions, and provide status on the progress.
Finding Freelance Copywriting Jobs
Freedom of the choice of projects and clients is one of the most important pluses of freelancing. However, getting freelancing copywriting jobs is not too easy at times, especially for novices. Here are a few ways you can find freelance copywriting opportunities:
1. Utilize Freelance Platforms: Such sites as Up work, Fiverr, and Freelancer are famous places for freelance jobs. You can make a profile, represent your qualifications, and bid on projects you would like to work on.
2. Network: Networking is a key aspect of each profession and for freelance copywriters it even has stronger impact. Participate in industry gatherings, join virtual groups, and network with colleagues to form alliances and discover potential clients.
3. Cold Pitching: In cases where one has a company or brand in mind that they want to work with, reaching out through cold pitch is an option. This entails sending a tailored email or letter detailing your services and how you can benefit their enterprise.
4. Referrals: Freelancers can turn word-of-mouth marketing into a powerful weapon. Get your former clients or co-workers to recommend you to anyone looking for a freelance copywriter.
Challenges of Freelance Copywriting
Freelance copywriting presents a number of advantages, but it has its problems too. Some of the common challenges freelance copywriters face include:
1. Inconsistent Income: While a full-time job offers a regular paycheck, the income of a freelancer fluctuates. Some months are too crowded, while others are empty. You need to keep your finances in check and should also prepare yourself for the times when there is no work.
2. Balancing Multiple Projects: Being a freelancer, you may have numerous clients and projects concurrently, which can be very stressful. One needs to know how to organize the work and set priorities to accomplish the tasks in time and give the result of quality.
3. Finding New Clients: Further, it has been already mentioned that getting freelance copywriting jobs might be a problem, especially for novices. It takes constant work and networking to prospect for new clients and keep a steady stream of orders coming.
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Conclusion
Although freelance copywriting is not without its difficulties, it seems to be a perfect career for those interested in writing and marketing. With businesses depending on digital marketing to reach their clients, the need for quality copywriters is bound to increase even more. Freelance copywriting can be a satisfying and rewarding career, requiring the right skills, determination and perseverance. So, if you are deliberating on being a freelance copywriter, make the bold move in succeeding in establishing a career that will give you financial freedom.