9 Ways to Make Money as a Freelance Copywriter: Side Hustle Gold Mine
Are you looking for a way to boost your income? Freelance copywriting might be the perfect side hustle for you.
With flexible hours and the ability to work from anywhere, it’s a great option for those seeking extra cash.
Copywriting can be a lucrative field, with many writers earning between $75,000 to $150,000 per year. You can start small and grow your business over time, making it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced writers alike. In this article, we’ll explore nine ways you can make money as a freelance copywriter.
1) Start a Blog
Want to make some extra cash as a copywriter? Starting a blog could be your ticket.
It’s a great side hustle that can showcase your writing skills and build your reputation.
Pick a niche you’re passionate about.
Maybe it’s travel, tech, or cooking.
Write about what you know and love.
This will make your content more engaging and genuine.
Create a simple website using platforms like WordPress or Squarespace.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a tech whiz.
These sites make it easy to get started.
Post regularly to keep your readers coming back.
Aim for at least once a week.
Quality matters more than quantity, so focus on writing helpful, interesting content.
Manage your time wisely.
Blogging can eat up hours if you’re not careful.
Set aside specific times for writing and stick to them.
As your blog grows, you can start making money.
Sell ad space, do sponsored posts, or offer your copywriting services to your readers.
It’s a win-win – you practice your craft and earn some cash.
Remember, blogging takes time to pay off.
Be patient and keep at it.
Your efforts will eventually lead to more copywriting gigs and a fatter wallet.
2) Offer Copywriting Services on Fiverr
Want to make some extra cash with your writing skills? Fiverr might be the perfect place to start your copywriting side hustle.
This popular platform connects freelancers with clients from all over the world.
Setting up a profile on Fiverr is easy and free.
You can showcase your talent and offer various copywriting services.
Think about writing product descriptions, email campaigns, or even social media posts.
Pricing your services is flexible on Fiverr.
You can start small and raise your rates as you gain experience and positive reviews.
Many copywriters on Fiverr offer packages starting from just $10.
One cool thing about Fiverr is that you can work on your own schedule.
Pick up gigs when you have free time, making it perfect for a side hustle.
You might even land repeat clients who love your work.
Building a strong portfolio on Fiverr can lead to bigger opportunities.
Some copywriters have turned their Fiverr side gig into a full-time career earning thousands per month.
Remember to provide top-notch service to get those five-star reviews.
Happy clients mean more work and higher pay in the future.
So polish your writing skills and give Fiverr a shot!
3) Cold Email Potential Clients
Cold emailing can be a great way to find new copywriting gigs.
It’s a simple side hustle that can lead to big opportunities.
To start, make a list of companies you’d like to work with.
Look for businesses that might need your writing skills.
Next, find the right person to contact.
This could be a marketing manager or content director.
You can often find their email on the company website or LinkedIn.
Craft a short, engaging email that introduces yourself and your services.
Keep it brief and to the point.
Nobody wants to read a long message from someone they don’t know.
In your email, show that you’ve done your homework.
Mention something specific about their company or recent work.
This proves you’re not just sending out mass emails.
Offer value right away.
Maybe you’ve noticed something on their website that could be improved.
Or you have an idea for a blog post that would fit their brand.
Don’t forget to include a clear call to action.
Ask if they’d like to chat more about how you can help their business.
Remember, cold emailing can lead to lucrative projects.
Many successful copywriters have landed big clients this way.
Be prepared for some rejection.
Not everyone will respond, and that’s okay.
Keep trying and refining your approach.
With persistence and a good pitch, cold emailing can become a valuable part of your copywriting business.
4) Network on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a goldmine for freelance copywriters looking to make some extra cash.
It’s the perfect place to connect with potential clients and show off your skills.
Start by sprucing up your profile.
Make sure it highlights your copywriting expertise and showcases your best work.
Don’t be shy about bragging a little – this is your chance to shine!
Regularly post updates about your copywriting projects or share helpful tips for businesses.
This keeps you visible and positions you as an expert in your field.
Join LinkedIn groups related to copywriting or industries you’re interested in.
Engage in discussions, offer advice, and make connections.
You never know where your next gig might come from!
Reach out to people in your network.
Let them know you’re available for freelance work.
A simple message can open doors to new opportunities.
Don’t forget to use LinkedIn’s search function to find companies that might need your services.
Look for businesses in industries you enjoy writing for.
Consider writing guest posts for other LinkedIn users or companies.
This can help you reach a wider audience and attract new clients.
Remember, networking on LinkedIn isn’t just about finding immediate work.
It’s about building relationships that can lead to ongoing opportunities.
So be patient, be helpful, and keep at it!
5) Join Copywriting Job Boards
Want to find copywriting gigs without the hassle of cold pitching? Job boards are your new best friend.
These platforms gather writing opportunities in one place, making it easier for you to land clients.
Freelance writing job boards can be a goldmine for copywriters.
They offer a variety of projects, from email campaigns to product descriptions.
You’ll find gigs that fit your schedule and expertise.
Some popular job boards include ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Gigs, and BloggingPro.
These sites post new opportunities daily, so check them often.
Don’t forget about general freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
They have dedicated sections for copywriting jobs too.
When you’re just starting, job boards can help you build your portfolio and client base.
You’ll gain experience working with different businesses and industries.
Remember to create a standout profile on these platforms.
Highlight your skills and any previous work.
A strong profile increases your chances of getting hired.
Job boards are great for finding steady work as a copywriter.
You can take on as many or as few projects as you want.
It’s perfect for earning extra cash on the side.
Keep in mind that competition can be fierce on job boards.
Make your proposals stand out by tailoring them to each client’s needs.
6) Pitch to Digital Marketing Agencies
Want to boost your copywriting income? Try pitching to digital marketing agencies.
These companies often need skilled writers for their clients’ projects.
Start by researching agencies in your area or online.
Look for ones that match your writing style and expertise.
Make a list of potential targets.
Next, craft a killer pitch email.
Highlight your best work and explain how you can help their clients.
Keep it short and snappy – agency folks are busy!
Don’t forget to customize each pitch.
Show you’ve done your homework on the agency.
Mention specific projects or clients they’ve worked with.
Follow up if you don’t hear back.
A polite reminder can sometimes do the trick.
But don’t be pushy – nobody likes a pest.
Once you land a gig, knock it out of the park.
Agencies love reliable freelancers.
Do great work, and they’ll likely come back with more projects.
Working with agencies can be a steady source of side income.
Plus, you’ll gain experience across different industries and writing styles.
Remember, it’s a numbers game.
Don’t get discouraged if you hear “no” a few times.
Keep pitching, and you’ll find success as a freelance copywriter.
7) Create a Portfolio Website
Want to show off your copywriting skills and land more clients? A portfolio website is your ticket to success.
It’s like a digital resume that lets you strut your stuff 24/7.
Setting up a portfolio site doesn’t have to be hard.
You can use platforms like WordPress or Squarespace to build your copywriting portfolio without any coding know-how.
What should you include on your site? Start with your best work samples.
Pick a mix of different types of copy to show your range.
Add a brief bio that tells potential clients who you are and what you’re all about.
Don’t forget to make it easy for people to get in touch with you.
Include a contact form or your email address so clients can reach out when they’re ready to hire you.
Keep your design clean and simple.
You want your writing to be the star of the show.
Choose a layout that’s easy to navigate and looks good on both computers and phones.
Update your portfolio regularly with new work.
This shows you’re active and always improving your craft.
You might even want to add a blog to share your copywriting tips and insights.
Remember, your portfolio website is working for you even when you’re not.
It can attract clients while you sleep or work on other projects.
So put some love into creating a site that really showcases your talents.
8) Write for Content Mills
Content mills can be a good starting point for new copywriters.
These websites offer lots of writing jobs, but they usually don’t pay much.
You can sign up for sites like Textbroker or iWriter.
They’ll give you short writing tasks on different topics.
The pay is often low, maybe just a few cents per word.
But you can practice your skills and get used to working with deadlines.
Content mills are great for building your confidence as a writer.
You’ll learn to write faster and handle different subjects.
You might not make big bucks, but it’s a way to earn some cash on the side.
It’s perfect if you’re just starting out or need extra money.
Remember, content mills shouldn’t be your end goal.
Use them as a stepping stone to better-paying gigs.
Try to save samples of your best work from these sites.
You can use them later when applying for higher-paying jobs.
As you improve, you’ll be able to take on more challenging tasks.
This can lead to slightly better pay rates over time.
Don’t rely on content mills for too long, though.
Keep looking for other ways to grow your copywriting career while you work on these sites.
9) Niche Down Your Services
Picking a niche can boost your copywriting side hustle.
Instead of trying to do everything, focus on one area.
This makes you stand out from other writers.
You could choose a specific industry like tech, health, or finance.
Or you might pick a type of writing, such as email marketing or social media posts.
When you niche down, you become an expert in that field.
Clients will see you as the go-to person for their needs.
This can lead to more work and higher pay.
To find your niche, think about what you enjoy writing about.
Look at your past experience too.
Maybe you worked in retail before.
That could make you great at writing product descriptions.
Don’t worry about limiting yourself too much.
You can always branch out later.
For now, focusing on one area will help you build skills and connections.
Try different niches if you’re not sure.
Write a few pieces in each area.
See what feels right and what gets the best response from clients.
Remember, your niche can change as you grow.
Start somewhere and adjust as you learn more about the copywriting world.
Building a Strong Portfolio
A solid portfolio is key to landing clients as a freelance copywriter.
It shows off your skills and helps you stand out.
Let’s look at how to create an awesome portfolio that gets results.
Showcasing Different Writing Styles
Your portfolio should highlight your versatility as a writer.
Include samples from various industries and types of copy.
Try to show:
- Blog posts
- Email campaigns
- Social media content
- Landing pages
- Product descriptions
Mix it up with both long-form and short-form content.
This proves you can adapt your style to different needs.
Don’t have real client work yet? No problem! Create some mock pieces for imaginary brands.
Or write guest posts for blogs in your niche.
Make sure each sample is polished and error-free.
Quality matters more than quantity here.
Creating a Professional Website
Your website is often a client’s first impression of you.
Make it count! Build a site that reflects your unique voice.
Keep it simple and easy to navigate.
Include these key elements:
- An “About Me” page that sells your skills
- A clear list of your services
- Your best writing samples
- Client testimonials (if you have them)
- Contact info and a call-to-action
Consider using a portfolio builder tool to make the process easier.
Many offer templates designed for writers.
Make sure your site looks good on mobile devices too.
Lots of potential clients will view it on their phones.
Finding Clients
Getting clients is key to making money as a freelance copywriter.
You’ve got options to connect with potential customers and land gigs.
Let’s look at two popular ways to find work.
Networking on Social Media
Social media is a goldmine for finding copywriting clients.
Start by sprucing up your LinkedIn profile.
Highlight your skills and share some writing samples.
Join Facebook groups for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
These folks often need help with their copy.
Don’t be pushy, though.
Offer helpful tips and build relationships first.
Twitter’s great for quick connections.
Follow marketing pros and engage with their posts.
Share your own insights too.
You never know who might notice and reach out.
Instagram can work wonders if you’re into visual content.
Post eye-catching graphics with snappy captions to show off your skills.
Remember, it’s not just about self-promotion.
Be genuinely helpful and friendly.
People are more likely to hire someone they like and trust.
Joining Freelance Platforms
Freelance platforms can kickstart your copywriting side hustle. Upwork and similar sites are popular, but they’re competitive.
Create a standout profile.
Showcase your best work and highlight any niche expertise.
Be specific about the types of projects you can tackle.
Start with smaller jobs to build up your ratings.
Good reviews are gold on these platforms.
They help you land bigger, better-paying gigs later on.
Don’t lowball your rates just to get work.
It’s tempting, but it can hurt you in the long run.
Charge fair prices for quality work.
Look for long-term clients.
Repeat business is easier than constantly hunting for new gigs.
Once you find a good client, go above and beyond to keep them happy.
Stay active on the platform.
Regular logins and quick responses to job posts can boost your visibility.
Setting Your Rates
Figuring out what to charge as a freelance copywriter can be tricky.
You want to make good money but also stay competitive.
Let’s look at some tips for setting fair rates and talking to clients about pricing.
Understanding Market Standards
Freelance copywriting rates vary a lot based on experience and project type.
As a beginner, you might charge $25-$50 per page or around $0.50 per word.
More experienced writers often ask for $50-$500 per page.
For blog posts, some writers charge $50-$100 for short pieces.
Longer posts of 2,000+ words can go for $400-$500 each.
Hourly rates are another option.
New copywriters may start around $27 per hour, while pros can earn $100+.
It’s smart to research what others in your niche charge.
This gives you a good starting point for setting your own rates.
Negotiating with Clients
When talking money with clients, be clear and upfront. Explain your pricing in simple terms, like “$1,000 for a five-page website” or “$300 for a sales letter.”
Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
If a client’s budget is low, you could offer fewer revisions or a shorter word count.
Remember, your time is valuable.
Factor in research, editing, and client communication when setting project rates.
As you gain experience and build a portfolio, gradually raise your rates.
Your skills are worth more as you improve.
Be ready to justify your prices.
Highlight your unique skills, past successes, and the value you bring to each project.