Ever wondered how to start copywriting without going back to school? You’re not alone. Many beginners see the impressive income stats and immediately think, “I need a degree for this.” But here’s the truth: formal education isn’t the only path to becoming a skilled (and paid) copywriter. In fact, some of the best writers learned by doing. No fancy diploma is required.
Your words are your currency in this field, so your first move should be sharpening your quill.
Assuming you are already familiar with the basics of writing, your problem is half-solved. Therefore, if you’re ready to break into copywriting and start earning, this guide will show you exactly how to begin, but before we dive into these steps, let’s clarify what copywriting is.
What is copywriting?
In simple terms, copywriting is advertisement and marketing through writing. It is the art of creating content about products and services to influence customers to drive sales.
This distinguishes copywriting from regular writing. Copywriters are equivalent to salespeople; their ability to generate sales determines their success in the industry.
Achieving good results depends on a strong understanding of psychology, storytelling, and persuasion. If you have ever made an impulsive purchase because of something you read about a product, you know first-hand the power copywriting wields.
How to start a copywriting business
Copywriting has become a critical component of sales and marketing, prompting many businesses to invest in hiring skilled copywriters. Following these steps, you can start a fulfilling career and make a living with this sought-after skill.
Understand the basics of copywriting
The first step to launching a career in copywriting is to invest time in acquiring knowledge. Understanding its fundamentals will help you develop a strong foundation for achieving success.
Mere stringing words together doesn’t cut it. You must understand the psychology and interests of your target market. You may have to spend a lot of time studying.
Start by reading everything related to copywriting. If you’re reading this post, you’re already on the right path.
Explore more resources like this one, listen to podcasts from seasoned professionals, and consider enrolling in certification courses to expand your knowledge further.
Be aware of why brands use copywriters
As you explore, pay attention to why there’s a high demand for copywriters. Look into the people who hire them to understand their needs and the value you can provide.
This information will help you focus on the right skills and necessary knowledge to become a hero with a keyboard.
Decide to niche or not to niche
Contrary to what copywriting blogs suggest, I am against settling for a niche before finding your feet in the industry. Choosing a specific niche too early will box you in and limit your opportunities for growth and development.
As a newbie, testing the waters is okay until you identify where you feel most comfortable and effective. Explore various projects across various niches until you find your happy place.
Aside from enhancing your expertise, this approach can help you earn a fatter check. However, you can decide to specialize once you have mastered the art of selling with words.
You can focus on an area that sparks your interest or consider more lucrative niches. Whatever you decide, conducting market research will help you make informed decisions.
Practice writing copies
In my piece on what makes a good writer, I wrote that mimicking successful authors can improve writing skills. Unfortunately, copywriting requires a different approach. Simply rewriting your favorite ads won’t suffice; instead, focus on understanding the strategies that make them effective.
After studying various samples, put your knowledge into practice by creating your copy. Find what other copywriters are doing and discover ways to improve them.
You cannot say you know the first thing about how to start copywriting until you write copies. Understand that your initial attempts will likely be rusty, but you will soon improve with experience.
Create a convincing portfolio
Think about your target audience and tailor your portfolio to match their interests. Most consider this portfolio a minimum viable portfolio (MVP).
An online portfolio featuring samples of your best work is essential for attracting high-paying clients. If possible, include testimonials from previous clients to enhance your credibility.
Say, you have just learned how to start copywriting but haven’t landed any clients, you can still build a portfolio. Put together sample pieces that showcase your writing style or offer discounted rates for initial projects to get materials for a portfolio.
Audit your skillset
Certain skills are relevant to copywriting beyond a strong portfolio. Research what potential clients in your field seek and determine if you need further training.
Consider upskilling if you find gaps in your skillset. Enroll for certification courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera to garner skills that make you marketable.
Set your copywriting rates
Setting rates that reflect your skills is important when you transition to monetizing your writing. Ensure you are confident about your services before placing a price tag.
While it may be tempting to charge less to win fast gigs, undervaluing your work can trap you in a cycle of low-paying jobs for a long time. Consider the time and effort you put into your craft, know your worth, and quote like a professional.
If you’re anxious about being a beginner, remember to assess each project individually. Based on your estimates, you can decide on a rate to ensure fair compensation.
However, you must be careful, as many clients are ready to use your skills.
Promote your services and apply for gigs
Regardless of how impressive your portfolio is, you can never land a gig by hiding under a bushel. You have established yourself as a copywriter; now let others know about your skills and capabilities.
Invest in self-promotion to be visible to clients. Market your services on platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn.
If you’re aiming to freelance, take some time to search for valuable clients. As you apply for jobs and bid on platforms, expect some rejections along the way. Don’t give up, though, because persistence will eventually lead to rewarding opportunities.
Network like a pro
Learning how to start copywriting is one thing, but sustaining the business is a different challenge. Creating a support system is one of the quickest ways to do this.
Beyond family and friends, it’s crucial to network with industry professionals. Building lasting relationships with fellow writers can provide valuable support when needed.
Connecting with other professionals is also a unique way to market yourself. A healthy network of copywriters will keep you updated on market trends and job opportunities.
Build your reputation to generate referrals
Now that you are ready to take your first steps toward becoming a successful copywriter, you must strive to remain successful. Whether you’re writing headlines that stop traffic or compelling sales copy, a solid reputation is essential for your progress.
Clients are cautious about hiring copywriters without solid testimonials, so you should work on enhancing your credibility from your very first project.
Register your business properly, leave a positive impression, and flaunt any positive client feedback. Doing so can attract more clients and secure referrals from satisfied customers.
Conclusion
To wrap up, copywriting is a lucrative venture for anyone with the right skills. However, you need consistency and practice to make a meaningful income.
With the tips provided, starting copywriting should not be difficult. Please share your top takeaway from this article in the comment box below.
