Copywriting is a dynamic profession renowned for its creative flair and valuable earning opportunities. While experienced copywriters and creative directors thrive in their roles, the true potential of this field lies in establishing your copywriting business.
However, setting forth into the world of copywriting entrepreneurship is more than just crafting compelling words. It entails client acquisition, contract negotiations, invoicing, and all the administrative complexities you might have overlooked as an employee.
To expose and streamline this process, we’ve refined it into six straightforward steps to guide your journey. It helps you set up a successful copywriting business, create an impactful portfolio website, and master client management.
So, delve into the details, gear up for your entrepreneurial launch, and unlock the boundless possibilities that await you in the world of copywriting business.
Why Should You Start a Copywriting Business?
Copywriting offers a unique, evergreen career path with the potential for substantial earnings, all while allowing you to work from anywhere with an internet connection – perfect for digital nomads.
The freedom that accompanies a copywriting business is invaluable. It’s the key to personal autonomy, as you have complete control over your time and life.
Whether you choose to pursue copywriting full-time or part-time, you can still generate a substantial income. You dictate your work schedule, workload, project preferences, and client selection. With your business, your income is entirely in your hands because you set your own rates.
Say goodbye to seeking permission for time off or leaving early for personal events. No more workplace stress from running late or concerns about attire. Forget about rushed lunches, office politics, or the fear of layoffs.
Owning your own copywriting business means you’re the boss, setting the rules that suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Which Steps Lead to Building a Successful Copywriting Business?
When you’ve honed your skills and gathered valuable experience, embarking on your copywriting business journey becomes the next logical step. To picture this: “How to Build a Successful Freelance SEO Copywriting Business: The Step-by-Step Guide.”. We’ve segmented into 6 essential steps for a smoother transition for your business.
Outline your Ideal Copywriting Client and Job
Determining your direction in the world of copywriting is an essential first step toward building a successful career. There are two primary aspects to consider: choosing a niche or specializing in a specific format.
Choosing a Niche:
If you opt to select a niche, you commit to writing exclusively within a particular industry or subject area. For instance, you might decide to focus on the fitness and wellness sectors. This choice means that your copywriting services will be tailored to individuals and companies operating in these industries.
Within the fitness and wellness niche, your writing assignments could span a wide range of formats, from crafting persuasive landing pages to creating compelling ad copy and engaging social media posts. There are endless possibilities to choose from, and this specialization is an excellent way to gain deep insight into a specific domain.
Specializing in a Format:
Another option would be to specialize in a specific format or type of copywriting. For example, you might decide to become an expert in email marketing. In this case, your services would be applicable to businesses across various industries. Your primary focus would be on crafting effective email content, which could include automated email campaigns, engaging newsletters, promotional emails, and more. This approach enables you to work with clients from diverse sectors, such as food, finance, fashion, and more, while honing your skills in a specific style of writing.
While it’s not mandatory to have a niche or format specialization, doing so can greatly benefit your copywriting business in the long run. Here’s why:
Reputation Building:
Establishing a reputation as an expert in a particular field can be achieved by specializing in a niche or format. Clients seeking expertise in that domain are more likely to choose you over generalists.
Targeted Copy:
Having a focus allows you to create more targeted and effective copy for your clients. A deeper connection with your audience can be achieved by having a deep knowledge of your niche or format.
Enhanced Skills:
Specializing gives you the opportunity to continuously refine your skills in a specific type of writing, making you more proficient and efficient at delivering high-quality work.
Refining the Business Aspects
The next phase involves handling the official, business-related aspects of your new copywriting venture. This subject is complex and varies significantly from one country to another. Therefore, we won’t delve into exhaustive details here. Instead, we strongly recommend seeking guidance from a local lawyer and accountant to ensure all your paperwork is impeccable and nothing crucial is overlooked.
Nevertheless, we’d like to provide you with some essential pointers for establishing your copywriting business:
1. Engage with Expert Professionals:
Due to the considerable regional variation, it’s imperative to locate trustworthy professionals who can navigate you through the process. Start by finding a reputable lawyer and accountant.
2. Create a Legal Entity:
Depending on your circumstances, establishing a legal entity might be necessary. Options could include forming an LLC or registering as a solo entrepreneur. Your lawyer can advise you on the most suitable choice.
3. Business Bank Account:
Having a bank account dedicated to business is a necessity. It functions differently from your personal account and is crucial for managing taxes and accounting in the future.
4. Client Contract Template:
Develop a comprehensive contract template for interactions with your future clients. Collaborate with your lawyer to ensure it covers all essential aspects. This should encompass matters like upfront payments, project deadlines, deliverables, and any other pertinent details. Such foresight is invaluable for mitigating potential issues with clients down the road.
Create a Website for your Copywriting Business
After addressing legal matters, establish your online presence with a copywriter portfolio website. While maintaining social media profiles is important, your website is the central hub.
For a quick and hassle-free website creation process, use a writer-focused builder like Copyfolio. It offers templates, customizable sections, and design options, enabling you to launch your site in an hour. Plus, it provides prompts and examples for writing project case studies, making content creation straightforward.
What to include on your copywriting business website
The use of software that simplifies tasks is advantageous, but it’s important to have a grasp of what to include on your website. Let’s quickly cover that overview.
Tagline Photo:
Start strong with a brief tagline and a professional photo of yourself. First impressions matter, and visitors should instantly grasp your identity and expertise.
Portfolio Samples:
Showcase examples of your previous copywriting work. Prospective clients seek evidence of your skills and capabilities.
Services List:
Provide a clear list and descriptions of your offered services. Specify the aspects of copywriting you excel in, benefiting both your business and your website’s SEO.
Contact Information:
Facilitate client contact by prominently displaying your contact details at the bottom of each page. Additionally, add a dedicated contact page to your menu for easy access.
By including these elements, you create an effective and informative copywriting website that engages visitors and encourages potential clients to get in touch.
Figure out the Pricing of your Copywriting Services
The success of your freelance copywriting services depends on the right pricing strategy. Both project-based and hourly pricing have their advantages and drawbacks, and it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your business model and your clients’ needs.
Here’s a more concise breakdown of each pricing method:
Project-Based Pricing:
- Set a fixed fee for specific projects, like a 1,000-word sales page.
- Clearly define what’s included, such as a discovery call and revisions.
- Offers clients upfront cost clarity.
- The price can be adjusted based on specific client needs.
Hourly Pricing:
- Charge based on the time spent on the project, including calls, writing, and revisions.
- Communicate your hourly rate and time tracking method.
- Provides flexibility for projects with uncertain scope.
- It’s possible that the final cost will not match the initial estimate.
Remember that you can also use a hybrid approach, combining both pricing models. For instance, you might offer project-based pricing for certain services and hourly billing for additional work beyond the project scope.
Your unique circumstances and target clients’ preferences will ultimately dictate the right pricing strategy. Regularly review your pricing strategy to ensure it remains competitive and sustainable for your freelance copywriting business.
Establish a Copywriting Business Process
The next step is to establish a business process, especially the process of finding, securing, and interacting with clients.
The step-by-step rundown
A detailed description of every step of the process will help streamline it for you. Consequently, it saves you precious time in the long run. Further, you can focus more on the work you love and waste less time on frustrating admin work.
The step-by-step rundown of the copywriting business process could look something like this:
- A potential client contacts you, or you reach out to prospects.
- Gather initial project information via email or a phone call.
- Provide a personalized project quote.
- Agree on project details and send a contract.
- Send the initial invoice upon contract signing.
- Schedule a call to gather the necessary project information.
- Complete the assignment or initial project phase.
- Send the work to the client for review.
- Conduct one or two rounds of revisions if needed.
- Present and deliver the final project.
- Send the final invoice for the completed work.
- Request a testimonial and permission to showcase the project in your portfolio.
Feel free to adapt and modify this process to suit your specific copywriting business needs.
6. Seek out Potential Clients
These are all great strategies for finding clients for your business. Let’s break down each approach a bit further:
1. Utilize SEO:
Blogs that you optimize for search engines should be included as part of your portfolio website’s long-term strategy. It aids in the development of your expertise and credibility in your area of expertise. Further, it can take time to see significant results, but it can generate organic and consistent traffic to your website.
2. Start Networking:
Leveraging your existing network is a quick way to get the word out about your services. The Internet can be a great way to connect with potential clients and colleagues. Besides, attending events and conferences can also provide face-to-face networking opportunities.
3. Be Active on Social Media:
Reaching a wider audience and positioning yourself as an expert can be achieved through social media.
Choose the platform(s) where your target clients are most active. Additionally, share valuable content and engage with your audience to build a following.
4. Research and Reach Out:
Proactively identifying and contacting potential clients can yield quick results. Target specific individuals within organizations who are responsible for hiring freelancers. Moreover, personalize your outreach messages to stand out from generic inquiries.
Final Thought:
In general, building a successful freelance SEO copywriting business is a journey that demands dedication, continuous learning, and effective marketing. You can build an excellent reputation by following this step-by-step guide to create high-quality content, cultivate client relationships, and build your reputation within the industry.
To succeed in freelance SEO copywriting, you must be persistent and adaptable to the ever-changing digital landscape. With the right strategy and commitment, you can thrive in this competitive field and achieve your career goals.