How to Build a Profitable Copywriting Career as a Freelance Writer
Starting in freelance copywriting may seem difficult at first. However, if you continue to read this article, you will better understand what it entails and how to become one.
If you’re a freelance writer, you’ve probably noticed something important. While some writers make just enough to get by, others consistently land high-paying freelance writing jobs. The good news for you is that it isn’t just about luck.
Copywriting is one of the most profitable skills in freelance writing. It’s the art and science of selling products, services, or ideas with your words. If you’ve been writing blog posts, articles, or website content, learning copywriting might be the smartest move you’ll make in your freelance writing career.
Here, you will be walked through everything you need to know about copywriting. You will learn what copywriting is and how to land your first freelance copywriting job on platforms like Fiverr and UpWork.
I. What Is Copywriting?
At its core, copywriting is writing with the goal to make someone to take action.
That action might be clicking “Buy Now,” signing up for a newsletter, or downloading a free guide. In comparison, content writing aims to inform or entertain. But this isn’t copywriting. What copywriting aims for is to convert.
Let’s take an example:
A content writer explains “10 Benefits of Drinking Green Smoothies.”
A copywriter convinces you to buy a specific blender or subscribe to a smoothie challenge.
If you can bridge that gap between topic and action, you’ll make yourself more valuable to clients. Businesses are constantly searching online with phrases like “freelance copywriter needed” because they understand that good copy drives sales.
As a freelance writer, you already have a foundation: structure, clarity, and tone. Copywriting simply adds psychology and persuasion to the equation.
II. Why Freelance Writers Should Consider Copywriting
Freelance writers often charge by the word or hour. Copywriters, however, charge by outcomes. It’s a game of value vs. volume.
That’s because great copy directly generates sales. A single landing page could earn a client thousands of dollars, for which a skilled copywriter can fairly charge hundreds or even thousands for it.
Learning copywriting allows you to:
> Attract higher-paying clients who value conversions
> Diversify your income with freelance copywriting jobs like emails, sales pages, and ads
> Build long-term relationships with clients who need regular copy
If you want to turn your freelance writing activity into a thriving business, mastering copywriting is a must.
III. Essential Skills Every Freelance Copywriter Needs
To succeed in freelance copywriting, you’ll need to combine writing skills with marketing ones.
To keep it short, here are the essentials:
1. Audience Research
Before writing, understand who you’re speaking to. Understand what their goals, fears, and motivations are.
Good copy always mirrors the reader’s thoughts and emotions.
2. Persuasive Writing
The essence of copywriting is about being clear.
Use persuasion principles like scarcity, authority, and social proof when trying to write good copy.
Example:
“Join 10,000 freelancers who doubled their income in 6 months”
is far stronger than
“Subscribe to our newsletter.”
So, use the first one.
3. Storytelling
Stories build trust and make information memorable. Even short anecdotes can turn your copy into something relatable and human. Do not underestimate the power of telling a good story.
4. SEO and Digital Marketing Basics
Even conversion-focused copy needs visibility.
Use keywords naturally so your content gets found by both clients and algorithms. If you want to learn more about SEO and digital marketing, you can check out our articles on the topics.
> For starters, you can click on the article on everything you need to know about digital marketing and SEO. Also, there are two important articles on common SEO mistakes that people make, and everything you need to know about SEO.
5. Adaptability
Each project is different. Learn to match tone, voice, and style, whether you’re writing for a SaaS startup or a lifestyle brand.
Remember that consistency is key to good writing. That’s why it is important to always match the tone, voice, and style.
IV. Where to Find Freelance Copywriting Jobs
Once you’ve built your skills, it’s time to search for clients. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of opportunities for a good freelance copywriter like yourself.
For your first freelance copywriting clients, we recommend the following channels.
1. Fiverr
Don’t underestimate it because of some low-paying jobs you’ve seen on the freelancing platform. Fiverr can a thriving marketplace for skilled writers.
What can you do here to find clients?
Create a professional gig with keywords like Fiverr copywriter, sales page writing, or website copywriting.
Focus your pitch on results (“copy that sells”) instead of word count.
Now, you have to wait for potential clients to find you.
2. Upwork
A professional platform where many businesses actively search for freelance copywriters. Compared to Fiverr, Upwork has a better reputation when it comes to reliable business and payment.
Your proposals should emphasize how your writing improves conversions and helps clients achieve measurable outcomes.
3. LinkedIn
Social media can be a blessing for your copywriting online business, and LinkedIn is the place where you should focus energy on. Optimize your profile with headlines like Freelance Copywriter for Small Businesses or B2B Copywriting Specialist.
Engage with posts, share writing tips, and let your expertise attract inbound opportunities.
Also, post regularly on your profile using appropriate hashtags and don’t forget to make the most of the LinkedIn groups available.
4. Cold Outreach
Email is still one of the best tools for finding clients. It has always been, and it seems that it is here to stay for a long time.
Identify small businesses or startups you want to work with and send a short, value-driven pitch.
Example:
“I noticed your website has great content but could use stronger CTAs. I help small businesses write persuasive website copy that increases conversions.”
Just a few well-targeted emails can land you consistent freelance copywriting jobs.
5. Your Own Website
Your personal or company website is your digital business card.
On it, you must include your portfolio, testimonials, and a clear call-to-action (e.g., Hire Me or Request a Quote).
A website positions you as a serious professional rather than another freelancer chasing gigs.
V. How to Stand Out as a Freelance Copywriter
Few freelance writers truly stand out in this competitive world. If you want to be part of the elite, here’s how you can do it:
1. Choose a Niche
Focus on one or two industries you enjoy, such as:
- SaaS and tech startups
- Health and wellness
- eCommerce and product-based businesses
- B2B service providers
What matters is that you enjoy writing in that specific niche.
A clear niche helps you attract better clients and build expertise faster.
2. Create Samples
Create your own portfolio before starting looking for clients.
Start by writing mock projects like a product sales page or an email sequence. These demonstrate value and understanding of business goals.
3. Build a Personal Brand
Share insights about freelancing and copywriting on LinkedIn, Quora, or your blog.
Over time, your audience and credibility will grow organically.
Some successful freelance writers recommend starting directly on Quora. He doesn’t even recommend having a blog, Quora being the only platform on which a freelance writer can build credibility.
4. Speak the Language of Results
Clients care about ROI. Talk about conversions, engagement, and strategy, not just “word count” or “tone.”
Example:
“This landing page helped a client increase leads by 22%.”
VI. Common Mistakes New Freelance Copywriters Make
Even experienced freelance writers stumble when starting with copywriting. Avoid these pitfalls:
> Writing too much: Focus on clarity and emotion, not length.
> Ignoring audience research: Guessing the target market rarely works. Work with the available data.
> Underpricing: Low rates attract low-value clients. Charge fairly for your expertise, and you will have the opportunity to work with quality clients.
> Skipping strategy: Every word should serve a goal, be it conversion, engagement, or trust.
> Giving up too soon: Freelancing rewards persistence. Follow up, improve, repeat. Success take time in everything.
VII. How to Build Long-Term Success as a Freelance Copywriter
The most successful freelance copywriters treat their careers like businesses.
Here’s how to build stability and growth:
1. Keep Learning the Craft
Copywriting is an evolving skill. Read, practice, and analyze performing ads regularly.
Top recommendations for improving your copywriting skills as a freelance writer:
Ogilvy on Advertising – David Ogilvy
Breakthrough Advertising – Eugene Schwartz
The Copywriter’s Handbook – Robert Bly
2. Track Results
Ask clients how your copy performed. Use that data to build case studies that prove your value. Show these results to new clients who may be interested to hire a freelance copywriter.
3. Turn Clients into Partners
Offer ongoing services like newsletters, product copy, or SEO content. Retainers mean predictable income and long-term trust.
4. Stay Consistent
Freelance success is built on small, daily efforts — writing, pitching, improving.
Consistency outperforms talent in the long run.
VIII. Your Next Steps as a Freelance Copywriter
Every day, businesses post listings like “freelance copywriter needed” because they understand how much writing matters.
Whether you start small on Fiverr or pitch startups, remember:
> Freelance writing pays the bills. Copywriting builds the business.
Keep learning and keep reaching out. Every email you send, every proposal you write, brings you closer to becoming a trusted expert in freelance copywriting.
If you’re ready to elevate your writing career, visit Thumos Writing Services. Here, words don’t just inform, they inspire action.
