FAQs About Freelance Copywriting

FAQs About Freelance Copywriting

by Kathy Poole

What are some of the advantages of being a freelance copywriter?

You say copywriters can make more money working freelance than they could working for someone else. Is that really true?

So, how much money can I reasonably expect to make as a freelance copywriter?

Okay, I'm committed to making a lot of money. Where do I go for the strategy?

Q: What is a copywriter?

A: A copywriter is a professional writer who writes materials for businesses and other professionals. Some copywriters work full-time for companies that need a continual flow of written materials. However, the majority of copywriters work as freelancers for a variety of clients.

Freelance copywriters are much different from, and almost always make much more money than, freelance writers who write unsolicited articles, books or book proposals; wait for months to hear a response; and then usually get a formed rejection slip. Unlike other kinds of freelance writers, freelance copywriters work on assignment; that is, they work only after they have a firm commitment from a client to write a specific piece…and to get paid for it. It is often standard practice to get half or more of the total payment up front, even before writing begins.

Q: What do copywriters write?

A: In the past, copywriters focused primarily on advertising, marketing and publicity materials–in short, anything designed to sell or persuade. In recent years, however, the concept of "copywriting" has expanded to meet the growing and diverse needs of modern businesses. So, today's copywriters work on an even wider array of projects. Here's just a sampling:

Advertisements for newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, etc.
Advertorials (ads that look and sound like magazine or newspaper articles)
Articles
Billboards
Biographies
Books and booklets
Brochures
Business plans
Catalogs
Company histories
Direct mail packages
Door hangers
Educational materials
Grant requests
Infomercials (long TV commercials)
Instructions
Manuals
Marketing plans
Memoirs
Newsletters (print or web)
Package copy
Policies and procedures
Press releases
Proposals
Public service announcements
Reports
Sales letters
Slogans and tag lines
Speeches
Telemarketing scripts
Test preparation manuals
Tests
Training materials
Video scripts
Web content
Workbooks
…and much more

Q: Who do copywriters work for?

A: Copywriters work for literally anyone who needs good writing. This includes everything from a small mom-and-pop operation to a mega conglomerate. The possible clients are limited only by the copywriter's imagination. Many work for advertising agencies, public relations firms, the advertising or marketing departments of companies, corporate communications departments or government agencies. Freelance copywriters can choose to specialize in one or two niches, such as healthcare or hotels, or they may generalize and take on clients in any industry.

Q: What are some of the advantages of being a freelance copywriter?
A: The list of pluses could go on and on. The biggest benefits are these:

Being your own boss
Working from home
Setting your own schedule
Choosing to do only the work you really want to do
Freedom to work how you like. You call the shots!
Lots of accolades from happy clients, who will often tell you what a great writer you are!
The opportunity to make more money that you could working for someone else
Plenty of variety–not only in the type of writing you do, but also in the kinds of people you get to know
Being the director, designer and chief operating officer of your own life!

Q: What are some of the disadvantages?
A: The major disadvantages include:

Potential isolation because you work alone most of the time
The need to continually motivate yourself to work–despite such distractions as TV, the fridge and friends who call all hours of the day because they don't understand that you work at least eight hours a day
Long hours. In the early stages of freelancing, and during very busy times, you probably will find yourself working more than 40 hours a day.
The lack of usual corporate perks, such as paid time off, health insurance and retirement plans. As a freelancer, you have to provide for these perks yourself. (That's one justification for charging good fees instead of working "cheap.")
The roller coaster of cash flow. Until you have several steady clients, you will have very prosperous months followed by months when very little money is coming your way. The trick is to plan for the ups and down, and don't get discouraged by the occasional downswings.
The need to market yourself–all the time, no matter how busy you are. Many writers complain that they are "artistes" and therefore should not have to market themselves. But unless you get the word out about what you do and the benefits you offer, your chances of success are limited, at best. The good news is that marketing can be learned, it's not that difficult and it can even be fun.

Q: You say copywriters can make more money, working freelance than they could, working for someone else. Is that really true?

A: Freelancers have the opportunity to make more money working solo. Not all of them do. Becoming a prosperous freelancer copywriter takes more than the ability to write well. You also must know at least a little about human behavior and motivation (so your copy will be effective); business (so you can run your own and understand others'); and marketing (so you can sell your clients' products and services as well as your own).

Q: So, how much money can I reasonably expect to make in this field?

A: That depends on so many factors, it's almost impossible to generalize. But I do know quite a few freelance copywriters who make over $80,000 year, and several who make over $100,000. I believe it's possible to make at last $50,000 annually if you have the commitment and a good strategy.

Q: Okay, I'm committed to making good money. Where do I go for the strategy?

A: Learn everything you can about copywriting, about freelancing, and about marketing. Delve further into this website for tips, techniques, inspiration and resources. Subscribe to my ezine for regular doses of helpful hints and strategies. You can also e-mail me at clarity@iag.net with specific questions. I enjoy helping writers get started (or unstuck) on their own paths to prosperity as freelance copywriters.

Also, as a writer's coach, I help writers start, run and expand their businesses and create a life of prosperity and happy abundance! We can work together on not just marketing, but every aspect of your new or ongoing writing business.

Or, if you'd like to get more information about just marketing in a quick and easy way, I highly recommend an e-book by my friend, marketing guru Charlie Cook. With his "5 Principles of Highly Effective Marketing," you will discover five marketing activities every small business owner (including every freelance copywriter) must do to be successful. Use Charlie's proven business-building strategies to attract a steady stream of new and repeat business, and get all the clients you want and need to be a truly Prosperous Writer! For more information or to order, click here: and begin attracting new copywriting clients in just a few days!

(Please note that this is an affiliate link; however, you do not pay one penny more by ordering the book from this page.)

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