We are in the midst of a revolution in terms of freelancing. Companies, more than ever, are turning to freelancers in order to get the desired results. Now, many large companies are investing exclusively in freelancers to get the desired results and the industry is experiencing a constant rise.
One of the fields of freelancing that is in great demand is that of content specialist or otherwise copywriters.
What is copywriting?
"Copy" is another way to describe "words". "Writing" refers to the verb "to write". The term Copywriting however refers to content created for commercial or advertising use - on websites, advertising campaigns, newsletters, emails, social media and more.
In essence, the purpose of a copywriter is to sell a product, using words as a weapon.
How Can I Become a Freelance Copywriter?
Whether you're already a copywriter and wondering whether to make the transition from corporate to freelancing, or you're considering your first steps in the industry, there are some things to consider in order to achieve your goal.
So what are they and how should you start?
- Get the Suitable Equipment
In the case of copywriters, the necessities to make it are few and - most likely - already exist in every home. So what you need is a computer in good condition and fast internet. Additionally, investing in a comfortable desk chair (although optional) will help you work more relaxed.
- Read more
To become a better writer, you must first become a better reader. Find interesting and inspiring blog posts, clever ads, special websites and social media accounts and study them in depth. Draw inspiration, observe techniques and don't rush to write yourself - Adopt the role of an observer first.
- Get organized
As a freelance copywriter, you have to organise your own schedule, which brings equal amounts of negatives and positives. As easy as it is to get distracted and not work, it's just as easy to overdo it and neglect your personal life and yourself. So, set strict boundaries and organize your tasks by day and time.
- Find the Right Tools
Technology has made many professions easier and copywriting is one of them. There are plenty of free tools you can take advantage of, and each one serves different purposes.
Tools such as Asana and Trello allow you to visualise your tasks, make notes on them, organise your schedule and, by extension, become more productive, while tools such as Grammarly help you quickly and easily check your spelling and syntax. For more tools that are essential for freelancers, regardless of their specialization, you can click here.
- Build Your Portfolio
Many companies looking for freelancers require to see a sample of their work. This material should ideally be published, however many also accept content from personal blogs. So, create a beautiful portfolio that fully showcases your skills and don't neglect to update it regularly.
- Make your Research
At its core, copywriting revolves around how well one writes. However, that alone is not enough.
If you really want to stand out in your industry, you must always follow trends and developments and, to be more competitive, it's good to know how to make your blog posts optimized for search engines and keep track of how the algorithms are changing.
Find online tutorials, videos and training materials and soon enrich your knowledge with one of the most basic copywriting skills.