Table of Contents
In this guide, we’re going to help you land your first client as a copywriter.
Whether you’ve just started writing copy or already have samples that you can show to prospective clients, this section will help you kick-start your career as a freelance copywriter.
Let’s jump in.
- Don’t Know Much About Copywriting? Here’s the last copywriting guide you’d ever need to read
- Not Sure Which Copywriting Niche You Should Specialize In? Check out this primer on the various types of copywriting
1. Job Boards
Job boards are online platforms where individual clients and businesses post copywriting projects or jobs.
These platforms allow freelance copywriters like yourself to browse and apply for opportunities that align with your skill set.
Here are some of the best job boards for finding paid opportunities as a freelance copywriter:
1. Mediabistro
Mediabistro is an online platform where employers in the media industry post job openings related to copywriting and other fields.
In addition to helping you find your first (or dream) copywriting job, MediaBistro can also help you further your career in other ways.
The platform lets you engage with other professionals in the industry, offers plenty of educational resources to help you get better at copywriting, and gives insights about industry trends and best practices.
2. Upwork
Although Upwork has a bad reputation for attracting low-paying (or scamming) clients, you can still find plenty of well-paying copywriting work if you dig deep enough.
The key to finding genuine, high-paying clients on Upwork is by using the filters this freelancing website offers to freelancers like yourself.
For example, you can opt only to see postings by clients who have hired a certain number of freelancers and have their payment method verified by Upwork.
3. Fiverr
Just like Upwork, Fiverr can be another excellent option for finding copywriting clients and kick-starting your copywriting career.
Bear in mind, though, that clients made through Fiverr often expect services at lower rates. As such, you might not be able to earn a significant income, at least in the first few months of making your first gig.
Another thing you’d do well to keep in mind (and which has kept me off Fiverr all these years) is that Fiverr has a pretty random algorithm. One day, you may be ranking on the first page for your main keyword and the very next day it may be so that your gig is nowhere to be seen.
It’s thus essential to never rely on Fiverr as your main source of income.
4. Indeed.com
Indeed.com is an extremely popular job board that currently has hundreds of copywriting jobs listed on the platform.
You can search for these jobs by typing in queries like ‘copywriter’, ‘marketer’, ‘social media,’ SEO’, etc.
Unlike the three job boards listed above, most of the copywriting jobs posted on Indeed.com are full-time and/or office-based.
That might be good news (if you want to go all-in as a copywriter) or bad news (if you have another job you want to keep doing).
2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is by far the best option to search for copywriting jobs.
Unlike the job boards listed above, this business-oriented social media website attracts clients who are willing to pay the big bucks in exchange for high-quality work.
If you have enough samples to convince prospective customers of the quality of your work, and your profile is well-optimized, LinkedIn can prove to be the game changer in your copywriting career.
Here are a few tips to find high-paying copywriting clients on LinkedIn:
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile: Make sure that your LinkedIn profile highlights your strengths as a copywriter. Write a compelling introduction that highlights your copywriting skills, use a professional photo, and lay out in detail your achievements and experience.
- Use industry-relevant keywords: To find these keywords, go to the LinkedIn skills section and type in ‘copywriting’. Note down all the phrases that appear on the drown-down menu, before including those phrases in your profile that align with your expertise and skillset.
- Engage in copywriting groups: Participate in discussions, share your insights, and connect with professionals in your field. This can help you build a network and attract potential clients.
- Publish relevant content: Clients only hire candidates who have established their expertise in a specific field. And there’s no better way to showcase your expertise than regularly publishing insightful articles related to copywriting.
- Connect with potential clients: Once you have identified potential employers in your niche, it’s time to get in touch with them. However, do not pitch when sending the first message. Be engaging, ask questions, and converse with them to drive interest in the services you’re offering.
3. Cold Pitching
Cold pitching is when you reach out to potential clients without any prior relationship or contact.
It’s a bit like walking into your neighborhood store, offering them your resume, and asking them whether they need your services.
If you want to find copywriting jobs using cold pitching, here are a few tips you may want to act upon to increase your chances of getting hired:
- Tailor each pitch to its recipient. In every cold pitch email you’re sending out, include specific details about the individual or company you’re contacting, whether it’s a blog post they recently wrote or a new product they have just launched.
- Offer proof of your expertise. Imagine a leaking pipe in your bathroom. Would you hire someone claiming to be a plumber at your doorstep? Of course not. Similarly, as a copywriter, you’d have to prove your expertise for clients to hire you.
- Don’t waste words. Copywriting and cold pitch have one thing in common – less is more. You don’t just have to make your point clear. It’s equally important that you make your point clear as quickly as possible.
- Use the best time to cold pitch. Data indicates that emails sent out on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – preferably in the early morning – have the best open rate. Need proof? Check out at what time the 5 most recent newsletters dropped in your inbox.
4. Networking
Networking involves reaching out to your colleagues, peers, mentors, and other professionals you know (and who know you) for support, guidance, and potential job opportunities.
Bear in mind, though, that there’s no free launch in your life. People in your network will only extend their hand of support if they know (in their heart of hearts) you deserve it.
Here’s how you can get their trust:
- Build a professional online presence. Using the above tips, create and optimize your LinkedIn profile. So that anyone who has stumbled on your profile returns with the impression that you know your stuff.
- Attend industry-specific networking events: Whether in person or virtually, attending industry-specific events will offer an excellent chance to meet professionals in your field and establish connections.
- Utilize alumni networks. Like any other field, copywriting has a massive network of alumni who have already achieved what you aspire to. Reach out to them for motivation and support.
