It’s the glorious world of freelance copywriting, a bubbling universe of solitaire creativity spiced up with its chaotic moments of “I-have-no-clue-what-I-am-doing.” And that’s okay!
The unique journey is a bit like juggling flaming chainsaws – one small slip, and you’re singed, but get it right, and you’re the damn life of the party. It’s a tad extreme, I know. But hey, if you’re going to make a comparison, make it as loud as a bagpipe at a funeral, right?
The journey of a freelance copywriter is much like a hero’s odyssey – a cycle of exploring, writing, and marketing, followed by periods of self-doubt, hair-pulling, and desperate prayers to the gods of creativity and client-pleasing. And just when you think it’s time to hang up your pen (or keyboard), the thrill of a new project, a new challenge, pulls you right back in.
Like that hero on a quest, the freelance copywriter faces monsters:
They face temptations: the siren call of a simpler job, the easy path of plagiarism. But they also discover treasure: the satisfaction of a job well done, the joy of seeing their work out in the world, and, let’s not forget, the glistening pot of gold that is a well-paid gig.
Why choose the path of a freelance copywriter? Maybe because over 59 million Americans freelanced in 2020, contributing a whopping $1.2 trillion to the economy (yeah, that’s a trillion with a “T”).
A 2021 survey showed that experienced freelance copywriters can earn a median income of $87,000 annually; the top 10% make more than $105,000. So, if you need more than these stats to lure you into this intoxicating word-smithing venture, I’m still determining what will.
And you thought writers were a starving lot.
Let’s dive deeper into the glimmering chaos that is freelance copywriting. The perks? They are as glorious as the rising sun on a hangover-free Sunday morning. Creative freedom, flexibility, the power to choose your projects, and the allure of working in your pyjamas.
But hold your horses! The pitfalls are as deep as a politician’s promises. Think unreliable income, loneliness, clients who vanish like a magician’s rabbit, and the competition stiffer than a starched collar.
The beauty of freelance copywriting lies in its mix of art and science. You need creativity, a flair for words, and the ability to sell snow to Eskimos. But then there’s the science:
Remember, as Stephen King once said, “The adverb is not your friend.” So, focus on the power words that stimulate emotion – the heart of any good copywriting.
Ask any seasoned freelance copywriter, and they’ll tell you: churning out content as fast as a hamster on a wheel gets you nowhere. As Hemingway famously said, “The first draft of anything is shit.” Well, he might not have been a copywriter, but boy, did he hit the nail on the head.
It’s not about pumping out words like a factory; it’s about crafting, sculpting, and refining until you have a piece of writing that sings louder than a diva on Broadway.
Remember, attention is currency in this digital age, where everyone is just a click away from the next distraction. And like a miserly banker, you have to earn every cent.
Let’s talk gear. What does a freelance copywriter need in their toolkit? A good laptop and reliable internet, yes. But there’s more. Here are the crucial ones:
As a freelance copywriter, one crucial skill is managing relationships. And here, the dance analogy fits perfectly. Sometimes you lead; other times, you follow. But always, you must keep in step with your client.
Understanding their business, getting into the skin of their audience, and empathizing with their needs separate the mediocre from the magnificent in the freelance copywriting world.
Creativity, SEO knowledge, understanding audience needs, and the ability to write clear, concise copy that sells. Oh, and patience. Lots of it.
Benefits include creative freedom, flexibility, and choice of projects. Drawbacks include inconsistent income, loneliness, and intense competition.
Start by building a portfolio of your work. Then network, market yourself, and don’t be afraid to start small. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful freelance copywriting career.
The life of a freelance copywriter is no walk in the park. It’s more like a thrilling roller coaster ride, complete with dizzying highs and gut-wrenching lows. But it can be a highly rewarding career for those who thrive on challenge and variety.
A freelance copywriter must be resourceful, adaptable, and persistent, like a seasoned sailor navigating the rough seas. They must weave words that capture attention, kindle emotion, and drive action. If you think you have the guts, the grit, and the grammar to take up this adventure, then strap in, my friend. The freelance copywriting world awaits you with open arms and a blank page.
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can’t wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.
