As a copywriter, looking for your first client can be an intimidating prospect. Other freelance copywriters may seem to have a leg up, with plenty of referrals and experience.
Starting from scratch, you may feel like you don’t stand a chance. But the truth is that many successful copywriters have been in your exact same position — and they’ve found ways to turn their skills into a profitable business.
In this blog post, you’ll find five essential tips for getting your first copywriting clients. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to building a sustainable freelance writing career.
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Networking
Networking is an essential part of any successful copywriting career. Here are a few ways to get your foot in the door through networking:
Attending Conferences
Attending conferences and industry events can be a great way to meet other professionals in your field and learn about new trends or techniques that you may not have been aware of before. It’s also a great opportunity to network with potential clients who may be looking for someone with your skillset.
Ad World typically holds conferences every year for aspiring digital marketers and copywriters. You can attend the conferences to learn from some of the most successful copywriters in the world.
Make sure you bring plenty of business cards so that people will remember you after the conference ends.
Reaching Out To Connections
If you already know some people in the industry, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask them if they need help with anything or if they know anyone who might be looking for a freelance copywriter.
Even if they don’t have any leads right away, it’s always good practice to stay connected as much as possible so that when opportunities arise, you can jump on them quickly.
Joining professional groups such as LinkedIn or Facebook groups such as The Copywriter Club and Copywriter Collective can also be beneficial for networking purposes. These groups often feature job postings from companies seeking writers, giving you an easy way to get your name out there without having to actively search for jobs yourself.
Most of the group members are also more than willing to offer advice or provide feedback on projects which can help improve your skills over time.
Key Takeaway: Networking is key to finding copywriting clients. Attend conferences, reach out to connections, and join professional groups for more opportunities. List building can help you stay connected with potential leads and get feedback on projects.
Cold Emailing
Crafting an Effective Pitch
Crafting a successful cold email pitch is essential for getting the attention of potential clients. When writing your pitch, make sure to include information about yourself and what you can offer your potential clients.
Make sure to be concise and clear in your message so that it stands out from other emails they may receive. Don’t forget to include a call-to-action at the end of your email that encourages them to take action or respond with any questions they may have.
Here’s a cold emailing template you can use to win your first copywriting clients:
Subject Line: Copy for {BusinessNAME}
Hi {Name},
Congratulations on {recent milestone}!
Just took a look at your website and I noticed you’re in need of some fresh copy. I’m a certified freelance writer and I’d love to help you create compelling content for your business.
Here is a sample of my work: {link to sample}
Are you free on {day of the week} to chat more about how I can help? I’d love to offer you a free consultation to get your project off the ground.
I look forward to connecting!
All the best,
{Your Name}
Make sure you also have a relevant sample or piece of copywriting work to share with potential clients. You only have to spend a few hours creating a sample for the industries you’re interested in working with, and you can use it to demonstrate your skills and show potential clients what you can do.
Researching Prospects
Before sending out any cold emails, make sure to do some research on who you are reaching out to. Knowing more about their business and interests will help you craft a more personalized message that speaks directly to their needs and goals.
Also, look up any mutual connections you might have to establish trust with a potential client and get their attention. If you’re looking to join a marketing agency, try to look for other freelance writers in the company and connect with them. You can then mention them in your cold email to increase your chances of getting a response.
That said, don’t give up if you don’t receive a response from a potential client. Try sending follow-up messages every few weeks until they either reply or indicate that they aren’t interested anymore — just make sure not to bombard them with too many emails.
Want to get your first copywriting client? Follow these tips: research prospects, craft an effective pitch & don’t forget to follow up. #Copywriting #EmailListManagement Click to Tweet
Job Boards and Platforms
Pitching clients often on job boards and platforms like Upwork can be a great way for freelance writers to find clients. It’s important to understand the different platforms available, create a profile that stands out, and apply for jobs or bid on projects to make the most of these resources.
Understanding the Different Platforms Available
There are many job boards and freelance platforms available online — each writer job board has its unique features. Some may specialize in certain industries or offer more competitive rates than others.
Upwork and Fiverr, for example, are two of the most popular platforms and offer a wide range of clients, ranging from businesses to individuals. Both sites provide users with an easy way to search for jobs and post proposals. They also feature built-in rating systems that help you evaluate the best potential clients.
ProBlogger and Smart Blogger, on the other hand, are more specialized sites specifically targeting writers and bloggers. Using these sites can help you get in touch with industry experts and highly reputable clients.
Creating a Profile That Stands Out
Once you have chosen a platform, it’s time to create an eye-catching profile that will attract potential clients.
Include relevant experience, skillset, portfolio pieces, certifications, or awards earned – anything that makes you stand out from other applicants should be included here.
Make sure your profile is up-to-date so employers know they are getting accurate information about you as well as what digital marketing services you provide. Read all the instructions carefully before submitting any materials such as resumes or cover letters.
Make sure your application is tailored specifically toward the position being offered; generic applications rarely get noticed by employers. Include details such as an estimated timeline of completion along with any additional fees associated with completing the project if applicable. This helps ensure both parties are clear about expectations before entering into an agreement together.
Key Takeaway: When looking for a copywriting client, it’s important to understand the different platforms available, create an eye-catching profile that stands out, and read all instructions carefully when applying or bidding on projects. Be sure to include relevant experience, skillset, portfolio pieces, and estimated timeline of completion in your application.
Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is a great way for copywriters to find new clients. Identifying your target audience is the first step in any successful social media campaign.
Start by researching your ideal customer and understanding their needs, interests, and preferences. Once you have an idea of who you’re targeting, create content that resonates with them. Share helpful tips or stories related to copywriting that will engage your followers and encourage them to take action.
Crafting engaging content can be challenging but it’s essential for marketing your writing services on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc
Use visuals such as images or videos whenever possible as they tend to get more engagement than plain text posts. Keep your posts short and sweet so readers don’t lose interest halfway through reading them. Make sure each post has a clear call-to-action so readers know what steps they should take next after reading it (e.g., click here to learn more).
Utilizing paid ads and promotions can help increase reach quickly when done correctly. Paid ads allow you to target specific audiences based on demographics such as age group or location, which helps ensure only relevant people see your ad campaigns instead of wasting money on irrelevant clicks from people outside of your target market.
Promotions are also useful for boosting engagement rates, as they incentivize users with discounts or freebies if they complete certain tasks; for example, share this post with 3 friends.
Are you a copywriter looking for new clients? Start by researching your ideal customer and crafting engaging content to target them on social media. Utilize paid ads & promotions to increase reach quickly. #Copywriting #SocialMediaMarketing Click to Tweet
Referrals and Testimonials
Asking for Referrals from Existing Clients
Asking your existing clients to refer you to their contacts is a great way to get more copywriting business. When asking, be sure to explain why you think the referral would be beneficial and how it could help them as well. You can also offer incentives such as discounts or free writing services in exchange for referrals.
Leveraging Testimonials to Build Credibility
Having testimonials from past work is an excellent way of building credibility with potential clients. Ask your previous customers if they’d be willing to provide a review or testimonial that you can use on your website or social media profiles. This will give prospective clients an idea of what kind of results they can expect when working with you.
Offering incentives for referrals is another great way of getting more copywriting business through word-of-mouth marketing. Consider offering discounts, free content marketing services, or other rewards in exchange for successful referrals that result in new business opportunities.
Make sure the incentive is attractive enough so that people are motivated to refer others but not too generous so that it does not cut into your profits too much.
Want to get more copywriting business? Ask existing clients for referrals, leverage testimonials to build credibility, and offer incentives for successful referrals. #Copywriting #EmailListManagement Click to Tweet
FAQs: How Did You Get Your First Copywriting Client
How to get your first copywriting clients with zero experience?
Start by building a portfolio of your work. Create sample copywriting pieces that showcase your copywriting skills and demonstrate the value you can bring to potential clients.
Next, reach out to businesses in need of copywriting services and offer them a free trial period or discounted rate for their first project with you.
Finally, build an email list of contacts who may be interested in your services and use it to market yourself through newsletters, blog posts, social media updates, etc. With these steps in place, you’ll be well on your way to getting your first copywriting client.
How do you get your first copywriting job?
Getting your first copywriting job can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it is achievable. Start by researching potential employers and building an impressive portfolio of work samples to showcase your skills.
Networking is also key – reach out to people in the industry and attend events that are relevant to copywriting. You could even offer free services as a way of demonstrating your capabilities and gaining experience.
Finally, don’t forget about online resources such as freelance websites or social media platforms – these can provide great opportunities for finding jobs or connecting with clients who may need help with their writing projects. With some dedication and hard work, you can make it happen.
How do you attract copywriting clients?
Attracting copywriting clients starts with building a strong online presence. Create a professional website and social media accounts to showcase your portfolio, services, and expertise. Network with other professionals in the industry by joining relevant groups or attending events.
Offer free content such as blog posts or webinars to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Reach out directly to potential clients through email campaigns or targeted ads on social media platforms. Finally, build relationships with current customers by providing excellent customer service and responding quickly to inquiries. With these strategies in place, you can create an effective strategy for attracting new copywriting clients.
How do I find copywriting clients online?
Finding copywriting clients online can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by creating an email list of potential customers and industry contacts who may need your services.
Reach out to them with personalized emails introducing yourself and offering your services. You can also join relevant online communities such as LinkedIn groups or Facebook pages related to copywriting, and use those platforms to network with potential clients. Finally, consider setting up a website or your own blog where you showcase samples of your work so that prospective clients can get an idea of what you offer before they reach out for more information.
Conclusion
You’ve done the hard work and now you’re ready to get your first copywriting client. Start by creating a strong portfolio, marketing yourself on social media and through networking, and then reaching out to potential clients with an irresistible offer.
With the right strategy — and a bit of persistence — you’ll soon be on your way to landing high-paying copywriting clients and growing your freelance writing business.