Change careers: become a freelance copywriter

Over the past few weeks I’ve had enquiries from people who want to change careers and are interested in freelance copywriting. Writing is a dream for many people, and freelance copywriting is lucrative.

Their questions include:

* What does it take to write copy – do you need talent?

* How much education do you need to write copy?

* Where do you get clients?

* How long does it take to establish a business?

Let’s take those questions one by one.

What does it take to write copy – do you need talent?

Copywriting combines writing skill, business knowledge, and marketing flair.

My copywriting students are a mix of writers and business people. The writers need to learn about how business works, and the business people need to develop writing skill.

With regards to “talent” – talent is over-rated. I’ve known some extremely talented writers who’ve been working on the same book for 20 years and who’ve never made a cent writing. Beginning writers without “talent”, who write daily, and practice writing, can not only make a great living, but they can also magically grow talent like a rose bush grows roses.

For copywriting, you need a willingness to learn and to experiment. Creativity is useful IF the creativity gets the job done, but when you indulge in flights of creative fancy at the expense of the client’s needs, it’s not just useless, it’s damaging.

If you’re considering copywriting as a career change, you’ll be pleased to know that you can use the skills you developed in your first career. Nothing is wasted on a copywriter: you can use everything you know about people and life in your copywriting business.

How much education do you need to write copy?

As with all the creative arts, there are no specific educational requirements. Language and business skills are helpful, and curiosity and persistence are a requirement.

Where do you get clients?

You get clients anywhere and everywhere. When you’re just starting out, I recommend that you get local clients, simply because you’ll often be the first and only copywriter these business people have met. There’s no competition. You can build up your copywriting portfolio, and can then take your business global.

How long does it take to establish a business?

That depends on your clients. If you get a contract job, you may be in business immediately. If you’re starting from zero, then count on it taking three to six months before you get steady on-going work and can quit your day job.

Welcome to the wonderful world of copywriting. For weekly copywriting tips for new copywriters, subscribe to New Copywriter Tips.

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