For every freelance copywriter out there, finding new clients is an uphill battle. But this isn’t the moment to hide our heads in the sand!
If you focus on building great relationships, and adding value to what you offer, you can quickly attract and engage new clients.
Let’s explore five different strategies to help you build a strong copywriting business. Think of…
Who’s your ideal client?
Yes, this is one of the most important questions (and probably the very first) you should ask yourself. Before reaching out to potential clients, make sure you want to work with them.
To target your freelance copywriter efforts and actually achieve results, you need to define your client. Start by thinking of a few key points:
- Industry and niche focus: Which sectors align with your expertise and interests? Think tech, healthcare, finance, etc. Do you have a degree in engineering or linguistics? Use these to your advantage to tackle a niche.
- Company size: Do you prefer working with startups, SMEs, or large corporations? Tone of voice can vary depending on company size, so think of what works best for you.
- Budget range: What project rates or retainer fees are you aiming for? Set a lower and upper limit in advance.
- Communication style: Do you work best with clients who want frequent updates or those who are more hands-off?
- Value alignment: What company missions or ethics are important or non-negotiable to you?
Once you’ve outlined these, research specific companies that fit the bill. Use LinkedIn to find potential contacts within those organizations. Tailor your outreach to show you understand their needs and how your skills can address them.
Remember, even as a freelance copywriter, it’s okay to be selective! When you work with the right client, you’ll likely achieve better results and even enjoy the projects more. It can be the difference between a stressful partnership and a beneficial collab!
What’s your niche?
Another fundamental strategy for freelance copywriters – niche down! There is less competition in a niche. It could be tech startups, the health and wellness industry, e-commerce, or lifestyle… When you define yourself, you can start finding great clients to work with.
Besides, you can always invest in more education, specifically for the area you’re interested in.
Choosing a niche isn’t just about limiting yourself – it’s about becoming an expert in a specific field. For example, if you decide to focus on tech startups, immerse yourself in their world.
Follow leading tech blogs, listen to startup podcasts, and join online communities where founders hang out.
By deep diving this way, you’ll understand more about their pain points and their language, all of which will help you write copy in a more relevant manner!
After selecting your niche, put together a customized portfolio for your freelance copywriting profile. For example, if you’re focusing on the health and wellness industry, create sample pieces for fictional supplements or fitness apps.
This shows potential clients you understand their sector, even if you’re just starting out.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to get ultra-specific! Instead of just “e-commerce,” you could specialize in “eco-friendly product descriptions for sustainable brands.” The more focused you are, the easier it becomes to stand out and ask for higher rates, too.
Remember, your niche can evolve. Start with what interests you most, but be open to shifting as you get more experience and discover new opportunities.
The key is to begin somewhere specific, rather than trying to appeal to everyone.
Who’s reading what you write?
When you understand what your audience wants, what they need, their pains, and their goals, you understand what you need to write about.
According to 74% of companies, content marketing increases lead generation. So, go ahead and research as much as you can about the people you’re writing for!
Dive deep into your target audience’s demographics, psychographics, and online behavior.
Create detailed buyer personas that include not just basic information, but also their preferred content formats, the social media platforms they frequent, and the influencers they follow.
Do you have a freelance copywriting portfolio?
A strong portfolio is your best ally when you decide to make a career as a freelance copywriter. Ideally, it has to showcase your skills, the style you write in, and some of the results you’ve achieved for previous clients.
Recent data estimates that U.S. freelancers are estimated at 76.4 million… so you better show off what you’ve got that the others don’t!
Start by highlighting your best work
Choose your most impressive projects – those that showcase your ability to write great, compelling copy.
Include a variety of styles, formats, and industries so you can appeal to a broad range of clients in your niche.
Of course, as usual – quality over quantity. Pick your best pieces.
Do you know how to build professional relationships?
Networking is great for everyone, but for freelance copywriters, it is a must.
Building strong relationships with people in the industry can lead to opportunities for collaboration and new clients. You can also get referrals that way.
Let’s dive in.
Get into social media and online communities
LinkedIn is the best platform for networking, of course, but don’t miss out on Instagram or even freelancing platforms. Specialized online communities are also great.
Share great content, add your comments on different debates, and make sure people see you as an expert.
Don’t wait for the opportunities to fall on your lap – be proactive.
Go to networking events
Both online and offline networking events are great for connecting with potential clients and industry professionals you admire. Make it a point in your career and go to webinars, industry conferences, and workshops.
Strike up conversation and be authentic. Learn from experts, ask thoughtful questions, and be genuine and friendly overall.
Are you aware of how to protect your data?
Data protection is crucial for every business, and it’s more important than ever, even for freelance copywriters. You often handle confidential information, so invest in good security software.
You can set up a VPN to ensure all communications and transactions are secure; to learn more about how to do this, check out this information source. This small step can give you an edge over your competitors, as you make sure your clients know you take their safety seriously.
Final thoughts
Getting new clients as a freelance copywriter needs a balanced mix of strategy, a portfolio, and good networking skills.
Understand your ideal client, showcase your talent, be genuine, and learn from others – that’s how you set yourself apart and how you make valuable connections in your professional life.