Here is a simple Guide To Freelance Writing For Beginners. Do you want to be a freelance writer? You are not the only one. Recent research by Upwork shows that 36% of Americans work part-time as freelancers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Writing freelance is a rewarding career. It can also be very lucrative.
- Expert tips and tricks are useful, but not all of them will work for everyone. You might find something that works for you doesn’t work for me and vice versa. The gig is all about experimentation, especially in the first year.
- A degree in English, journalism, literature, or any other writing-related field is not required. Your writing skills are what clients value.
- Writing fiction, poetry, and personal essays is not usually what will pay the bills. Writing is a lucrative career. You can make money writing articles and blog posts for businesses.
Maybe you have decided freelance writing is right for you, or you are still considering your options. You need to make a living when you plan your career. Let’s face it, freelance writing is not the best option.
Can I Make Income as a Full-Time Copywriter?
A few years back, almost all businesses placed their entire online marketing strategy on SEO strategists. Many still do. It is believed that search engines rank high for content, which in turn will lead to leads and eventually convert them into customers.
However, more companies are realizing the importance of high search engine performance in order to attract customers. Good content ranks higher in search engines as they become more sophisticated. Copywriters are responsible for creating quality content.
Organizations looking for a content-based marketing strategy will find copywriters more in demand. But do copywriting jobs pay well? It depends.
Agency vs. Freelance Copywriting Jobs In-House vs. Freelance Copywriting Careers
Agency Copywriter
A great place to start a career as a copywriter is an advertising agency. You will have the opportunity to work for many brands and see how strong, human-centered content can help companies achieve their business goals.
There are many advantages to working at an agency, such as:
- Outstanding training
- Exposure to many brands
- Networking opportunities
- Competitive salaries
Let’s get to the bottom of that last sentence. Hourly rates and salaries can vary depending on where you live and what agency you work for. There are many options, and you should not expect to get a great salary.
Agency copywriters generally earn less at the front (junior) than the national median, but more at the back (senior) than that of the national average. These are key factors:
- Experience
- Location matters (jobs in big cities will pay more than jobs in more rural areas)
- Name of company (high-profile agencies often pay more than small, local agencies)
In-House Copywriter
In-house copywriters are people who work for one brand (business) and write content only for that brand. Many companies employs a copywriter, who is an in-house copywriter and writes content exclusively for them.
There are many opportunities for career advancement when working in-house. Promotions allow you to move up in the company, not just on the copy team, but across the entire organization. This could lead to lucrative leadership positions such as creative director or marketing manager.
Pros for working as a full-time content writer for one company are as follows:
- Growth opportunities and promotion tracks
- Writing is for only one brand
- Competitive mid-career salaries
- Being part of a team with long-term goals
In-house work typically yields more income at the front (junior) than working for an agency and similar income at back (senior). The potential for higher earnings can be significantly increased by assuming leadership positions.
Freelance Writing For Beginners
A freelancer can write great copy just as well as an agency writer. Many companies are hiring freelancers instead of full-time employees to help them meet their business needs.
A freelance copywriter can do a wide range of services such as blog posts, email copy, web copy, social posts and more. Because they create their own schedules, and find their clients, freelance copywriters have more freedom than full-time employees. Independent means less financial security but it does not limit your earning potential.
Benefits of freelance writing for beginners include:
- Work from home
- Owning full control of your career trajectory
- Uncapped earning potential
- No boss
Although the upsides to being a freelancer can be great, you should also consider the downsides before you make the leap to freelance copywriting. These are:
- There are no employer benefits, such as health insurance or paid time off.
- Having to manage your own taxes
- The pressure of finding your own clients
It all boils down to what you value in your career. Freelance writing for beginners can be a viable way to earn a living and many freelancers find it lucrative.
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