Today, I want to talk about how to become a copywriter with no experience. Copywriting is an essential part of marketing, and it can be challenging to break into the field without any previous experience. However, with the right approach and dedication, it’s entirely possible to become a successful copywriter.
Understanding Copywriting
Before diving into the specifics of how to become a copywriter, it’s crucial to understand what copywriting is. Simply put, copywriting is the act of writing text for the purpose of advertising or other forms of marketing. It’s all about creating compelling, persuasive language that motivates people to take action.
Copywriting can take many forms, including website copy, email marketing, social media posts, and advertisements. As you start your journey to becoming a copywriter, it’s important to familiarize yourself with different types of copy and start analyzing what makes them successful.
Developing Copywriting Skills
To become a successful copywriter, you need to develop your copywriting skills. Reading and analyzing successful copy is an excellent way to start. Look at what language is being used and what tactics are being employed to persuade the reader. Then, practice writing your own copy.
Swiped.co is a great resource for reverse engineering famous advertisements and getting inspiration.
Creating a portfolio is also an essential part of building your copywriting skills. Start by writing for yourself, such as creating a blog or writing social media posts for your personal accounts (more on that later!) Then, consider offering your services to friends and family to build a portfolio of work.
Building a Copywriter Network
Networking is an important part of any career, and copywriting is no different. Joining a copywriting group or reaching out to established copywriters can help you learn more about the industry and make valuable connections. It can also help you get clients and jobs. A quick search on Facebook shows many groups dedicated to discussing copywriting.
Social media is also an excellent tool for networking on an individual basis. Follow established copywriters and engage with their content. Comment on their posts and share their work to show that you’re interested in their work and eager to learn. You never know what relationships could turn into!
Finding Work
When you’re just starting as a copywriter, finding work can be challenging. However, it’s essential to start building your resume and portfolio, depending if you want to take the corporate route or freelance. Either way, here are ways to find work as a copywriter with no experience.
Cold email local businesses
One of the best ways to find work as a copywriter is to cold email local businesses. Look for companies with websites and social media accounts that need help with their copy, then reach out and let them know you’re available. You can even offer to write sample content for free, so they can get an idea of what you can do.
The average conversion rate of a cold email is 18%. That means if you send out 100 cold emails, you could get up to 18 leads willing to have a meeting to discuss your copywriting services. Not bad!
Hunter.io is a tool you can use to find companies that might want to hire you as a copywriter. You look for businesses in specific industries, then automate email sequences to get the best results.
Ask family and friends if they need a copywriter
85% of job opportunities are filled via referrals. If you know someone who runs a business, don’t be afraid to ask them if they need help with their copy. Even if it’s not an official position, you can offer to write copy for free or at a discounted rate so you can start building your portfolio and getting experience under your belt.
I always suggest this to my copywriting students if they need to build samples, and it’s one of the most important steps for a copywriter with no experience.
Attend Local Networking Events and Conferences
Networking events and conferences can be great ways to meet potential employers and other copywriters. Make sure you come prepared with a resume, portfolio, and any other material that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Eventbrite is an excellent tool for finding local events and networking opportunities. With its easy-to-use search tool, you can quickly locate events in your area of interest. Whether it’s a copywriting conference or a networking event, Eventbrite provides an easy way to find the perfect opportunity.
When using Eventbrite, you can search by location, category, type of event, and more. This makes it simple to narrow down your choices and find the best events for your needs. Once you’ve found an event that looks interesting, take some time to read about the speakers and other attendees before deciding whether it’s something you want to attend.
Once you’ve decided on an event you’d like to attend, there are some tips for networking effectively while at the event:
- Introduce yourself: When meeting someone new at a networking event, be sure to introduce yourself with your name and what you do professionally. This helps to make a good first impression and create connections.
- Listen carefully: Networking is all about making connections with people who can help further your career objectives or goals; so be sure to listen closely while talking with people in order to develop an understanding of their interests and what they can offer in terms of help or advice.
- Follow up promptly: After attending a networking event, don’t forget to follow up with those people you met during the event within 24 hours; this helps build relationships over time and is key for creating lasting professional connections.
- Present yourself well: Make sure that when introducing yourself at a networking event, you come across as professional but personable – this will help others take an interest in wanting to get to know you better and could lead to productive conversations down the line.
- Take notes: When attending an event or meeting someone new, jot down notes from the conversation that can help jog your memory later on when it comes time for following up with them again in future conversations or emails.
- Research before attending: Before attending any kind of business-related gathering, take some time beforehand to research who will be there so that you have topics prepared ahead of time which will make conversations easier (and often more productive).
- Stay organized: It’s important that if you plan on attending multiple events or conferences in one year (or even just one), stay organized by keeping track of who attended each one so that when it comes time for following up post-event, everything is already documented in one place!
Start Blogging and Publishing Content
Creating content is a great way to show potential employers or clients what you can do as a copywriter. As a matter of fact, 52% of customers are more willing to buy from a business after reading its content.
Start by writing blog posts on topics related to copywriting or your other interests and share them on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
You can also start submitting articles to websites such as Medium, which will allow you to publish content and get noticed by potential employers who are looking for copywriters with experience. By blogging, you’ll also be able to establish yourself as an authority in the copywriting space and show employers that you have a deep understanding of the craft.
When creating content, think about the types of clients you’d like to work with in the future and tailor your pieces around those types of companies or industries. This will ensure that when employers come across your published work, they’ll see how well-versed you already are in their industry’s language and writing style.
Finally, if you’re ready to take things to the next level – consider launching a podcast or YouTube channel where you can share your knowledge about copywriting and other topics related to digital marketing. This will not only help you get noticed by potential employers, but it could also open up new opportunities for collaborations with other content creators in your industry.
Apply for Copywriting Gigs on Freelance Job Boards
Freelance websites are also an excellent way to find work as a copywriter, even if you don’t have any experience. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to create profiles and search for jobs related to your skill set. You may not make top dollar in the beginning, but these sites offer great opportunities to gain experience and start generating income.
Try making a routine out of it too. Organize which job boards you want to visit every day and make it a habit to apply for gigs daily. This will maximize your chances of landing opportunities and compounding your income. Websites I personally recommend are:
Wrapping up getting your first copywriting client with no experience
Becoming a copywriter with no experience may seem like a daunting task, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach and dedication. Remember to focus on developing your copywriting skills, building a network, and creating opportunities for yourself. With time and effort, you can become a successful copywriter in no time.
If you want to accelerate your copywriting skills and income, check out my online courses where I teach copywriting and offer mentorship.
