Freelance Copywriter Career Profile

Freelance Copywriter Career ProfileFreelance Copywriter Career ProfileAnyone who is freelancing in the advertising industry is acting as an independent contractor, either on their own or through a recruitment agency. Freelancers are loved by agencies because they allow them to staff up on big projects or pitches, giving them the flexibility to take on more work and alleviate the load on various departments. A freelance copywriter is simply a copywriter who is not employed full-time by an ad agency or in-house department. The freelance writer will be asked to help on any number of projects for either an hourly rate, a day rate, or a per project basis. Not only do you write copy for a variety of materials, but youre also your own billing department and marketing team to get new clients. You are your own boss and you do get to platzdeckchen your own hours. However, youll find your open for geschftsleben hours will change when a client calls at 5 p.m. on a Friday in a panic, needing a co mplete direct mail package by Monday morning. Most freelancers work from home or are given desk space in an agency. They can work alone, or with a team of designers, writers and art directors, but usually dont meet most of their clients in person. Salary Range Full-time freelance copywriters can make anywhere from the low teens to six figures. Salaries vary based on the freelancers experience, own rates, clients and even persistence to seek out new clients when just starting out. Special Skills Excellent writing talent and a knack for persuasive copyAbility to come up with high-concept ideas quicklyLateral thinkingConfidence in yourself and your writing skillsAbility to work on multiple projects at onceMeeting or beating deadlines is a mustTurning around full projects in a very short time if the client needs a rush job completedMust be well-organized to serve as a copywriter, act as your own business manager and market yourself all at the same timeA professional demeanor is required to deal with your clients Flexibility to meet clients needs even if that means working outside your preferred hoursMust be able to work well alone or in a group Education and Training Some freelance copywriters do not have a formal education or training in advertising. They may start by taking a copywriting course online or by mail. They can also use SPEC ADS to attract clients and they tend to start out working with smaller clients to build their advertising portfolio. Some of the most successful freelance copywriters, though, have worked at advertising agencies (and usually as copywriters) before branching out on their own. Typical Day There is not usually a typical day when freelancing as a copywriter. One minute you could be doing high-concept work for a blue chip client, the next youre writing body copy for a credit card website. But here is just a brief rundown of what you may encounter Brainstorm to come up with copy ideasSubmit a completed copy to the client for approvalEmail your contract to the client to accept a new projectCheck in with clients who need updates or if you have questions about a projectMake edits to copy in progress and copy the client has requested changes toProofread copy before submitting it to the clientField calls from potential clientsConduct research for a project youre writingEmail your info packet and/or marketing materials to prospective clients when youre looking for new business The Advantages of Freelancing As with any freelancing career, there are ups and downs to the business. Depending on the experience under a freelancers belt, and his or her connections, it can be a lucrative career Pay is much higher than full-time employmentSet your own hoursDecide which projects you work onTake vacation days whenever you likeNo boss to report toNo ties to a company or location The Disadvantages of Freelancing Of course, freelancing is a double-edged sword. While there are a lot of benefits, it can be a da unting prospect to go on your own and pay your own way No guarantee of workConstantly hustling for projects and assignmentsNo company-paid healthcare or other benefitsNo regular work colleagues it can be lonelyYou have to work when you get it, or risk missing outIt can take months to get paid Common Misconceptions Freelance copywriters just starting out often feel like they need to act as graphic designers. If you have specific training in graphic design, it can help you but most advertising agencies and clients are specifically looking for freelance copywriters and do not expect you to be a graphic designer. Another misconception is that freelance copywriters are involved in creative decisions. Most dont usually get to help the creative department come up with ideas for the client. Generally, they are only let in on the project after the big creative decisions have already been made. Getting Started Many freelancers keep their current job until they get a couple of regular freelance clients. They work at their freelance business on the side before leaving the steady 9-5 gig (and paycheck). You can begin your freelance copywriting career on a shoestring budget, even for as little as $100. Business cards, a Web site, and other vitals are some of the small tasks necessary to get your new career path off to a good start. Setting your freelance rates and deciding if you should charge by the hour or per project is another area where you have to make big decisions before you start selling yourself to get clients.