With remote work on the rise and content needs growing daily, now is a prime time to become a freelance copywriter. Whether you’re a creative writer, a marketing enthusiast, or simply looking for a flexible side hustle, copywriting can open doors to steady income and professional growth.
But how do you break in, find clients, and avoid the tax pitfalls of self-employment?
This guide gives you the answers — from setting up your freelance copywriting business to making your first $1,000 and paying your quarterly taxes right.
What Is a Freelance Copywriter?
A freelance copywriter is a self-employed writer who creates persuasive and purposeful text (“copy”) for businesses, websites, ads, emails, and more.
Copywriting includes:
- Website copy (homepages, service pages)
- Ad copy (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
- Email marketing sequences
- Blog posts & SEO articles
- Landing pages and product descriptions
Unlike content writers who inform, copywriters aim to convert — whether that’s sales, signups, or engagement.
Skills You Need to Become a Freelance Copywriter
You don’t need a degree — but you do need these practical skills:
- Clear writing: Write for scanners, not scholars.
- Persuasion techniques: Use emotional triggers and calls-to-action.
- SEO basics: Know how to use keywords, meta descriptions, headers.
- Client communication: Know how to ask the right questions.
- Time management: Stay organized to meet multiple deadlines.
Learn more: Check out the free copywriting training by Copyhackers or explore client management tools on Bonsai.
How to Get Started as a Freelance Copywriter
Step 1: Build a Portfolio
Even one or two strong writing samples can help you land clients.
Start by:
- Writing mock landing pages or ad samples
- Blogging on your own site
- Offering work to nonprofits or startups for testimonials
👉 Check out our guide: How to Start a Freelance Writer Side Hustle in 2025
Step 2: Set Up Your Online Presence
At minimum, you’ll need:
- A basic website or portfolio (you can use GeneratePress or Astra with WordPress)
- A LinkedIn profile updated with “Freelance Copywriter”
- Optional: profiles on Upwork, Contra, or Fiverr
Pro tip: Include a “Hire Me” or “Request a Quote” button on your site.
Step 3: Find Clients (Even If You’re a Beginner)
Your first clients may come from:
- Cold outreach (to businesses with poor copy)
- Facebook groups for business owners
- Freelance job boards like ProBlogger Jobs or PeoplePerHour
Start small. Deliver value. Collect testimonials.
How Much Do Freelance Copywriters Make?
Here’s a ballpark idea based on experience:
| Type of Work | Beginner | Experienced |
|---|---|---|
| Blog Posts (1000–1500w) | $100–$200 | $300–$600+ |
| Website Homepage | $250–$500 | $800–$1500 |
| Email Sequences (5–7) | $200–$400 | $800–$1200 |
| Sales Pages | $400–$800 | $1,500–$5,000+ |
Niches like SaaS, legal, finance, and health typically pay higher.
Freelance Copywriter Tax Tips
Being your own boss means you need to manage your own taxes. Here’s what to watch for:
1. Self-Employment Tax
You must pay 15.3% self-employment tax on top of regular income tax.
2. Estimated Quarterly Taxes
If you expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes, the IRS requires quarterly payments.
👉 See our full post: Quarterly Tax Deadlines & How to File.
3. Deductible Expenses for Freelance Copywriters:
- Laptop, mouse, keyboard
- Software (Grammarly, Canva, Jasper AI)
- Courses and certifications
- Website hosting/domain fees
- Internet (portion used for work)
- Home office expenses
- Marketing costs
For more information, visit our article Top 10 Freelance Tax Deductions You Might Be Missing
Try our Freelancer Tax Calculator to estimate your taxes instantly.
How to Grow Your Freelance Copywriting Business
- Niche down (e.g., “SaaS email copywriter”)
- Raise rates after every 3–5 successful projects
- Upsell clients on recurring services
- Build an email list and write case studies
- Partner with designers or web developers
Tools That Make Copywriting Easier
| Purpose | Tool Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Writing & Editing | Google Docs, Grammarly |
| Research | AlsoAsked, AnswerThePublic |
| AI Assistants | Jasper AI, ChatGPT |
| Time Tracking | Toggl, Bonsai |
| Invoicing | Wave, PayPal, FreshBooks |
Final Thoughts
Becoming a freelance copywriter is one of the most rewarding — and flexible — ways to earn a living online. With a blend of creativity, strategy, and client focus, you can turn words into a thriving business.
Whether you’re side-hustling or going full-time, take time to build your skills, market yourself authentically, and stay on top of your taxes. Your future clients are already searching for someone like you.
