How to Start Copywriting (9 Steps for Beginners)

Want to get paid to write? You’re in the right place! 

Embarking on a career in copywriting can be both exciting and overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most rewarding paths you can choose. Like any career, becoming a skilled copywriter requires commitment, consistent effort, and a strategic approach. 

It’s not just about writing; it’s about building a skill set that can help businesses connect with their audience and drive results.

Whether you have zero experience, a full-time job, or have never thought of yourself as a writer, this guide will show you how to start your copywriting journey from scratch.

Let’s break it down into 10 simple, actionable steps to help you become a highly paid, highly sought-after copywriter!

1. Take the Leap

It may seem straightforward, but this is the step where many people hesitate. They get stuck in the endless cycle of “What if?” and never take action. The truth is, you’ll never feel entirely ready—waiting for the perfect moment often leads to missed opportunities. Success is built on making decisions quickly and following through with action.

Ask yourself these key questions:

• What’s one reason this could work for me, given my unique strengths or situation?
• How can I take that first step today, no matter how small?

Once you have your answers, write them down. Commit to moving forward, and take that first step—because progress begins with action.

2. Learn from the Best

The quickest way to fast-track your success as a copywriter is by learning from someone who’s already been through the process. A mentor isn’t just someone to ask questions—they’re a guide who can help you navigate challenges, avoid rookie mistakes, and accelerate your learning curve. 

But be careful about who you choose. Too many voices with conflicting advice can overwhelm you and delay your progress.

Look for a mentor whose career path aligns with your goals and whose advice resonates with you. 

You’ll be more likely to trust their process and apply their lessons effectively. Having someone to show you the ropes, someone who’s done what you want to do can make all the difference. 

Remember, they’ve been through the struggles, learned the lessons, and now they can help you avoid the same pitfalls.

3. Find Your First Client

Securing your first client is often the most difficult part of your copywriting journey. But once you land that first job, it becomes much easier to build momentum. The key is to be visible and credible. Put yourself out there, and don’t wait for opportunities to come to you.

Here’s how you can find your first client:

• Social media: Start sharing what you’re learning and creating on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. The more active you are, the more likely clients will take notice. Use sites like SparkToro to find out which sites your followers visit.
• Networking: Tell people in your circle that you’re now offering copywriting services. Word of mouth can go a long way in securing that initial project.
• Cold pitching: Reach out to potential clients directly. This could be through email or social media, but be sure to craft a message that explains who you are, what you do, and how you can help them.

The first client is the toughest to land, but once you secure it, you’ll find that the second and third clients follow much more easily.

4. Gain Experience

The best way to build confidence as a copywriter is by working on real projects. The more you write, the more you’ll learn and grow. Every project is a chance to improve your skills and build your portfolio. As you work with clients, you’ll get feedback, refine your writing, and gain a deeper understanding of the craft.

Here’s how you can gain experience:

• Start small: Offer lower rates in exchange for testimonials or experience. Even if you’re working for free or at a reduced rate, the experience will be invaluable.
• Volunteer: Reach out to nonprofits or local businesses that might need copywriting help. Volunteering allows you to practice and build your portfolio while helping others.
• Help friends and family: Sometimes your first clients are closer than you think. Offer to help a friend with their business or a family member with a project.

Every piece of work you complete adds to your portfolio and builds your confidence.

5. Invest in Yourself

Copywriting is more than just writing; it’s a valuable skill that you need to constantly sharpen. The more you invest in yourself—whether that’s through courses, books, or practice—the more you’ll grow as a writer. 

If you’re serious about copywriting, commit to building a strong foundation. Our expert-led online courses are a great place to start. 

However, nothing will sharpen your skills faster than simply writing every day. As you practice, be intentional about improving your craft.

The best part? The more you invest in yourself, the higher the returns. Whether it’s new clients, better-paying projects, or personal growth, the more effort you put into honing your skills, the more you’ll see the rewards.

6. Start Small, Think Big

Everyone starts somewhere—and that somewhere is usually messy. Don’t expect to write flawless copy right away. Instead, focus on getting started. It doesn’t matter how bad your first draft is; what matters is that you’re learning, improving, and pushing yourself to become better with each piece of writing.

Here’s how you can cultivate your skills:

• Write daily: Whether it’s social media posts, blog articles, or even just jotting down headlines, make writing a daily habit. The more you write, the better you’ll get.
• Analyze great copy: Find ads, sales pages, or email campaigns that you think are particularly compelling, and break them down. Study the structure, the language, and the tone. Why does it work? How can you replicate that success?
• Experiment with headlines and hooks: Your headline is the first thing people see, so make sure it grabs attention. Craft and rewrite headlines until you get a feel for what works.

Don’t be afraid of writing bad copy. Every expert was once a beginner. It’s through trial and error that you get better.

7. Show What You Can Do

A solid portfolio is essential to landing clients. But here’s the thing—if you don’t have any client work to show yet, that’s okay. You can still create a portfolio that reflects your abilities. Mock-up copy, rewrite existing ads or create copy for imaginary products. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

• Rewrite an ad: Take a real ad you think could be more effective, and make it your own. Show off your creativity and ability to improve existing work.
• Create email sequences: Choose a brand you admire and write a series of marketing emails that could belong to them. This shows you can work with brand voice and tone.
• Draft a landing page: Design a landing page for a fictional product, or even a product you wish existed. Focus on persuasive language, clear calls to action, and engaging copy.

Make sure your portfolio is clean, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. You don’t need to use expensive tools—Google Docs and Canva are free and can help you create a professional-looking portfolio that demonstrates your skills.

8. Position Yourself as an Expert

Copywriting is a skill, but marketing yourself is also essential. Once you’ve started building your portfolio, it’s time to market yourself. This means creating a brand for yourself and positioning yourself as an expert. Here’s how:

• Optimize your LinkedIn: Make sure your LinkedIn profile showcases your skills and experience. It’s one of the first places potential clients will look to learn more about you.

• Create a website: Having a personal website gives you credibility and makes it easier for potential clients to view your work. You can build a simple, professional website with platforms like WordPress or Squarespace.
• Share valuable content: Start posting articles, tips, or insights on your social media accounts or blog. When you provide value, you attract potential clients who are looking for your expertise.

9. Raise Your Rates: Get Paid What You’re Worth

As you gain experience and confidence, it’s time to raise your rates. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. Businesses pay for results, not hours worked. When you’ve proven your ability to deliver great copy, you’ll find that clients are willing to pay higher rates for your services.

Consider these strategies for raising your rates:

• Increase rates with each new client: As you gain more experience, you should be charging more for your work.
• Value-based pricing: Charge based on the value you provide, not just the time you spend writing.
• Offer packages: By bundling your services, you can increase your earning potential and offer more value to your clients.

Design the Life You Want

As you continue to grow in your copywriting career, you’ll have more control over the projects you take on, the clients you work with, and your work schedule. You can choose the projects that excite you, set your own hours, and design a career that fits your lifestyle. Whether you want to freelance full-time, work with agencies, or even run your own copywriting business, the choice is yours.

Take the time to design the career you’ve always dreamed of. You’ve got the skills, you’ve built the foundation, and now it’s time to take charge.

Start Today

There’s no perfect moment to start. If you wait for the ideal circumstances, you’ll be waiting forever. Success in copywriting, like any other career, is built on consistent action, learning, and improvement. So, what are you waiting for? Start writing today and commit to building the career you deserve.