How to Become a Copywriter with No Experience

Want to learn how to become a copywriter but think you don’t have the right experience? Don’t worry! It’s completely possible to break into this exciting field without any previous freelance writing experience. 

This blog post will guide you through eight steps to becoming a copywriter, even if you’re starting from scratch.

1. Understand What a Copywriter Does

The crucial first step is to understand what copywriting involves. Copywriting is the art of crafting persuasive and engaging text – or copy – for marketing and advertising purposes. The goal of copywriting is to convince people to take a desired action, which is known as a “conversion.” There are many different types of conversion, including making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or downloading a free resource.

Copywriters can work on various types of content, including:

• Web copy (such as home pages, landing pages, and product descriptions)
• Social media posts
• Email marketing campaigns
• Advertisement scripts
• Brochures and flyers

Understanding the scope of copywriting will help you focus your efforts as you continue your journey toward becoming one.

2. Develop Your Writing Skills

There are lots of different ways to improve your writing skills. Here are some suggestions:

• Read extensively: Familiarize yourself with different writing styles by reading a variety of content, from blog posts and articles to advertisements and product descriptions.
• Learn grammar and punctuation: Brush up on the basics to ensure your writing is accurate and error-free. 
• Study copywriting techniques: Learn how to write persuasively. Luckily, there are a lot of great online copywriting courses available. Some of them will even teach you the basics for free!
• Practice daily: Set aside time each day to write. This could be journaling, blogging, or even rewriting existing advertisements you come across.

The world of copywriting is always evolving. To stay current, it’s crucial to keep learning. If you feel like you need to get up to speed, other options include:

• Attending workshops and webinars
• Subscribing to online publications focused on copywriting, advertising, and marketing
• Following other freelancers and thought leaders on platforms such as LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter)

3. Study Successful Copywriters and Campaigns

Once you’re confident in your fundamental writing skills, decide what niche you want to focus on. Choosing a niche will allow you to tailor your skills to a target audience. Furthermore, over time, as you gain recommendations and testimonials, you’ll build credibility in that niche.

Learning from the best can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Start by studying copy that has made an impact in your chosen niche, with the aim of understanding its effectiveness Ask yourself these questions:

• How is the copy tailored to the target audience?
• How is the copy structured? 
• Has the writer used a copywriting formula?
• Does the copy align with the brand’s voice? 
• What tone does the copy strike?
• Are any persuasive techniques used?
• How does the copy incorporate calls to action? 

4. Create a Portfolio

Even without professional experience, you can build a writing portfolio to showcase your skills. Here are some tips:

• Write sample pieces: Create mock advertisements, landing pages, or social media campaigns for existing brands or imaginary products.
• Start a blog: Write about topics you’re passionate about to demonstrate your writing style and ability to engage readers. You can even start a blog for free.
• Volunteer: Offer your services to local nonprofits or small businesses to gain real-world experience and samples for your portfolio.

Quality is more important than quantity, so focus on creating a few stellar pieces rather than a large volume of mediocre work. 

While it is important to be versatile, you also want to develop your voice and style. Before deciding what to include in your portfolio, experiment with different tones and try writing in various styles to find out what feels the most natural. Don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your work. Once you’ve found your voice, maintain consistency when selecting pieces for your portfolio.

5. Research Your Target Audience

Good copywriters are skilled researchers – and that doesn’t just mean subject matter research. Audience research is an essential part of the copywriting process too. To effectively connect with your audience, you need to understand their demographics and psychographics.

Demographics include categories such as age, gender, location, level of education, and employment status. Psychographics are about a person’s interests, values, opinions, and motivations. By developing an understanding of these two areas, you can better tailor your writing to your audience’s wants and needs. 

6. Network to Build Relationships

Networking can open doors to opportunities, even without experience. Here are three ways to connect:

• Join professional organizations such as The Professional Writers’ Alliance or ProCopywriters.
• Attend workshops, seminars, conferences, or other events related to copywriting and marketing.
• Follow and interact with other copywriters, marketers, and potential clients on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and X.

7. Consider Freelancing Platforms

Freelancing platforms can be a great way to gain experience and build your client base. Popular options include Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

Start with small projects to build your reputation, and gradually take on more complex assignments as you gain confidence and gather positive reviews.

8. Promote Yourself

Breaking into copywriting without experience takes time and effort. So, make sure you are patient and persistent. Set realistic goals, and don’t expect to land high-paying clients immediately. Focus on gradual progress. Learn from any rejections you receive, using feedback from unsuccessful pitches or applications to improve your skills and approach. Believing in yourself will help you to project confidence that will attract the attention of potential clients. 

You also need to promote yourself. Reach out to the connections you have made through networking and freelancing platforms. Aim to secure a few great clients that will provide you with repeat work, then build your base from there.

Becoming A Copywriter

Trying to become a copywriter with no experience doesn’t have to be a daunting task. It’s entirely achievable with dedication, practice, and the right approach. By focusing on developing your skills, building a portfolio, understanding your audience, and continuously learning, you can pave your way into this exciting and rewarding career.

If you need help getting started, take our Becoming A Copywriter course. It’s beginner friendly and will teach you everything you need to write compelling, persuasive web copy that will win you clients and convert readers into buyers. You can even try a couple of lessons for free!

Related posts:

What Does a Copywriter Do? What’s the Difference Between Copywriting and Content Writing? What Is Copywriting? What Computing Skills Does a Proofreader Need?