The hardest part of any new pursuit is simply getting started; copywriting and content writing are no exception. It’s an expansive industry, encompassing everything from technical writing to business interaction to social media content, and can sometimes feel overwhelming if you’re just starting out.

So, let’s talk about some of those challenges new copywriters face when getting started.

Navigating Copywriting as a Beginner and Getting Over Those Challenges New Copywriters Face

Whether you’re coming into the field as an experienced writer or a brand-new wordsmith, there are a few things you’ll need to pick up on quickly in order to cultivate success. Let’s break it down into four main challenges and discuss how to overcome them.

Building a Client Base

So you can write! That’s all well and good. But, in order to make that into a business, you’ll need people to write for. This means a lot of what we call “lead generation.” Essentially, your first priority is networking; reach out to potential clients and ask about their copywriting needs. Pitch yourself and offer your services. You can do this on freelance platforms like Upwork—eventually! Clients won’t come pouring in right away. You have to do the work to bid for jobs and market yourself as a viable resource.

Upwork, though it can be incredibly effective, isn’t the only option. Try reaching out via LinkedIn, email, or company websites. If you offer an extensive range of services, consider starting your own website. So, be sure to leverage the connections you already have. Whether they’re from your college days, local businesses, or family and friends, do it. It never hurts to ask—for jobs, contacts, referrals, reviews, etc.

Keeping Up with SEO Practices

Many copywriters spend a good deal of their time writing for blogs or websites, and that means you’ll have to become familiar with search engine optimization, or SEO. For those of you used to writing for print publications or newsletters that already have an established audience, this may be a bit of an adjustment—but you’ll catch on! 

Take the time to research SEO practices. Learn what an H1 header does for website visibility. Consider keyword density and the number of words in a given section of content. Try adding statistics to your blog. And why not add link to web pages, both internal and external, making sure they’re reputable and relevant? Plus, don’t discount the importance of alt text. 

The internet is constantly being flooded with new content. So, SEO practices are continually evolving, and you may have to check in occasionally to make sure you’re still using it effectively.  Trust me on this one.

Writing for Clients

Depending on the type of writing you’re used to, adjusting to writing for a particular audience with a specific business goal may take some getting used to. You’re often writing for potential customers, convincing them to purchase or subscribe to a product or service. 

This means most short-form copywriting pieces, like blogs or landing pages, will include a strong, often personalized call to action. If you’re skimming through a website looking for a company to build your new deck, are you more likely to click a button that says “contact us” or one that says “click here to get a free quote on your construction project today”? 

Writing for a business or brand also means that you need to understand and imitate their voice in the tone of your writing. Rachel, a new content writer I have been blessed to call on occasionally, started as a creative writer and then as a journalist. I asked her about her experiences starting out as a content writer. She shared that she wasn’t used to writing with the intent to convert rather than inform or entertain. So, she had to learn to adjust her writing style and structure accordingly. Now, she feels comfortable writing technical and business copy that accomplishes a goal and supports a brand!

Are you writing for a law firm that wants to emphasize its efficient professionalism or a travel blog that’s all about having fun? Different forms of content for varying clients require a tone of writing with a strong sense of self and brand story. 

Managing Expectations

Building on writing for your client, a super important part of any successful copywriting gig, is making sure that you and your client are on the same page about the scope and quality of your project. And this can definitely be one of the challenges new copywriters face. For me, I like to start client relations with a quick scoping call to talk about length, tone, content, and turnaround. When you are proactive in your communication, it prevents extended deadlines and the need for countless revisions.

Ready to Get Started?

So, whether you’re starting up a side business or making a full career transition to copywriting, I’m here to help. Check out my blog series on the most common mistakes new copywriters make in the business. (See that call to action? You’ve got it!)