AI For Freelance Copywriters

Picking A Niche, Pricing, Getting Clients, Choosing Software, Troubleshooting, Branding, Editing

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TL;DR

You can still make great money with freelance copywriting, but AI has raised the bar for strategy and execution. Choosing a niche fast-tracks success – start with what you know and pivot as needed. The right tools make running your business easier, so start with essentials like a payment processor, contracts, email, and Google Docs, then upgrade as needed. Tech challenges are solvable with AI, Google, or YouTube, so troubleshooting should never be a barrier. Your brand is more than just visuals; a clear offer and strong client experience matter most. Copyediting improves quality and allows you to charge higher rates, whether you use AI, human editors, or both. Pricing should mirror the impact of your copy, with conversion-heavy copy commanding higher fees. Client acquisition is a numbers game where value and volume win, with cold outreach, referrals, and SEO all playing a role. Effective time management requires separating deep work from admin tasks to maintain productivity. AI won’t replace freelance copywriters, but those who master AI will replace those who don’t. The best copywriters will be those who can strategically manage AI, optimize messaging, and deliver real results.

Can You Make $10,000 A Month With Copywriting?

Yes, freelance copywriters are doing it all the time, especially with AI – but you’ll need a stronger strategy since AI has evened the playing field.

The world of freelance copywriting is shifting fast. Less than 5 years ago, all you had to do was learn how to write sales pages and marketing emails, and you could be making 10K sitting at your laptop in your pajamas.

But AI hit the scene, and tools are becoming more sophisticated every week. Companies were delighted to see ChatGPT and Claude generate copy that used to cost them hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Many copywriters – especially those who’ve invested time and money into a course – are wondering: Am I still relevant?

The answer is yes, but not by standing still.

A black and white illustration of the author sits at a laptop, amazed that freelance copywriters can make 10K a month.

AI isn’t replacing skilled copywriters – it’s completely reshaping how we work. Learning how to integrate AI into your workflow will ultimately create more valuable, high-impact copy than AI can generate alone.

People that are resisting it are already falling behind.

I’ve been a freelance copywriter for over five years. I’ve taken the courses, ghostwritten for them, and spent countless hours refining my craft.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about, it’s this: AI amplifies your copywriting skills.

Research. Client acquisition. Creating offers. Editing. Handling analytics. Yes, and generating copy.

The game has changed, but you now have the resources of a whole team.

This guide is for freelance copywriters who are serious about staying relevant, competitive, and profitable in the age of AI.

Whether you’re struggling with tech, wondering how AI fits into your services, or trying to figure out how to stand out when “everyone is using AI,” I’m here to help.

I built out this guide to help newer copywriters work through those copywriter-business foundations – and see where AI can help them. It’s based both on my experiences as a new copywriter and my experience with AI.

You’ve probably already taken a course or read a book that handles copywriting/marketing specific skills.

Here, I’m clarifying the areas that aren’t copywriting but are 100% necessary for your business. They’re based on the top 8 struggles I see new freelance copywriters face:

Which niche should I pick?
What apps do I actually need to run my business – and what should I pick? (i.e. payment processor, contracts, writing software, website, etc.)
How do I figure out all this technical stuff when I’m not tech savvy?
What branding do I need to look professional enough to hire?
How do I make sure my copy’s good enough?
How do I get clients?
How do I manage my time to build skills and write for clients when I’m super busy?

I want you to feel less stress and more excitement about being a freelance copywriter. I don’t want AI to intimidate you or take your clients.

Most of all, I want next steps to feel clear and within reach.

Let’s go!

Which Copywriting Niche Should I Pick?

If you need to make money ASAP, pick a niche that builds on knowledge you already have, like a previous/current job, life experience, or interest.

Choosing a niche as a copywriter isn’t about making a lifelong commitment – it’s about giving yourself direction. You can easily change directions later once you’ve got more resources, clarity, and experience

Your niche helps you focus your efforts, target the right clients, and streamline your business growth.

Pick Something. Anything.

The biggest mistake new copywriters make (and that I made) is overthinking their niche to the point of inaction.

You lose valuable time and income in the process.

Many beginner freelance copywriters stress about picking the “perfect” niche, stressing they’ll be locked into it forever. But your niche can (and should) evolve as you gain experience.

Most successful copywriters have changed niches at least once. Picking a niche is just a starting point, not a final decision. You can refine or pivot as your business grows.

Leverage Your Existing Knowledge

A fast and profitable way to establish yourself in a niche is by not starting from scratch. If you can afford to spend time learning before earning, you’ve got more room to pursue interests that might not align with experience. But your existing knowledge will give you a head start.

Even if you’re new to copywriting, your background in a particular field can give you a huge competitive advantage. For example, if you’ve worked in healthcare, finance, or education, you already understand industry language, challenges, and audience needs.

New freelance copywriters often avoid familiar niches in favor of a fresh start. I’m guilty.

But starting in a field you already know makes client acquisition easier and allows you to earn while refining your skills. Once you’ve gained momentum, you can transition into a different niche if desired.

Niche Evolution is Normal – Because It Isn’t A Certification

As you work with more clients, you’ll discover industries or types of copy you enjoy more than others. Changing your niche is as simple as adjusting your website messaging and targeting different clients.

Many top copywriters didn’t start in their current niche—it was a stepping stone to something even better.

A niche isn’t a certification or an official title. It’s a strategic decision based on demand. If businesses are willing to pay you to write in a particular industry or for a specific type of copy, that’s a niche.

Some successful freelance copywriters specialize in highly specific areas, such as white papers for software companies or email sequences for coaches. It’s not about finding a secret niche. It’s about serving enough clients who need specialized expertise. Generic copy won’t get the job done for them.

Choosing a niche is about finding actual demand – one where businesses regularly invest in high-quality copy. If companies in your niche produce blogs, emails, and landing pages, that’s a good sign they need copywriters.

Failing to choose a niche means you don’t have direction, making it harder to attract and pitch clients.

Without a niche, your website, outreach, and marketing become too broad to stand out. Many new freelance copywriters procrastinate choosing a niche by endlessly researching or tweaking their website. This keeps you stuck…and earning $0.

It’s better to pick a direction and test it for 90 days than to wait for the “perfect” niche. Action leads to clarity. You’ll learn what works by actually getting clients and writing copy.

Pick A (Not Broad) Niche with Real Clients

Some niches sound appealing but don’t have enough paying clients.

I don’t recommend niches with businesses that struggle to afford copywriters, such as small nonprofits or solopreneurs with a low marketing budget.

Instead, focus on industries where businesses already invest in content, such as:

SaaS & Tech
Finance & Legal
Healthcare & Medical
B2B Services
E-commerce & Product Copy
Coaching & Course Creators

Find a sub-niche within it to make your pond even easier to fish in. But make sure it has fish.

A good rule of thumb: if an industry regularly produces blogs, emails, and sales pages, it likely has a budget for copywriting. Potentially, a budget for your services.

A common mistake I see is choosing a niche that’s too broad, like copywriting for “small businesses.”

Broad niches make it harder to rank in SEO, stand out in outreach, and establish authority. A narrow niche attracts clients more effectively because it signals your specialization and expertise.

For example, a copywriter specializing in surgical medical copy is more likely to attract relevant clients than one who just offers “healthcare copy.”

Niching down doesn’t limit opportunities. It actually opens more doors because you become the go-to expert in that space and the spaces around it. Going with that same example – specializing in surgical medical copy draws in related businesses, like orthopedic repair specialists and documentation software for surgical practices.

The best way to choose a niche is to pick something and start pitching clients.

Niches evolve, so your first choice isn’t going to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to be. What matters most is committing to a niche long enough to gain experience and insights.

To make this process easier, I built a Niche Clarifier chatbot that helps freelance copywriters quickly explore niche options based on their skills, goals, and market demand. Instead of overthinking, you can get clear direction in minutes and start taking action.

Picking a niche is about moving forward and learning along the way.

What Apps Do Copywriters Use?

Copywriters use editing tools and sometimes AI, but at the core, they need a payment processor, contract software, email, and document management.

Choosing your copywriter’s tech stack doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.

New freelance copywriters tend to delay getting clients because they’re stuck overthinking software decisions, but it’s not hard to set up a functional, budget-friendly tech stack. You can do it in an afternoon.

Focus on essential tools. Look into the fancy software later. Right now, all you need software to do is take care of a contract, deliver your work, talk to the client, and get paid.

Core Software You Need

A copywriter’s tech stack only needs a few fundamental tools to function:

Payment Processing – Stripe, Wave, PayPal, or Venmo provide easy ways for clients to pay.
Contract Management – Protect yourself legally with tools like Docusign, Fiverr Workspace, or HoneyBook, which also include contract templates.
Client Communication – A simple Gmail account works fine; adding a custom domain email can make it look professional.
File Storage & Document Management – Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft Office keep copy deliverables organized, accessible, and easy to send.

You don’t need to overcomplicate operations as a new freelance copywriter – or as a seasoned one. With experience, you’ll learn which tools are truly useful for your business instead of just fancy extras.

Additional Tools That Improve Efficiency

Beyond the essentials, a few tools can streamline your workflow and client interactions:

Website & Hosting – A basic site provides credibility and a place to showcase services. Google Sites or low-cost hosting solutions like Squarespace work well for beginners.
Calendar Scheduling – Eliminates back-and-forth emails for booking calls. Tools like Calendly or Google Calendar integrate with email and video conferencing.
Video Conferencing – Google Meet or Zoom are simple and effective for client meetings.
AI Chatbots & Research Assistants – AI-powered tools like Claude and ChatGPT reduce troubleshooting time and speed up research for copywriting projects.

These tools can make copywriting and getting clients smoother without requiring a large investment.

What You Don’t Need Right Away

Plenty of software options sound appealing but really aren’t necessary for new freelance copywriters. Tools to skip in the beginning include:

Premium Website Builders – A basic website is enough to start.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Software – Spreadsheets can manage a small number of clients.
Project Management Tools – If working solo, a simple to-do list or calendar works just as well. There’s also lots of free options.
Social Media Management Platforms – Direct outreach is more effective initially.
Advanced Accounting Software – Basic bookkeeping in a spreadsheet or invoicing tool is just fine.
Paid Advertising – Prioritize organic marketing efforts before investing in ads. It’s hard to test ads effectively without a few thousand dollars a month.

You can waste a ton of time and money on unnecessary tools. Plus, keeping operations simple keeps things more manageable.

Common Tech Traps to Avoid

I’ve made every one of these. Most of the copywriters you look up to have too in the beginning.

Overpaying for Features You Don’t Need – Premium software often offers advanced features (like AI build-ins) that aren’t necessary when starting. Features will not improve your copywriting skills.
Underestimating Learning Curves – Complicated tools can slow down workflow. You can always switch to something more complex once you learn the ropes of a simpler version. That’s why I started my website with Squarespace, even though I now have WordPress.
Not Setting a Budget – Cash flow is a huge bottleneck in the beginning. Make your overhead ultra low to make momentum easy to build. The’re lots of free options.
Assuming Expensive Means Better – Many free or budget-friendly tools perform just as well as high-end alternatives. You don’t have to add users or process huge amounts of data.
Thinking Software Fixes Business Problems – No tool can replace skill development, organization, and effective client communication.

Here’s The Most Affordable & Efficient Tech Stack

For those on a tight budget, a combination of HoneyBook’s Starter Plan ($16–$25/month) and a Google Account (free) provides everything needed to run a copywriting business, including invoicing, contract management, email, scheduling, and document storage.

This setup gives you professional operations while minimizing costs and learning curves. We freelance copywriters are busy enough – we don’t need more on our plate.

How to Make Quick, Confident Software Decisions

Spending too much time researching software delays real business growth – getting clients.

To simplify the process, I built a Software Matchmaker chatbot to help freelancers find the best tech stack within their budget. It also offers step-by-step setup guidance.

Set up the essentials to write copy and get paid.

It’ll give you the bandwidth to look for clients and improve your skills.

If you’re looking for AI tools for copywriting and marketing, check out this guide as well.

Can I Do Freelance Copywriting If I’m Not Tech Savvy?

Yes, you can – AI makes troubleshooting easy, even with intimidating tech.

Being a copywriter navigating troubleshooting doesn’t require being a tech expert, but avoiding technology will absolutely limit your growth.

99% of the time, someone else has already solved the tech problem you’re facing. The solution is just a Google search, YouTube tutorial, or AI chatbot away. If others – many with less experience – have figured it out, so can you.

The biggest tech “hack” is simply refusing to give up.

Plus, most tech issues can be solved within a few minutes of deciding to stop ignoring the issue.

Stop Saying “I’m Bad With Tech”

Every business owner struggles with tech. New or experienced, figuring out new software and troubleshooting humbles us all, and at every season of business.

You’re not the only one having trouble with:

Setting up/making changes to your website
Getting your payment processor or contract software to work right
Adjusting something in your Google docs or Microsoft office
Figuring out how to file taxes online
Using your client’s productivity software
Understanding an analytics dashboard

Tech challenges won’t disappear, but the opportunities you’ll have by overcoming them can.

Use Existing Resources Instead of Reinventing The Wheel

You don’t have to solve tech problems from scratch – someone has already created a guide for almost every issue you’ll encounter. Before getting frustrated, try:

Customer support (most platforms have live chat or help desks)
Software FAQs & blogs
Google searches (AI-generated summaries often provide instant answers)
YouTube tutorials
Reddit forums
Asking ChatGPT for step-by-step help

Tech troubleshooting is a skill like any other—the more you practice, the easier it becomes.

I strongly recommend using AI. Open up ChatGPT and tell it what you’re having trouble with. It’s ok that you don’t know what you don’t know. It’ll figure it out for you.

If you have a big tech struggle, like setting up your website, I also recommend scheduling a dedicated hour.

Tech issues feel overwhelming, not because you can’t solve them, but because they stall progress and seem bigger than they are. It takes practice to sit with feeling stupid without resisting it.

The good news is that many tech problems are one-time struggles. Once you solve them, you won’t have to figure them out again. Document it.

To save time in the future, create a simple document with links to tutorials, notes on past solutions, and step-by-step walkthroughs. This makes troubleshooting easier and helps you build confidence. Future tech struggles become less scary.

Simplicity Benefits Both You and Your Clients

Keep your own tech simple. A streamlined, user-friendly workflow isn’t just easier for you. It also improves the client experience.

Clients appreciate processes that are simple and intuitive. Focus on keeping things efficient, accessible, and scalable.

For example, use a shared Google Drive folder for client files instead of juggling multiple email attachments. Don’t make things complicated to look more professional. Efficiency IS professional.

Tech Troubles Are Where Others Give Up. Keep Going.

Instead of spending hours researching solutions, AI-powered support gives you real-time, customized troubleshooting. I created a Tech Support chatbot specifically for freelance copywriters. It helps resolve tech snags with step-by-step, on demand guidance.

It’s how I’ve handled complex tasks like migrating and creating my website all on my own.

Freelancers who push through tech frustrations have the ultimate competitive edge. Most of your competition won’t take the time to troubleshoot, meaning that every tech challenge you overcome moves you further ahead.

It’s the same with your clients. Every tech process they’re not willing or interested in facing becomes an opportunity for you to offer paid services. The value you can add by uploading their copy and checking their analytics is enormous.

Shift your mindset, use available resources, and simplify the process.

How Do You Brand Yourself As A Copywriter?

As a freelance copywriter, your brand is what people remember about you – your elevator pitch and the experience of working with you.

Logos, colors, and fonts are often the first things people associate with branding. But the real foundation of your copywriting brand lies in how clients recognize and trust you.

Overcomplicating branding too early can slow you down. There’s no rush to nail down your “look” or create some lofty mission statement. Visuals build consistency, but not necessarily trust. But consistently bringing value to each interaction builds trust.

Plenty of successful copywriters grow their businesses without an elaborate logo, color scheme, or website.

It’s easier to invest in professional branding once you’ve built consistency, clarity, and value. A polished look alone won’t create a strong reputation – it can even set expectations too high and lead clients to disappointment.

So where should a new freelance copywriter start with branding? How can they apply these values in a practical sense, where it helps with website building and client outreach/retention?

A Brand Elevator Pitch Clarifies Your Offer

A brand elevator pitch consolidates tones of elements of your brand. Since it’s so nicely packaged and easily delivered, it’s one of the most powerful tools for defining and communicating your brand. It answers three questions:

What do you offer?
Who is it for?
Why should they care?

It’s a simple statement that helps you clarify your positioning, refine your messaging, and confidently present your services to clients.

A strong elevator pitch makes marketing easier. You can use this pitch directly (or reworded) in things like your website, in social media outreach, and when talking to people one-on-one.

For example, mine is:

“Check Copywriting does concierge copywriting and AI copywriting education.

We help copywriters keep AI from taking their jobs so they can still get clients and make great money.”

For the full formula on how to build your brand elevator pitch, check out the Brand Building blog post here.

The Client Experience Is How Your Brand Shows (Not Tells) Your Values

Your brand isn’t just what people see—it’s how they experience working with you. Every interaction with a client, from onboarding to final deliverables, contributes to your brand’s reputation.

Establishing structured client workflows creates a smooth and professional experience, which reinforces trust and reliability. Rather than talking about your reliability, you’re proving it by being easy to work with.

Three core areas to optimize include:

Onboarding: A clear, streamlined process sets client expectations and builds confidence with fast follow-ups.
Project Communication: Regular updates, even when there’s not anything new to share, keep clients engaged and reduce uncertainty.
Offboarding: Providing a seamless handoff, including final deliverables and follow-ups, leaves a lasting positive impression.

Simple Visual Branding Operationalizes Your Look

Yes, it’s for your clients, but as a new freelance copywriter, it’s more for making your life easier. If you have set fonts and colors, it’s easy to reference them when you’re setting up your website or making graphics on Canva.

Once your core brand elements are in place, visual consistency helps reinforce recognition. Focus on clarity and simplicity:

Color Palette: Choose 4–5 colors that allow for easy readability and a cohesive look. A primary, secondary, accent, light neutral, and dark neutral are all you need.
Fonts: Pick 2–3 readable fonts that pair well together.
Logo: Keep it simple, clear, and scalable. If you create one, make sure it’s legible even in small sizes.
Photography & Icons: Cohesive images can add a polished look but should support – not define – your brand.

Keeping design elements clear and functional helps maintain consistency across platforms. It also reduces your decision fatigue when you’re selecting the visual elements on different software.

Branding Evolves Over Time

Branding is not a one-time decision. As you gain experience, get client feedback, and refine your services, your brand will naturally develop.

The best approach is to start with what’s useful now and adjust as your business grows. Many branding elements, including messaging and positioning, will emerge organically through consistent work.

To simplify the branding process, I built a Brand Kit Builder chatbot, which helps freelancers establish their branding foundation. She can help you nail down elevator pitch, brand colors/fonts, and more within a few minutes.

Do I Need A Copy Editor?

Yes, you need your copy edited, either with a person, a software, or AI – but choosing which depends on your goals, budget, and the type of copy you’re working with.

AI tools can give you quick, cost-effective suggestions, and professional human copy editing can give you deeper insights into strategy, voice, and funnel alignment – elements that are crucial for high-converting copy.

New copywriters tend to overlook the value of professional editing, assuming that tools like Grammarly are enough. However, human copyeditors go beyond basic grammar fixes; they make sure that copy aligns with the brand voice, makes sense for the target audience, and serves its intended purpose in the sales funnel.

Copyediting, whether by AI or humans, sharpens your work, which increases confidence and allows you to charge more for higher-quality results.

When to Invest in Professional Copyediting

Hiring a copyeditor can be a major asset, particularly when tackling high-stakes projects or new types of copy.

If you’re writing a landing page for the first time, for example, a copyeditor can refine your structure, word economy, and call-to-action to ensure maximum conversions. Human editors have experience with what works, which lets you enter new markets or price brackets with confidence.

Professional copyediting is also invaluable if you’re unsure about the quality of your work. Instead of second-guessing your copy, an experienced editor can offer specific feedback and rationale for their changes. This helps both in refining individual pieces and in improving your overall writing skills.

For freelance copywriters managing complex funnels, a copyeditor makes sure that your copy supports the buyer’s journey, and isn’t just strong in isolation. AI tools struggle to see the bigger picture, whereas a human editor can spot inconsistencies, weak messaging, or gaps that might disrupt conversions.

Lastly, hiring an editor saves time. Instead of juggling multiple editing tools and manually refining your copy, you get expert-level adjustments that enhance your writing without requiring extensive back-and-forth.

When to Skip Professional Editing

Despite its benefits, there are cases where hiring a professional copyeditor isn’t the best option.

If you’re working with a tight budget, paying for professional editing may not be in the cards. In cases like that, AI tools or peer reviews can help bridge the gap until you can afford expert feedback.

AI-generated copy is another instance where human editing isn’t a good investment. Since AI-generated text often lacks strategic direction, submitting it to an editor demands an extensive rewrite rather than a refinement. They can tell it’s AI generated, and it’s not their job to fix it up. Instead, refine AI drafts yourself or using AI-assisted editing tools.

Similarly, if you’re consistently missing deadlines, hiring an editor won’t fix time management issues. Copyediting requires proper planning, since editors need time to review and return revisions. If turnaround time is a constant issue, improving workflow efficiency should take priority over hiring an editor.

Finally, professional editing isn’t a shortcut for weak copy. If a piece has been rushed or lacks structure, expecting an editor to salvage it is unrealistic. Writing strong first drafts before seeking professional input helps you get the most out of the editing process.

Recommended Copyediting Resources

For those who need editing support without committing to professional services, a range of free and paid tools are available:

Google Docs Grammar Checker – Quick, built-in spell-checking for basic errors.
Grammarly – A more advanced grammar and clarity checker with AI-powered suggestions.
Hemingway Editor – Helps simplify overly complex writing for better readability.
Quetext – A plagiarism checker that also detects AI-generated content.
Calla, the AI Copyeditor – My copyeditor chatbot designed for copywriters, who provides step-by-step editing suggestions without altering the copy itself.

Use Copyediting as a Competitive Advantage

Beyond fixing mistakes, effective copyediting strengthens your brand, improves conversions, and increases confidence in your work. Whether you’re using AI tools or human editors, refining your copy helps it perform its intended function – driving action and generating revenue.

How Much Should You Charge As A Copywriter?

Different types of copy deliver different results, so value and pricing vary widely, whether per project or hourly. You can charge more for copy that directly drives revenue, like sales pages, email sequences, and whitepapers.

A copywriter’s pricing as a beginner freelancer isn’t about finding the “right” rate – it’s about starting with a reasonable structure and refining it as you gain experience.

The biggest mistake beginners make is agonizing over pricing instead of focusing on landing clients and improving their skills.

Instead of competing with the lowest-priced freelancers on platforms like Upwork, copywriters should focus on value-based pricing, especially for niche, strategy-heavy, or SEO-driven copy.

There is no universal pricing standard – rates vary quite a bit, from $50 to $50,000 for a single project. But the value also varies.

Pricing should reflect the impact of your copy on a client’s business rather than an arbitrary hourly rate. If a sales email generates thousands of dollars in revenue, charging a few hundred dollars is more than fair, even if writing it only took a few minutes to write.

New copywriters often undervalue their work, worrying they’ll scare clients away if they charge too much. That was certainly how I felt when I started.

However, there are many writers producing subpar copy at high prices – and clients still hire them.

The right clients will pay premium rates for quality work, especially in the AI age. They’re investing in better results, not polished text.

Confidence in pricing comes with time and real-world testing. The best approach is to set a fair starting rate, pitch clients, gather feedback, and adjust accordingly.

Pricing Strategies & When to Charge More

Certain factors justify higher pricing:

Specialization: If you have industry expertise in a higher-risk area (e.g., medical, finance, legal, tech), your insider knowledge makes your copy more valuable.
SEO Optimization: Writing copy that ranks on search engines requires additional research and strategic writing, which warrants higher rates.
Direct Impact on Revenue: Sales-driven copy (such as landing pages or sales emails) directly influences conversions and justifies premium pricing.

However, working for free is almost never the right strategy for beginner copywriters. While free work can be useful in rare cases – such as breaking into a competitive industry or refining a new service – it’s not sustainable. Experienced copywriters have more flexibility to choose when to do it.

I don’t recommend cutting an extreme deal if a client can’t afford you. If a client can’t afford your services now, they likely won’t be able to pay you later. Setting a fair price from the beginning establishes your value and attracts better clients.

Recommended Starting Rates for Freelance Copywriters

For those unsure where to start, here’s a practical pricing guide based on project type:

Blog Posts: $200 per 1K–1.3K-word blog with SEO; add $100 for specialized industries or longer posts.
Website Copy: $500 for a 500+ word page; $1,000 for a one-page website.
Emails:
- Nurture or Newsletter Emails: $75 each
- Sales Emails: $200 each; double for high-ticket products.
Landing Pages: $700 minimum; add $500+ for specialized industries and products.
Product Descriptions: $100 each; $200+ for high-ticket items.
White Papers: $2,000+; double for specialized industries.
Social Media Posts: $50 per 100–300 words.
Facebook Ads: $100+ per ad; most clients need 3–5 at a time.

Project-based pricing beats hourly rates for both you and your client. Clients prefer fixed costs, and project pricing rewards efficiency. If you can complete a project quickly while delivering high quality, you earn more for your expertise.

How to Raise Your Prices

Your rates should evolve as you gain experience, improve your skills, and prove your copy’s effectiveness. When setting prices, think about:

Client feedback: Are clients happy with your work? If so, you’ve got social proof, which makes your work more valuable.
Results: Did your copy increase engagement, conversions, or sales? Use these metrics to justify rate increases.
Market demand: If you’re consistently landing clients at your current rate, it may be time to test higher pricing. If you double your prices and lose half your clients, you haven’t lost revenue. You’ve gained half your time back.
Time spent: If a project is more involved than expected, adjust pricing accordingly for future work.

How To Create High-Value Offers

As you gain confidence, bundling services lets you charge more and provide more value to clients. The easiest way to offer packages is to bundle related services clients want off their plate anyway. They’re not much more effort for you, but they free up your client and their team substantially.

Popular service packages include:

Monthly Content Packages: Blogs + emails + social media posts for consistent organic marketing.
SEO Blog + Website Uploads: Writing blogs and handling backend uploads and analytics reporting.
Sales Funnel Package: Includes opt-in pages, lead magnets, sales pages, checkout pages, and email sequences.
Product Launch Packages: Sales email sequences, landing pages, and Facebook ad copy for a seamless launch.
Complete Website Copy: Full-site copywriting with SEO and meta descriptions.
Email Marketing Management: Writing, uploading, and tracking email performance.

These bundles offer clients more convenience while increasing your average project value.

Pricing Is A Process, Not a One-Time Decision

Copywriting pricing is fluid—what works today may not be your rate six months from now. The most important step is getting your pricing out there and refining it based on client response.

Pricing should align with the value you provide, not just time spent on a task. Consistently increase your value, refine your skills, and strategically adjust your rates.

To help navigate pricing and offers, I built my pricing chatbot to provide personalized guidance. Whether you need help structuring offers or calculating package rates, a quick conversation with Opal can get you some clarity and confidence.

How Do Freelance Copywriters Get Clients?

You can reach out to them, or they can come to you – outreach isn’t easy, but it’s very accessible and affordable.

Client acquisition for copywriters boils down to two primary strategies: inbound (clients finding you through referrals, SEO, or social media) and outbound (actively pitching to potential clients).

While inbound marketing builds long-term momentum, outbound outreach is the most accessible option for securing clients quickly, especially in the early stages.

The Power of Value + Volume

The most consistent approach to client acquisition is combining value and volume. Lots and lots of volume.

Providing value means targeting the right people – businesses that both need and can afford your services.

Volume is about building efficiency and persistence. You’ve got to make your outreach efforts frequent enough to generate real results.

Outbound outreach is a numbers game.

Cold outreach typically has a response rate of around 8.5%, and conversion rates hover around 1%. That means for every 100 leads you reach out to, you might land one client.

Plus, you’ll get better and better the more you do it. The more outreach you do, the faster you’ll improve and the more data you’ll collect to refine your strategy.

How to Gather And Use Outreach Data

The best way to improve client outreach is by tracking responses and adjusting based on results. Some key data points to monitor include:

Response Rates: Which subject lines or messaging styles get the most replies?
Lead Types: What sub-industries or businesses respond most positively?
Best Outreach Channels: Are more responses coming from LinkedIn, email, or Instagram DMs?
Follow-Up Success: How many conversions come from second or third follow-ups?
Time Spent Per Lead: Are you improving your efficiency?

Recording these insights in a spreadsheet helps identify trends over time. The more you analyze, the more effective your outreach becomes.

The data might feel overwhelming, but remember – you can attach a spreadsheet of your data to an AI prompt and ask it for insights.

Don’t Target Just Anyone

Finding clients who can afford your services is just as important as finding those who need them. Some green flags for ideal clients include:

Established businesses with a website and active email list
Companies that have invested in professional content before
Businesses with a team or virtual assistant, indicating a budget for outsourcing
Engaged followers of industry leaders, who may need copywriting but aren’t industry giants themselves

Conversely, I’ve found startups and micro-businesses sometimes lack the budget or experience to hire professional copywriters.

While they might appreciate your work, and need it, they may not be in a position to pay for it. Instead of offering free services, provide resources like YouTube videos or blog posts to help them until they’re ready to invest.

Use Effective Outreach Methods, Don’t Wing It

Successful outreach is direct, clear, and results-focused. Some of the most effective channels include:

Cold Emailing: One of the best ways to reach decision-makers directly. Use a short, personalized message that highlights a specific way you can improve their business.
LinkedIn & Instagram DMs: Business owners often check their DMs, and social media outreach can feel more personal and less salesy.
Multi-Platform Outreach: Reaching out via multiple channels increases visibility. If a potential client doesn’t see your email, they might notice your LinkedIn message.

Your message should be short, specific, and focused on their needs. Briefly include results or testimonials, if you have them, for social proof that you can help.

Don’t make vague offers like “I’m a copywriter – let me know if you need help.” Instead, make it problem-solving and actionable:

Bad Pitch: “I’m a copywriter in the coaching industry, and I’d love to help with your copy.”

Strong Pitch: “I noticed your welcome email still promotes a product you no longer sell. I can rewrite it for your current offer so you can improve conversions.”

Being direct and confident in your value makes your pitch stand out.

You’ll also want to be really vigilant about these common client acquisition struggles:

Not Doing Enough Volume: Reaching out to 10–20 prospects isn’t enough; real traction comes from consistent, high-volume outreach. Hundreds of leads.
Spending Too Much Time Per Lead: Over-customizing each message slows you down. Aim for five minutes or less per outreach.
Neglecting Follow-Ups: Many deals are closed after a second or third message. Follow up multiple times and on multiple platforms. Follow-ups significantly increase response rates.
Switching Strategies Too Soon: New outreach methods take time to yield results. Commit to at least 100 reps before making changes.
Treating Outreach Like a Job Interview: Don’t act like you’re applying for a position – position yourself as a solution providing peet, not a job candidate.

Play The Numbers Game Until You Win

Client acquisition is the hardest part of freelancing, but it’s also where most people give up.

Consistency, persistence, and tracking results are what separate successful copywriters from those who give up.

To make the process easier, I built a Client Acquisition Assistant chatbot. She can compile a lead list based on your niche, business type, and ideal client profile. You’ll get a ready-made spreadsheet of potential clients to help you start pitching faster.

Outbound client acquisition might not be glamorous, but it’s one of the highest-ROI activities for freelancers.

How Do Freelance Copywriters Manage Their Time?

Many juggle responsibilities like kids or chronic illnesses – so they separate admin tasks from deep work and protect their focused work time.

Managing time as a copywriter isn’t about finding more hours—it’s about using your existing time smarter.

My favorite illustration is Leila Hormozi’s two task categories: Maker tasks (deep-focus, creative work) and Manager tasks (administrative and quick-response work). By structuring your time around these categories, you don’t break flow of the creative tasks, and you learn to knock out ancillary tasks faster.

The Maker vs. Manager Approach to Time Management

Maker Tasks require long, uninterrupted focus and are high-ROI activities. This includes writing client work, brainstorming, and working on your own business. These tasks suffer when there’s distractions and multitasking, which can increase completion time by up to 60%. That’s turning a one-hour task into an hour and 36 minute task.
Manager Tasks include quick, administrative work that keeps the business running, such as answering emails, scheduling posts, and handling finances. These tasks can be done in short bursts and during scattered moments throughout the day, or during a stretch that can handle interruptions. Consolidating them helps you practice not procrastinating and utilizing pockets of time.

To maximize efficiency, don’t let Maker and Manager time mix. A 5-hour project turns into an 8-hour project if you let emails and notifications interrupt you. By batching tasks, you give yourself free hours.

Guarding your time is just as important as separating your tasks. Here’s how I do it as a freelance copywriter stay-at-home mom of two:

Dedicate Uninterrupted Maker Time

Set aside at least three-hour blocks for deep work. If possible, schedule full Maker Days where you focus solely on high-impact work without meetings or admin tasks. Avoid distractions like social media, notifications, or non-essential tasks.

Maximize Manager Time

Manager tasks can fit into small windows of time. Knock them out when multitasking is unavoidable (e.g., while standing in line, in the car, or keeping an eye on kids). Use this time for quick wins like responding to messages, organizing files, or engaging on LinkedIn.

Leverage Your “Weird” Time Slots

Scattered moments throughout the day – like waiting in line or commuting – are perfect for easy little tasks on your phone. Use voice dictation to outline content, draft quick notes, or organize tasks.

Keeping tasks easily accessible on your phone allows you to make use of micro-moments without feeling overwhelmed. You used time that was already available, and you give yourself a head start when you have time to focus.

Keep Things Accessible

A cluttered workflow wastes time. Spend your time improving your business and making money, not retrieving emails and documents. Simple accessibility hacks can reclaim hours of lost time each week:

Keep Important Docs & Links Easily Accessible – Store frequently used links, payment pages, lead magnets, and project docs in a single “Link Library” for quick access.
Use Google Drive Efficiently – Title documents with clear, searchable keywords, avoid “Untitled Documents,” and organize folders logically. Move frequently accessed documents to the front, and file the others.
Bookmark Essential Websites – Arrange them by priority for one-click access to frequently used platforms. Frequently clear away old bookmarks and bump your go-to ones to the top.
Enable Work Email on Your Phone – Manage notifications to avoid distractions but keep the app close for quick task completion.

One of my favorite AI uses is streamlining workflows. When you can’t put your finger on what might help, open up a chat with ChatGPT or Claude and talk out your problem. It’s a great way to discover new ultra-applicable things to try.

Time Management Isn’t About Working Harder – It’s About Being Honest With Your Time

Most people have hidden free time – it’s buried in scrolling sessions, unnecessary multitasking, and wasted admin time. Managing time better doesn’t mean adding more work but being more intentional with how existing time is used.

The biggest differentiator isn’t tools or tricks. It’s accountability. Without self-discipline, no system or app can fix poor time habits.

To take down the decision fatigue of organizing your time, I made you a Time Management Master chatbot. She helps arrange deadlines, projects, and work availability into an actionable schedule within minutes.

Can I Use AI To Be A Copywriter?

Yes – and you’ll fall behind if you don’t use AI for freelance copywriting

AI has (and still is) overhauling the freelance copywriter industry. Now that text generation is so easy, the real challenge is finding copywriters and marketers who can craft strategies that drive conversions.

There are AI-resistant tasks that businesses still struggle with – tasks that require ethical oversight, judgment calls, and strategic insight.

Companies don’t just need content; they need conversion-focused messaging, brand consistency, compelling narratives, and deep audience understanding. They’re the skills that AI can replicate, but it can’t intuitively navigate. This is why the modern copywriter hasn’t been replaced by AI.

This isn’t the first time an industry has faced a transformation like this. The Industrial Revolution looked like it was eliminating jobs – in reality, it just changed them up. The rise of automation redefined how people worked, and those who learned to adapt became more valuable, not less.

The same applies today. AI isn’t the end of copywriting or content. Humans have always liked consuming content and buying things from other humans.

One of the most stand-out skills in this new era is management. Just like great leaders direct teams toward a common goal, great copywriters will stand out by learning how to manage AI tools and build the strategies they help accomplish.

Knowing how to refine AI-generated drafts, give better prompts, create automations, and handle the marketing strategy is now as important as copywriting itself.

So where do you go from here?

Test AI tools in your workflow – start small, experiment, and refine.
Refocus on strategy – become the expert who knows what to write, not just how to write. The modern copywriter is a marketing expert.
Develop your management/communication skills – talking to AI is very similar to talking to employees. Clear expectation, training, reinforcement, and feedback go a long way.
Stay adaptable—the industry keeps shifting around, and copywriters who roll with it will always be in demand.

AI is powerful, but it still needs skilled professionals to direct it. If you’re willing to adapt, lead, and refine your copywriting expertise, you won’t just survive this shift – you’ll be in high demand.

The choice isn’t between AI or human copywriters. The choice is whether you’ll use AI to boost your career or be left behind by those who do.

The opportunity is right in front of you. Are you ready to take it?

And for the brand new freelance copywriter – welcome! It’s a very cool industry, and I’m thrilled you’ve joined. You’re the future of AI copywriting, my friend.

Who Can Help My Freelance Copywriting Services Show Up On AI Suggestions?

I specialize in copy that gets found in AI results — from your niche to your site structure. Book a free consult and let’s make it easy for people (and AI) to find and trust you.

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