Cashing in on Copywriting: A Mom’s Guide to Earning as a Freelancer

Banking on Your Brilliance: Taking the Leap into Freelancing

Ready to take that leap from being a hardworking mom to a hardworking, money-making, freelance mom? Excellent! There’s nothing more empowering than knowing that you can contribute to your family’s income while doing what you love. And the best part? You could be sipping on a hot cup of coffee while typing away in your pyjamas.

But remember, just like cleaning up after an exceptionally messy finger-painting session, starting your journey as a freelancer won’t be without its challenges. But fear not, I have got some practical guidance to help you get started.

The Right Start: Setup and Investment

Setting up as a freelance writer involves less investment than you think. No need for a home office or a fancy laptop; your trusty kitchen table and current laptop will do just fine. Primarily, what you’ll need is a stable internet connection, a computer, and most importantly, an abundance of creativity and determination.

Here’s a real-world example for you: meet Monica, a mom of twins who turned her love for words into a profitable venture. When she started, all she had was an old laptop, a steady WiFi connection, and oodles of passion for writing. She began small with local clients and slowly built her empire over time.

Tiptoeing Through the Tulips: Starting Small

Starting small with local clients is an excellent freelance strategy. It allows you to build your confidence while gaining hands-on experience. Just as you wouldn’t teach your toddler to run before they could walk, don’t put pressure on yourself to land big clients right off the bat.

Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? Slow and steady wins the race. Establishing a solid foundation will give you the momentum to reach greater heights. Reach out to local businesses or friends who might need your writing services. Write about things that you’re passionate about. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to turning your talent into tangible checks.

Just as we moms know, every journey begins with a small step. So put on your most comfortable slippers, brew that coffee and let’s start writing those checks together, one word at a time!

Trading Booties for Bylines: Climbing the Writing Ladder

Like a baby learning to crawl before it walks, your journey as a freelance copywriter starts with small steps. It’s essential that you learn the ropes and master the basics before jumping into the deep end.

Joining copywriting workshops or courses can be a goldmine of valuable insights. You don’t have to enroll in elite writing schools – economical yet quality online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer excellent courses in copywriting, marketing, and SEO. These platforms usually provide certificates upon completion, which can be a shiny addition to your portfolio.

Breastfeeding to Brainstorming: Building a Solid Portfolio

A robust portfolio is your ticket to landing those coveted high-paying gigs. But how do you build one when you’re just starting? It’s like trying to change a diaper in the dark, right? Like many things in life, you start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.

1. Start by crafting sample pieces. Think of your dream clients or industries and write as if you were hired by them. This doesn’t just give you something to show potential clients, it also helps hone your skills.
2. Consider pro bono work. Offering your services for free to non-profits or startups in exchange for a testimonial and permission to display the work in your portfolio can be a win-win situation. You not only gain experience but you also get to help out a good cause!
3. Pitch guest posts to blogs or websites related to your niche. Not only does this expose you to a wider audience, it also gives you credible links to include in your portfolio. It’s hitting two birds with one sippy cup.

Having a diverse portfolio shows prospective clients your versatile writing abilities. Just like mixing the right ingredients for your kiddo’s meals, creating a well-rounded portfolio requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and passion. So, from one mama to another, remember to pace yourself. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your portfolio. Whether you’re transitioning from diapers to drafts or breast pumps to brainstorming sessions, know that your journey is unique and valuable. Embrace it, enjoy it, and most importantly, profit from it.

Finding the Perfect Copywriting Jobs

Tossing away your dish soap and swapping it for dollar bills may sound like a dream, but trust me, it’s a possible reality! As a freelancer, opportunities are as plentiful as the bubbles in your sink. The critical part is knowing where to look.

Popular freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are the dish racks of the freelancing world. They present an array of shiny copywriting jobs that you can pick from. These platforms function like a marketplace where you can “shop” for potential gigs and negotiate terms with clients.

Looking for an example? Well, let’s say, you stumble upon a job post titled ‘Need a Copywriter for Kitchen Appliance E-commerce Website’. Now, as a mom, who better understands the world of kitchen appliances than you? You’ve just found a gig where you can combine your everyday experience with your writing prowess. That’s a recipe for success!

Setting Your Rates: No More Pennies for Your Thoughts

Like deciding between the brand-name dish soap and the store-brand, setting your rates can be a daunting task. So, how do you ensure you’re not selling your talents short?

A simple yet effective approach would be to calculate an hourly rate based on your skills, experience, and the market demand. If you’re starting out, you might charge lower to get your foot in the door. But remember, your rate should go up as your portfolio becomes more impressive.

Let me give you a practical insight with a simple

This table provides an overview of what you might expect to earn depending on your skill level. Take it with a grain of salt though, it’s not carved in stone. Each job is unique, so don’t shy away from asking for what you believe your work is worth. Remember, you’re not just offering words. You’re providing creative solutions that contribute directly to a client’s success.

So go ahead, let go of those plates and grab on to your pen (or keyboard). It’s high time to make washing the dishes a thing of the past and turn your thoughts into tangible profit!