How to Start Copywriting: A Beginner’s Guide to Landing Clients (Even With Zero Experience)

Do you want to start your copywriting career?

But stuck in research mode, watching many videos and reading different PDFs, but still not found a clear roadmap?

If your answer is yes, Then this guide is for you.

Today, you will get a complete, proven roadmap to start your copywriting journey from zero to advanced. This guide consists of a step-by-step process where you will discover the following:

• How you can learn copywriting smartly even if you have zero writing experience.
• How you can build your appealing portfolio without a single paid client.
• How and where you can find your first real client.

No matter whether you are a student, a parent who wants to stay at home earning online for family support, a career switcher, or a marketer who is looking to sharpen your edge. This guide will be your launchpad into the world of copywriting.

So, are you ready to convert your words into income?

If so, let’s begin!

Step 1: Understanding What Copywriting Really Is

Most people who are just beginners get confused and don’t know what copywriting actually is. They mainly confuse copywriting with general blogging or content writing, and as a result, they target the wrong audience (Clients), craft words that don’t convert, and undersell themselves.

In this step, you will get a crystal idea in your mind:

• What is copywriting really?
• How is it different from content writing?
• What are the main types of copywriting?
• What are the essential terms of copywriting?

The Difference Between Copywriting And Content Writing (Copywriting Vs Content Writing)

Types of copy (What you really specialized in) 

There are different types of copywriting. Not all are the same as a beginner. You need to have a clear understanding of various types of copywriting because this will help you find your niche in less time and grow your niche-specific valuable skills.

Let’s discuss the most demanding types of copywriting that serve different purposes:

Website Copywriting

It is used to write different kinds of pages of a website, such as a home page, about us page, service page, and landing page. The primary purpose of website copywriting is to convert visitors into buyers or leads.

Ad Copywriting

Ad copywriting is used to write copy for social media (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, etc) and pay-per-click ads (Google ads, Bing ads, etc). In this type of copywriting, your primary purpose is to get clicks and increase sales.

Email Copywriting

The purpose of email copywriting is to build a relationship with your target audience and encourage them to take action. It could be making a purchase, replying, or signing up for a webinar. You can see email copywriting execution by exploring the newsletter and in sales email.

SEO Copywriting

The purpose of SEO copywriting is to create content that serves both users and search engines. SEO copywriting helps to rank better on search engines and persuade users to take action.

E-commerce Product Copy

The purpose of this copywriting is to write persuasive product descriptions that encourage shoppers to click on “Add to cart”. You can explore e-commerce product copy by visiting Shopify product pages and Shopify product pages.

Print Ad Copywriting

The purpose of print ad copywriting is to grab the attention of different advertising physical formats such as (billboards, brochures, flyers, posters, etc.).

Step 2: Master the Fundamental Of Copywriting 

Knowing the key principles of copywriting that make your copywriting effective is essential for you before trying to approach high-paying clients.

Most beginners face failure just because they don’t focus on core principles. They skip this step and directly start chasing clients without any proper training.

So, beginners need to make a strong foundation before starting to reach potential clients.

Take this step 2 as your training ground, where you understand how to build your muscle memory through practice and learning.

So on, the time when you start work for a potential client, you won’t stuck and will write high-converting persuasive copy like a pro.

Learn the Core Framework Of Copywriting 

In order to craft a copy that succeeds, you need to have the proper knowledge of the core persuasion frameworks of copywriting, what they are and how they drive the behaviour of consumers.

Let’s discuss those essential frameworks one by one:

Framework 1: The AIDA Model 

The AIDA Model is one of the best formulas that experts have used for a long time. This formula helps you write sales pages, ads, and email sequences especially.

AIDA stands for: Attention-> Interest-> Desire-> Action.

Break Down Of AIDA:

• Attention: Capture the attention of your reader with the help of a hook or bold headline.
• Interest: Build interest with the help of using pain points, curiosity or facts.
• Desire: Make them think they have to grab your offer right now to use the benefits of your service or product – how it can change their life.
• Action: Encourage them to take action.

Framework 2: The PAS Framework

PAS framework is widely used to craft persuasive copy because, with the help of this framework, you can create problem-centric copy that ends up providing an appropriate solution to the problem your potential customer is facing.

PAS stands for: Problem -> Agitate -> Solution.

Break Down Of PAS Framework: 

• Problem: Cause of frustration.
• Agitate: Amplify the bad consequences they may face if the problem isn’t solved.
• Solution: Position your product or service as a solution as the relief.

Feature Vs Benefit

Many beginners get confused about the basic concept. The difference between features and benefits is very important to know because it can make your copy benefit-oriented copy perform better as compared to the copy where just features are mentioned.

Keep in mind: Features tell, but benefits sell.

Let’s know the difference between Feature and Benefit:

• Feature: It defines the characteristics of the product or service 
• Benefit: The positive outcome people will get by using your service or product.

Recommended Resources To Learn Copywriting

Being a beginner, you need guidance and have to know the resources where you can learn about copywriting from experts.

So, for your ease, I have gathered the best free and paid resources from where you can learn copywriting:

Top Three Best Free Resources

• Copymaister: Best for Modern Copywriting Techniques, Foundational Principles, Advanced Copywriting Techniques, and AI copywriting learning.
• Copy Blogger: Best to build foundational principles. 
• Hubspot Academy: Best for learning SEO copywriting.
• YouTube: Alex Cattoni’s YouTube channel, where you can learn modern copywriting techniques.

Top Best Paid Resources

• Udemy: On this website, you can find hundreds of copywriting courses created by top-level professionals for under $100. Each course provides you lifetime access to that course.
• Skillshare: It is the same as Udemy, but it works specifically on a subscription-based model where you have to pay around $15 monthly.   

With the help of these resources I have shared, you can learn from beginners to advanced concepts of copywriting with full command.

Step 3: Start Practicing Your Copywriting

Although you learned copywriting from experts, without practice, nothing matters unless you actually practice writing copy on your own.

Step 3 is all about executing theory into action. So, let’s break down how you can practice your copywriting smartly.

Rewrite Real Ads  

Rewriting existing landing page copy and ad copy from different brands is one of the most effective ways to improve your copywriting skills.

This practice will help you as a beginner a lot because it provides you with the following:

• For your ideas, testing safe playgrounds.
• You can find weak spots in those copies.
• A real-world frame of reference. 

How to do it?

• Step 1: Find ads from social media such as Facebook, print, or Google. Be sure to pick both types of ads: those that grab your attention and those that fail to grab your attention.
• Step 2: Identify the objective or goal of the ad. Are they trying to build internist, drive sell, or sell?
• Step 3: Note down the weak points, such as the ad having a weak CTA, unclear benefits, or lack of a proper hook.
• Step 4: Rewrite a better version, improve clarity, make it punchier, or add emotional touch.

Practice Different Elements Copy

Never limit yourself by just practising only one type of copy variation; instead, practice and craft different elements of copy in various ways in order to train all your copy muscles.

Different essential elements of copy you should have to practice are:

• Headline: It is the first touch point, and 80% of your copy’s success depends on it. When you are writing a copy, write 10 headline variations against each copy.
• Email Subject Line: When writing an email sequence, craft 5-10 subject variations per topic to ensure that they are punchy, curiosity-driven, and short.
• Call To Action (CTA): Call to action is the final action that tells the reader what to do next, so you need to try different variations of CTA in order to analyze which one creates maximum impact.

Join Challenges And Communities 

In order to improve yourself in copywriting, feedback is very important because it will help you to know your weaknesses and strengths.

Join different communities and challenges where you can post your copy and get constructive critique.

Famous platforms to do this:

• r/copywriting (Reddit)
• Alex Cattoni’s Copy Posse
• Twitter/X writing threads and “copytears” accounts

Step 4: Build Your Portfolio from Scratch (No Clients Needed)

In order to get potential clients, you need to have a portfolio. It is a huge problem faced by beginners that they don’t have a portfolio, and without a portfolio, it’s really hard to get clients.

Step four is all about how, being a beginner, you can build your portfolio even if you have zero experience.

So, let’s start!

What things should included in the copywriting portfolio?

In order to make a portfolio that grabs the attention of the client, ensure that your portfolio should include the following:

1: Best Samples Of Your Writing

It should have 6-10 examples of different types of copy variations such as landing page copy, email copy, social media ads copy, product descriptions, etc.

2: About You

Write a brief 1-2 paragraphs long about you, who you are, how much you are passionate about copywriting, and your voice.

3: Short Project Brief

Include the context of each sample to ensure the following things:

1. What was the objective?
2. Who was the target audience?
3. Give a reason why you made a particular decision.
4. Mention the results you have got.

4: Organize Well

Ensure straightforward navigation and separate sections for each type of sample, such as the social media ads copy section, email copy section, Landing page copy, etc).

5: Add Credibility

Add your certifications, any recognition you get, and client testimonials. If you have these things, build your credibility and trust factor and give clients a reason to choose you among huge competition.

Create Mock Project 

In order to improve your skills, you can get help by creating mock copywriting samples. You just need to think strategically, have research skills, and have a creative mindset.

Let’s discuss how you can make a mock project that looks real and enough to hire you.

1: Choose a realistic Business

Select any brand you want to work for. It can be a shoe brand, cafe, fashion brand, etc and imagine they have hired you.

2: Create Brief

In step 2, create a brief mention of your target audience, the objective of the copy, the objections and needs that need to be addressed, and the call to action.

Shortcut: you can use sites like (Upwork and Freelancer) freelance sites; many clients mention briefs, and Agency case studies write creative briefs. 

3: Build Types Of Samples:

Once you have your creative brief, you should start to craft copy such as landing page copy, email campaign copy, ad copy, and product description.

Best Tools To Design Portfolio

To present your portfolio to clients which look appealing, use the following tools:

1: Canva 

Canva is one of the best designing tools where you can get design’s premade templates, which you can use to display your work.

2: Google Docs + drive 

Use Google Docs to organize your portfolio, and for individual samples, you can make a folder on Google Drive.

3: JurnoPortfolio

This tool is specifically designed for writers where you can build an organized, responsive and beautiful portfolio site. There is no coding needed.

4: Contently

Here, you can find professional layouts for your portfolio. It allows you to upload your work or link it with clean UX.

Should You Build Your Website? 

Yes, definitely, if you want to look more professional and want to scale quickly, but building your website needs these things such as:

• You should have domain hosting you can buy at a low cost from (namecheap.com).
• To build your website, you can use easy website-building tools such as Wix, Squarespace, etc.
• Plan your website strategically and ensure you add these three pages:
  • Home page: What you do, Who you are.
  • About Page: Mention your unique story.
  • Portfolio: Place your copywriting samples.

Once you have completed your website, optimize it using best SEO practices.

Step 5: Find Your First Paid Copywriting Client 

At this stage, you have studied, practised and have a stellar portfolio. Now, step five is all about starting client finding.

Keep in mind that starting clients won’t magically show in your inbox. You have to reach clients and give them your pitch. There are different proven ways to help you find clients. 

So, let’s discuss what they are and how you can use them.

Where to find Clients?

In the starting, different types of effective  freelance platforms, social media networks, and Job boards will help you find clients, such as:

Freelance Platforms

There are multiple different types of freelance platforms available on the internet from where you can start, but not all platforms are worthwhile. You need to select a platform smartly from where you can find clients.

The top best freelance platforms for a start are: 

Freelancer.com (Paid Platform): Here, you need to create profile clients and upload their projects, and you have to bid. Keep in mind many other freelancers also make bids on one project, so you need to be quick when bidding with attention-grabbing proposals.

Fivver: 

Fivver is a totally different platform where you have to create gigs in order to get clients. On fivver clients approach you on their own. In order to get clients on this platform, your gig should be highly optimized so it can be visible in front of clients when they search. 

Upwork (Paid): 

On Upwork, clients upload their projects, and you have to send your proposal to them, but this platform is becoming quite expensive day by day.

These are some of the top freelance platforms from which you can start your career. Although there are hundreds of other platforms, these are on top.

Social Media Platforms

Another best way to find clients is to find them on social media. There are different social media networks from where you can find potential clients, such as:

• Linkedin.
• Facebook.
• Twitter Now (X) 

In order to work on these platforms, all you need to do is optimize your profile and position yourself as a copywriter.

In order to find a client, there are a couple of tips such as:

• Join relevant communities.
• Use search filters smartly.
• Connect with relevant people.

Cold Emailing

Cold email still works if you adopt the right approach, and it is still considered the fastest way to land a client, especially if I talk about copywriters.

But here, you need to have the list of emails of decision-makers to approach. You can find emails with the help of using:

• Google Maps (Find small businesses and note down their email and other relevant contact info).
• Social media page (From business social media pages, you can find emails).
• You can also find business emails on local business sites.

Step 6: Price Your Service Like A Pro

Pricing is the most confusing thing for beginners. They don’t know how to mention the right pricing because pricing is the most important factor that influences the decision-making of a client.

If you charge too little, you burn out yourself, and if you charge too much, you scare the client away.

Step six is all about pricing. In this step, you will learn about different types of pricing models that help you effectively give project estimation costs.

So, let’s start!

Understanding Of the Pricing Model

For copywriting, there are three types of pricing models work such as:

• Per Word Pricing.
• Per Project Pricing.
• Retainer Pricing.

Per Word Pricing

In this model, you charge based on word count. It is a straightforward model and is most commonly used by copywriters.

Use this model when you have to price blog writing and sales landing page writing.

Example of Per word pricing:

Suppose your client wants 1000 words of content, so you offer him that you charge $ 0.10 per word, so the price would be for 1000 words:

1000 x $0.10 = $100 (Your price).

Per Project Pricing

In this pricing model, you give the price for the complete project. This pricing strategy is best and works for all types of copywriting projects.

Retainer Pricing Model 

In this pricing model, you set the contract with the client, and they pay you per month. This is best for ongoing project types such as social media post content and newsletters.

Negotiating without underselling

Once you give your pricing quote to a client, they want to negotiate, so in this step, you have to talk with them effectively in order to make them agree on your price.

Let’s discuss how to effectively negotiate:

Know Your Worth: For better negotiation, you must know your worth. You have to have an idea of industry rates and the value of service they provide on those rates.

Communicate Value: When negotiating with clients so, highlight the value you are providing and how it will benefit your client, such as positioning the brand on top, increasing conversions, etc.

Be Transparent: Don’t hide anything from the client. Mention what is included in your fee in order to avoid scope creep.

Stay Firm: Not afraid to say goodbye to clients if they don’t agree to give you minimum rates.

Step 7: Build Your Brand As A Copywriter

Once you are confident that your copywriting skills are up to the mark, the next step is to build your brand. Otherwise, you will be blended into the sea of  “freelance copywriters”.

Step seven is all about how you can position yourself as a copywriting brand in order to be one step ahead of others.

So, let’s start!

1: Choose your Style & Brand Voice

Your brand voice communicates your professional personality. It helps clients to understand who you are and what they can expect when working with you. In order to find your brand voice, ask yourself these things:

• With whom do I want to work – whether they are e-commerce brands, fashion brands, personal coaches, nonprofits, or tech startups?
• What tone of voice suits me: sharp and persuasive, or witty or informal?
• Which values should I express — boldness, results, curiosity, empathy?

2: Start Your Website 

The second step is to start work on building your website. A website is your digital handshake with clients. It tells them that “you are legit” and helps them to stand out in the competition.

In order to build your website, these essential things are required:

• Domain: your unique identity.
• Hosting: Space where you upload your website.
• Platform: It depends on you. Well, being a startup, you can choose an affordable solution, so WordPress is the best option; otherwise, you can select Wix, Squarespace, etc., at your convenience.

Once you have set up your website, the next step is to set it up in a proper hierarchy. Your website must have the following:

• Home Page: This is where visitors can get the whole idea of what your website is all about.
• About Page: Here, mention who you are, what problem you solve, who you help, and how you are different from others.
• Portfolio Page: Here, appealingly, categorize all your work. If you place it in the form of case studies, it will be better.
• Contact Page: On this page, set up a contact form, your email, and other essential contact information. 
• Services Page: Add services pages specifically for each service, such as SEO copywriting service, web copywriting service, etc., on these pages, and incorporate your client testimonials, your certification, and other recognition you have received from industry experts.

3: Setup Your Social Media Presence

Consider social media as a helpful hand that can help you get new clients. Your social media presence gives your potential client a positive signal, and it builds trust and credibility.

Top platforms where you should have your presence:

• Facebook.
• Instagram.
• Linkedin.
• Twitter Now (X).
• Youtube.

Step 8: Use AI Smartly

In this modern age, AI is now playing an important role, specifically in the field of copywriting. Although it won’t replace human creativity, those who use AI will definitely replace those who don’t.

Keep in mind the future isn’t Human versus AI. It’s Human + AI. With the help of AI, without losing your brain power, you can significantly boost your creative process.

Let’s discuss how you can use AI to streamline your copywriting process:

Don’t Replace Your Brain– Use AI to Amplify

Keep in mind AI is not a human. It lacks experience, strategy, and empathy. These are the three things your client actually pays you off.

Follow this rule:

• Use AI to handle the grunt work (variations, framework, research).
• Use your brain and provide those things that actually matter (emotional triggers, voice, strategy).

Top AI Tools For Copywriters

There are hundreds of AI tools available in the market that you can use to streamline your copywriting process, but here I am going to share with you the top ones that are used by the majority of experts.

• Chatgpt: This is the best tool in the world, and the majority of experts use it. It is available in both paid and free versions.
• DeepSeek: This tool was recently launched by a Chinese company and is widely used by experts.
• Gemini: This one is a Google product. Due to the support of Google, you can use it in the best way when you need to identify topics from the internet.

These are some tools that are on the top. There are many other tools available in the market. But the point is, in order to use them to their full potential, you need to understand how you can give them proper command so they can give you the appropriate right answer.

If you want to use these tools, you need to understand the concept of prompt engineering in simple words and how to write the command to get a proper answer.

I have created a separate guide from where you can learn prompt engineering in detail. Here is the link.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Do I need a degree to become a copywriter?

There is no need for a degree to become a copywriter because it is a purely skill-based profession. If someone hires you, they care about results, not about your degree.

Most of the famous copywriters actually come from different unrelated fields, such as sales, customer service, or teaching.

As a copywriter, what actually matters is:  

• Your writing ability.
• Your creativity.
• Understanding of persuasion.
• Your ability to encourage your audience to take action.

Can I start a part-time job as a copywriter or with a 9 to 5 job?

Yes, you can start a part-time job. It is a brilliant move. Most copywriters begin in this way because this way allows you:

• Learn with no pressure.
• Build your confidence.

What Tools do I need most as a copywriter?

There are three types of tools you need most:

Essential Tools for Writing:

• Google docs or Ms Office.
• Grammarly or Quilt Bolt (for proofreading, ensure there are no grammatical mistakes ).

Client Communication Tools:

• Google meet.
• Zoom Meeting.
• Gmail.

Other Helpful tools:

• Chat GPT (For brainstorming and idea creation).
• Hemingway (to simplify your writing).
• Canva (To make design).

Conclusion

Throughout this guide, I have discussed with you the exact path in a step-by-step format which you have to follow in order to start your career as a copywriter. Absolute beginner leads to expert copywriters.  

In this guide, you have learned about the following:

• What copywriting is really is how it is different from content writing.
• Different types of copywriting.
• Fundamentals of copywriting.
• How to practice copywriting.
• How to make a portfolio with zero experience.
• How to find clients.
• How to smartly do pricing.
• Leverage AI wisely.
• How you can build your copywriting brand.

In a nutshell, I have discussed a complete path in eight steps that you have to follow in order to become a successful copywriter. Lastly, I have addressed common questions that many people have about copywriting.

So that’s it for now. If you have any questions, you can ask me in the comments or send me a direct email.