So, you’re thinking about it. You’ve seen the posts, you’ve read the articles, and the idea of working from anywhere with just a laptop is sounding pretty good right now. The thought to start a copywriting business in 2025 has been bouncing around in your head. And you know what? It’s a solid idea. A really solid one.
The world runs on words. Every website, every email, every social media ad you scroll past… someone had to write that. And businesses are more than willing to pay good money for words that get them results. Which is where you come in.
It is considered to be a pretty great career path for people who like to write and have a bit of a marketing brain. But it’s not as simple as just putting up a shingle that says “Writer for Hire.” There are some steps you need to take. Some things you need to figure out.
Let’s walk through what it really looks like. Not the super polished version, but the real deal of getting a copywriting business off the ground next year. It’s totally doable. You just have to do it.
Getting Your Copywriting Skills Actually Good
Before you even think about websites or business cards, there’s a big question. Can you actually write copy that sells? This is different from writing a college paper or a nice blog post. It’s about persuasion.
The thing is that you have to learn the fundamentals. This means understanding things like headlines, calls to action, and how to write for a specific audience. You need to get inside a customer’s head.
There are tons of books and online courses. Reading them is a good start. But reading isn’t the same as doing. The only real way to get better at writing copy is, surprise, to write a lot of copy.
So you need to practice. A lot. Write ads for your favorite products. Rewrite the homepage of a website you think is terrible. Get your hands dirty and write, write, write. It’s the only way your skills get sharp enough to charge for.
You Need to Pick a Niche (Sort of)
Everyone will tell you to “niche down.” And for the most part they’re right. Being a specialist is generally better than being a jack-of-all-trades who is a master of none. It just makes marketing yourself easier.
When you have a niche, you become the go-to person for a certain industry. This means you can often charge more because you have specific knowledge. You’re not just a writer; you’re the email marketing writer for dentists. See the difference?
Popular Niches to Look At
SaaS & Tech: Writing for software companies. Think websites, emails, and blog posts that explain complicated stuff simply.
Health & Wellness: This is a huge area. From fitness brands to supplement companies, they all need words that connect with people.
E-commerce: Writing product descriptions, ads, and email campaigns for online stores. It’s all about getting that “add to cart” click.
But What If You’re New?
Okay, so when you’re just starting, you might not have a niche. That’s fine. Don’t let it stop you from getting started. Sometimes it’s a good idea to take on a few different projects at first.
This helps you see what kind of writing you actually like and what you’re good at. You might think you want to write for tech companies but find out you really enjoy writing for local businesses. The niche can find you.
Your Portfolio: The ‘I Can Actually Do This’ Proof
Here’s the classic problem for new copywriters. To get clients, you need a portfolio. But to get a portfolio, you need clients. It feels like a trap. But there are ways around it. You just have to be a little creative.
You need a collection of work that shows potential clients you know what you’re doing. This is probably the most important sales tool you have. A good portfolio does the selling for you.
You can build a portfolio from scratch, without a single paying client. Here’s how:
Do Spec Work: This just means you create “practice” projects. Pick a brand you love and write a new ad campaign for them. Redesign their website copy. Write a 5-part email sequence. These are your samples.
Offer to Help a Non-Profit: Find a local charity or a cause you care about. They almost never have a budget for good marketing. Offer to write their next fundraising email or redo their donation page for free. You get a real-world piece for your portfolio.
Barter with a Friend: Have a friend who’s starting a business? Offer to write their website copy in exchange for them designing your logo, or maybe just for a really nice dinner.
The goal is to have 3-5 really solid pieces that show your skill. Put them on a simple website. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A clean page with your work and a way to contact you is all you need at first.
The Business Side of Things: Money and All That
This is the part that can feel a bit scary. The business stuff. But if you want to start a copywriting business in 2025 you have to treat it like a real business. Because it is. You’re the CEO.
First, decide on a business name. It can just be your name, like “Jane Doe Copywriting.” Simple is often best. Then you’ll need a way to get paid, so setting up a business bank account is a smart move to keep your finances separate.
And then there’s the big question of pricing. How much do you charge? This is where a lot of new writers get stuck. They undercharge because they’re afraid no one will pay them.
Figuring Out Your Rates
Typically, you have a few options. You can charge by the hour, by the project, or on a monthly retainer. When you’re new, charging per project is often a good way to go.
It protects you from taking forever on a task, and the client knows the exact cost upfront. To figure out a project fee, estimate how many hours it will take you and multiply that by a starting hourly rate. Do some research to see what others are charging. Don’t just pull a number out of thin air.
How to Actually Go Find Clients
Okay, you’ve got the skills, a niche idea, and a portfolio. Now what? You need people to pay you. This is the part that’s all about hustle. Clients aren’t just going to magically appear.
You have to put yourself out there. This is a sales and marketing job, for yourself. You have to find businesses that need writing and convince them you’re the person to do it.
A lot of your early work will come from your own network. Tell everyone you know what you’re doing. Post it on your social media. You never know who might need a writer or know someone who does.
Then, you can start looking elsewhere. LinkedIn is a great place to connect with marketing managers. Cold emailing, when done right, can work too. It’s not about spamming people but about finding companies you genuinely want to help and sending a personalized note. It’s a numbers game, so don’t get discouraged.
FAQs About How to Start a Copywriting Business in 2025
1. How do I start a copywriting business in 2025 with no experience?
You start by building experience yourself. Create spec pieces for your portfolio, offer your services to non-profits, and take on smaller gigs to build your confidence and your collection of work. Your portfolio is your experience.
2. What skills are most important for how to start a copywriting business in 2025?
Beyond strong writing, you need to understand marketing principles, SEO basics, and sales psychology. You also need good communication skills to manage clients and the discipline to manage your own time.
3. Is it hard to learn how to start a copywriting business in 2025?
The steps themselves aren’t hard, but it takes consistent effort. The hardest parts are usually staying motivated, finding those first clients, and getting comfortable with the business side of things, like setting rates and sending invoices.
4. How much money can I make when I start a copywriting business in 2025?
It varies a lot. In your first year, you might be focused on building your client base, and income could be inconsistent. But established freelance copywriters can make a very comfortable living, with many earning six figures once they have a steady stream of good clients.
Key Takeaways
You have to practice writing copy constantly to get good. Theory isn’t enough.
Picking a niche helps you market yourself, but it’s okay not to have one right away.
Your portfolio is your most important tool. You can build one even without clients.
Treat your business like a real business from day one. Figure out your pricing and how you’ll get paid.
Finding clients requires active work. Use your network, social media, and direct outreach. You have to go get them.
