How to Start Copywriting as a Side Hustle
Introduction: Turning Words into Income
We'll go over how to become a freelance copywriter, develop your portfolio, locate paying clients, and begin making money as a part-time writer in this guide.
What Is Copywriting?
Writing words that persuade or sell is the art of copywriting. Copywriting, as opposed to blogging or creative writing, is results-driven and aims to increase clicks, conversions, and sales.
Typical instances of copywriting are as follows:
• Landing pages and headlines for websites
• Campaigns for email marketing
• Descriptions of products
• Ads on social media
• Sales funnels and pages
In essence, copywriters use the power of words to assist brands in converting readers into paying customers.
The Reasons Copywriting Is the Ideal Side Business
One of the few abilities that fulfills all the requirements for a side gig is copywriting:
• Minimal startup costs: A laptop and an internet connection are all you need.
• Schedule flexibility: You are free to write whenever you choose.
• High earning potential: Skilled copywriters can make between $50 and $200 per hour.
• Scalable: If you'd like, you can begin part-time and eventually transition to full-time.
Additionally, businesses still require human creativity and compelling storytelling even with AI tools, so copywriting skills are timeless.
Step 1: Learn the Basics of Copywriting
To get started, you don't need a degree, but you do need to know what makes good copy. Here's where to begin:
1. Go through the Greats
Among the classic works that impart timeless lessons are:
• Robert Bly's "The Copywriter's Handbook"
• Robert Cialdini's "Influence"
• Ann Handley's "Everybody Writes"
2. Examine Effective Ads
Keep an eye on top brands' sales emails, landing pages, and internet advertisements. Examine how they pique interest, arouse desire, and generate urgency.
3. Acquire knowledge of copywriting structures
Learn how to use formulas such as:
• Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action (AIDA)
• Problem-Agitate-Solve (PAS)
• FAB stands for Features, Advantages, and Benefits.
Professional copywriters utilize these frameworks to produce well-organized, compelling content.
Step 2: Pick a Copywriting Niche
Although you can write for any company, focusing on a particular niche makes you stand out and draws in customers more quickly.
Well-liked copywriting specialties:
• E-commerce: Emails and product descriptions
• Health & Fitness: Blog entries, sales pages, and supplements
• Tech/SaaS: App copy, case studies, landing pages
• Real estate: Lead magnets and property listings
• Coaches & Creators: Course pages, sales funnels
Select a niche that relates to your experience or interests you. Being specialized increases your value and authority.
Step 3: Build Your Portfolio (Even Without Clients)
Clients will want to see samples of your work when you first start out. You can make your own mock projects, so don't worry if you've never written for anyone.
Samples of beginner copywriting ideas:
• Create a landing page for a made-up product.
• For practice, redesign a business's homepage.
• Create a sample email marketing campaign.
• Write advertising copy for your preferred company.
Add three to five samples to a Google Doc or a basic portfolio website (such as WordPress, Carrd, or Notion). Your portfolio serves as evidence of your ability to write effectively.
Step 4: Find Your First Copywriting Clients
How to get your first few projects is as follows:
1. Platforms for Freelancers
Start with websites that are easy for beginners to use:
Fiverr: Provide "website copy" and "email writing" gigs.
Apply for small copywriting jobs on Upwork to earn ratings.
Contra: Excellent for independent creatives in 2025.
2. Sending cold emails
Look for small businesses that need better copy (weak ads, poor websites). Offer to help them improve their content in a brief, cordial email.
For instance:
"Hi [Name], I saw that stronger copy on your product page could increase visitor conversion. Would you be interested in a free rewrite sample? I work as a freelance copywriter.
3. Social Media
Post sample rewrites or brief copywriting advice on Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Over time, this naturally draws clients.
Step 5: Set Your Rates
You can start small at first to get experience, but don't undervalue your abilities. Increase your rates as your confidence grows.
Average fees for novice copywriters:
• $50 to $100 for brief copy (emails, advertisements)
• $150 to $500 for sales or landing pages
• For ongoing projects, $30 to $60 per hour
You can easily charge $500 to $1,000+ per project as your portfolio expands.
Step 6: Use AI Tools to Speed Up Writing
Though they can speed up and increase the profitability of your copywriting, AI tools shouldn't take the place of your originality. Instead of writing everything, use them wisely to generate ideas.
Suggested AI resources for copywriters:
• ChatGPT / GPT-5: Rapidly draft ideas and outlines
• Grammarly: Work on your tone and grammar.
• Create ad and email copy ideas with Jasper or Copy.ai.
• Notion AI: Arrange notes and projects for clients
AI should be used as your helper, not as a substitute.
Step 7: Keep Improving Your Craft
The ability to write copy improves with practice. Continue studying and experimenting.
Methods for leveling up:
• Enroll in online courses from Copyhackers, Udemy, or Skillshare.
• Become a member of communities for freelance writers
• Every day, read excellent marketing emails and advertisements.
• Practice crafting hooks and headlines.
It becomes more profitable and organic the more you write.
Step 8: Turn It Into a Real Business
Treat your side gig of copywriting like a small business once you have a steady clientele:
• Make a polished website.
• Provide bundles (such as "3 emails + landing page").
• Create a list of satisfied customers' testimonials
• Use tools such as Trello or Notion to automate your process.
You can turn freelance copywriting from a side gig into a full-time source of income with consistent work.
In conclusion, the value of your words is substantial.
One of the best ways to earn money writing in 2025 is to start a side business doing copywriting. A fancy degree or years of experience are not necessary; all you need is curiosity, perseverance, and a readiness to learn how to persuade others through words.
Great copy is essential for any business, so you have an opportunity to shine. Take the first step toward becoming a freelance copywriter right now by grabbing your laptop and beginning to write samples.
A Brief Recap
• Learn the fundamentals and structures of copywriting.
• Select a lucrative niche.
• Build a portfolio and produce sample work.
• Utilize websites such as Contra, Upwork, or Fiverr.
• Practice every day to gradually increase your income.
Get started as a copywriter right away because your words have the ability to inspire, sell, and generate revenue.
