How To Become a Freelance Writer in 2024 💸 How to start, What to charge + free portfolio template!

thanks for watching ✨ We are *finally* going all in on what is probably my most requested video: How to Become a Freelance Copywriter! In my opinion, this is the perfect side hustle (or main hustle) for creative people who enjoy writing and want to set their own schedule and work from anywhere on a variety of projects.

As a side hustle freelancer, I've made upwards of $1,000/month! Being my own boss has always been a dream of mine. In this video, I'm going to tell you how to make it happen for you too! We cover where to start, where to find jobs, how to build a portfolio (I even give you a template!), what to charge, and the impact of artificial intelligence on this industry. Let's go!

Video Chapters:
0:00 - About This Video
3:38 - My Story
6:17 - What is Copywriting?
8:02 - Who is this for?
9:53 - Where to Start: Portfolios
16:28 - Where to Start: Finding Jobs
20:46 - Let's Talk AI
24:00 - Setting Your Rates
30:48 - Conclusion

My Budgeting Toolkit (ships internationally! use code ZOE10 to save 10% on your order)
*Some of these links may be affiliate links. This allows me to earn a small commission, which supports my channel at no extra cost to you. Thank you ☀️

TAGS:
how to become a freelancer, how to become a copywriter, freelancing for beginners, copywriting for beginners, side hustle, work from anywhere, remote work, remote side hustle, how much to charge, earn $1000 per month, copywriting portfolio

[ZoePritchard]

Are you interested in becoming a freelancer?!

[beeSad]

As a note to those who are considering freelance vs salary - really consider what you get being on salary and why the wage may be so much lower, and why you need to charge more as a freelance. Ex. laptop, desk set up, software, health insurance, consistent and stable hours, marketing, professional development, non-billable work like tax forms and some emails, employer match CPP/ retirement (in Canada, even if the company doesn't have any retirement funds, employers pay 5.95% of your salary into CPP) etc. You could also negotiate something like set number of hours a week/ month at a lower rate or variable hours at a higher rate. Also be careful with any non-competes a company may want you to sign!

I very much low balled myself starting out in freelance as I didn't consider any of that. Once you start at one wage it is very hard to move up too drastically with one company too.

[vavravoom]

Fellow freelance copywriter here! I've been freelance for around 3 years, and I absolutely love hearing you talk about your journey. Makes me feel like I have a freelance friend who gets it haha! This video gave me the motivation I needed to finally update my portfolio 💖

[steadystudying]

I got a degree in economics and I think freelancing, specifically with regards to one's rate is really intriguing. I loved how you talked about the extra cost for "dropping what you're doing". Literally it's opportunity cost! Is that $10 more than the activity that you're currently doing. I like that remark you made. Loved the video

[reillychandler]

went full time freelance in 2021 and ended up losing my job as a marketing manager last june, went right back to the rat race 🫠 this is the push i needed to fully put my efforts back into my freelance career, love your videos & so so glad you posted this!! feels like a message from the universe tbh 🫡 you are truly the big sister I never had, your videos truly make life brighter. sending so much love from down south 🥰

[maloumasereel]

Your “sorry”’s in the intro are so Canadian love it 😆

[PersonalFinanceWithAshtyn]

I was literally thinking the other day about how to get into copywriting or writing as a side hussle outside of my blog and now here you are with this video. THANK YOU!!😍😍 I am so exciting to start my freelancing journey to make extra money outside my full-time job! Love your videos!

[musicmoviestrailers]

Thank you so much so refreshing to find a non bs video about this would love to see more!

[ashleyduel]

Thank you soooo much for sharing your knowledge! I’ve been looking into side hustles.

[labananimaziva]

Thank you so much Zoe, this is very useful for a beginner like me.

[RadioGirLF]

Zoe, you're a lifesaver! Thank you so much for that portfolio template, I audibly gasped when you said you'd share it! ❤
Lately I've been learning a lot about copywriting since I'm looking for a career change. I have to recommend Alex Cattoni's channel for everyone wanting to learn more about the topic.

[Izzy]

Hi Zoe, I have been trying to get a freelance writing career up and running for a couple years now. I’m glad I found you! I’m 27 and I’m Toronto-based.

[selma]

You had me at the first part 😅 love all your videos queen, you’re my comfort YouTuber!

[beeSad]

I really like how you framed the hours per month or higher rate. I'm stuck in the same position you were in - not enough hours per month to feel comfortable (and not look for another job, leaving them) and its been some time so I should look into raising my rate. I think I will go to them and frame it how you did!

[OverTheSevenSeas]

Thank you for sharing this video, it actually was helpful. I feel like I haven't seen someone's first copywriting job application before and seeing yours was helpful. Hearing how you chose your hourly rate and how you picked up last minute courage to quote $40 per hour was also good.

[AngelicLaurente]

Thank you, Miss Zoe. This video helped me a lot on how to start. I'm a Filipino student wanting to have side hustle while we're still on vacation and i believe I can start building my portfolio starting from now. Subscribed to your channel already. Can't wait for your next uploads about freelance writing.

[minenhlemoyo]

Lol 😂 not me getting excited with the first sentence! I was so ready for that easy side hustle 😅😂🤣…but Zoe always keeps it real.

[elizabethgraceb]

zoe: and it’s gonna make room for the real ones, like YOU-
me just watching this video cuz i’m a zoe stan having no intentions of copywriting: 🤠🤭

[sportingarenatv]

I want to become a copywriter soon thank you for sharing.

[bobkovylistek]

Hi Zoe, I’m not really interested in becoming a copywriter but I’ve been working as a freelance translator (commercial, not literary) for quite a few years and I just want to say how much I love that you’re talking about the freelance journey at all and how I appreciate your insights. Being a freelancer can feel quite lonely and as a bit of a trap at times and you help me feel more "legitimate" and also more grateful to be in a position I’m in – I’m now established enough to have been able to get a good raise in December and I know that when I work harder, I can earn more and that’s a good thing. Last but not least, I want to say that you help me normalize the idea of having more jobs in different fields which is something I’ve been (theoretically, so far) considering for a while as it doesn’t feel that secure to have all the eggs in one basket. You certainly give a lot of people a lot of positive vibes, hope and courage. Thank you so much, Zoe :)