Can I have a copywriting job? We have budding copywriters contact us every week and while we can’t employ everyone, here are some tried and tested ways to break into the industry.
Tip #1 – Build a portfolio
The first thing you’ll need as a copywriter is a great CV and a healthy portfolio. If you don’t have these, then work on them.
If you’re a current or former journalist, Muckrack is a fantastic resource for creating an online portfolio.
If you’re a pure copywriter, then developing an online portfolio as part of a website is a great idea. Loads of freelancers we know use Squarespace, but there are loads of cheap website builders out there.
Tip #2 – Know who you’re talking to
We’re a small copywriting agency. That means we’re lean and totally not mean.
We don’t have a huge number of opportunities, and if we do, they usually go to people we’ve worked with before or who wow us with a stonking portfolio or wow us with their specialist knowledge.
If you approach us (or any copywriting agency), then take the time to research them. Focus on the skills they might need, tailor your approach and covering letter and flatter them a little bit. We all love to be loved.
Tip #3 – Think about your rates
As a small agency, we’re proud that we don’t charge massive amounts of money for our services. (If you’re interested, you can see our copywriting costs here).
We pay our freelancers a fair day rate, but if you’re looking for £400 per day then head on up to the stinking streets of London.
Tip #4 – Give it some time
If we’re a busy agency (which we are), we spend the majority of our time producing great content for our clients. When we get 5 minutes, we might check out your portfolio, CV and favourite article.
If you’ve emailed us, let us check you out and contact you if we’re interested. A follow up is nice, but not necessary.
We got your email.
Tip #5 – DIY
There are loads of opportunities for good copywriters out there, but it’s up to you to find them.
Here are five ways you can get a head start as a copywriter in Bristol:
- Sign up to Bristol Media (and check out their regular listings).
- Research marketing agencies (and follow steps 1-4 here)
- Join ProCopywriters.
- Create LinkedIn alerts to see the newest jobs every day.
- Search Twitter (#journojobs).
Here are five common mistakes copywriters make:
- Working for free.
- Working for $5 content mills.
- Working for ‘exposure’.
- Interning for longer than a week.
- Attempting to work in the fashion industry without a family member in the business or a parent with limitless finances.
Being a copywriter is a great job, but it’s not an easy one. The industry is notoriously challenging to enter and with more and more young people wanted to carve out a career in copy and content, it’s harder than ever to break into.
But, if you’re good enough – and determined enough – you’ll get there.
