A Freelance Copywriter writes technical content, creative content, blogs for brands, advertisements, banners, commercials, and pamphlets. They can work on a contract basis with private and government firms. There are no age boundaries and no specific criteria to become a Freelance Copywriter.
Students can select the subjects of their area of interest, with English being a compulsory subject. After 12th, a student can pursue BA in English, BA in Mass Communication to become a Copywriter. For profound English, the students can pursue MA in English Literature, or MA in Mass Communication from a good college. They can also do a Ph.D. in English or a related subject that will help them grow as a Freelance Copywriter.
Apart from offline courses, students can pursue online Certificate Courses from LinkedIn, Udemy, or Coursera, in copywriting to initiate their careers. To get more reach as a freelancer, one should look for every work opportunity. Internships and contract-based work will help build contacts and help you get acquainted with industrial standards.
Table of Content
Quick Facts for How to Become a Freelance Copywriter
Industry | Marketing, Advertisement, PR, etc. |
Eligibility | Passed Class 12th or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. |
Average Salary | INR 16,449 per month |
Job Opportunities | Media, Radio, TV, Advertising Agencies, etc. |
Check: Top BMM in Journalism Colleges In India
What Does A Freelance Copywriter Do?
A copywriter performs the following roles if incorporated into an organization:
- Creates content for websites, advertisements, research blogs, etc.
- Makes writing content on a contract basis
- Represents the organization by using standardized words
- Writes a well-informed copy
- Has flow in their articles
- Flout grammar to grab attention
- Sometimes breaking the rules of sentence formation
- Must be a social networker
- Use SEO tools to promote his work on behalf of the organization
- Remains conscious about their roles and responsibilities
Check: SEO Courses
Steps to Follow to Become a Freelance Copywriter
Anyone can be a Freelance Copywriter at any stage in their life. There is no hard and fast rule to get the highest education from the top universities in the world. One can be a Freelance Copywriter in just these simple steps:
- Read a good number of books, magazines, etc.
- Improve vocabulary and grammar.
- Pursue a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, or English or relevant disciplines.
- Get online courses and certificates in freelancing.
- Get internships, and level up your experience.
- Try every copywriting that covers different fields, like science, arts, technology, etc.
- Learn new software and use them daily.
- Create your blog and start writing.
Check: Digital Marketing Courses
Types of Freelance Copywriters
There are 9 essential types of Freelance Copywriters. They are listed below:
Freelance Market Copywriters
- They write social media content, online display advertisements, flyers and billboards, direct mail, etc.
- They are the most common type of copywriters existing today.
Freelance Social Media Copywriters
- They write captions, content, quotes, etc., for social media pages to get a high reach amongst the audience.
- They promote pages with their content and practical usage of words.
Freelance Brand Copywriters
- They prepare samples of tests and surveys so that the brand can get to know their stats in the market.
Freelance Direct Response Copywriters
- Pop-ups, landing pages, limited-time offer explanations, etc., are done by these copywriters.
Freelance Technical Copywriters
- They write technical content related to technology or science.
- They try to cover every latest research happening in different parts of the world.
Freelance Public Relations Copywriters
- They write content about various events in the organization and share the copy with other media outlets to promote the institute.
Freelance Thought Leadership Copywriters
- They cover topics related to personality development, working lifestyle, and office hour routines.
- They do not sell their copies. It is for the betterment of the employees.
Freelance SEO Copywriters
- They use keywords to promote their copy using Search Engine Optimization tools and techniques.
Freelance Email Copywriters
- As the title indicates, email copywriters create well-articulated emails for their clients.
Check: How to Become an SEO Analyst
How to Become a Freelance Copywriter in India?
To become a Freelance Copywriter, the essential quality that a person must develop is reading. Reading increases vocabulary improves the flow of writing the content, and improves the formation of sentences (by breaking grammar rules).
- A copywriter must have the zeal to research as much as they can. More relevant content, to the point, will be the article, and better will be the quality.
- Try to learn new editing and writing software and tools. Get familiar with them because they will enhance your copies.
- Finally, develop blogging and photography skills. Creative writing must have a creative photograph to make it more appealing to the audience.
- Lastly, create a portfolio of your best works. If you have numerous best works, attach them all. It will assist you in pitching for a job.
Check: Internet Marketing Courses
Courses to Become a Freelance Copywriter
One can get online courses and relevant certificates from standard websites. However, quality work matters more than quantity. So grab quality online certificates from trusted websites.
One can pursue a Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, and Communication from different parts of India. It will improve your English and communication skills.
BA in English (Hons)
- BA in English allows students to read and write plays, novels, and poetry of different genres.
- In addition, students study a variety of literature, sociocultural, and political issues concerning contemporary English.
- The BA English (Hons) course consists of literary analyses, cultural diversity, critical thinking, and communication skills through the curriculum.
Admission Process
Every college conducts its entrance exam, which the students need to qualify for pursuing the course. Students must check the official websites of the colleges to which they want to take admitted.
Eligibility Criteria
- There is no age limit to get this course.
- Students must have passed 12th with 50% or equivalent CGPA to get admission to various colleges.
- Check the rest of the eligibility details from the institute's website.
Entrance Examinations
To get admission to one of the top colleges in India, the student must qualify for the entrance exam conducted by the college. Some crucial exams include:
Entrance Exams | Conducting Body | Exam Mode |
---|---|---|
DUET | Delhi University | Online |
CUET | Banaras Hindu University | Online |
LPUNEST | Lovely Professional University | Online |
JNUEE | Jawaharlal Nehru University | Online |
Top Colleges
College Name | Admission Mode | Average Fees |
---|---|---|
St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi | DUET | INR 40,420 |
Jadavpur University, Kolkata | Merit | INR 2,400 |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi | Merit | INR 15,870 |
Miranda House | Merit | INR 14,160 |
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi | BHU UET | INR 3,420 |
Check: BA English Admission
BA in Journalism
- BA in Journalism is a 3-year course for regular students and a 5-year course for part-time and integrated degree students.
- It deals with the study of the media and news industry.
- Any student who wishes to become a journalist or a copywriter can pursue this course.
- The course takes up to INR 1,00,000 fees annually.
Admission Process
- Colleges conduct their entrance exams that the students need to qualify.
- Some colleges also admit students based on their merits. Check the college website regularly not to miss any announcements.
Eligibility Criteria
- There is no age limit to get this course.
- Students must have passed 12th with 50% or equivalent CGPA to get admission in various colleges.
- Check the rest of the eligibility details from the institute’s website.
Entrance Examinations
Some important entrance exams include:
BA in Communication
- BA in Communication is a 3-year program that covers advertising techniques, the philosophy of mass media, and strategic communication.
- Mass Communication is a fascinating and challenging field with an extensive range of occupations in advertising, public relations, television broadcasting, and radio.
- Mass Communication is the study of how content relating to organizations and individuals simultaneously communicates or passes to the entire world.
Admission Process
- Admission to this course will be made based on the performance of candidates in the qualifying exam or entrance exam.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates who have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board with an aggregate of at least 50% marks can apply for the BMC course.
Top Colleges
Students need to qualify for the entrance of the college of their choice. Some colleges also admit students based on their merits. Some of the top colleges with their fees are-
College Name | Average Course Fee | Average Placement Offer |
---|---|---|
School of Broadcasting and Communication | INR 60,000 | INR 2,50,000 |
Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU) | INR 12,000 | INR 3,30,000 |
RKDF University | INR 60,000 | INR 3,40,000 |
International Institute of Management Media and Institute Technology | INR 75,000 | INR 2,50,000 |
Patna University | INR 15,000 | INR 1,80,000 |
How to Become a Freelance Copywriter Abroad?
One does not need any specific qualifications to work abroad as a freelancer. Now, you can communicate and deliver the content whatever the client requires by sitting at your workplace or home in India. Then, build your resume and upload them on social media, promote your work to build foreign contacts, and get contracts.
Check: BA Media Studies
Benefits of Career as a Freelance Copywriter
- Freelancers are the master of their will: The harsh truth is there is no job security, but the pleasant truth is one can pen their copy anytime they want, of course, obeying the deadlines.
- Can get more than one job in hand at a time: It means more salary plus more work. One can choose how much to work according to their lifestyle and comfortability.
- Growth in personality and communication: One gets confident while working as a copywriter. Communication and verbal English improves gradually.
- Communicate with a diverse audience: Freelance Copywriters become knowledgeable with time. They communicate and write miscellaneous articles that grow their experience and knowledge.
- Develop leadership skills: Freelance Copywriters upskill their leadership ability by becoming responsible and punctual.
Skills Required for Becoming a Freelance Copywriter
Below we have tabulated some highly required skills that one must possess to become a Freelance Copywriter:
Understand the audience | Good research skills |
Time management | Basic SEO and SMM skills |
Editing skills | Proofreading skills |
Paraphrasing techniques | Leadership and Communication skills |
Must follow facts and ignore false rumors | Genuine and Creative in Writing |
Check: Digital Marketing Course Syllabus
Salary of Freelance Copywriters in India
- The salary of Freelance Copywriters varies from place to place and primarily depends upon their word count.
- The average salary of a full-time copywriter is INR 25,000 to INR 60,000 per month.
- Whereas, the average salary of a Freelance Copywriter can be INR 5,000 to INR 20,000 per month depending upon the copy they write. The pay is negotiable.
- Freelance Copywriters mostly write for private firms and ventures.
- However, they can write for government firms on a contract basis.
- The government provides a salary of up to INR 50,000 per month for technical Freelance Copywriters.
- If the work is related to marketing and advertising, they pay up to INR 80,000 for the content created.
- Nevertheless, that all depends upon the job offers the government wishes to provide to various copywriters.
How to Become a Freelance Copywriter: FAQs
Ques. What is the scope of Freelance Copywriters in India?
Ans. Freelance Copywriters can start their blogging websites or can do social media marketing by collaborating with various brands. In addition, they can earn by writing and selling their work online.
Ques. What is a reasonable rate for Freelance Copywriters?
Ans. Each Freelance Copywriter fresher gets up to INR 10,000 per month. Salary grows as the experience grows.
Ques. How do I get started in freelance copywriting?
Ans. Start with internships in trusted firms and ventures. Communicate with them and develop copywriting skills. Try to make contacts while at work and develop a strong portfolio so that in case any job offer comes, the firm must contact you in the first place.
Ques. What are the best ways to start freelance copywriting?
Ans. Read, create blogs, create social media content, write articles on LinkedIn, promote your work and make contacts. These can help to become a successful copywriter.
Ques. Where can I find a good Freelance Copywriter for the copy of my startup's website?
Ans. Look at social media for such people. For example, post an ad that you need a Freelance Copywriter for your work on social media. Hopefully, someone from your connections will turn up.
Ques. What are some strategies Freelance Copywriters use to gain new clients?
Ans. Be crisp and clear. Do not repeat sentences. Do not exaggerate a fact or thought. Creatively write your copy. Avoid plagiarism. Build a strong portfolio and resume.
Ques. What are some great Freelance Copywriters’ work?
Ans. Some great copies on Verge, XDA Forum, Business Insider, BBC, The Washington Post, etc.
Ques. Do Freelance Copywriters need social media?
Ans. Undoubtedly, yes! Social media is the best platform to attract clients. Post your work regularly to attract some handsome clients.