Why I Became A Freelance Copywriter

The journey to becoming a freelance copywriter is often full of twists and turns. Mine was fuelled by a combination of passion, opportunity and the desire for a more flexible lifestyle. Want to know how I went from a full-time desk job in central London to copywriting from the beaches of Costa Rica and the coffee shops of Lisbon? Keep reading…

Growing up, I always had a passion for storytelling. Whether it was through writing short stories and poems or acting out made-up plays to my long-suffering family, I found solace in the written word. This love for writing followed me into my academic career, where I pursued a BA in English at Royal Holloway UOL.

I loved the idea that writing could influence behaviour, evoke emotions and ultimately drive action. However, after graduating, I just needed a job. Especially in living the big (and expensive) smoke. I soon turned an admin position at a luxury watch company in London into a head of department role as I was eager to learn, grow and develop new skills. While I enjoyed certain aspects of my corporate job, such as managing multi-million pound projects and mentoring new team members, I began to realise that creative writing was something I really missed.

I began to feel restless. I longed for a career that allowed me to write more frequently and experience working in different industries. The idea of freelancing started to take shape in my mind. Freelancing promised flexibility, the opportunity to work on different projects and the chance to collaborate with a more diverse range of people.

And so…

I made the leap to go freelance in 2019! It was an exhilarating and - at times - daunting. But I knew in my core that it was worth the risk. And I’m proud to say I haven’t looked back! Working for myself and choosing my clients is a dream come true. One of the most rewarding aspects of freelancing is the flexibility it offers. Generally speaking, I can set my own schedule, choose my projects and work from anywhere. This freedom has allowed me to travel more and explore new environments, all while continuing to pursue my passion for writing. Whether I’m at a cute café in the city, a co-working spot in Mexico City or in my home office in the Peak District, I can create and work in a setting that totally inspires me.

Freelancing also provides the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and industries. Each project presents a new challenge, whether I’m writing for a tech startup like Unlock, an established retailer like New Look or a luxury travel company like Plum Guide. This variety keeps my work exciting and allows me to continuously learn and grow as a writer. I throughly enjoy diving deep into different topics, researching industry trends and understanding the unique needs of each client.

But nothing comes easy. Being self-employed certainly comes with its challenges.

One of the most significant hurdles is managing an inconsistent income. Unlike a traditional job with a steady salary, freelancing can be unpredictable at times. I quickly learned the importance of budgeting and adding to my savings for the quieter months.

I’ve also developed super-strong time management skills to ensure I stay focused and meet deadlines as I often have multiple projects or clients at one time. Working for yourself, and from home, can sometimes blur the old boundaries, so it’s important to have some self-discipline too. I’ve learnt to trust and follow my instinct, saying no when something doesn’t feel or sound right. It’s not failed me yet.

I’m nearly 5 years into my freelance copywriting career and I’m extremely grateful to have had a very good ride so far. I have incredible clients and have been lucky enough to work with some very talented individuals. Long may it continue!

Take a look at my growing folio for some examples of the exciting projects I’ve worked on. Got some ideas of your own? Get in touch!