10 articles you need to read BEFORE becoming a freelancer

becoming a freelancer

Research can be a real pain in the balls, eh? Especially when you're raring to start a freelance career. 

In the interest of brevity, here's a round-up of the top 10 articles you need to wrap your eyeballs around before you think about becoming a freelancer. Some of the smarts below come direct to you from other freelance copywriters (and my pals, nonetheless).

Scroll on down and drink in the wisdom...

 

Getting set up

1. Sole trader or limited company: the best choice for freelancers — The Guardian

Let's kick things off with something nice and light, shall we? The Guardian have produced this saucy little number to help freelancers decide whether to become a limited company or to remain a sole trader. When you're getting set up, you'll need to choose one or the other, so swotting up is a must!

 

2. ProCopywriters Survey 2020 — ProCopywriters

Not sure how to set your rates or which industry is the least saturated? ProCopywriters have got your back, with their ProCopywriters Survey. They conduct an annual survey of their members so those of us working in the UK can easily get an overview of our industry. It'd make a smashing bit of background reading before you start your own business.
 

3. Make money as a freelance writer | How to set your pricing

Okay, okay. It’s not an article but it is super helpful.

Learn how to work out your rates and set your prices using the ProCopywriters survey listed above. Get your business off to a strong start and ensure you make a decent living from day dot!

4. Knowledge — Crunch

Online accounting company, Crunch, have created a knowledge hub stuffed with financial and business advice for sole traders and limited companies. There are so many pimp-ass articles on it, that I simply couldn't choose. Highlights include:

They also have a ton of business guides to download on their site, which will give you a hand with topics like IR35, hiring employees and setting up as either a limited company or sole trader.

 

5. 15 Tried And Tested Free (Or Dirt Cheap) Tools For Copywriters— André Spiteri

Here's a slice of epic toolbox sharing from my homeboy, André. He painstakingly listed out 15 tried and tested copywriting tools that you should consider getting your mitts on before setting up shop. The 2020 list update includes some new items which I decided to try on his recommendation. Otter is life changing.

Side note: If you want to see what I use, watch my video here.

 

Getting work

6. 21 Amazing Freelance Writing Pitch Hacks — Jorden Makelle

I'm not quite sure where my freelance career would be if it weren't for the wise words of Jorden Makelle. This fruity truth bomb of pitch hacks is worth its weight in paid jobs, so go and check it out before you start emailing round!

 

7. How to build a copywriting portfolio

Portfolios are a bang tidy way to secure work without trying. They also help support pitch emails and referrals by allowing you to 'humble flex'.

As a n00b, you might not have any samples to share, so I put together this cheeky video guide to help you get started.


8. Powerful testimonials: why and how to, and Advertising Standards— Amy Boylan

While we're busy pimping out our portfolio to optimise our own freelance website efficiency, why not toss a few testimonials into the mix? Amy Boylan (my scribble sister from another mister) took a moment to run through the nitty gritty of testimonials. She reveals why they're wicked, how to get a good one and the ASA's regulations on the matter.

 

Adapting to freelance life

9. First-time freelancer fuck-ups and how to avoid them— Emma Cownley

This suave shot of freelance advice comes straight from my personal archives—mistakes I made so that you don't have to! You’re welcome :)

 

10. Freelancing with international clients— Work Notes

Another article from one of my freelance colleagues. Dave Smyth posted this gem on Work Notes to guide freelancers through professional relationships with clients overseas, including contracts, quotes, negotiating time zones and how to get paid!

BONUS ROUND: newsletters

  1. The Penny Drop - Penny Brazier
    Freelance writing prompts could be yours when you sign up to Penny’s newsletter. It’s like a comforting letter from a friend, gently reminding you that creativity can be kind (and sometimes unexpected).

  2. Freelance writing jobs - Sian Meades-Williams
    Sian aggregates all the best freelance writing gigs and sends them straight to your inbox every Thursday. This shit is solid effing gold.

  3. Nick Parker’s Newsletter — Nick Parker

    Many of us UK-based freelancers swear by Nick’s newsletter. It’s packed interesting shit about brands and language, so get it on your list!

 

Emma Cownley