As a freelance b2b copywriter, you can expect to earn a decent living writing compelling copy for businesses. However, it is essential to understand the difference between writing for businesses and consumers.
Freelance copywriter jobs can be plentiful, with many businesses looking for professional writers. In this post, we’ll go over what freelance b2b copywriting entails, key reasons why you should become a b2b freelance copywriter, how to get started, where to look for clients, and tips for success in this field.
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Who is a freelance b2b copywriter
Business-to-business (B2B) copywriting involves creating marketing materials for one business to use in its marketing efforts to another company. A freelance b2b copywriter is someone who creates these materials.
Whether writing content for their website or blog, creating press releases, marketing materials, concept papers, white papers, brochures, website content, email campaigns, or even editing and proofreading, freelance copywriters use their writing services to help businesses grow. The goal of b2b content writing is to generate leads and sales for your client.
A freelance b2b copywriter is often the first person to see the finished product and provide feedback. They offer a fresh perspective on what the client initially intended and can be that person who jumps in when the client needs edits from an unbiased eye.
Copywriters are also responsible for producing creative content to make their marketing materials attractive to potential customers and captivate those who have already bought a product or service.
This type of copywriting falls into two categories:
* Direct response advertising, which includes items such as sales letters and email campaigns
* Collateral material, which are longer pieces such as website content, eBooks, and white papers
What skills do you need to be a successful b2b copywriter?
Whether you’re just starting as a freelance b2b copywriter or you’ve been in the game for a while, honing your skills is essential to success. Here are four critical skills you need to be a successful b2b copywriter:
1. The ability to understand and simplify complex concepts
As a b2b copywriter, you’ll often be tasked with writing about complex products or services. It’s your job to take these complex concepts and make them digestible for the average business. This skill requires a deep understanding of the topic and the ability to communicate complicated ideas in simple terms.
2. The ability to capture the attention of busy businesses
Most of your target audience will be busy professionals who don’t have time to waste reading long-winded copy. Your job is to convey your message quickly and succinctly without sacrificing the quality of the content.
3. The ability to create copy that’s engaging and easy to read
The best b2b copywriting isn’t just informative; it’s also entertaining. Companies who hire you to write their content understand that consumers don’t want to read lengthy, boring articles. Instead, they like to read copy that’s concise, interesting, and easy to digest.
4. The ability to write content that’s relevant and interesting
We understand that every business is different, so your copy should be too. Every company has a unique story to tell, and you have to make it your job to help tell it in the most compelling way possible.
5. An understanding of the ever-changing digital landscape
It would help if you constantly were on top of the latest trends in content marketing. Whether it’s SEO, social media, or email marketing, know what works and how to make it work for businesses.
Where to find freelance copywriter jobs
There are several key ways to find freelance copywriter jobs as a b2b copywriter. Here are the most common ones.
Communities and forums
First, getting involved in your niche’s right online communities and forums is essential. These will help you get your name out there and show potential clients that you’re an expert in your field.
Referrals
Another great way to find clients is through referrals. If you have satisfied clients who are happy with your work, they may be willing to refer you to other businesses that they know could use your services. This can be one of the most effective ways to find new clients, as you’ll already have a positive reputation going in.
You could sign up with freelancer sites
Many freelancer sites advertise jobs, and you can sign up and apply for jobs in your niche. Examples are Upwork, Guru, and Fiverr.
Search Google
Find writing gigs online by typing “freelance copywriting jobs” keyword in your desired niche, then send cold emails to as many people as possible.
Blogging
Start your own blog, advertise your copywriting services, and companies will reach out to you directly on your blog.
Networking
Finally, don’t forget the power of networking. Attend relevant industry events and meet-ups, or start your own networking group for b2b copywriters.
As long as you have the time, passion, and dedication, it is difficult to lack jobs as a freelance copywriter.
How to charge for your services as a freelance b2b copywriter
As a freelance b2b copywriter, you may wonder how to charge for your services. Here are a few tips to help you determine how to price your services:
- Consider your experience and expertise. What kind of value can you bring to your client? If you’re just starting out, you may need to charge less than someone who has been in the business longer. On the other hand, if you have unique skills or experience that would benefit your client, you can charge more.
- Think about what your time is worth. How much do you want to earn per hour? Once you know this, you can calculate how many hours you will take to complete a project and then price accordingly.
- Don’t forget about overhead costs. You must pay for supplies, equipment, and advertising as a business owner. If you are using your own equipment (like a camera or editing software) and other supplies, factor in the cost of buying it.
- Consider the size of your client’s business. If they are a small, local business, they may not be able to pay you as much money as a large corporation.
- Consider your client’s budget or timeline. You can charge less if they have a small budget and/or a longer deadline.
Tips for success as a freelance B2B copywriter
To be a successful b2b content writer, you need to have a firm understanding of the sales process and know how to craft persuasive arguments that will make your reader take action.
You must also know how to craft compelling content that speaks to the needs of businesses. Your goal is always to produce quality content to help your client achieve their business goals.
To succeed in this field, you need to have excellent research and writing skills and a deep understanding of the needs of businesses. You also need to be able to work independently and meet deadlines.
If you really want to earn a high income by helping businesses market their products and services, here are additional tips to help you succeed as a b2b copywriter:
- Develop a niche. When you specialize in a particular industry or type of writing, you become an expert in that area and can command higher fees.
- Build relationships. Get to know the decision-makers at the companies you want to work with. Let them know what you can do and how you can help them achieve their marketing goals.
- Offer value. When you provide valuable content, whether a blog post, white paper, or case study, potential clients will see that you’re an expert in your field and be more likely to hire you.
- Offer a guarantee. If you promise that your piece will increase sales, subscribers, or leads by a specific percentage, potential clients will have a reason to work with you.
- Master the basics. Study your craft. Know the difference between branding, marketing, and advertising. Understand the basics of SEO and keyword research. Be able to speak intelligently about any aspect of marketing and advertising so that you can talk with clients about their problems, needs, and goals.
- Keep in touch with potential clients. Make sure they know you’re always available by phone or email 24/7.
- Talk about your work compellingly. Get good at explaining why you do what you do and how your work will help your clients reach their goals.
- Know when to back off. Don’t try to push a client into doing business with you if they have doubts or are not ready for the relationship yet.
Pitfalls to avoid as a copywriter
As a freelance b2b copywriter, you can make good money by writing compelling copy that sells. However, you need to be aware of some common pitfalls to succeed.
One common pitfall is failure to understand the needs of your client. Make sure you take the time to understand what they are looking for and what their target market is before you start writing.
Another pitfall is undercharging for your services. Don’t undervalue your skills and experience – charge what you’re worth!
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from more experienced copywriters if you get stuck. There’s no shame in admitting that you need help – we all do at some point. By asking for help, you can learn from those who have gone before you and avoid making the same mistakes they did.
How to be the best freelance copywriter
If you’re a freelance copywriter, there’s good news: businesses are willing to pay top dollar for your services. After all, copywriting is a vital part of any business’s marketing strategy. From website content to brochures and email campaigns, businesses need your copywriting services to create persuasive, attention-grabbing content.
Now that you have done your research and know the companies to work for, here are some tips to help you be the best freelance b2b copywriter and ensure that you will never lack jobs:
- Know the business audience. To be a successful B2B copywriter, you need to know your client’s business inside out. You need to be able to speak their language and translate their marketing messages into content that resonates with the audience.
2. Know their product. Whether you are writing about a service or a product, you need to be intimately familiar with it. You’ll also need to know the product’s price and how it compares to similar products in the market.
3. Use sales language. In the world of B2B copywriting, you’re writing sales copy, even if your client isn’t selling anything. You need to know the language of sales and the techniques that work.
4. Be confident in your abilities. Don’t let that stop you, even if you’ve never written a sales copy before. You’ll learn how to do it from the ground up and develop your skills over time. Be willing to ask questions and be open to criticism.
5. Be able to see the big picture. Find the client’s goals for the marketing campaign you will work on. If you can’t see how your piece fits into the larger picture, you won’t be able to write a compelling copy.
Final words on freelance b2b copywriter career
Bottom line, if you’re looking to make some extra money as a freelance writer, b2b copywriting is a great option. It can be challenging to break into this field, but once you do, there are many opportunities for well-paid work.
You can use your skills to create compelling content to help businesses achieve their marketing goals. So what are you waiting for? Start writing and start earning today!
