How to Get Your First Copywriting Client (Even With Zero Experience)

Landing your first copywriting client is scary. You’re probably thinking: “Who’s going to hire me? I don’t have samples. I don’t have testimonials. I barely know what I’m doing.”

I get it. I was there too. My first pitch email sat in my drafts folder for two days because I was terrified to send it. When I finally did, I expected nothing. Instead, I got a response next day and my first paid project by the end of the week.

That client paid me around $100 for website copy. Not a fortune, but it proved something important: people will hire beginners if you approach them the right way.

This guide will show you exactly how to get copywriting clients when you’re just starting out: where to find them, what to say, how to handle the “I have no experience” problem, and how to actually close the deal.

Before You Start: Do You Really Need a Portfolio?

Short answer: Not as much as you think.

Here’s the truth: most beginners waste months building the “perfect” portfolio before pitching anyone. Meanwhile, people who just started reaching out are landing clients.

What You Actually Need

Minimum to start pitching:

  • 1-2 writing samples (doesn’t have to be paid work)
  • A way to show those samples (Google Doc links work fine)
  • Confidence to say “I can help you”

That’s it. You don’t need: 

A fancy website

5 portfolio pieces
Years of experience

Testimonials

 

Creating Quick Samples (If You Have Zero)

Option 1: Rewrite something that exists

Find a bad website. Rewrite their homepage or About page. Save it as “Sample: Homepage Copy for [Industry].”

I did this with a local merchandise’s terrible website. Rewrote their homepage in an hour. Used it as a sample. Nobody ever asked if it was real client work.

Option 2: Write for a friend’s business

Someone you know has a business or side project. Offer to write something for them. Even if it’s free, you get a real sample and maybe a testimonial.

Option 3: Create spec work for a dream client

Pick a company you’d love to work with. Write a blog post they could publish. Or write an email sequence for their product. Label it clearly: “Spec work for [Company name].”

The key: Make it good. Doesn’t matter if it’s real client work. If the writing is solid, it works as a sample

The 5 Best Places to Find Your First Copywriting Client

Let’s get practical. Here’s where to actually find people who’ll pay you.

1. Upwork (Easiest Start)

Why it works:
Jobs are posted daily. You can apply immediately. You’ll get rejected a lot, but you only need one yes.

How to use it:

  1. Create a profile (keep it simple)
  2. Search for “copywriting” jobs
  3. Filter by entry level
  4. Apply to 5-10 jobs per day

Pro tip:
Don’t bid on jobs asking for “10 years experience” or “expert level.” They won’t hire beginners. Stick to entry-level posts.

Downside:
You’ll earn less at first (maybe $10-25/hour). But you’re building samples.

 

2. Cold Outreach to Local Businesses (My Favorite)

Why it works:
Most small businesses have terrible websites and no idea how to fix them. You can actually help.

How to find them:

  1. Google “[your town] [type of business]”
    (Example: “Austin plumbers” or “Manchester yoga studios”)
  2. Look at their websites
  3. If the copy is bad or outdated, they might need help

What makes copy “bad”:

  • Written in 2017 and hasn’t been updated
  • Full of jargon and complicated words
  • No clear call-to-action
  • Just boring or confusing

Cold pitch email template:

 
 
Subject: Quick question about [Business Name]

Hi [Owner's Name],

I came across [Business Name] while searching for [service type] in [town]. 

Your [specific compliment about their business] really stood out—but I noticed your website copy could use a refresh. I'm a copywriter who helps local businesses write website copy that actually brings in customers.

Would you be interested in a quick call to discuss updating your [About page/Services page]?

I've attached a writing sample so you can see my work.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

My experience:
I sent 17 of these emails to local businesses. Got 3 responses. One became my first $280 client.

Pro tip:
Actually compliment something real. Don’t be fake. If you can’t find anything to compliment, pick a different business.

 

3. LinkedIn Networking

Why it works:
Business owners are on LinkedIn looking for service providers.

How to use it:

  1. Optimize your LinkedIn headline: “Copywriter | Helping [target clients] with [specific thing]”
  2. Connect with potential clients (business owners, marketers, etc.)
  3. Engage with their posts (comment, share)
  4. DM after a few interactions

DM template:

 
 
Hi [Name],

I've been following your posts about [topic]—really enjoyed your take on [specific thing].

I'm a copywriter who helps [type of business] with [specific service]. I noticed you mentioned [pain point] in your recent post. I'd love to help if you're looking for support with that.

Would you be open to a quick chat?

Best,
[Your Name]

Pro tip:
Don’t lead with “hire me.” Start with genuine connection. Help first, pitch second.

4. Fiverr (Set It and Forget It)

Why it works:
You create service packages. Clients come to you.

How to use it:

  1. Create a profile
  2. Set up 2-3 “gigs” (services you offer)
  3. Price them low to start ($25-50 to get reviews)
  4. Let it run in the background

Example gig:

  • “I’ll rewrite your homepage ($50)”

My experience:
Set up Fiverr, forgot about it. Three weeks later, someone ordered. Easiest $40 I made.

Downside:
Takes time to build momentum. Don’t expect instant orders.

How to Handle "I Have No Experience"

This is the objection that stops most beginners. Here’s how to deal with it.

 

When They Ask About Experience

What NOT to say:

“I don’t have any experience, but…”
“I’m just starting out…”
“I’m new to this, so…”

What TO say:

✅ “I’ve written [number] samples in [industry]. Here’s one: [link]”
✅ “I specialize in helping [type of business] with [specific thing]”
✅ “I focus on [type of writing] and have samples to share”

Shift the conversation from experience to value.

 

The “Spec Work” Approach

If they push on experience:

“I understand you want to see proven results. How about this: I’ll write a sample [piece] for your business. If you love it, we can talk about working together. If you don’t, no obligation.”

This works because:

  • Shows confidence
  • Removes their risk
  • Proves you can deliver

I’ve used this twice. Both times, they hired me after seeing the sample.

 

Focus on Their Problem, Not Your Inexperience

Client thinking: “I need better website copy that brings in customers”
You should focus on: “I can write clear, compelling copy that converts”

Client NOT thinking: “I wonder how many years of experience this person has”
You shouldn’t focus on: How long you’ve been doing this

Make it about them, not you.

Writing Proposals That Get You Hired

Once someone’s interested, you need a proposal. Keep it simple.

Basic Proposal Structure

1. What they need (2-3 sentences)

“You mentioned you need a homepage rewrite that better explains what [Business] does and why customers should choose you.”

2. What you’ll deliver (bullet list)

  • New homepage copy (approximately 400 words)
  • 3 headline options to choose from
  • 2 rounds of revisions included

3. How it works (timeline + process)

“I’ll send you a draft within 5 business days. You review and send feedback. I’ll revise based on your notes and send the final version within 2 days.”

4. What it costs (clear pricing)

“Total investment: $300

Payment: 50% upfront ($150), 50% on completion ($150)”

5. Next steps (clear call-to-action)

“If this sounds good, just reply to this email and I’ll send over a simple agreement to sign. We can start as soon as you’re ready!”

What I Learned

Keep proposals short. Mine was used to be of one page. That’s plenty.

Don’t over-complicate it. They just want to know: What do I get? When? How much?

Your First Week Game Plan

Here’s exactly what to do:

Day 1-2: Get Your Samples Ready

  • Write 1-2 samples (use the spec work method if needed)
  • Put them in Google Docs
  • Make sure they’re easy to share

Day 3-4: Find 20 Potential Clients

  • 10 from Upwork
  • 10 local businesses with bad websites

Day 5-6: Send Pitches

  • Apply to 5-10 Upwork jobs
  • Send cold emails to 5-10 local businesses

Day 7: Follow Up

  • Join 2-3 Facebook groups
  • Set up a Fiverr profile
  • Follow up with anyone who responded

Repeat Next Week

Most people quit after week one. Don’t. This is a numbers game at first

What Happened When I Got My First Client

My first real client found me through a cold email. I sent 17 emails to local businesses. She responded:

“Hi! We’ve been meaning to update our website for months. Can you help?”

I panicked. Then I sent a simple proposal (one page, $280 total). She said yes.

The project took me longer than I expected because I was learning. But I delivered good work. She was happy. She referred me to two other businesses.

Those three clients became the foundation of my freelance business.

Your first client won’t be perfect. The project might be messy. You’ll probably undercharge. That’s fine.

The point is to start. Everything gets easier after the first one.

Frequently Aked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get your first copywriting client?

A: If you actively pitch, most beginners land their first client within 2-6 weeks. Some get lucky in a few days. Others take 2-3 months. The timeline depends on how many pitches you send and how good your approach is. Consistency matters more than luck.

 

Q: Do I need a website to find copywriting clients as a beginner?

A: No. Most of my earlier clients came from cold emails and Upwork. A website is nice to have later, but it’s not required to start. Google Docs for samples and email for communication work fine.

 

Q: How much should I charge for my first copywriting client?

A: Charge enough to be taken seriously but not so much that you price yourself out. For beginners, $100-300 for small projects (homepage, About page, email sequence) is realistic. Don’t work for free unless it’s for a friend to get a sample. Use our pricing calculator to figure out fair rates.

 

Q: What if my first client hates my work?

A: Ask for specific feedback and revise. Most “bad” first drafts are just missing information you didn’t know to ask about. Clients usually don’t hate the work, they just want adjustments. Build in 2 revision rounds and be willing to learn from feedback.

 

Q: Should I work for free to build my portfolio?

A: Only for people you know personally (friends, family) to get 1-2 samples. After that, charge something: even if it’s $50. Free work attracts people who don’t value your time. Paying clients, even small ones, take you more seriously.

 

Q: What’s the best way to find copywriting clients as a beginner?

A: Cold outreach to local small businesses (they need help and have budgets) or Upwork (lots of entry-level jobs). Both are realistic for beginners. Avoid bidding sites where you compete on price with people charging $5. Focus on quality over volume.

 

Q: How do I get copywriting clients with no experience?

A: Create 1-2 strong samples (spec work is fine), focus your pitch on solving their problem (not your lack of experience), and offer a low-risk trial (like one small project). Confidence matters more than years of experience. Clients hire people who can help them, not people with the longest resumes.

Q: What should I say when clients ask for my experience?

A: Don’t apologize for being new. Instead say: “I specialize in [type of writing] for [industry]. Here are samples of my work.” Shift the conversation to what you can deliver, not how long you’ve been doing it. If they push, offer to do a paid trial project at a reduced rate.

Related Resources

– Complete Guide to Copywriting Pricing
– Free Pricing Calculator (Mille)
– Work-from-Home Copywriter Setup Guide
– Copywriting vs AI: What Really Matters
– Copywriting Portfolio Guide for Beginners
– Browse All Copywriting Tips