Freelancer copywriter why did I become one?

Why did I become a freelance copywriter?

During my youth, I enjoyed writing music, primarily hip hop. However, when I entered university, my focus shifted towards writing movie scripts. I developed a passion for the film industry and the art of storytelling through the lens of a camera.

During the pandemic, I started writing about my daily life as a way to stay sane. It quickly turned into a passion for copywriting. While working my regular job, I offered my writing skills to small businesses for six months. Eventually, I felt unfulfilled at work and decided to quit at the end of 2021 to fully pursue my passion for copywriting.

Background

I studied marketing at university, so becoming a copywriter wasn’t a sudden decision or passion. Marketing has various branches, and I was unsure which one to pursue. However, during my studies, I developed a fondness for strategic marketing—the process of planning a product or campaign from beginning to end. Although I didn’t find myself immersed in that field, I ended up in FMCG retail, where everything seemed to align. It was there that my skills in composing compelling advertising materials, specifically Point of Sale (POS), grew and flourished. 

What is a freelancer?

A freelancer is a self-employed individual who provides services to multiple clients, often working on various projects simultaneously. This succinctly captures the essence of freelancing.

The perks of being a copywriter freelancer 

11th House Marketing is a Digital Marketing compnay based in Cape Town, South Africa, and the city offers exceptional perks for those in the marketing field. From a Cape Town perspective, the beach is a fantastic place to work. I can bring my laptop to a beachside coffee bar or restaurant, enjoy the breathtaking view, and work while surrounded by the city’s beautiful coastline.

Another perk is the city center, which serves as a hub for professionals of all kinds, including influencers, CEOs, and business owners. It’s a vibrant area with niche restaurants, cozy cafes, and coworking spaces specifically designed for freelancers.

As a digital marketer freelancer, I cherish the freedom of managing my own time. I can wake up later in the morning, work until early afternoon, and then take a break to explore my neighborhood, meet friends, or go for a walk. This flexibility is a privilege that I truly appreciate. Being a night owl, I prefer working during nighttime when there are minimal distractions, allowing me to focus and complete tasks for extended periods. Previously, I had to adhere to a fixed schedule, waking up early and rushing to be at work by 9 am. Working during the day was challenging due to numerous external distractions.

Discipline. 

Becoming a freelancer requires a high level of discipline. It’s not just about enjoying the perks and flexible time; meeting deadlines is crucial. I personally faced a challenge with submitting work during the early hours of the morning when my eyes and brain were fatigued. I learned the hard way and now ensure I review my work with fresh eyes and a clear mind in the morning before submitting it.

Transitioning from a busy industry like FMCG retail to freelancing brought about significant changes. In retail, I was constantly engaged with a large number of people and had to solve problems on the go. Shifting to a remote work environment with virtual meetings and emails was quite a contrast. It required adjustment, both mentally and physically. As someone who enjoys interacting with others, this change had an impact. Therefore, discipline became even more important. Understanding oneself is key. Here are the methods I use to maintain discipline as a copywriter freelancer.

• Phone on do not disturb from 9pm-9am 
• Phone always on silent 
• Look and respond to emails from 9am-9:45am 
• See friends and family on weekends only 
• Send clients the final draft two days before deadline 
• Take walks around 1pm 
• Write scripts or blogs for a good two hours. 

As a newcomer to the freelancing world, my workload is not yet overwhelming. Most tasks take around five hours to complete. During my available time, I utilize YouTube tutorials for learning or indulge in writing personal movie scripts that may never be published.

Conclusion.  

Freelancing as a digital marketer is exciting and offers numerous advantages. The work itself is enjoyable, and there’s a constant opportunity to learn through extensive research. I am currently having a great time in this field. In the future, I plan to write a blog article exploring the challenges or downsides of freelancing. Thank you once again for your time.