Search engine optimization copywriting, better known as SEO copywriting, is the practice of writing web content that appeals to both Google search engine algorithms and human readers. Businesses hire SEO copywriters to rank highly in Google search results, which is why SEO copywriting is so in-demand. This kind of writing is easy to get into and easy to get paid for.

If you want to start your own freelance SEO writing side hustle or business, keep reading this post. In it, you’ll find: 

• Why SEO copywriting is a valuable and profitable service offering
• How to start offering SEO copywriting services, step-by-step
• How to acquire higher-paying clients as you gain experience
  

Why Offer SEO Copywriting Services as a Freelancer?

That’s simple: people are almost always going to Google to search, and businesses and brands will always want to be found on Google.

In fact, according to this large scale study, 28.5% of users click on the first link that appears in search results. 15.7% click the second result. Only 11% of users click on the third. So, businesses will pay top dollar for high-quality SEO services. Some businesses, especially ones in the eCommerce sphere, will pay anywhere from $300-$800 per webpage.

Most businesses don’t have a need or a budget for a full-time writer, so they outsource the work to freelancers. It’s easy to pick up one-off projects like writing webpage copy or putting someone on retainer for monthly blog posts.

When you’re first starting out, you won’t have any experience to show, and most businesses looking for SEO services are mostly focused on your work and your results.

You might need to do some copywriting for free before anyone will pay you for your work. The easiest ways to do this are to write for someone else for free, or build your own website.

If you decide to write for someone else’s website, try to get access to their SEO reporting tools, or sign them up for SEO reporting if they don’t have any. Track how your copywriting services impact their business or brand, and how that aligns with their copywriting goals.

For example, see if your copywriting generates more organic traffic, converts more leads, or generates more sales. Then, show those tangible results in a neat SEO report and add it to your portfolio of work.

It’s easiest to pitch your services to local businesses, small artists or influencers, and nonprofits. They don’t usually have the budget to pay a copywriter, but definitely have a need for one.

Building your own website may be preferable if you:

1. Have the time (and patience) to build your own website
2. Want to have total control over all facets of SEO and SEO reporting
3. Feel that building your own website and brand are worth the money you spend on creating a domain name, paying for a content management system such as WordPress or Duda, and potentially paying for SEO reporting tools

It could be a worthwhile endeavor, especially considering the fact that you could include your portfolio and copywriting services information within your website.

It will take time and effort to start ranking on search engines. However, having a nice website and blog posts will help you win those beginner freelance jobs with smaller companies who understand that they probably won’t make it to the top of Google search results in a month.

Plus, if you start your own website, you can make money off of your blog through affiliate marketing, selling ad space, and leading people to paid content or online courses.

Huge freelance job websites like Upwork are great for beginner freelancers. There are a wealth of opportunities on these sites, and as you gain more experience on the platform, you can start applying for higher paying positions or projects.

Build your online freelancer profile, including any projects you’ve completed and the results of your efforts. Upwork has a great spot for this called the Project Catalogue, which is worth using to show your SEO copywriting abilities off to potential clients.

Learn how to optimize your Upwork profile and craft winning proposals so you can start earning money and building a reputation in the SEO copywriting sphere as soon as possible.

In the beginning, you probably won’t get paid much for projects and jobs. To get more clients, and to get paid more for your services:

1) Always keep up with the latest SEO practices, and demonstrate that up-to-date knowledge to potential clients. They’re always impressed with someone who dedicates themselves to their craft.

2) Ask all your clients to leave you reviews, whether it’s feedback on your Upwork profile or written reviews for your personal website. Reputation is everything in the freelancer game.

3) Always monitor the results of your SEO copywriting services with tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, or Moz. You will have to learn how to use these tools. Once you have that knowledge and those tangible results, though, you can start charging more for your services.

4) Find a niche writing area. For example, specialize in eCommerce or B2B copywriting. Gain experience in one or two areas, then charge more for specialized services.

5) Continuously update your Upwork profile and/or personal website to reflect your experience. Then, any potential clients will see your most up-to-date service offerings.

6) Let go of clients who are underpaying you, and find a few high-paying clients. That’s how you turn a side hustle into a freelancer career without getting burned out or overwhelmed. Just make sure not to abandon any previously agreed upon work, or your reputation will suffer.

If you don’t want to learn how to code — although learning how to code is extremely lucrative and not as competitive in terms of getting high-paying jobs — then on-page SEO copywriting is for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started with online courses and building your own freelancer portfolio right now. Start up your side hustle within a month. Quit your job soon after, if you want. Start your new business today (and don’t forget to write off any paid courses as expenses on your tax returns.)