Which of these is the best way to get started in copywriting? Do you normally fall in with a business or individual or start out on your own and just wing it?

I'm not sure there is a "best way" to get started because it's different for
everyone. I've known people that start out with a business and always
stick there... and I've known others (myself) who just grab whatever
job is available on a case by case freelance basis.

I have to agree that I am leaning toward the freelance side. I love everything about freelance, it allows me to remain free if that makes sense. But, business may make more $$!

Businesses may make more money, but they also take away that freelance freedom. I know that when I hit a good job or assignment, I suddenly feel bogged down, like I am weighted with something. I love being able to work for myself!

Thank you Meredith! I like the feeling of freelance too. I think I will stick with that I am doing and move on to a business later if things slow down.

hi lynn,
I think for a start an individual will only get freelance job to prove himself/herself. After having some experience one can move out from freelance job and start looking to work for a business. A business where they will pay for your work will definitly give nice paychecks only because of previous writing work. But i would still work as a freelance because it gives me freedom to choose between different topic to write on and also it gives good money.

I do agree with eshana in that becoming employed by a copywriter for a business is much more stable. It assures you of a paycheck and perhaps benefits, while freelance writing does not do that. However, it also depends on what type of income you are looking for, and your personal marketing skills. I prefer freelance because it gives the flexibility I need.

I think the number one focus for any copywriter is to build up a portfolio of satisfied clients. It not only gives you something solid to pass on to future clients but also gives you something to place on your future website and that is rule number 2. So for rule number 2 first look at rule number 1 (hehe sorry, i was thinking of the karate kid mister miyagi quote for some reason )

Freelancing is a good way to get some entry-level projects. One project can lead to another, and it doesn't take long before a person can grow from entry-level-only to "better" projects.

While taking the entry-level projects one can always brush up on whatever skills/knowledge are needed to be comfortable taking more advanced projects.

I've done a kind of combo type-of-thing: I had a few projects while working for a company and used those to get freelance business later. Now I do both. Its a low-cost way to have a little business without the risk of "officially" going into business.

A business of "just me" would just cost me more, but if I opened a larger business and hired other people the whole nature of my work would change, and that's not necessarily what I'd want.