If you’re asking yourself how to begin copywriting without experience, you’re not the only one. Thousands of top-performing copywriters started right where you are today—zero clients, no portfolio, and little writing confidence. The good news? Copywriting is a skill-based profession that’s learnable and reacts more to strategy, creativity, and results than to formal education.
As a professional copywriter with over 10 years of experience, I’m breaking down a step-by-step guide filled with practical tips and tricks to help you kickstart your copywriting journey today—even if you’ve never written a sales page in your life.
What Is Copywriting, Really?
Copywriting is the art and science of writing compelling copy (known as “copy”) that inspires action—such as clicks, sign-ups, or buys. It’s not content writing (which educates); copywriting sells.
Examples of copywriting:
- Website headlines
- Facebook or Google ads
- Sales pages and landing pages
- Email campaigns
- Product descriptions
- Video scripts
Step-by-Step: How to Start Copywriting With No Experience
- Learn the Basics of Copywriting
Before you sell with words, you must learn about the psychology of persuasion. Study:
AIDA formula (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
PAS formula (Problem, Agitate, Solution)
Basic human emotions used in marketing (fear, desire, trust)
Features vs. Benefits (learn benefit-driven copywriting)
Free Resources to Get Started:
Copyblogger
HubSpot Academy (free copywriting training)
YouTube channels such as Alex Cattoni or Neville Medhora
- Learn from Real-World Copy
Examine successful brands, ads, landing pages, and emails. Reverse-engineer them:
What’s the hook?
How is the product positioned?
What emotions are being evoked?
Pro Tip: Build a “Copy Swipe File” – a Google Doc or Notion board where you store great copy examples.
- Practice Writing Daily
You don’t need clients to begin writing. Here’s how:
Re-write current ads in your voice
Build mock landing pages for make-believe products
Write email sequences for your dream brand
Practice headlines, CTAs, product descriptions
Goal: Gain confidence + portfolio samples.
- Create a Simple Portfolio
Don’t wait to get hired—create your own copy samples.
Your beginner portfolio can include:
- 2 email sequences
- 1 Facebook ad campaign
- 1 product description
- 1 landing page
- 1 about page or home page
Host it using:
Free: Google Docs or Notion
Semi-Pro: Canva portfolio template
Pro: A simple WordPress or Carrd website
- Offer Free or Low-Cost Work (Strategically)
When starting out, experience > money. Offer free or discounted copywriting in exchange for:
A testimonial
Portfolio rights
Referrals or feedback
Target small business owners, coaches, Etsy sellers, or friends with side hustles.
- Join Freelance Marketplaces (The Smart Way)
Start getting paid gigs by joining:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- PeoplePerHour
- Contra
- LinkedIn (DM outreach)
Tip: Stand out by writing custom proposals. Avoid copy-pasting!
- Build a Personal Brand
Create content that shows your copywriting knowledge:
Start a blog, LinkedIn posts, or Twitter/X thread
Share mini case studies or mock ads
Write about what you’re learning—this builds trust and visibility
- Network & Participate in Copywriting Communities
Participate in free communities such as:
r/copywriting (Reddit)
Facebook groups (such as Copywriter Café)
Discord communities
Indie Hacker forums
Participate, ask questions, provide assistance—you’ll be learning quicker and potentially gain jobs.
- Learn SEO + AI Copy Tools
Learning about SEO copywriting or how to utilize AI writing tools (such as ChatGPT) will set you apart. Clients adore writers who know about optimization and efficiency. - Keep Refining Your Craft
Copywriting mastery = constant learning. Read books like:
The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert Bly
Influence by Robert Cialdini
Made to Stick by Chip Heath
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
And follow expert copywriters on YouTube or Twitter.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t wait for permission—start writing now.
- Don’t overthink your niche—you’ll discover it by doing.
- Don’t get discouraged by rejections—they’re part of the game.
- One solid client can change everything—focus on serving them well.
