How to Hire a Freelance Copywriter in 2025

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You landed here because you already understand the value a good freelance copywriter can bring to the table. The challenge is you’re not sure how to hire a freelance copywriter. Where can you find them? How do you evaluate them? What questions should you ask?

Below, I provide specific steps to follow in your quest.

If you learn better by watching a video, I got you. Scroll to the end to see the video I recorded on this topic.

Note: This blog post uses affiliate links for products I believe in, like Grammarly or copywriting and marketing books. If you click on one of the links and end up buying something, it won’t cost you more, but I’ll earn a small commission.

1. Before you search, figure out what you want the copywriter to do.

This might sound pretty basic. You’ve already acknowledged you need a freelancer. But have you outlined the projects you want the copywriter to tackle? Taking the time to jot down project details, deliverables, deadlines, and available budget will save you and the writers you end up reaching out to a lot of back and forth.

I can’t tell you how many requests I’ve received that say something like, “I need help with X.” And there’s no further context. Sure, we’ll discuss the details during the discovery call, but providing the basics up front, like project details, deliverables, and deadlines, will help the writer get a sense if they’re the right fit before jumping on a discovery call. Because if you have a call, only to find out they’re booked when you need the project done, everyone’s just wasted time, right?

But what if you don’t want to commit to a bunch of projects just yet? What if you want to start with a small project to see if the writer is the right fit?

Fair enough. But you should still compile all the projects coming up for the next, say, quarter or so. Figure out what the test project will be and make sure you have clear details for that. When you reach out to prospective writers, you can let them know you want to start with a small project, but if all goes well, you have X, Y, and Z planned for the next three months.

2. Ask colleagues for recommendations and turn to Google, LinkedIn, and/or Upwork or Fiverr.

Whew! That sounds like A LOT, right? I’m not suggesting you do all those things. But those are the main options you have for this step.

Recommendations. Marketing folks often know good freelancers, so if you’re connected with people who have titles like marketing manager, VP of marketing, and content marketing manager, you can ask them if they know anyone. Again, it will help if you can provide THEM with details. For example, something like, “I’m looking for a good SEO copywriter who can help us with our website relaunch and also do ongoing blog writing.”

Google. If you’re looking for a specific type of copywriter (SEO copywriter, email marketing copywriter), search on that specific phrase for better results. Otherwise, “freelance copywriter” will work (or “freelance copywriter [nearest city]” if you want someone local for whatever reason). My website comes up on the first page of Google for “freelance copywriter Boston.” See the screenshot below.

Search engine results page for a Google search on "freelance copywriter boston." The first listing is circled with an arrow pointing at it

Keep in mind, however, that what shows up on the first page of Google isn’t the end of the search. Copywriting is competitive, and even with good website optimization, not every worthy copywriter will end up on the first page of Google. Be willing to scroll to the second or third page.

LinkedIn. You can search on “copywriter” or “freelance copywriter” on LI and see who comes up. Read their posts to get a sense of who they are, how they think, and so on. Visit their websites from there. You could also post that you’re looking for a freelance copywriter (with details . . . see the first step above). BUT BE PREPARED. You will likely be inundated with comments and DMs. Proceed at your own risk.

Upwork/Fiverr (etc.)

I don’t have direct experience with these platforms, but I have no doubt many talented writers have a presence on them. My suggestion is to pay attention to ratings and reviews. Upwork has a great step-by-step article on how to hire freelancers using its platform. Fiverr does as well.

3. Take a hard look at each copywriter’s website and portfolio. (And check out their LinkedIn profile if you haven’t already done so.)

When you land on a writer’s website, ask yourself the following:

  • Does it look professional? Professional doesn’t mean a ton of bells and whistles. Simple is fine. Amateurish is not.
  • Is it well-written? If the writer makes sloppy mistakes with their own copy, imagine what they’ll do with yours.
  • Do they have a portfolio? Is it easy to access and navigate? Does the copy resonate with you?
  • Does the portfolio have a good range of examples in different categories? The big categories to look for in a copywriter’s portfolio include the following:
    • Websites
    • Blogging
    • Email marketing
    • Premium content (white papers, guides, ebooks)
    • Branding/messaging

PRO TIP: Has the writer done the sort of project you’re looking for? Don’t dismiss them if they haven’t. For example, if you’re looking for a writer to pen case studies, but they don’t have any examples, yet you love all of their other work, reach out anyway. A good writer can likely do what you’re looking for. (And they might have samples they can send you. Not all of our work ends up in our portfolios.)

LinkedIn offers another way to vet and verify.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is their profile professional? You can tell a lot about a writer by how they handle their own marketing.
  • Do you like what they have to say in their posts and comments? I’m not just talking about the substance, although that’s important. I’m also referring to their tone. Are they kind and courteous or snarky and combative? I see both types regularly on LinkedIn, and it always surprises me that the snarky, combative folks seem to forget they’re on a public forum and anyone can see their comments and posts.
  • Do they have testimonials from clients/colleagues? If they don’t, you can certainly ask for references. (I recommend doing so on big-budget projects.)
  • Have they given any testimonials? What do they say? You can tell a lot about a person by the things they write and say about other people they’ve worked with and for.

And, of course, pay attention to anything that feels “off,” even if you can’t put your finger on exactly why it makes you feel this way. (This goes along with always listening to your gut, which I get into more below.)

4. Reach out to the freelance copywriter with details about your project.

This is where all the work you put into step number one pays off. Once you’ve found a writer (or two or three) who you like based on their website, LinkedIn, etc., reach out to them with details about your project. Again, provide as much info about the project as you can.

At the very least, include the following:

  • A clear company snapshot (include a link to your site)
  • Your role with the company
  • Project details, including deadlines

Here’s an example of what an email to a freelance copywriter might look like:

Hi Carrie Copywriter,

I’m the marketing manager for a background check company. We work with HR managers and recruiters in a variety of industries, but our top three are healthcare, professional services, and real estate. We have a full-time writer in-house, but she’s stretched thin, so we’re looking for outside support from a freelance copywriter.

I found your site on Google and liked what I saw. I’d love to set up a time to chat.

Our first project is a series of case studies that we like to write in a problem, solution, and results format. No more than two pages. See the attached example. We have four clients ready to share their stories. We simply need a writer to do the interview and drafting. We handle design in-house. We want to issue one a month starting in two months. So we’d need the first draft in a month or so.

Let me know if this is something you’d be interested in discussing (and if you have the time to take it on). If this project goes well, there’s an opportunity for more regular monthly work if you’re up for it.

Looking forward to connecting!

Best,

Awesome Marketing Mary

PRO TIP: Don’t call the copywriter. I can almost guarantee that you’ll get voicemail. 🙂 Instead, send an email or use the contact form on the writer’s website. (I think email is the better option.) Send as much info as possible since this will help the writer know if they’re a good fit. Plus, it will help them prepare before the initial call. Sending an email saying that you have “a project you’d like to discuss” isn’t helpful to anyone (including you). You’ll have a much more productive discovery call if you share details beforehand.

5. Set up a discovery call with the freelance copywriter.

Once you arrange a call, here’s what to look for in a freelance copywriter: . . .

  • Have they come to the call prepared? (For example, have they taken the time to review your website?)
  • Do they ask good questions?
  • Are they prompt, friendly, and courteous?
  • Do they seem to have a genuine curiosity about your business?
  • Do they make good suggestions?
  • How do they keep up with copywriting and content writing trends? I like talking about my current favorite reads, like this marketing book by Nancy Harhut (Amazon affiliate link).
  • What’s their approach to writing?
  • What are their thoughts on AI?
  • What’s their process for editing? Do they use tools like Grammarly?
  • How do they charge? I’m a fan of project-based quotes. I’d be careful about working with anyone on an hourly basis, and not just copywriters. To understand why, read my blog post on how I advise copywriters to charge for their services.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, either. You might have some additional go-to questions that you normally ask vendors.

6. Pay attention to how the copywriter handles things AFTER the discovery call.

Here’s a good sign: The copywriter sends you a quick thank-you email for your time and reiterates when they’ll get you a proposal. You shouldn’t have to wait long for a proposal. Figure a couple of business days max.

If you have to nudge them about something as basic as getting you a proposal, that doesn’t bode well for your time-sensitive projects. Consider moving on. If they disappear completely, cross them off your list. (Sadly, this does happen.)

Once you get the proposal, review it carefully. Has the writer captured the project deliverables accurately? Does the project quote feel fair? (This is relative, of course. Even if it feels fair, it could still be beyond your budget.) Does the writer clearly indicate timelines? What are the payment terms?

Note: If you accept the project quote/proposal, EXPECT A FORMAL CONTRACT. This is business, and most serious writers will require a formal, legally binding contract. Most serious writers require a down payment (often up to 50% of the project quote) before work begins. Again, this is normal.

7. And finally, when it comes to how to hire a freelance copywriter, listen to your gut (and watch out for common red flags).

After going through the above, you’ll likely have a good sense of whether this writer is the person for you. Always listen to your gut. And watch out for these red flags:

  • Writers who ghost you or fail to respond promptly
  • Writers whose correspondence is littered with typos (an occasional typo is forgivable since we all make them, but more than one or two is definitely a red flag)
  • Writers who don’t follow up on what they say they’re going to do

Got a question about how to hire a freelance copywriter?

Contact me or visit my YouTube channel and leave a comment on one of my videos. I might make a blog post or video with the answer.