Where should the beginning copywriter look for orders?

Beginning copywriter – where to look for a job?

With more and more copywriters entering the market, breaking in and earning consistently from the start has become a real challenge. The job pool is already crowded, making it tough to stand out and secure work right away.

1. Social media 

The simplest and most often overlooked trick? Use the resources already in your hands. There are dozens of Facebook groups like:

• Online Writing Jobs Kenya

• Writers & Editors Kenya

• Digital Nomads KE

Don’t just drop your bio and run. Be active. Comment, offer help, answer questions — and when the time is right, introduce yourself with a sample or a link to your portfolio. You’d be surprised how many clients are hiding there, just waiting for a trustworthy writer.

2. Freelance marketplaces 

Yes, we know Upwork and Fiverr are flooded. But they’re not dead.

Beginner tip: Instead of applying blindly to 100 jobs, focus on niche specific gigs  like product descriptions, web copy for Kenyan SMEs, or real estate listings.

Clients love local insight. So mention your location. Use phrases like:

• “Copywriting for Kenyan brands”

• “SEO content for Nairobi-based businesses”

• “Targeting customers in Kenya and East Africa”

It makes your pitch stand out in a sea of generic proposals.

3. Reach out to small businesses directly

Take a walk through your neighborhood or scroll through Instagram. How many businesses have great products but terrible bios or captions? Start there. Create a short sample post for them. DM them or email with a message like:

“Hi, I’m a beginner copywriter based in Kenya. I love what you do and created this short sample to show how better captions or website content could boost engagement. Would you be open to working together?”

This method takes confidence but it works. You’ll either get a yes, a no, or no reply. But the YES could launch your career.

4. Join platforms that list jobs in Kenya

These are goldmines if you know how to pitch:

• KaziPress

• BrighterMonday (writing & content category)

• Kenyan Copywriters Network (Telegram & WhatsApp groups)

• Ajira Digital

Pro tip? Prepare your bio, a short portfolio (Google Doc or Canva PDF), and a rate card. Always be ready.

5. Tap into the content agencies

Agencies like Content Writer Kenya (yes, that’s us!), sometimes subcontract writers for projects.

You may not start at the highest pay, but you’ll gain experience, exposure, and feedback. Reach out to local content companies, introduce yourself, and ask if they’re onboarding any entry-level writers. Be humble, open to learning, and show up professionally.

How long will I be a novice copywriter?

The short answer is: it depends on how intentionally you build your skill, portfolio, and confidence. But generally speaking, most writers move past the “novice” stage in 6 to 12 months of consistent practice and learning. You stop being a novice the moment you know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how to do it better next time.

The beginning is never glamorous, it’s full of self doubt and lowball offers. But if you stay consistent, refine your samples, and build connections, you’ll find your first few clients. And those will open doors to so much more. Just remember, you don’t need a hundred clients. You need one who believes in you. Then another. Then another. And if you ever feel stuck, the team at Content Writer Kenya is always here to support you on your journey.