How to Start a Copywriting Business from Scratch? [Guide]

Have you ever thought of turning your knack for words into actual pounds instead of just clever Instagram captions?

Then the idea of starting a copywriting business must have crossed your mind.

But then the reality kicks in. Where do you even begin? Do you need to register with HMRC or Companies House?

Here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be that complicated.

Starting a copywriting business from scratch in the UK is absolutely doable once you know which steps to take.

Read on to learn how to start a copywriting business so you can stop second-guessing and start getting paid to write.

What key target customer segments are the best for copywriting?

Unlike many other sectors, where the target audience is relatively narrow, the target audience for copywriting can literally be anyone in need of your service.

• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs): The fastest-growing buyers of copywriting services, using copy to build brand visibility and customer engagement online.
• Large enterprises: Particularly those with complex marketing channels requiring diversified, localised content.
• Startups: Needing clear, persuasive messaging to launch products and secure early customers.
• eCommerce and retail brands: Needing product descriptions, SEO content, and email marketing copy.
• Technology and SaaS companies: Requiring long-form, technical, and SEO-optimised content.
• Agencies: Outsourcing copywriting to freelancers or specialists.
• Professional services: Law firms, healthcare providers, and financial companies needing highly compliant and trustworthy communication.

What legal steps do you actually need to set up your copywriting business?

The first decision is selecting the right legal structure: Sole Trader, Partnership, or Limited Company.

Each comes with different responsibilities, liabilities, and compliance obligations.

1. Sole trader

• Easiest setup with minimal ongoing compliance, but carries unlimited personal liability.
• Suitable for freelancers starting out or running a simple business.
• Sole trader registration requires notifying HMRC for self-assessment and, optionally, registering a trading name.

2. Partnership

• Shared responsibility and liability among partners.
• It’s suitable for collaborating with others.
• Partnerships require registration with HMRC and a clear Partnership Agreement.

3. Limited company

• Separates personal and business liabilities, offering personal asset protection.
• Limited companies must register with Companies House and comply with annual filing and record-keeping duties.
• It’s often preferred for scaling or client credibility.

✨ Did you know that with ANNA, you can check if your dream business name is available, register with the Companies House with the fee on us, and open a bank account, all in one go?

What about legal compliance and protection?

Keeping up with changing rules and protecting both your ideas and your client relationships is key to running your business legitimately and making sure it lasts in the long run.

If you’re offering copywriting services in the UK, you’ll need to play by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs) and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

In practice, that means your ads and marketing copy must be clear, honest, and upfront, with no hidden fees and no overblown promises.

If you guarantee something, you’ve got to deliver it. On top of that, your work should meet the quality and deadlines you’ve agreed on, so clients feel they’re getting a fair deal.

Staying compliant not only keeps regulators happy but also protects your reputation.

Also, the UK’s independent data protection regime combines the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Copywriters handling personal data from clients or marketing audiences must ensure compliant data processing.

Employment law considerations

If your copywriting business grows and you bring in staff or subcontractors, you’ll need to follow UK employment laws.

That covers things such as contracts, the National Minimum Wage, working hours, anti-discrimination rules under the Equality Act, and health and safety responsibilities.

And if you’re a freelancer hiring subcontractors, make sure you’ve got clear written agreements in place.

This helps avoid any confusion with HMRC about employment status and prevents liabilities such as employer NICs or pension contributions.

Intellectual Property(IP) protection

As a copywriter, it’s smart to protect your work. Add a © to your copy and keep drafts or dated files as proof that you’re the original author.

If you’ve got a business name or logo, consider registering them as trademarks with the UK Intellectual Property Office so no one else can steal them.

And when it comes to client projects, make sure your contracts spell out who owns the copy and how it can be used, especially for digital or commercial purposes.

What should you budget for when starting a copywriting business?

Starting a copywriting business also means wrapping your head around the money side of things.

You’ll need to think about both startup costs and what it takes to keep things running month to month, as well as how you’ll price your services.

1. Startup costs

• Equipment: At the very least, you’ll want a solid laptop or desktop. Budget anywhere from £500–£1,200, depending on how fancy you go. Add in extras like a printer or a decent smartphone if you don’t already have them.
• Workspace: Many copywriters kick things off from the kitchen table or home office, which keeps costs low. If you prefer a co-working space, expect to pay around £100–£600+ per month, depending on the location.
• Software & tools: Think Grammarly (£12/month), Microsoft Office or Google Workspace (£5–£10/month), project management tools (free–£20/month), email marketing platforms, and cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Website: A domain will set you back £10–£20 a year, hosting runs £5–£20 a month, and if you outsource the design, costs can range from £200 to £2,000.
• Business formation: Registering a limited company is straightforward and costs £50 online. Sole traders don’t pay a registration fee but must sign up for self-assessment with HMRC.

✨Besides being able to register your business with ANNA on the same day, we also offer a virtual address service that keeps your personal details private while making sure your post is handled securely and professionally.

You’ll get same-day scanning, email alerts, and all your documents stored neatly in your ANNA Money account, so nothing important slips through the cracks.

2. Ongoing costs

• Subscriptions: Expect to spend £40–£100 a month on software, depending on what tools you use.
• Insurance: Professional indemnity insurance usually runs £200–£500 per year, and it’s worth the peace of mind.
• Staff: Most copywriters start solo, but if you hire subcontractors or employees later, you’ll need to factor in payroll, taxes, and benefits.
• Supplies & utilities: Internet, office supplies, and electricity are modest if you’re working from home, but still worth building into your budget.

As you can see, you don’t need a fortune to get started, but knowing your costs upfront helps you avoid nasty surprises later.

Pricing strategies and what you can earn

So, how do you actually put a price on your words?

Seasoned copywriters often charge day rates between £350 and £500, while hourly rates usually sit in the £50–£75 range.

That said, many copywriters prefer to charge per project or per page since it feels clearer for clients and easier for you to scope.

For example, a standard website page might bring in £100–£200, depending on how complex it is.

Another smart move? Creating packages or offering monthly retainers for regular clients.

Not only does it save you from constantly chasing new work, but it also gives you a steady, predictable income, which is always a win when you’re running your own business.

How to get your first copywriting gigs?

Getting your first clients as a copywriter can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but with the right approach, it’s totally doable.

Step 1: Tap into your existing network

Start close to home with friends, family, former colleagues, or anyone who knows a business owner.

Let them know you’ve launched your copywriting business and are ready to help with marketing copy.

Ask for introductions or referrals, but keep it casual and avoid pushy sales talk.

Step 2: Build a portfolio and website

Even if you don’t have paying clients yet, create sample work or offer pro bono projects.

Show off how your copy solves real problems for real audiences.

Then, set up a simple, professional website that highlights your services, credentials, and how to contact you.

Step 3: Define your niche and services

Be clear about what you offer: website copy, email campaigns, SEO content, or something else.

If you can, specialise in a niche that you are interested in. It’s much easier to write about things you already know or are interested in learning more about. It makes you more appealing to the clients who really need your skills.

Step 4: Use long-term inbound marketing

Share useful tips and advice on LinkedIn or in industry groups to build credibility.

Publish blog posts or articles that show your expertise and address client pain points. Sprinkle in some SEO so people can find you when they’re searching for help.

Step 5: Attend networking events

Join local meetups, business breakfasts, or virtual marketing forums.

Focus on genuinely adding value in conversations rather than just selling yourself. Follow up afterwards to turn connections into potential clients.

Step 6: Offer introductory discounts or packages

Attract first-time clients with special offers or bundled services. Use these early projects to create case studies and gather testimonials.

Step 7: Ask for reviews and referrals

Once you’ve landed some clients, ask them for feedback and referrals. Happy clients are one of the best ways to grow your business organically.

How do you handle taxes and accounting for your copywriting business?

If you’re running a copywriting business, it’s important to get your head around taxes, accounting, and compliance.

Tax obligations by business structure

Exactly what you’ll need to do depends on your business structure.

1. Sole trader

If you set up as a sole trader, the money you make is treated as personal income. That means you’ll pay Income Tax and National Insurance (Class 2 and Class 4).

Anything you earn over the personal allowance, £12,570 in 2025, is taxable.

You’ll also need to register for Self Assessment with HMRC and file a yearly tax return showing your profits.

2. Limited company (LTD)

Running a limited company works differently.

The company itself pays Corporation Tax on its profits: 19% if they’re under £50,000, 25% if they’re over £250,000, with a sliding scale in between.

Most directors pay themselves a mix of salary, which is taxed through PAYE, and dividends, which are taxed separately.

You’ll also need to register your company with Companies House and submit annual accounts and a corporation tax return.

3. Partnerships

In a partnership, the business profits are split between the partners, and each partner pays tax on their share.

Everyone involved must register for Self Assessment and file their own tax return.

Also, if you’re a sole trader or in a partnership, you’ll need to submit your Self Assessment tax return by 31 January following the end of the tax year, which runs to 5 April.

Keep in mind, you might also have to make payments on account toward next year’s tax.

For limited companies, the rules are a bit different. You must file annual accounts and a Corporation Tax return with Companies House and HMRC, usually within nine months of your financial year-end.

Missing these deadlines can lead to penalties, so it’s important to stay on top of them.

When to register for VAT?

You’ll need to register for VAT once your taxable turnover passes £90,000 (as of 2025). If you’re earning less than that, registration is optional.

Some businesses choose to register early so they can reclaim VAT on expenses, but keep in mind it also means extra record-keeping and admin.

✨ With ANNA, payroll, VAT filing, and Corporation Tax are all handled in one place.

When you register a new business, everything you need, including your confirmation statement, is taken care of, so you know you’re ticking all the HMRC boxes from day one.

• The Pots feature is especially handy: every time your business gets paid, a portion is automatically set aside for upcoming tax payments.
• VAT registration, calculations, and filings are all handled, and personalised reminders help ensure you never miss a deadline.

What about accounting?

Keeping accurate records of invoices, receipts, and expenses isn’t just a good habit but the law.

Proper records make tax filings easier and help you keep track of your business performance.

Digital records are now mandatory under the Making Tax Digital initiative, and from 2026, this will include self-assessment filers with income over £50,000.

Additionally, make sure your invoices tick all the legal boxes: include your VAT number if possible, set clear payment terms, and provide each invoice with a unique number.

✨ Did you know that our Taxes+ tool enables you to snap a photo of a receipt, and we automatically match it to a transaction in your account, categorise it, and use it to calculate your taxes?

You also get a handy professional invoice generator, so creating and sending invoices that suit your business is quick and easy.

Each invoice comes with a unique payment link, letting clients pay online, either through a QR code or via Stripe, making getting paid faster and simpler.

The Bookkeeping Score shows you how organised your books are and gives you easy-to-follow tasks, such as making sure expenses are correctly categorised, to help your business stay tax-efficient.

The higher your score, the more you could be saving on taxes!

5 mistakes to avoid when starting a copywriting business

Here are five common mistakes to avoid if you’re serious about starting your copywriting business.

How to start a copywriting business with ANNA?

ANNA is an all-in-one business account for money, invoicing, expenses, bookkeeping, and taxes, including company registration with Companies House.

Also, we’re now officially an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), which means Companies House has approved us to carry out ID checks for anyone setting up a UK company.

It’s a big vote of confidence in our company formation service, and great news if you want to start your business the smart, legal way.

How can we help?

✨ Register your company the same day with the Companies House fee on us.

✨ Open your ANNA Money business account easily in under 10 minutes with no paperwork.

✨ Use our built-in payment and accounting tools to streamline and organise payments, invoices, bookkeeping, and other financial matters.

✨ Get additional support to manage your taxes and financial compliance accurately.

✨ Automatically categorise expenses.

Try ANNA today so you can focus on client acquisition, portfolio building, and delivering high-quality copywriting services, while we handle the financial administrative burdens.