There may be no better time to start a freelance copywriting service that now, even in our current economic state. You can start copywriting in your spare time, and can even write from home. This makes copywriting an excellent home business. Even if you lose your job, you will already be on your way to a new career.

Economic conditions do not affect copywriting. People will still be buying and selling products, whether the economy is good or not. And as long as buyers and sellers come together, copywriters will be necessary.

Here are three simple steps to starting your own recession-proof copywriting business in your spare time.

1. Build your portfolio. Any time you meet with a potential client to discuss your freelance copywriting service, they will want to see some previous work. So you should always have writing samples on hand to share with them. Any copywriting you have done in the past can be used as samples. But how do you handle it if you have no samples?

You've got two choices: you can create sample advertisements, press releases, or Web sales pages for products purely as an exercise to get content for your portfolio, or you can write copy for local organizations and charities.

Organizations and schools in your area always need to have copy written, and rarely have the funds to hire a professional. Step in and do this for them. It might be a simple newsletter or a small ad. You will be helping them, while getting experience and a piece for your portfolio.

2. Get your first clients by promoting your freelance copywriting service both off-line and online. Create a website or blog where you can host your portfolio. Then promote your service, and send prospects to your website. If you are able, spend a little money to advertise locally.

3. When you're comfortable, try approaching agencies locally for copywriting work. Local jobs are often best when you're just getting started. You can contact management agencies, ad agencies, and graphic design firms for copywriting work. Even though an agency may not have work for you right now, they are always getting new jobs and new clients, and often contract out copywriting jobs. Networking with local agencies and people in the business community will give you a solid base to build your freelance copywriting business on.

Put these three steps to work for you as you build your freelance copywriting services business. Copywriting offers a recession-proof career with a high income potential.