How to Start a Professional Speech Writing Business in 2024

Last Updated: 12/17/2023

If you’ve got a knack for crafting powerful speeches and want to go into business for yourself, starting a professional speech writing company can be super rewarding. I’ve launched a successful speech writing career myself, so I’m sharing tips on how to get your own speech writing biz going based on my experience:

Choose a Business Structure

First up, figure out how you want to legally form your business. You could be a sole proprietor, LLC, S-corp, etc. Consider things like liability protection, taxes, and how easy it is to set up. Lots of freelance speech writers kick off as sole proprietors since it’s simple, though it doesn’t limit personal liability.

Create a Business Name and Brand

Brainstorm a memorable, catchy business name and start envisioning your brand identity. Design a logo, choose colors, fonts, and an overall visual vibe. Your branding should reflect your business’ personality and set you apart from competitors.

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Set Up Your Business

Handle the basic legal and admin stuff to form your speech writing company. Register your business name, get an EIN from the IRS, open a business bank account, and explore insurance options.

Also, invest in top-notch gear like a solid laptop, fast internet, Microsoft Office, and speech writing programs like Vocalware.

Define Your Services

Decide what kinds of speech writing services you’ll offer. Will you focus solely on writing speeches or provide other offerings like speech coaching and presentation help? Establish your niche.

Set your rates and service packages — e.g. charge by word, hour, speech, offer unlimited revisions, etc. Clearly explain what each package includes.

Build a Portfolio

An awesome way to attract clients is showing samples of great speeches you’ve written. Start building a portfolio to showcase your speech writing skills and style even before launching.

Having 3–5 full sample speeches to share is ideal. Always get permission before making past speeches public.

Create a Website

Your website is key for looking legit and getting clients. Use a pro template that represents your brand well. Make sure your site is easy to navigate and has clear info about your services, rates, portfolio samples, and contact details.

Promote Your Business

Start networking, marketing your services, and connecting with ideal clients. Reach out to contacts who need speeches or know others who do. Attend local business events to meet prospects. Leverage social media and content marketing to showcase your expertise. Follow up with past clients for referrals.

With the right prep, creativity, and determination, you can build a fulfilling speech writing career. Stay focused on crafting top-notch, original speeches that truly resonate with your clients’ audiences. Let your unique voice and perspective as a writer shine through.

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Professional Speech Writing Financial Forecasts

Startup Expenses

Monthly Operating Expenses

Revenue Forecast

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to start a speech writing business?

There are no formal qualifications required, but exceptional writing skills are a must. Experience writing speeches, op-eds, marketing content, etc. is highly desirable. Public speaking experience can also be helpful as you’ll need to understand how to write a speech people will deliver with impact.

Do I need speechwriting training or certification?

No specific training or certification is obligatory, though taking courses and getting a certificate in speechwriting can be useful for building your skills and credibility. Many experienced speechwriters have journalism, communications, or English degrees.

What services should I offer as a speechwriter?

Most professional speechwriters provide speechwriting/drafting services as their core offering. Many expand their services to also include speech editing, coaching clients on delivery, writing accompanying presentations, and more. Focus on your niche within the speechwriting process.

How much do professional speechwriters charge?

Experienced full-time speechwriters often charge $100–500 per speech hour. Rates per project often range from $1,000-$3,000 for a 5–10 minute speech. Many factors influence fees such as length, complexity, client budget, your experience level and more.

How do I find clients as a freelance speechwriter?

Networking, referrals from past clients, your website, cold pitches, and local advertising are key for finding clients. Focus on making connections in your niche, such as contacting nonprofits, corporates, politicians etc. depending on who you want to write for.

Should I specialize in a niche as a speechwriter?

It can be beneficial to develop expertise writing for a particular niche like tech, healthcare, finance, politics, motivational speeches etc. However, being flexible and able to write various speech types is also valuable when starting out.