Freelance copywriters are part of the individuals who make good money in the internet industry. Now the amount you will be able to make depends on your ability to write good content that is SEO optimized for your clients making them satisfied with your work and also the niche you are skilled enough to go into.
If as a freelance copywriter, you are not able to deliver a given job, I wonder if you will be able to have a return customer which determines the amount you will be making in that niche.
Learning and being skilled in freelancing will help you a lot in making a good income and being the best in the field you have chosen. I will guide yu through how you can become a reputable freelance copywriter.
What is copywriting
Copywriting is the art and skill of writing text that persuades people to take some action, such as buying a product, signing up for a service, or joining a cause. Copywriting is used in various forms of marketing and advertising, such as websites, emails, brochures, catalogs, commercials, and more. The text that copywriters write is called “copy” or “sales copy.”
Copywriting differs from content writing, which is writing informative or educational text that does not necessarily have a direct sales purpose. Content writing is more focused on providing value and building trust with the audience while copywriting is more focused on creating desire and urgency. However, both types of writing can work together to achieve a common goal.
Copywriting requires a good understanding of the audience you are targeting, the products and services you are offering, the author’s defense, and the desired outcome. Copywriters need to know how to craft a compelling headline, a clear and concise message, and a strong call to action.
They also need to know how to use words that trigger emotions, appeal to logic, and overcome objections. Copywriters often use techniques such as storytelling, testimonials, guarantees, and scarcity to make their copy more persuasive.
Copywriting is a valuable skill that can help businesses and organizations reach their goals and grow their brand awareness. Copywriting can also be a rewarding career or a lucrative side hustle for those who enjoy writing and have a knack for persuasion.
There are many opportunities for copywriters in various industries and niches, and they can work as employees, freelancers, or contractors. Copywriters can also specialize in certain types of copywriting, such as web copywriting, email copywriting, or direct response copywriting.
What is the job of a copywriter?
A copywriter writes text that persuades people to take action, such as buying a product, signing up for a service, or joining a cause. A copywriter’s job is to use words that trigger emotions, appeal to logic, and overcome objections to convince the reader to do what the copywriter wants them to do. The text that a copywriter writes is called “copy” or “sales copy.”
A copywriter’s job can be very diverse and creative, as they can work on various types of marketing and advertising materials, such as websites, emails, brochures, catalogs, commercials, and more.
A copywriter can also work in different industries and niches and specialize in certain types of copywriting, such as web copywriting, email copywriting, or direct response copywriting. A copywriter can work as an employee, a freelancer, or a contractor, depending on their preference and availability.
A copywriter’s job requires a lot of research, planning, and writing skills. A copywriter needs to understand the target audience, the product or service being offered, and the desired outcome. A copywriter needs to craft a compelling headline, a clear and concise message, and a strong call to action.
A copywriter also needs to use techniques such as storytelling, testimonials, guarantees, and scarcity to make their copy more persuasive.
A copywriter’s job can be very rewarding and lucrative, as they can help businesses and organizations reach their goals and grow their brand awareness. A copywriter can also enjoy the satisfaction of seeing their words influence people and make a difference in the world. A copywriter can also learn a lot from their clients and their projects and improve their writing and communication skills.
Types of copywriting you can choose from
Copywriting is a broad term that covers many different types of writing which we may also consider niche that aims to persuade, inform, or entertain the reader. There are many types of copywriting, and each one has its purpose, style, and skills.
1. SEO copywriting
SEO copywriting is writing that optimizes the usage of keywords, which are phrases that help rank a blog post or campaign, making sure the right audience sees it while the search on search engines such as Google increases the organic traffic to the website or blog. SEO copywriting can be used for blog posts, articles, web copy, product descriptions, and more.
SEO copywriting requires research, planning, and writing skills that supersede the ordinary. Also, it requires knowledge of SEO practices and tools. An example of SEO copywriting is this article you are reading right now, which uses the keyword “types of copywriting” and related terms to attract your attention and provide value to you.
2. Creative or brand copywriting
Creative or brand copywriting is writing that creates a distinctive voice and personality for a brand and evokes emotions and associations in the reader. Creative or brand copywriting can be used for slogans, taglines, jingles, commercials, flyers, billboards, and more.
Creative or brand copywriting requires creativity, imagination, and storytelling skills, as well as knowledge of the brand’s identity and values. An example of creative or brand copywriting is Nike’s slogan, “Just Do It,” which conveys a sense of motivation, action, and confidence.
3. Marketing copywriting
Marketing copywriting is writing that promotes a product, service, or idea to a specific audience and encourages them to take a desired action, such as buying, subscribing, or donating. Marketing copywriting can be used for online ads, brochures, catalogs, emails, landing pages, and more.
Marketing copywriting requires persuasion, communication, and sales skills, as well as knowledge of the audience’s needs, wants, and pain points. An example of marketing copywriting is Apple’s web copy for the iPhone 13, which highlights the features, benefits, and advantages of the product.
4. Email copywriting
Email copywriting is writing that engages, nurtures, and converts the reader through email campaigns. Email copywriting can be used for newsletters, welcome emails, sales emails, follow-up emails, and more.
Email copywriting requires copywriting, email marketing, and segmentation skills, as well as knowledge of the email platform and metrics. An example of email copywriting is Airbnb’s email, which invites the reader to explore new travel destinations and offers a discount code.
5. Social media copywriting
Social media copywriting is writing that creates and maintains a social media presence for a brand and interacts with followers and potential customers. Social media copywriting can be used for posts, captions, stories, reels, tweets, and more.
Social media copywriting requires copywriting, social media marketing, and community management skills, as well as knowledge of the social media platform and trends. An example of social media copywriting is Netflix’s tweet that uses humor and pop culture references to promote its shows.
6. Website copywriting
Website copywriting is writing that creates and improves the content and design of a website to enhance the user experience and achieve the website’s goals. Website copywriting can be used for home pages, about pages, service pages, contact pages, and more.
Website copywriting requires copywriting, web design, and user experience skills, as well as knowledge of the website’s purpose and audience. An example of website copywriting is Spotify’s home page, which uses catchy headlines, clear subheadings, and appealing images to showcase its features and benefits.
7. Direct response copywriting
Direct response copywriting is writing that elicits immediate responses that are directed to the reader. A good example of it is clicking a button, filling out a form, or calling a number. Direct response copywriting can be used for sales letters, landing pages, webinars, and more.
Direct response copywriting requires copywriting, psychology, and conversion skills, as well as knowledge of the offer and the urgency. An example of direct response copywriting is Copyblogger’s landing page, which uses a strong headline, bullet points, testimonials, and a call to action to persuade the reader to sign up for a free course.
8. Brand copywriting
is writing that establishes and communicates the brand’s mission, vision, values, and personality to the reader. Brand copywriting can be used for brand names, logos, manifestos, stories, and more.
Brand copywriting requires copywriting, branding, and strategy skills, as well as knowledge of the brand’s identity and goals. An example of brand copywriting is Coca-Cola’s brand name, logo, and story, which create a sense of familiarity, happiness, and nostalgia.
9. Public relations copywriting
Public relations copywriting is writing that builds and maintains a positive reputation and relationship for a brand with the public and the media. Public relations copywriting can be used for press releases, media kits, speeches, and more.
Public relations copywriting requires copywriting, public relations, and media skills, as well as knowledge of the brand’s image and message. An example of public relations copywriting is Tesla’s press release, which announces its new product and showcases its innovation and sustainability.
10. Thought leadership copywriting
Thought leadership copywriting is writing that showcases the brand’s expertise, authority, and credibility in a specific field or industry. Thought leadership copywriting can be used for white papers, case studies, ebooks, and more.
Thought leadership copywriting requires copywriting, research, and analysis skills, as well as knowledge of the brand’s niche and value proposition. An example of thought leadership copywriting is HubSpot’s white paper, which provides data and insights on the state of inbound marketing and sales.
11. Product and sales copywriting
Product and sales copywriting is writing that describes and sells a product or service to the reader. Product and sales copywriting can be used for product descriptions, sales pages, catalogs, and more.
Product and sales copywriting requires copywriting, product, and sales skills, as well as knowledge of the product’s features, benefits, and advantages. An example of product and sales copywriting is Amazon’s product description, which provides information, reviews, and ratings on the product.
12. Technical copywriting
Technical copywriting is writing that explains and simplifies complex or technical information for the reader. Technical copywriting can be used for user manuals, tutorials, FAQs, and more. Technical copywriting requires copywriting, technical and instructional skills, as well as knowledge of the technical subject and terminology. An example of technical copywriting is WordPress’s tutorial, which guides the reader on how to create a website using WordPress.
Another copywriting niche you may choose to go in falls in between the ones that I have listed above. You will always encounter any of them in the world of writing. Each type of copywriting has its purpose, style, and skills, and you can use them for different platforms, audiences, and goals.
How much will copywriting pay you?
Copywriting can pay you very well if you are a skilled and experienced writer who can create persuasive and engaging content for various clients and platforms. However, the exact amount of money you can make as a copywriter depends on many factors, such as your level of expertise, your type of copywriting, your industry and niche, your location, and your employment status.
According to a report I have been able to gather from copywriters in the USA, the average salary for a copywriter in the United States is around $60,000 per year, but this can differ depending on the niche, company or individuals you are working for, some pay high while others pay lower.
For example, a junior copywriter with less than one year of experience can expect to earn around $46,000 per year. In comparison, a senior copywriter with more than 10 years of experience can earn over $80,000 per year.
Similarly, a copywriter who specializes in SEO, direct response, or technical copywriting can charge higher rates than a copywriter who writes general or creative copy.
Additionally, a copywriter who works in a high-demand industry, such as technology, health, or finance, can earn more than a copywriter who works in a low-demand industry, such as arts, education, or entertainment. Furthermore, a copywriter who lives in a major city, such as New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, can earn more than a copywriter who lives in a rural area or a developing country.
A copywriter who works as a freelancer or a contractor can have more flexibility and control over their income than a copywriter who works as an employee or a full-time staff.
As you can see, copywriting can pay you very well, but it also depends on how you position yourself, market yourself, and deliver value to your clients.
How you can become a copywriter
Freelance copywriters work for themselves, choosing their clients, projects, and rates. Freelance copywriting can be a rewarding and lucrative career, but it also requires hard work, dedication, and skill. There are some basic steps you should take if you want to venture into copywriting full-time.
1. You first need to learn the basic strategies of writing and effective copywriting techniques from books, courses, blogs, and videos. There are readily and easy to access
2. Resources available online and offline can effectively guide and teach you the principles and best techniques with the practices of copywriting. Some of the books I recommend are
- Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
- The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert W. Bly
- The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman
While some of the courses I recommend are
- Copywriting Secrets by Jon Morrow
- Copy School by Copyhackers
- The Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting by AWAI
and finally, some of the blogs I recommend are
- Copyblogger
- Copyhackers
- Smart Blogger
You can also subscribe to YouTube channels that I recommend such as
- Alex Cattoni
- Ashlyn Carter
- Copy Posse
3. Choose a copywriting niche or specialty that suits your skills, interests, and goals. A niche is a specific market or industry that you focus on, such as health, finance, or technology. A specialty is a specific type or style of copywriting that you focus on, such as web copy, email copy, or direct response copy.
Choosing a niche or specialty can make you stand out from the several competitors face before finding ideal clients and charging rates.
The factors you must consider while choosing a niche or specialty are your background, education, and experience; your passion, curiosity, and knowledge; the audience you want to target; the needs you have identify that they want and their pain points; the demand, profitability, and growth potential of the market; and your personal and professional goals.
4. Write some copy for yourself or friends to practice your skills and build your portfolio. Before you start looking for clients, you need to have some samples of your work to showcase your abilities and style.
You can write some copy for your website, blog, or social media profiles, or you can offer to write some copy for your friends, family, or acquaintances who have a business or a project.
You can also create some mock-up copy for imaginary clients or products or rewrite some existing copy that you think can be improved. The key is to write as much as possible, get feedback, and learn from your mistakes.
5. Get your first gigs from job boards, freelance platforms, or referrals. Once you have some samples of your work, you can start looking for paid gigs to gain experience and income.
There are many places where you can find freelance copywriting jobs, such as job boards, freelance platforms, social media groups, or networking events. Some of the job boards I recommend are [ProBlogger], [BloggingPro], and [All Freelance Writing].
Some of the freelance platforms I recommend are [Upwork], [Fiverr], and [ClearVoice]. Another strategy is to ask your friends, family members, and acquaintances for some referrals. My best strategy is to reach out to potential clients directly through their email and social media.
6. Build your reputation to generate more clients, testimonials, and referrals. As you get more gigs and deliver quality work, you can build your reputation as a freelance copywriter and grow your business. You can ask your clients for testimonials, reviews, or ratings and display them on your website, portfolio, or profile.
It is not a bad idea to also ask the clients you have to refer you to their friends and colleagues or offer them incentives for bringing you more business. You can also market yourself online by creating very valuable content that will easily engage with your audience and readers, which showcases your expertise in the business. You should also network with other copywriters, join communities, and attend events.
The steps above are very effective in that it can grow your copywriting job. Following these steps will help you become a freelance copywriter. Of course, there are many more details and nuances involved, but this is a good overview to get you started.
Best niche for new copywriters
Do not let anyone convince you, there is no definitive niche that is best for newbies. It depends on your personal preferences, skills, and goals. However, there are some factors you must consider when choosing a niche, these factors will affect the amount you will earn and how the market values you.
The demand and profitability of the niche
You want to choose a niche that has a wide range of potential clients that are willing to pay you well for your services. You can research the market size, growth, and trends of the niche and see how much other copywriters are charging and earning in that niche.
The competition and saturation of the niche
You want to choose a niche that is not too crowded or competitive, where you can stand out and differentiate yourself. You can look at the number and quality of other copywriters in that niche and see how you can offer something unique or better.
The interest and passion you have for the niche
You want to choose a niche that you enjoy writing about and that you have some knowledge or curiosity about. You can think about your hobbies, interests, or passions and see if they align with any niche. You can also think about your background, education, or experience and see if they give you an edge or advantage in any niche.
That being said, there are noche that will pay handsomely for writing what you love. The examples of niches that are popular and profitable for copywriters as below.
1. Health and wellness
The health and wellness niche covers a range of topics that include fitness, nutrition, weight loss, supplements, mental health, and alternative medicine. It has a huge and growing market, with many sub-niches and products to write about. It also has a lot of emotional appeal and urgency, which are great for copywriting.
2. Finance and investing
This niche covers topics such as personal finance, budgeting, saving, debt, credit, investing, trading, and cryptocurrencies. It has a large and affluent market, with many sub-niches and products to write about. It also has a lot of logical appeal and authority, which are great for copywriting.
3. Technology and software
This niche covers topics such as gadgets, apps, software, hardware, cloud, AI, and cybersecurity. It has a fast-growing and innovative market, with many sub-niches and products to write about. It also has a lot of educational and informational appeal, which is great for copywriting.
The best way to find your niche is to do some research, experiment, and see what works for you first before you conclude.
Important characteristics that will help you in copywriting
Just as it is in every career and business, certain characteristics will determine if you are successful in copywriting or not.
Now the question is, do you become a successful copywriter? If you can cultivate the character below, I can almost guarantee you success in it.
Be Curiose
A good copywriter is always curious about the world, the market, the audience, and the product. You need to research and learn as much as you can about the topic you are writing about and ask questions that will help you understand the needs, wants, problems, and desires of your potential customers. Curiosity will also help you find new and creative ways to express your message and stand out from the crowd.
Have Empathy
A good copywriter can put themselves in the shoes of their readers and feel what they feel. You need to know how to connect with your audience on an emotional level and use words that resonate with them. Empathy will help you write copy that is relevant, engaging, and persuasive.
Have a Good Clarity
A good copywriter can communicate their message clearly and concisely. You need to know how to structure your copy, use simple and powerful words, and avoid jargon, fluff, and ambiguity. Clarity will help you write copy that is easy to read, understand, and act on.
Improve your Creativity
A good copywriter can come up with original and compelling ideas that capture the attention and interest of their readers. You need to know how to use storytelling, humor, metaphors, headlines, and hooks to make your copy memorable and appealing. Creativity will help you write copy that is unique, entertaining, and effective.
How and where you can get jobs as freelance copywriter
Getting orders as a freelance copywriter can be challenging, especially if you are new to the field. However, there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of finding and landing freelance projects. Here are some tips on how and where to get orders as a freelance copywriter:
Stay on a niche
A niche is a specific area or industry that you want to focus on as a copywriter. Staying in your niche will greatly help you build a targeted market, build your expertise, and increase your value.
The best niche for a newbie is the one that you are interested in, passionate about, or have some knowledge or experience in. It is always best to stay in the niche that has demand, profitability, and competition in the market. Use free tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, or BuzzSumo to find out what topics are popular and trending in your niche.
Polish up your skills
To become a freelance copywriter, you need to polish up your skills and write as much as you can. You need to learn the basic principles and techniques of copywriting, such as the AIDA formula, the 4 Ps, the 4 Us, the 4 Cs, etc. You also need to learn how to write different types of copy, such as web copy, sales copy, email copy, ad copy, etc.
Build your portfolio
To become a freelance copywriter, you need to build your portfolio and showcase your work. Your portfolio is your resume and your proof of your skills and abilities. You can create your website or use platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, or Contently to display your samples.
You can also use tools like Canva, Loom, or Adobe Spark to create visuals or videos to enhance your portfolio. You should include a variety of copy samples that demonstrate your niche, your style, and your results. You should also include testimonials, case studies, or metrics that show the impact and value of your work.
Find your clients
To become a freelance copywriter, you need to find your clients and get paid for your work. You can use different strategies and channels to find and attract clients, such as:
Networking: You can network with other copywriters, marketers, entrepreneurs, or influencers in your niche and industry. Joining communities online, forums, groups, or events where you can share your expertise, offer value, and build relationships is my best move. You can also ask for referrals, recommendations, or introductions from your existing contacts, clients, or friends.
Marketing: You can market yourself and your services online and offline. You can use social media, email, blog, podcast, YouTube, or other platforms to showcase your portfolio, share your insights, and educate your audience. You can also use SEO, PPC, or content marketing that will drive you good traffic to your website or landing page. You can also use tools like LeadPages, Mailchimp, or ConvertKit to create and manage your marketing campaigns and funnels.
Pitching: You can pitch yourself and your services to potential clients who need your help. You can use tools like Google, LinkedIn, or Hunter to find and research your prospects. You can also use tools like
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- ClearVoice
to find and apply for freelance copywriting jobs. You should craft a personalized and compelling pitch that shows your value proposition, your credentials, and your samples. You should also follow up and negotiate your rates and terms.
Conclusion
Freelancing copywriting is a great way to start making some good money as a beginner who is just beginning to tap into the many opportunities out there on the internet.
You should take it seriously if you want to be taking it seriously, put your best into it and I can guarantee you that it will pay off because I is into the business and it pays well.
