How To Make Money Copywriting: 10 Steps For Beginners

Did you know that you can turn your words into a lucrative income stream? Imagine making anywhere from $40 to $120 per hour, which could translate into a monthly income ranging from $6,400 to $19,200! This is the power of copywriting, where your ability to craft words can translate into tangible earnings.

Copywriting isn’t just about writing; it’s about turning words into emotions and emotions into actions. When you master this art, you unlock the potential to make money in a way that’s not only rewarding but also financially fulfilling. So, if you’re looking for a path to financial success, copywriting might be your golden ticket.

What is copywriting?

copywriting is about using words to convince people to do something. It’s the skill of using written words to persuade readers to take a specific action. This action could be getting them to click a link, share their email, or buy something. Any time you write words to make someone do something, that’s copywriting.

What does a copywriter exactly do?

The ultimate goal of a copywriter is writing copy for online or offline publications. They create content that educates their target audience and steers them towards taking a desired action. They may also write copy for landing pages, web pages, social media posts, white papers, emails, blog posts, sales pages, and even video scripts. 

Another thing that you should note is that writing content is just the principal task of being a copywriter. As a copywriter, you may have to perform an array of other tasks: 

• Researching 
• Editing 
• Content marketing
• Proofreading 
• Interviewing 
• Handling projects 
• Searching for relevant images 
• Developing marketing and email campaigns

Also, if you are a marketing copywriter, your role can entail SEO planning and social media management. If we boil down the key tasks that a copywriter has to undertake, they would be to research and write content that essentially captivates readers and convinces them to take some action.

How to make money copywriting?

Making money as a freelance copywriter is not only possible but also achievable. However, to become a successful copywriter and make good money, you need to possess some basic writing and marketing skills. 

So if you want to start your journey into the world of freelance copywriting, you first need to build up your portfolio with work that showcases your best writing samples and SEO knowledge. 

Additionally, it’s essential to develop strong copywriting skills, such as understanding how to create effective headlines, write compelling content for various industries or niches, and use targeted keywords correctly in articles or blog posts while staying within the boundaries of Google’s algorithms. 

Those who want to take their career even further can consider taking online courses on freelancing and business management. With enough dedication and hard work, anyone can become a successful freelance copywriter by leveraging their online writing abilities into making great money!

How to become a copywriter?

Aspiring copywriters may have the talent to write compelling content, but it takes more than that to create a successful freelance copywriting career. Copywriters are responsible for creating content that persuades and sells products or services, while also engaging audiences. If you want to make money as a freelance copywriter, you need to possess certain basic writing and marketing skills and develop your own unique style of writing captivating content. 

Let’s break down the key steps necessary for developing strong copywriting skills and, ultimately, making money as a professional freelance copywriter!

The 10 steps to starting a business as a freelance copywriter 

step 1. Learn the basics of copywriting

Before you can start making money as a copywriter, it is important to understand the basics of the craft. This includes learning about different types of copy, such as sales letters, email campaigns, and website content, as well as the different techniques used to make copy more persuasive. There are many resources available to help you learn about copywriting, including books, online courses, and blog posts. You can also find a wealth of information and inspiration by studying the work of successful copywriters.

step 2. Practice writing copy

The more you practice writing copy, the better you will become at it. So, make time to write regularly and experiment with different styles and techniques. One of the best ways to hone your skills is to start a blog or website where you can publish your work. You can also offer your services to local businesses or nonprofits for free or at a discounted rate to gain experience and build a portfolio.

step 3. Build a strong portfolio

A strong portfolio is essential for attracting clients and landing high-paying jobs. Your portfolio should showcase your best work and demonstrate your versatility as a copywriter. When selecting pieces for your portfolio, focus on quality over quantity. Choose pieces that are well-written, persuasive, and relevant to the types of clients you want to work with.

step 4. Find your niche

One way to stand out from the competition is to specialize in a particular niche. This could be a specific industry, such as technology or healthcare, or a specific type of copy, such as email marketing or social media copywriting. Finding your niche will allow you to develop deep expertise in a particular area and market yourself more effectively to potential clients.

step 5. Market yourself and network

Once you have a strong portfolio and a clear niche, it’s time to start marketing yourself and networking. Attend industry events, connect with potential clients on social media, and reach out to businesses directly to offer your services. You can also create a website or blog to promote your work and establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche.

step 6. Freelance platforms

Another way to find copywriting work is through freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. These platforms connect freelancers with businesses seeking copywriting services. While freelance platforms can be a great way to find work, it is important to be selective about the projects you take on. Focus on high-paying clients who offer clear instructions and realistic deadlines.

step 7. Content mills vs. high-paying clients

When you are first starting out, you may need to take on work from content mills to build your portfolio and reputation. However, it is important to aim to transition to high-paying clients who value your expertise and pay accordingly. Building a roster of loyal, well-paying clients can significantly boost your income.

step 8. Continuous learning and adaptation

The copywriting landscape is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. Read industry blogs and articles, attend conferences and workshops, and take online courses to expand your knowledge and skills. The more you can offer, such as SEO optimization, email marketing, or social media copywriting, the more valuable you become to clients.

step 9. Patience and persistence

It takes time and effort to build a successful career as a copywriter. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t start seeing results immediately. Just keep practicing your skills, networking with potential clients, and promoting yourself.

step 10. Track your progress

It is important to track your progress as a copywriter so you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as set and achieve goals. Keep track of the number of projects you complete, the amount of money you earn, and the feedback you receive from clients. This information can help you make informed decisions about your career and identify areas where you need to improve.

8 types of modern copywriting you need to know

If you’re considering a career in copywriting, there are many different types of modern copywriting that you need to become familiar with. Copywriting is the art of writing persuasive messages for promotional campaigns, marketing materials, and other forms of written communication. From creating short-form content to long-form ads and webpages, becoming a successful copywriter requires an understanding of the various types of copywriting.

1. Marketing Copywriting

Marketing copywriting is a vital component of any marketing agency. Writing copy that successfully captures the target audience’s attention requires a specific set of skills that a copywriter must have. With the shift towards digital marketing, copywriters must now have an understanding of the marketing funnel to effectively create marketing copy. This includes understanding the different stages of the funnel and how to write copy that moves potential customers from one stage to the next. A successful marketing campaign can hinge on the effectiveness of the marketing copy, making it crucial for businesses to invest in talented copywriters.

2. Brand Copywriting

Brand copywriting is a type of copywriting that requires specialized copywriting skills. Successful copywriters must be able to write content that promotes and communicates the unique identity, messaging, and values of a brand. It involves crafting compelling and persuasive language that resonates with a brand’s target audience while maintaining the brand’s voice and tone. You should also be knowledgeable about things such as marketing funnels, creating effective messages for promotional campaigns, and other digital marketing strategies.

3. Social Media Copywriting

Social media copywriting is a rapidly growing field in the world of copywriting, making it increasingly important for those considering a career in this profession to understand what’s involved in this ever-changing field. A social media copywriter creates written content for social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more, where you’ll engage and connect with a brand’s audience through social media channels. Effective social media copywriting requires a thorough understanding of the target audience and each platform’s unique characteristics, tone, and culture. It’s important to create content that is not only engaging and shareable but also aligns with the brand’s values and voice.

4. SEO Copywriting

SEO copywriting is a critical aspect of digital marketing, and it can be the difference between your website being found on Google’s first page or buried deep within the search results. As a copywriter looking to become specialized in search engine optimization (SEO), there are many opportunities available to you. With more and more companies investing in digital marketing, the demand for SEO copywriters is higher than ever. 

Freelance writing is a great way to start building your experience in this field, and from there, you can progress to working for a company or agency. To succeed in SEO copywriting, it’s essential to understand the workings of search engines and how they rank websites. This includes things like keyword research, using meta descriptions and tags, and incorporating internal and external links into your content. SEO copywriting can be a lucrative and rewarding career for those who are willing to learn and adapt to the constantly evolving world of digital marketing.

5. Public Relations Copywriting

Public relations copywriting is a niche within the field of copywriting that requires specialized writing skills and creative thinking. Copywriters who specialize in PR must have an understanding of how to craft sales letters, press releases, website content, and other forms of online media. It’s also important for them to be able to create engaging stories that can help sell products or services and build relationships with customers. This career path offers lucrative opportunities for those wanting to break into the world of copywriting and embark on a fulfilling creative journey!

6. Technical Copywriting

Technical copywriting involves creating technical documentation and manuals for products that are complex in nature. To be a great technical copywriter, it’s important to have a deep understanding of the subject matter, have excellent research skills, and produce readable content. Using an appropriate copywriting framework that breaks content into logical segments and provides clarity to the text is crucial for effective communication of the message. With companies constantly innovating and launching new technologies, demand for technical copywriters is ever-growing, making it a promising career path to pursue.

7. Thought Leadership Copywriting

Thought leadership copywriting allows businesses to demonstrate their expertise and thought leadership in the industry. This type of writing requires advanced knowledge and understanding of the various topics discussed, as well as strong research skills.As businesses grow and expand into new areas, having skilled writers on hand who are able to create engaging content about those topics becomes increasingly important for business growth. By taking advantage of these opportunities to hone your craft, you’ll soon find yourself ready to take on thought-provoking projects that entice readers from all over the world!

8. Direct Response Copywriting

Direct response copywriting is a unique form of content writing that uses human psychology to elicit a response from the reader. Professional copywriters who specialize in this field know how to use specific words and phrases to provoke readers into taking a desired action, such as subscribing to a newsletter or purchasing a product. 

Becoming a copywriter in direct response is an excellent choice for those who want to combine their writing skills with a keen understanding of human behavior. By mastering the art of direct response copywriting, writers can provide their clients with exceptional content that yields high conversion rates and increased sales. With the growing demand for personalized and engaging content, a career in direct response copywriting is a promising field that showcases the importance of words in the world of marketing.

Final thoughts

To say that copywriting is a great career would be a huge understatement. As more and more businesses emerge, the demand and value of copywriters will also grow parallelly. Learning copywriting takes some time, but once you’re geared up with the necessary copywriting skills, there’s nothing that can stop you from living your dream life. 

Copywriters who are freelancers are typically the ones who are able to mint the largest amounts of money. This is because they have the freedom to choose the niche they want to work in, the client they want to work with, and most importantly, they set their own rates.