Copywriting! Sounds like an overly hyped complicated term, right? Earlier when I heard about copywriting, I perceived it to be something to do with the registration of legal documents for books as well as other publications. 🙂 However, I was proved completely wrong when I finally got to know the real meaning of copywriting.
What Is Copywriting?
When you are writing with a promotional or persuasive point of view for a person, opinion, business or idea, it is known as copywriting. Wherever there is a definite selling point, there is a copywriter. Some popular fields include TV commercials, magazines, radio ads, newspapers, flyers, websites, billboards, and direct mailing. Mostly, the job is to write advertisements that are catchy, compelling, and alluring.
Copywriting covers a wide array of niches and scenarios. Some of them include
- B2B copywriting
- Online advertising
- Direct mail
- Print advertising
- Email marketing
- Press releases
- TV scripts
- Radio scripts
- Billboards
- Brochures
- SEO copywriting
- Catalogs
- PPC ads
- Social media
- Tech copywriting
What Kind Of Training Do You Require?
Becoming a copywriter isn’t a child’s play. However, it is not something that can scare you off quickly. A degree in advertising, English, marketing, or communications is usually the go-to way to become a copywriter. If you don’t wish to spare years learning the art of copywriting, there are numerous home based courses teaching you the trade of the field of copywriting. Peter Bowerman’s book named The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency as a Commercial Freelancer in Six Months or Less is something that every aspiring copywriter should read to establish well in this field. American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI) also offers programs to sharpen copywriting skills.
The third and one of the most effective ways of becoming a copywriter is via job experience. Danny Margulies is one of the most successful copywriters who started writing on Upwork. He managed to earn a significant income in six figures working as a copywriter in just the second year. He has also documented the entire process which is quite amazing.
Recommended Online Copywriting Resources and Books
Investing in an expensive copywriting course or going back to school is not under everyone’s control. If you are willing to build a copywriting career while on a budget there are many resources and books out there that can help you build a consistent copywriting career.
- 30 Days to Freelance Writing Success
- Become an Advertising Copywriter by FabJob
- American Writers & Artists Inc.
- Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz
- Copyblogger
- Copy Hackers
- SEO Copywriting
- Start and Run a Copywriting Business by Steve Slaunwhite
- Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins
- The Copywriter’s Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing Copy That Sells by Robert Bly
- Wealthy Web Writer
- The Copywriting Institute
How Much Money Do Copywriters Usually Make? (Copywriters Salary)
According to Nicki Krawczyk and Payscale.com, if you are a beginner with excellent skills, you can earn about $30 to $50 in an hour or $40k – $65k per year.
Gradually, as you gain more experience, you can make more money and scale up accordingly.
Where To Find Copywriting Jobs And Gigs?
When it comes to copywriting, there are various roads to success. You can either start your own copywriting business or work for an ad agency. But the problem is that most of the ad agencies or marketing companies can require you to have a degree from a reputed institute. This is the primary reason why a majority of the copywriters choose freelancing over current company jobs. Moreover, the pay of a freelancer is usually higher.
- BoostMedia
- CopyPress
- Copify
- CrowdSource
- FlexJobs
- Direct Response Job Board
- Indeed
- ProBlogger
- Upwork
- Fiverr
Are You Ready To Begin Your Copywriting Business?
Just like any other business, to achieve success in the field of copywriting, you need to get your finances in line, file the necessary paperwork, and set up a preliminary framework for business. Now when you are done with the basics, this is where the fun begins.
1. Select a Niche
Choosing an industry to write for is the primary step towards building a copywriting career. There is no shortage of generalists as well as copywriters who write for various categories. While there is nothing wrong with that approach, select a niche you are comfortable with depending on your interests and passion. If you are still uncertain, take a look at some ideas and resources to make sure that you successfully determine your specialty.
2. Building a Website
It is essential to have a website if you wish to make it as a copywriter. It makes you look more professional by enabling you to showcase your work in the most elegant way possible. And setting up a website is not as complicated as people perceive it to be. It’s affordable and straightforward if you take your steps carefully.
3. Marketing Your Business
There are numerous ways you can make your copywriting business accessible. All you have to do is be consistent and make the most out of your copywriting career. On that note, check out some brilliant ways to promote your business.
- Social media
- In-person networking
- Cold calling
- Blogging
- Email marketing
- Lead generation
- Public speaking
- PR opportunities
- Guest blogging
- Forum participation
- Print advertising
- Email prospecting
- Facebook groups
Keep pitching in about 5-10 clients a day unless you gain a regular flow of clients and a strong customer base.
4. Investing In Your Business
Once you manage to build decent cash flow, consider investing it into development at a professional level. Fortunately, you can gain access to events, webinars, conferences, teleconferences, books, membership sites, online courses, mastermind groups, as well as coaching sessions according to your budget. Once you are ready to invest in your business as well as yourself, you can build your skills, gain valuable information and accomplish success in the field of freelance copywriting.
Conclusion
Even if starting a copywriting business might seem a little far-fetched in the beginning. But once you take the right steps, you can quickly turn the dream of becoming an accomplished copywriter into reality.
If there’s anything you think I’ve missed – talk to me in the comments below!
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