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Is Copywriting a Good Career?

Is Copywriting a Good Career?

By Joel Witherington
Nov 06, 2024
9 min read

Have you ever wondered, “Is copywriting a good career?” Copywriting, at its core, is the art of crafting compelling written content that persuades readers to take a specific action. Copywriters are the wordsmiths behind the messages that drive sales, build brand awareness, and connect businesses with their target audiences.

In this post, we’ll examine some of the many reasons why copywriting stands out as an attractive freelance career. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of why copywriting might just be the career you’ve been searching for!

Flexibility and Independence

One of the most appealing aspects of a career in freelance copywriting is the flexibility and independence it offers. A proper work-life balance can be hard to achieve, especially in a 9–5 role. But, as a freelance copywriter, you can mold your work to fit your desired lifestyle.

Here are just a few of the things you can have control over as a freelance copywriter:

Location: Do you like working at home, in a coffee shop, or while en route to your next travel destination? As a copywriter, your office is anywhere with an internet connection.
Time: As a copywriter, you get to enjoy the luxury of setting your own hours. You can choose to work at the crack of dawn or burn the midnight oil. It doesn’t matter if you have other commitments, as long as you meet your deadlines and know how to handle missed ones.
Clients: Once you’ve built your portfolio and a glowing reputation, you can choose who you want to work with. This allows you to pick projects that align with your interests and values.

The rise of remote work opportunities has further increased the independence copywriters can enjoy. Platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn have made it easier than ever to connect with potential clients worldwide. Whether you prefer the stability of a full-time position or the variety of freelance work, copywriting accommodates both career paths with ease.

High Demand Across Industries

We live in a content-driven world. According to a report by the American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI), 4.62 billion web pages had been published by 2024, up from 3.4 billion just a year before. And that’s just web pages!

This means the demand for skilled copywriters is skyrocketing across almost every industry. Businesses of all sizes, from small local shops to multinational corporations, need copywriters to communicate their messages, promote their products or services, and engage with their target audience.

Here are just a few examples of industries looking for talented copywriters:

Technology: Copywriters in the technology industry play an important role in explaining complex information (e.g., product descriptions) in simple yet compelling terms.
Healthcare: As in the field of technology, copywriters in the healthcare industry help make complex medical information clear and accessible. For example, they might work on online content or pamphlets explaining medical conditions or treatment procedures to patients. And they must be able to do this accurately and empathetically.
Ecommerce: Copywriters in this niche focus on raising brand awareness and driving sales. They do so by creating engaging, persuasive content, such as product descriptions, landing pages, and advertisements, that informs readers about the features and benefits of a product or service.
Education: Education copywriters create informative copy aimed at a variety of audiences, from prospective students to parents and teachers. For instance, they might write persuasive content designed to market a specific course or produce website copy such as faculty bios, campus guides, and student success stories.
Finance: Copywriters in the finance sector cater to both customers and other businesses. Their main aim is to translate complex information – such as details on financial products or market forecasts – into content that is understandable to those without specialist knowledge.
Travel: Copywriters who specialize in travel help inspire and inform readers as they explore potential destinations. Hotels, tourism boards, airlines, and travel agencies all need copywriters to craft enticing landing pages, travel guides, email marketing campaigns, and more.

The list could go on and on. This wide-ranging demand means that you have the unique opportunity to explore different fields, continuously learning and expanding your knowledge base. Or you can specialize in a niche that aligns with your personal interests or expertise, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities.

Low Barrier to Entry

Another attractive reason to pursue a career in copywriting is how easy it is to get started. Unlike many professions that require specific degrees or certifications, you can develop and hone your copywriting skills through practice, dedication, and a willingness to learn.

While a background in English, journalism, or marketing can certainly be beneficial, it’s not a prerequisite for success in this field. Many successful copywriters come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives and experiences to their work.

What truly matters in copywriting is your ability to craft compelling messages that resonate with your target audience. Here are four ways you can develop this skill:

Read widely to understand different writing styles and techniques.
Study successful advertising campaigns and marketing materials.
Practice writing in different tones and for various purposes.
Seek feedback and continuously refine your craft.

If you feel you lack the skills to succeed as a copywriter, don’t worry. There are a number of great copywriting courses for beginners available, and some of them are even free.

The low barrier to entry also means that you can start building your portfolio and gaining experience while still studying or being employed in another field. This allows for a gradual transition into copywriting, minimizing your financial risk and allowing you to test the waters before fully committing to a new career.

Lucrative Income Potential

Earning potential is a crucial factor when considering a new career path, and copywriting doesn’t disappoint in this regard.

According to Coherent Marketing Insights, the global copywriting market is estimated to grow from $25.29 billion in 2023 to $42.22 billion by 2030. And, according to Web FX, 53% of business leaders are increasing their digital marketing budget in 2024. These statistics show that there are a lot of opportunities for good copywriters.

At the time of writing, the median salary for copywriters in the US is $59,793 or $29 per hour. Earnings range from around $47,300 annually ($23 per hour) at the bottom end of the spectrum to around $75,701 ($36 per hour) at the top.

Full-time copywriters employed by agencies or in-house marketing departments can expect competitive salaries, depending on their experience level. As a freelance copywriter, you have the freedom to set your own rates – which means you can increase them as you gain experience. To give you a rough idea, AWAI’s pricing guide lists the following fee ranges:

$1,500–$3,000 for home page content
$500–$1,500 for a lead-generation landing page
$2,000–$7,000 for an ebook
$750–$1,500 per page for a brochure
$500 for a social media ad campaign
$500–$2,500 for a pillar post (4,000+ words)

Focusing on a highly specialized niche can also significantly boost your earning potential. For instance, financial and legal copywriters can often charge premium rates due to the complexity of the work and the need to adhere to strict rules and regulations. Freelancers who can offer expertise that goes beyond the basics can also expect greater compensation. For example, those who are well-versed in search engine optimization, conversion rate optimization, or email marketing strategy.

Creative Freedom

For those who have a passion for writing and a flair for creativity, copywriting offers a playground for self-expression and innovative thinking. Unlike some careers that can become monotonous over time, copywriting presents fresh challenges and opportunities for creativity with each new project.

As a copywriter, you have the unique privilege of crafting messages that can inspire, persuade, and even change behaviors. Whether it’s coming up with a catchy slogan, weaving a compelling story, or creating an emotional connection through words, copywriters are constantly engaged in creative problem-solving.

The creative aspect of copywriting extends beyond just writing. It involves:

Developing unique voices for different brands
Conceptualizing ideas that align with brand identities
Crafting narratives that resonate with target audiences
Finding innovative ways to present information

This constant exercise in creativity not only makes the job enjoyable and prevents burnout, but it also contributes to personal and professional growth. As you tackle diverse projects and industries, you’ll find yourself becoming more adaptable, knowledgeable, and creative in your approach to problem-solving – skills that are valuable in all aspects of life.

Future-Proof Career

Job markets are changing all the time, and the longevity and stability of a career are crucial considerations. As evidenced by the statistics listed above, copywriting stands out as an option that will continue to be in demand.

While the emergence of generative AI tools has impacted content creation, AI still falls short when it comes to understanding nuanced human emotions, cultural contexts, and the subtle art of persuasion (all of which are important considerations for copywriting).

As these AI tools become more prevalent, the possibility of harnessing their power as a writer is promising. Using AI to handle routine tasks while focusing your efforts on strategy and creativity can lead to even greater efficiency.

However, copywriting will always need the human touch. Skilled copywriters who can tap into psychological insights, create emotional connections, and craft messages that truly resonate with audiences remain irreplaceable. These intuitions are crucial for:

Building brand voice and personality
Crafting narratives that connect emotionally with readers
Understanding and addressing customer pain points
Adapting tone and style to different audiences and platforms
Creating original, innovative concepts for campaigns

The critical role of copywriting in marketing ensures its long-term relevance. As long as businesses need to communicate with their audiences, skilled copywriters will be needed. The emergence of new platforms, tools, and formats only increases the need for adaptable, skilled writers who can craft effective messages across various mediums.

Becoming A Copywriter

So, is copywriting a good career? We think the answer is a resounding yes! Whether you’re just starting your career journey or looking for a change, copywriting presents an exciting and viable path forward.

If you have a way with words, a knack for persuasion, and a desire for a career that combines creativity with strategic thinking, our Becoming A Copywriter course is a deep dive into the world of writing web copy. It’s beginner friendly and will teach you everything you need to get started. Try some free lessons today!