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Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
by Mary Anne Shew
on
Whether you’ve already done some paid writing or you’re starting from scratch, copywriting jobs are worth investigating.
Within the field of freelance writing, copywriting is lucrative work. It’s also a satisfying small business idea for talented content writers looking to evolve their writing careers.
And if you’re looking for work from home jobs, copywriting is a great option!
But what exactly is copywriting?
And how do so many people make good money writing copy?
Follow along to learn what copywriting jobs are all about and how you can earn a living with them.
Sound good?
Let’s get started!
Copywriting is creating persuasive words that bring the desired purchaser closer to buying.
But don’t think business, sales and marketing jobs are the only applications for copywriting.
Normally we think of buying a product or service. But being “sold” can also mean someone decides to join, volunteer for, or advocate for something.
Copywriters are needed to persuade others to “buy” into:
Copywriting has been around for centuries, ever since humans realized they needed to persuade customers to buy their wares.
Think of something you recently bought and how you:
In all of those instances, someone with a copywriting job wrote the words that moved you toward buying.
Copywriters must understand the differences between marketing and copywriting because clients will expect it.
Marketing focuses on the big picture of what to sell and how to market to prospects.
Copywriting focuses on those prospects, using words that invoke their emotions, grab their interest, and inspire them to take the next step.
You may be wondering what types of companies need copywriters.
All of them.
All organizations (even one-person enterprises) need customers and stakeholders so they can prosper.
Most professional writing jobs transitioned years ago from in-house, full-time staff to freelancers working remotely from home or another location.
The work still needs to be done, so that trend continues to create an endless supply of freelance writing jobs.
There are three ways to earn income through copywriting:
We’ll focus on the freelance copywriting job option.
Yes. A top freelance copywriter can make a six-figure annual income. There are many who have.
However, despite what you might read elsewhere, it will take a while to build the portfolio, reputation, and client base needed to make a significant income from this work.
The scope of today’s copywriter job goes far beyond writing newspaper and magazine ads.
The important question to answer is, which industries and companies are willing to pay you good money for copywriting and allow you to enjoy what you write about?
Consider these questions:
Whether created by you or the client, it’s best to have some sort of written agreement describing the work and how you’ll be paid.
The payment amount and method will be determined by you, the writer, and your prospect (and possibly by the job board, if that’s where you got the writing job) before finalizing each project.
Some examples are:
The client sets the maximum number (or range) of words desired, and you agree to be paid per word for the delivered copy.
You and the client agree to a price for the output. You must carefully manage the project’s scope to make sure it stays within what was agreed. A project fee can work if you are also providing related services such as SEO.
You and the client agree on your hourly rate and a firm estimate for the number of hours. For ongoing work, a retainer guarantees the client your availability for a certain number of hours over a specified period.
Clients generally do not favor this option unless they have a need and a solid, trusting relationship with you.
Although many successful copywriters come from a wide variety of backgrounds and career paths such as sales or creative writing, they took the time and put in the effort to learn what the field is about.
There are two primary ways to show you’re qualified for this work:
Prospects frequently prefer method 2 and often ignore a lack of formal training. If you produce evidence of past work with great results, that tells them all they need to know.
One good way to start is by specializing in a field you already know.
For example, if you’ve been a bookkeeper, your experience and results from previous work will help convince a prospect in the accounting industry that you can do their copywriting job, even as a beginner.
While you pursue that path, these preparations will also help:
If you don’t have every single skill on this list, don’t worry – you can learn on your own, and some companies may provide training.
Here’s how to be a sought-after freelance copywriter:
Job sites offer freelance copywriter listings based on whether or not you have to pay a fee to access a job listing, to apply for the job, or both.
Some also offer articles and other resources to help you with the job search process.
And one more note before we begin: when you’re looking for freelance writing gigs, be sure to do your homework to avoid online job scams.
Problogger.com is popular with writers and those who need them.
It’s free to apply for a job and to set up a Candidate account to manage your job applications.
A free profile on the respected professional networking site, LinkedIn.com, can connect you to a wide range of contacts who may help find you work.
Better still, “How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job” tells you all you need to know about making good use of the Jobs section.
Contena.co focuses on writing jobs. It requires the freelancer to apply to be accepted and charges a membership fee, which includes a training program.
Each job listing is reviewed before posting to prevent scams.
Writers Work focuses on writing, offers a $47 one-time, life membership fee, and provides a portfolio platform to showcase your work.
Jobs on the site come from a variety of sources.
Whether you’re a content writer or a marketing copywriter, FlexJobs.com offers a wide range of online writing jobs.
Every job on the site is individually pre-screened to prevent scams.
Job seeker fees range from one week to annually.
Upwork.com always has tons of job postings in the freelance writer and content creation space, including copywriting.
“Basic” membership is free, but “Connects” are required to submit proposals.
Local businesses. It may sound “old-school,” but connecting with other businesses through local chambers of commerce and trade associations still works.
For example, digital marketing agencies that maintain a roster of independent copywriters are often members.
Other freelancers. Copywriters who aren’t in competition with you may be willing to pass leads on to you if they come across any matching your interests.
Follow good networking techniques such as first getting to know them and their business. Refer work to them if you can, and they’ll be more willing to return the favor.
Are there companies you would love to work with that don’t have online writing jobs listed?
Cold-calling works even today.
That said, this technique requires research, experimentation, and practice. Also needed is the ability to accept “no” gracefully and move on.
Nothing is more powerful in your content marketing toolkit than satisfied and loyal customers.
Be sure to ask for a testimonial right after the successful completion of a project. If they spontaneously compliment you, make note of what they said and ask permission to quote them in your marketing material.
Also, ask for referrals to their business contacts who may need a competent and creative copy/content writer/
You’ve learned that a part-time hustle or a full-time copywriting business is there for the taking.
It’s not easy or simple, but landing those first freelance jobs will feel great and lead you to many more.
And if you’ve always dreamed of working from home, remote writing jobs through copywriting are within reach!
So do your homework and hone your skills.
Practice writing compelling copy.
Start today.
Start now.
Somewhere out there is a client who needs what you bring to the table.
Copywriting
Mary Anne Shew