How to become a copywriter in 2024:
- Understand the basics of copywriting.
- Choose your copywriting niche.
- Build your copywriting client base and skills.
- Set your copywriting rates and build a network.
- Refine your marketing strategy and start winning clients.
Becoming a copywriter in 2024 entails in-depth business model knowledge and practical writing skills like editing, SEO, branding, analytics, and proofreading. You also need to know how to craft copy using proper grammar, writing syle, tone of voice, and content strategy. According to Dan Lok, an aspiring copywriter must focus on a single niche and specialize in a high-demand copywriting service. He also mentions making easy offers and learning while accepting writing projects. This lets you gain experience while developing your skills and growing your client base.
Copywriters create compelling copy that gets a person to take action. They know how to tap into a buyer's pain points and what words to use to show people they have the best solution. Being a successful copywriter is all about keywords, market research, client briefs, and strategic advertising. It is content that speak to your target audience and motivate them to take action. According to Redditor Betterwords, anybody can be a copywriter, but you need to have the necessary skills to create great content. He also commented on how he makes a significant living with this career path while having the freedom to choose his schedule and clients.
In 2024, copywriting is an in-demand business model. Data from CareerExplorer and Wonder reveal that there are over 131,200 copywriters employed in the U.S. alone. On a bigger scale, there are about 1.2 billion freelancers globally who are writers and content creators. This means that the industry is growing and has a huge pool of competitors. Succeeding in becoming a talented and high-earning copywriter means sacrificing your time, mental health, and effort into learning the basics, upskilling, adopting to the latest copywriting trends, and understanding customer behavior. Plus, you need to generate high-converting write-ups to ensure client retention.
Dimitar, an SEO Specialist, mentioned in a Quora comment how he found it challenging to bridge the gap between client objectives and creating copy that engages with their target market. He also mentions the difficulty of adopting to multi-channel digital marketing. Every piece of your content must be relevant, engaging, and creative enough.
In today's article, we'll detail the steps on how to become a copywriter in 2024, the qualifications needed, and the 3 main types of copywriters. Plus, we'll also show you how you can gain a competitive edge against AI in the 21st century. Towards the end of the article, we'll discuss a more profitable business model that has unlimited income potential.
How To Become a Copywriter in 2024
1. Understand the Basics of Copywriting.
The first step to become a copywriter in 2024 is learning and understanding the basics of copywriting. This includes knowing how the business model works, the skills and knowledge needed, and the different types of content that copywriters make. It also means writing clear, concise, compelling, and credible copy. Study other copywriter's outputs and high-performing content on the Internet. This lets you learn what makes up a high-converting copy.
You should also master the core concepts of copywriting:
- How to write a headline
- How to create a landing page
- The best way to write sales copy & paid ads
- How to develop a unique value proposition
- How to craft social media content
You can learn copywriting from learning platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, and many more. Some of these sites offer free training, while some costs around $100 to $1,000+. You can also check out famous influencers on YouTube like Tyson 4D, Dan Lok, and Alex Cattoni.
2. Choose Your Copywriting Niche.
Choosing a copywriting niche requires intensive market and customer research to find the one that fits your interests, skills, and experience. Your niche can be industry-based, such as finance, real estate, and fitness. Or it can be service-based like B2B copywriting, PPC ads copywriting, and social media copywriting. Of course, you can opt not to niche and try to serve multiple markets. But as a generalist, you're not always thought of as the expert. Building your reputation becomes difficult. Plus, you need multiple high-level skills to compete with other copywriters and copywriting agencies.
Niche copywriting gives you an edge. You become a specialist because your focus is on one area. As a result, you learn everything about the niche. Then you can create a blueprint by testing copy to see what works and what needs tweaking. Consider your skills. Do you excel in a specific area? Do you have previous experience or interest in a certain niche?
Use tools like Google Trends and People Also Ask to check out what topics are trending and what people are searching online? Is there an underserved market? Do you have a unique proposition you can offer this market? Don't be afraid to test a niche. Then if it's not the right fit for you, pick another until you find your ideal market.
3. Build Your Copywriting Client Base and Skills.
Build your copywriting client base and skills entails accepting projects while learning new skills. You can grow your potential clients through referral and word-of-mouth marketing. Start by telling every person you know what you're doing. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to build connections and broaden your target market. People trust online reviews and recommendations from friends and family even more than they trust the information a business owner shares.
According to FigPii, 74% of consumers identify word of mouth as a critical influencer in their purchasing decision even in 2024.But when you're just starting and don't have a portfolio, just be honest. Tell a potential client you don't have reviews yet. Then over-deliver for them. Do a great job in exchange for a review or testimonial. You can even give a free write-up as your marketing strategy. This creates a domino effect. The more clients you satisfy, the more positive reviews you get online. This way, you'll build interest for prospective clients.
It's also crucial to develop your existing skills and acquire new ones. Some of the most in-demand copywriting skills include SEO, content marketing, research and analytics, project management, and user experience (UX) design, as mentioned by Writefully and Technical Writer HQ. Upskilling allows you to broaden the services you can offer to your clients. This works hand in hand with building your client base.
4. Set Your Copywriting Rates and Build a Network.
Setting up your service pricing is as important as building a network with like-minded individuals because this lets you compare and contrast. You can ask other copywriters or copywriting agencies their rates as a basis for your own pricing schedule. Copywriters can charge per word, per hour, or per project. The secret is to offer a flexible pricing structure that benefits both parties. When you first start copywriting, you're rates will be lower. But as you build a reputation and retain more clients, charge your worth. Check the Internet and see the going rate for writers where you live.
Use forums like Reddit and Quora to see how much other copywriters charge. Then, set your prices competitively. Once you have your systems in place, you can then start creating a lead channel to gain potential clients.
Focus on developing relationships with the right people. For example, attend seminars and networking events in your community. Or reach out to other copywriters or agencies. Create multiple channels on the Internet, like an active social media presence, a website, a Google Business Profile, etc.
5. Refine Your Marketing Strategy and Start Winning Clients.
To make money as a copywriter, you need to refine your marketing strategy continuously and start winning paying clients. It's all about gaining attention on the right channels. For example, post good copy and network with professionals on LinkedIn. Share engaging content on social media or YouTube. You can also reach out to high-end bloggers and offer to write as a guest or build a landing page and sales funnel that targets one client, one problem, and has one clear call to action. Or, if you have a budget, invest in paid ads on Facebook or Google.
The secret is to create a system. Consider things like how you get leads, how you close sales, and what prices you charge for what services. Trial and error are part of the process. But as you work with more clients, consider what aspects are non-negotiable. What payment structure works best for you? What do reasonable deadlines look like?
Be as honest and transparent with your clients as you can. Don't burn bridges over late payments or miscommunication. Instead, develop a mutually beneficial contract for both parties that still protects you as a freelancer. Most clients don't set out to take advantage of your services. But if you're not clear on what kind of copy and how many edits/revisions, etc., are included in the agreed-upon price, then you could do much more work than you counted on or risk getting a bad review.
Add storytelling to your social media or blog post. Nothing works better than story copywriting. People can't argue with a story. But they can identify with one. Storytelling has longevity. That's why it works. Consider investing in paid ads to get a few quick wins. Use offline approaches like word-of-mouth advertising or networking and in-person events.
Ask for referrals or offer an incentive program. You can also tap into the local market and do the best work for your existing clients. But remember, the only way to become an expert is to write copy. Then, write more copy. Get your words in front of as many people as you can and pitch the best offer. Then, over-deliver. This is how your copy will market itself, and you can land freelance copywriting jobs and make some serious cash.
What are the Qualifications Required To Become a Copywriter?
People don’t hire professional copywriters to just write copy. Instead, business owners hire copywriters to come up with stellar ideas and execute them on the right channels. Data from Content Marketing Institute states that 73% of companies outsource their copywriting. The secret is to learn how to sell and become a master at communicating written sales messages.
Learn how to write text that targets the right people. What words are the best choice? What language will tap into buyer behaviors and touch their deepest pain points? But the most essential qualification for a copywriter in 2024 is to know how to write copy that gets people to take action. When your copy gets high conversions, it sells itself. This is how you build a reputation as an authority in your niche.
3 Main Types of Copywriters
Whereas, when you're a copywriter employed by an agency or business, they supply the work. But there's no salary as a freelancer, and you don't get holiday pay. Freelancers don't have the job security that a senior copywriter or creative director in an in-house agency does. But they typically earn more.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Copywriter?
You can learn copywriting in as little as 2-3 months if you're willing to work hard and practice your craft. Dedicate yourself to learning the right writing skills. Learn how to sell yourself with words, and you can start making real money as a copywriter within a year. The key is to be persistent. Be willing to pitch a ton of offers. Then get ready to hear a ton of 'no's before you land your first 'yes.'
But you learn by doing and writing. Then you see what works. And the type of copy that gets the best response in your market. Copywriting takes testing and tweaking, and retesting. For example, Mirasee states that in 2024, headlines with numbers get 36% more clicks than those without. The more you write, the smarter you get. But that's how you master the craft and learn the right skills.
What Do You Do as a Copywriter?
As a copywriter, you're a creator who writes, researches, and edits copy. Copywriters can compose all kinds of copy. From direct response copy to white papers and email copywriting to long-form articles. A professional copywriter is the voice of a brand.
The key is to stay consistent on multiple channels. Then write engaging and creative content. The language that gets in front of the right people and drives traffic to an offer. Learn as much as you can about your potential customer:
- What are their problems?
- What are their dreams?
- Where do they hang out online?
- What type of copy do they like to consume?
Use tools like Google Trends or People Also Ask to find top searched phrases and verbiage you can use in your copy.
Check out the competition. Where are they lacking? What copy are they using that's getting a ton of engagement? Use third-party software like Ahrefs or SEMRush. See where there's a gap in the market or an underserved audience. Then share clear and concise copy that adds value. As a copywriter, you need to:
Be a good copywriter and become an authority in your niche. Overdeliver and pay attention to the details. Do the best job and gain a reputation as an expert copywriter. Then you can charge more and will make more money.
How Much Does a Copywriter Make?
Yes, being a copywriter is a high-paying job. But you need to land high-paying clients and have a steady stream of writing jobs to make the big bucks. Data reports that the average entry-level copywriter salary in the United States is $54,901 as of May 01, 2023. But the range typically falls between $49,601 and $61,801. There are a few ways to earn money as a copywriter:
The secret to making a ton of money as a freelancer is to specialize. Learn everything you can about your niche. Then develop a solid portfolio and online presence. Don't limit yourself to sourcing work on sites like Upwork or freelancing platforms. Because if this is your strategy, you will hit an oversaturated market and a ton of low-ball offers. The jobs on these sites are finite.
They're geared toward low-hanging fruit (meaning low-end and mediocre writers). People that lack either the talent, the drive, or both. Of course, they're a good place to get a few wins when starting out with freelance writing. Then you have legit samples to include in your copywriting portfolio. Do a great job. Get a review or testimonial. Now you have social proof to share with a potential customer.
PRO TIP
To earn a six-figure income with your copywriting career, become the expert. Don't try to serve everybody. Instead, choose one thing. One type of copy, one client, one industry, whatever. Learn everything there is to know about the product or service you're selling. Who are the customers?
What are the buyer's behaviors? For example, What are their psychological principles? What are their number one pain points? How can you give them the best answer to their top questions? What can you offer to be the best solution to their problems? Have one focus. Then you can gain more insights into the market and become the expert.
Can You Become a Copywriter With No Experience?
Is Copywriting a Good Career in 2024?
Copywriting isn't hard to get into. But it's not easy either. Copywriting isn't just a discipline you choose to pursue. It takes time to learn and master. Start by writing copy. Then write more copy. The more you practice, the better copy you'll create. Study other great copywriters like David Ogilvy, Dan Ferrari, or Alen Sultanic.
Then consider things like, What kind of copy do you enjoy writing? What does your ideal client look like? Will you be a specialist or a generalist? Copywriting is one of the most in-demand professions. You don't need a college degree or a lot of capital to get started. But if you have the right copywriting skill set, you can make a comfortable six-figure income from anywhere in the world. It's even possible to become a copywriter with no experience as long as you invest time and effort to learn the craft and build your portfolio.
Statistics suggest that there are over 32.5 million businesses in the USA. So there are way more business owners who need copy than there are copywriters to write it for them. But make it easy for your prospects to say yes. Don't ask for outrageous fees without a ton of proof to back up your claims. Don't be an expense. Instead, shift the narrative.
Sell yourself as an asset. Position yourself as a revenue generator. Become that person who creates the copy that lands high-level conversions. Or the one who can sell high-ticket sales products and services with their text. Lead with value and get paid to practice your skills at the same time.
3 Ways To Gain an Edge Over AI in 2024
Becoming a copywriter in 2024 has a new challenge. That is the continued advancement of AI writing tools like JasperAI and the recent trend around how to make money with ChatGPT. The global AI market value is set to reach $267 billion by 2027. But AI writing tools just regurgitate content. They lack a voice and aren't unique.
However, Siege Media + Clearscope reports that 62% of B2B and 38% of B2C businesses plan to use AI content generation tools to assist their content marketing efforts in 2023. The key is to gain an edge over AI. Copywriters who are masters of the written word can adopt the technology and continue to grow. So embrace AI. Then use these three ways to gain an edge over the tools.
1. Write Better Copy & Include A Unique Angle
Don't write bad copy. AI is a tool you can add to your arsenal to help you brainstorm. But it cannot craft stories that resonate with people on a personal level. AI lacks the personal touch. It doesn't have the nuance that makes copywriting so effective. AI might replace bad and mediocre copywriters. But skilled copywriters who have creativity and imagination.
The ones that know how to write copy with a unique angle. Or provide the best answer to questions people are asking online. Those copywriters will always be in demand. The key is to stay relevant. Keep one step ahead of everyone. Know who the top players are and how they're changing the game. Stay on top of current ways to write and execute copy. Pen a unique angle and create a voice that is distinct. Be memorable. Then write the best copy on the Internet.
2. Tap Into The Deep Psychology Of Why People Buy
Learn as much as you can about your buyer. Understand their pains and desires. Then craft copy that taps into their deep psychological behaviors and gets them to take action. Data suggests that people are triggered mainly by seven underlying factors: necessity, security, FOMO, identity, price, obligation, and happiness.
But most people buy products because they need them. The key is to know what needs or pain points someone has. Fear of missing out (FOMO) is another strong reason people buy. OptinMonster states that FOMO is a notable concern for 69% of millennials, and most react within 24 hours.
Here the focus is on current trends. Making a FOMO purchase gives someone an instant feeling of inclusion. People want to feel like they belong. But they also want to make themselves happy. Learn what makes your buyer happy. What problems do they have in their life? What questions are they asking online? The more you know about your buyer, the better copy you can write.
3. Develop A Better Value Proposition
It's all about value. Start by identifying the exact problems of a specific audience. Then show them why your product is the best solution to their problem. Focus on the quantifiable benefits of the solution. A value proposition is your differentiator. It's what tells people how you're different from your competitors, why you're unique and can offer them something better than the competition. But it needs to be relevant.
Tell the buyer just how your product solves their problems or can make their life better. Then use the right language to get in front of the right people. Research shows that 90% of your potential buyers hadn't decided about the brand they wanted to do business with before they started searching for vendors. But be authentic. Research suggests that 88% of consumers feel authenticity is crucial when deciding what brands they like and support.
A Better Way To Make Money Online in 2024: Local Lead Gen vs Copywriting
The local lead generation business model is a better way to make money online in 2024. Because, unlike a copywriter that only makes money if they write copy for a paying client. With the lead generation business model, you earn passive income. Lead generation is about building and ranking websites in one location that offer one service.
But the focus is on the local market. So you can get your sites to the top of the search engines in less than six months. Once those sites are at the top of the SERPs, they start producing leads. Then you sell them to a local business owner. Now you own valuable digital real estate that will only continue to appreciate.
With the local lead generation business model, you can achieve passive income. Instead of writing every day, you own valuable digital real estate. Those assets get to the top of the SERPs and start producing leads. Then you can sell them to a local business for profit margins as high as 85%-90%.
At the top, your sites don't need a ton of work. You don't need to write new copy every month to make money. Instead, you leverage local SEO tactics and dominate the search engines. With lead generation, you're providing a service that people are actively looking for online. You own the website, the tracking number, and the leads. Build one. Then build ten more. Build a digital empire of assets that you 'rent' for cash. But that's how you create passive income in 2024.
