The top 23 freelance copywriting jobs for beginners in 2024 include:
- Social media copywriter
- Email copywriter
- E-commerce description copywriter
- Website copywriter
- B2B copywriter
- Creative copywriter
- Blog writer
- Greeting card copywriter
These jobs are ideal for beginners due to their accessibility and high demand. For example, blog writers are in high demand as it's the most popular content format. SEMrush says 9 out of 10 marketers use blogs to help their marketing goals. DemandMetric says companies that use blogs produce 67% more monthly leads. These show the demand for blog writers that can help businesses sell more.
Freelance copywriting is when you offer your services to clients as a business. As a freelance copywriter, your income potential is not capped. You can offer your services to as many clients as you can manage. You must be able to provide copy that helps their marketing goals to make this sustainable.
Success stories include Jenny Neal, who got unemployed in 2020 due to the pandemic. She took courses and dedicated herself to learning copywriting. After a year, she was able to earn $17K monthly, with it increasing up to $20K monthly in the succeeding months.
However, freelance copywriting is not without its challenges. Freelancermap conducted a survey that identified the challenges freelancers face. Their data identified getting projects (61%), unstable income (36%), and unpaid vacations (22%). These show the reality of freelance copywriting, you need skill and effort to succeed.
In this article, we'll talk about the top freelance copywriting jobs for beginners in 2024. We'll discuss the profitability of copywriting and how you can get into it. Additionally, we'll talk about other ways of making money online.
1. Social Media Copywriter
Social media copywriters craft engaging content for their client's social media platforms. This helps their clients reach their audiences on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Copyblogger says social media copywriters earn an average of $76K yearly.
Social media copywriters are in demand as they improve sales and audience connection. Gitnux says product recommendations through social media generate 88% of consumer purchases. Meta says 83% of Instagram users discovered new brands through the platform. These make it a lucrative job for beginner copywriting freelancers to get into.
Here's a great example of GoPro's social media post. Take note of how it highlights their product's capabilities and captures audience attention:
2. Email Copywriter
Email copywriting involves crafting persuasive emails for your client's audiences. These can be newsletters or re-engagement emails that go straight to the audiences' inboxes. This leads to improved client sales and audience engagement. The earning potential for email copywriters varies depending on skill and experience. Copyhackers says this can range from $100-$2.5K per email.
For example, this email from Casper shows how to blend copy and graphics with their offering:
The demand for email copywriting is high, as this marketing strategy has the highest ROI. Litmus says email marketing's ROI averages $36 per $1 spent. Its importance in establishing audience communication also fuels service demand. Campaign Monitor says 71.8% of small businesses use emails for audience communication. This makes it a great choice for freelance copywriters to get into.
3. E-Commerce Description Copywriter
E-commerce description writers create copy that describes their clients’ products to their audiences. These descriptions highlight the features and unique selling points of their clients’ offerings. This informs and compels audiences to make purchases.
Product descriptions are important in e-commerce. E-commerce descriptions writers' ability to inform and affect consumer buying decisions influence demand. Glassdoor says these copywriters make 58.3K yearly on average. eCommerce Foundation says up to 88% of consumers do research before buying. Salsify says product content and information affect buying decisions for 87% of consumers.
For example, Oodie's product description showcases its offer's features through humor. It also highlights that Oodie supports environmental initiatives and is well-received by customers:
4. Website Copywriter or Sales/Landing Page Copywriter
Website copywriters create compelling copy for their clients’ sales or landing pages. These pages help guide your client's customers through their sales funnels. Blue Corona says 70%-80% of customers research businesses online before buying. Businesses need website copywriters to help showcase their offerings.
The demand for well-crafted web copy is high. It is important in helping businesses establish their online presence. Search Engine Land says small businesses spend $5K-$15K monthly on online marketing. Strategy Beam says website copywriters charge between $25-$500 per page. This varies based on project scope and complexity.
For example, Partake Food's web copy highlights how their products do not have the top 9 allergens:
5. B2B Copywriter
B2B copywriters create content that highlights their client's offerings to other businesses. B2B Writing Institute says annual earnings for beginners at $55K and experts at $90K. They create case studies, white papers, or blog posts that simplify complex information. These persuade decision-makers from other businesses to buy or work with your client.
The B2B market invests a significant amount in marketing. HubSpot says 49% of B2Bs invest 30% to 50% of their marketing budgets in content. This shows the demand for writers who can improve sales and brand awareness for clients.
For example, WordPress's copy shows they're used by people, and even up to Fortune 500 companies:
6. Creative Copywriter
Creative copywriters create copy in various formats like brochures, posters, or leaflets. Zippia says creative copywriters make $77.4K yearly. These writers blend creativity to persuade audiences to take positive actions for clients.
For example, this McDonald's ad uses humor, graphics, and minimal text. It plays on how their milkshakes are natural and use real milk. This shows how even with three words, creative copywriters can make impactful ads.
7. Blog Writer
Blog writers craft engaging and informative blogs for their client's sites. These posts improve audience engagement, establish their client's online presence, and SEO. ZipRecruiter says blog writers in the US make between $46.5K-$54.5K yearly. This freelance writing opportunity lets beginners develop their skills and build their portfolios.
Blogging is the most popular way businesses use to establish themselves online. SEMrush says 9 out of 10 marketers use blogs to achieve content marketing goals. Wix says sites with active blogs have 434% more indexed pages and get 55% more site visits than those without. The demand and accessibility give an entry point for beginners who want to get into it.
A great example is Matt Kepnes's travel blog, which he started in 2008. His blog grew and was featured in major media outlets like Forbes and WSJ:
8. Greeting Card Writer
Greeting card writers create heartfelt and engaging messages that clients sell to customers. Zippia says US greeting card writers make between $48K and $116K yearly. They can also write content by themselves; however, this will cost more upfront. Additionally, Using platforms like Etsy can put your work at risk of plagiarism.
The greeting card industry is healthy and pushing demand for writers. Northern Cards says the average US household buys 30 greeting cards yearly. Statista says online shopping accounts for 23% of the US greeting card market share. This shows a healthy market and product demand for writers.
9. Recipe Writer
Recipe writers create detailed recipes for client blogs and websites. These recipes can showcase their clients’ offerings to help drive product interest. This leads to increased sales, audience engagement, and brand awareness for clients.
Recipe writers are in high demand as they create one of the most consumed content online. Chicory's 2023 report says 88% of consumers use recipes they find online. Copypeer says recipe writers make $49.7K yearly. This shows growing demand and opportunity for writers who want to get into this field.
10. Review Writer
Review writers create informative and engaging reviews that compel their clients' customers. Dollar Sprout says review writers can earn $5-$10 per hour. Businesses need reviews to improve perception or spread information about their offerings. And with a lot of businesses going online, review writers are in high demand.
Positive reviews have a significant impact on businesses. Global Newswire says 95% of consumers read reviews online. Additionally, 58% of those are willing to pay more for products that have good reviews. This shows an opportunity for freelance writers who want to get into this niche.
In August 2024, the FTC announced its final ruling on selling fake consumer reviews. To avoid this, you should only review products that you've experienced first-hand. This is a great example of a review that has actual proof of their claims and doesn't oversell:
11. Content Marketing Copywriter
Content marketing copywriters create copy that promotes their clients' offerings to audiences. ZipRecruiter says freelance content writers make an average of $48.2K yearly. These writers help push their client's marketing strategies through compelling content. This leads to improved awareness, engagement, and sales.
There is a high demand for content marketing copywriters. AIMultiple says 60% of marketers attract new customers through content marketing. Additionally, 75% of large companies now outsource content writers. This shows growing opportunities and highlights their importance in achieving marketing goals.
An example of content marketing copy might look like this:
12. Resume Writer
Resume writers create impactful and well-structured resumes for clients. ZipRecruiter says resume writers in the US make $81.7K yearly. These writers help clients stand out to recruiters by highlighting their abilities. This improves their chances in the application process.
Resume writers are in high demand as remote work continues to be an option for many people. Upwork estimates that 22% of the US workforce will be working remotely by 2025. With this rising competition, job seekers need ways to stand out. TopResume says 75% of resumes get rejected by applicant tracking systems. This shows how resume writers are necessary in today's online work scene.
Here's an example of an optimized resume by Novoresume:
13. Video Script Copywriter
Video script copywriters create engaging and compelling scripts for their clients' videos. Glassdoor says US video copywriters make between $56K-$101K yearly, averaging $75K yearly. They improve scripts by crafting a story, sending a message, or providing a logical flow. This gives their clients impactful videos that help their marketing goals.
An example of a video script might look like this:
Video's impact on marketing fuels demand for video script copywriters. Wyzowl says 86% of businesses use videos as a marketing tool. SerpWatch's survey says 86% of video marketers increased site traffic. 84% claimed videos helped generate more leads, increasing conversions by 86%. This shows how video script copywriters are essential in leveraging this marketing tool.
14. Proposal Copywriter
Proposal copywriters create detailed and persuasive proposals for their clients' projects or services. These documents aim to inform and highlight their clients' value offering. This leads to positive actions like securing funding that benefits the parties involved.
This is a lucrative niche for writers with strong research skills. ZipRecruiter says US proposal writers make between $36K to $134K yearly. The demand for skilled proposal writers is growing. The Small Business Administration says 96% of businesses are SMBs. They need proposal writers to help them win contracts or secure investor funding.
15. Speech Copywriter
Speech copywriters create impactful speeches that resonate with their client's audiences. Comparably says US speech writers make $93K yearly. They ensure their clients' speeches are informative, engaging, and relevant to their listeners.
Notable examples include Simon Lancaster, one of the world's top speechwriters. He started in 1990 and has written speeches for CEOs from Nestle, HSBC, and Unilever.
Sketch Bubble says 70% of jobs today involve public speaking. Speech copywriters are in demand because their services are suitable for various industries. One day, they may be writing a tech CEO's speech for an upcoming shareholder meeting. The next day, they may be working with a public official's campaign speech. If you have the talent to create impactful and well-researched speeches, this can be a great niche for you.
16. Grant Writer
Grant writers create persuasive proposals to help their clients secure funds or donations. Instrumentl says freelance grant writers earn between $20-$150 per hour. They can offer their services to private or public organizations, for-profits, or non-profits. This lets these organizations increase their chances of getting approval.
For example, Kurzweil Education Systems' grant highlights how their software can improve children's reading comprehension:
Grant writers are in high demand as many businesses depend on grants to raise funds. However, it's difficult to win grant approval as many organizations also seek funding. Professional Grant Writer estimates that only 1 in 10 grant proposals get accepted. Additionally, the grant application process takes between 1-6 months from submission to decision. This shows a promising career path for writers who can create impactful proposals.
17. Multilingual Copywriter
Multilingual copywriters ensure their clients' copy impacts audiences in their native language. Salary.com says US bilingual copywriters make $87.5K yearly. These writers apply language mastery and cultural awareness to translate client copy. This helps your clients' marketing efforts resonate with the foreign target audience.
These writers create copy in other languages that don't lose impact. For example, Fuze Tea's ad highlights that it's a great accompaniment when relaxing:
Consumer behavior fuels service demand for multilingual copywriters. CSA Research says 65% of consumers prefer buying products in their native language. And 40% of B2C shoppers won't buy if a sales page is in another language. This shows the demand for multilingual copywriters who can reach their client's audience.
18. Transcription Writer
Transcription writers create accurate transcripts from their clients' audio or video files. These transcripts are essential in data-gathering efforts. For example, they may get hired to transcribe a focus group session on a product. The client then uses the transcript to create reports to improve the product. This lets them save time by having access to that data without watching the entire video.
An example transcript might look like this:
The demand for transcription writers is high. Industries like legal, medical, and market research need accurate transcripts. Copywriter collective says general transcriptionists can make an average of $45K yearly. This can increase with experience and specializing in a field.
19. Book Copywriter
Book copywriters create compelling copy to help improve book sales for clients. These writers create blurbs, ads, and information about the author and book content. This aims to capture the reader's attention and drive sales.
Book copywriters are in high demand as print and e-book sales continue to rise. Statista says traditional print even outperforms e-books. This shows a steady demand and the importance of book copywriters to help push marketing.
20. Ghostwriter
Ghostwriters create content for clients without identifying themselves as the author. AWAI says ghostwriters can make between $10K and $50K yearly on average. This is a great niche for beginners, as various content formats and platforms are in great demand. These can include social media posts, songs, blog articles, books, and more.
Ghostwriting is one of the most in-demand services in the world. Ghostwords says 70% of books published by publishing houses are ghostwritten. Notable examples include John F. Kennedy's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "Profiles in Courage". His speechwriter, Ted Sorensen, ghostwrote this book, which helped him win the presidency.
21. Academic Writer
Academic writers create content that follows the strict guidelines and requirements of academia. ZipRecruiter says US academic writers make between $24.5 and $88.5K yearly. They may work on undergraduate to Ph. D.-level tasks. These include essays, term papers, or helping create books that professors use.
Academic writing is in high demand as students, educators, and institutions need content. This aims to promote learning or secure research funding. For example, Pew Research says 58% of educators assign essays to students. These assignments make up 20%-80% of an undergraduate student's grade. Overwhelmed students may turn to essay writing services to comply. Turnitin's survey found that 10% of students admit to using essay writing services. This shows demand for the service and makes it a viable niche for freelance writers.
22. Technical Copywriter
Technical copywriters create content that explains their clients' offerings in a simple way. Glassdoor says technical writers make between $40K and $100K yearly. They create content like white papers, user manuals, or assembly guides for clients. This lets their audience see their value or understand how to operate their product.
For example, Whatfix's case study highlights the results their client got:
Technical writing is in demand as businesses need to simplify their complex offerings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that technical writer demand will grow by 10% to 11% by 2026. Products continue to evolve to outperform competitors, increasing the reliance on technical writers. This ensures users are using them right and are able to troubleshoot issues when they arise.
23. Copy Proofreader
Copy proofreaders ensure that their clients' marketing content follows the brand's identity. Finance Buzz says beginners in this niche can make $14 per hour or $29K yearly. These writers act as the final stop for their client's marketing content production. They help check their client's content are error-free and aligns with the brand. This leads to impactful marketing efforts and engages audiences.
Here's a great example of what copy proofreaders do:
Copy proofreaders are in demand as businesses need to connect with audiences. Agility PR says people are 70% less likely to click on ads with spelling or grammar errors. Additionally, Google charges more for ads with grammar (72%) and spelling (20%) mistakes. This shows how these writers can lessen costs and maximize the effect of their client's copy.
Where To Get Your First Freelance Copywriting Job
- Behance: Adobe's job board for creatives to showcase their portfolios. You can use this to find copywriting jobs tailored to your skills.
- BloggingPro: This job board focuses on blogging and content writing jobs. It offers listings that cater to freelancer writers looking to get into the industry.
- Upwork: One of the most popular freelance platforms where you bid with others on projects. You can filter parameters like project length and even only show verified clients. This adds a layer of safety, making it a great place for beginners.
- Fiverr: This freelance platform lets you list your copywriting services to clients for free. It's great for beginners as it lessens the need for client outreach and pitching.
- Constant Content: This marketplace lets you sell your written articles or take on client requests. It provides flexibility for new copywriters as you can choose topics you're good at.
- Freedom with Writing Newsletter: A newsletter that connects editors and publishers with freelance copywriters. They'll send you up to 3 curated job postings per week for free via email.
- The Writer’s Job Newsletter: This newsletter rounds up 40 writing opportunities twice a week for $5 a month. Free users get 1 email every Sunday, and listings from the past 3 days.
How Much Does a Beginner Freelance Copywriter Make?
A beginner freelance copywriter makes between $49K-$96K yearly, and $65K on average. This varies depending on their skill, experience, niche, location, and client base. For example, this Reddit commenter makes close to $200K yearly from freelancing. They add that being a freelance copywriter can earn more, but it requires more effort.
Freelance copywriting is profitable, especially if you refine your skills. For example, this Reddit commenter is a ghostwriter with 10 year's of experience. On their first year, they made $36K, and last March, they made $274K. They were able to achieve this through by providing a service that fits the market and niche.
Another Reddit commenter shared their 3-month journey into freelance copywriting. They lost their job and started freelancing full-time. In their first 3 months, he was able to make $1.9K, $3.5K, and $6.4K. These show with effort, skill, and dedication, freelance copywriters can earn a lot.
Can I Become a Freelance Copywriter With No Experience?
Yes, you can become a freelance copywriter with no experience because there's no prerequisites for getting into it. However, you may find it harder to get clients without a network or a portfolio to showcase your work. Copywriting is a results-based industry, you must show you can push the needle for clients.
For example, this Reddit commenter suggests writing as much copy as you can. This is because copywriting is competitive. Your competitors will be ahead of you because they have experience and a portfolio. You must build up your experience and skill set to get clients.
You can be a self-taught copywriter, and consume as much copywriting content online. You can leverage platforms like LinkedIn Learning or The Copywriting Collective's Discord channel. Blogs like Copyhackers and Copybloggers offer copy-focused discussions for free. You'll learn important skills like critical thinking, understanding your audience, and storytelling. Doing this gives you a solid foundation and removes luck from the equation.
Is Freelance Copywriting a Good Choice in 2024?
Yes, freelance copywriting is a good choice in 2024 because more businesses are going online. Forbes says 28% of all business activity now happens online. Businesses will need good copy to stand out from competitors and reach audiences. This increases reliance on copywriters to help push their client's marketing efforts.
Freelance copywriting is worth it as it's a profitable field to get into. However, the high demand for good copy makes it a competitive field. You will now compete with marketing agencies and solo copywriters to get clients. This increases the need to upskill and stay updated on the latest trends to get ahead. You'll need to market yourself and build a network and a strong portfolio to stand out. Doing this right makes it easy for you to get clients and make a living from your copywriting career.
Why Local Lead Gen Offers More Opportunities for Beginners
Local lead generation offers more opportunities for beginners as it's easier to scale and execute. You'll provide local businesses with a service that they need, traffic and leads. You can then scale this by setting up and creating more lead-gen sites to repeat the process. This gives you a consistent way to make passive income online.
Freelance copywriting struggles with the need for quality content, handling clients, and competition. For example, Elna Cain's data says freelancers work with 3 clients on average. You'd need to collaborate with companies that have varying requirements and timelines. If your copy fails to meet their expectations, you may lose your client. Additionally, you'll compete with other freelancers who may have more experience and skills. In contrast, local lead generation offers a more stable business model.
In local lead gen, you'll create sites that rank on search engines like Google. When they start generating traffic, you can sell the leads or rent the sites out to local businesses. A singular site can make you up to $500-$2K monthly in almost passive income. The best part is, that you own these sites, and they act as your digital real estate. You can also scale this by creating more sites in other niches or ZIP codes and repeat the process. I myself have 50+ of these sites in niches like gold investment and tree care. Together, these make around $52K monthly.
Local lead gen offers a predictable and scalable way to make money online. You'll avoid client chasing because you'll provide a service that they need, traffic. Are you looking for a different way to leverage your creativity? Local lead gen offers a predictable and scalable way to make money online. You avoid chasing clients because you provide a service that they need.
