Is Copywriting Dead? (4 Misconceptions Haunting Aspiring Copywriters)

April 26, 2024

Copywriting is not dead because marketing copy boosts profits for businesses. Skilled copywriters can boost SEO, establish brand identities, resonate with consumers, and more. They help companies stay relevant and reach new customers. Today, products and businesses have a wider reach. This is due to digitalization and the Internet. They face lots of potential clients. They also face tricky and constant search engine algorithm updates. Plus, AI tools are everywhere. What can these businesses do to use this and grow? Enter copywriters. 

Copywriters make 50% of all Internet copies. This pushes the demand for skilled copywriters. They help businesses navigate the online world. They convey their message and brand across the vast Internet. But you may ask yourself, “Is copywriting profitable?” Yes, it is. According to Payscale, 80% of copywriters earn between $37,000 and $87,000 per year. They have an average salary of $56,176. Remember: earnings will vary. It depends on your skill, experience, niche, and location.  

Plus, your work will have a lasting impact. You may remember General Mills’ Wheaties cereal slogan, “The Breakfast of Champions.” This slogan was made by Knox Reeves in 1933 and is still used today. In this article, we’ll discuss the misconceptions that haunt aspiring copywriters, the copywriting industry’s demand, the future of copywriting, whether copywriting is still worth it, and other ways to make income online.

4 Misconceptions Why People Think Copywriting is Dead

1. AI Will Replace Copywriters.

AIs will not replace copywriters. But, this does not mean that AIs have no use in the industry. Most aspiring copywriters and businesses forget that AIs and copywriting software are tools. They are meant to make work easier and cannot replace skilled copywriters. AI and software like ChatGPT, Bard, and Jasper rely on their training data. They use it to make correct outputs quickly.

According to an MIT experiment, professionals who used ChatGPT were 37% more productive. They also cut time spent on tasks by 80%. However, it cannot create original ideas. It cannot understand visions and human emotions. This makes AI content generic and lacking a human touch. 

What do I mean by this? AIs cannot understand emotions. So they cannot collaborate with you. They cannot turn your ideas into compelling copy. It can resonate with customers and reflect your brand, as a human copywriter could. It also opens you up to copyright troubles. Search engines penalize for AI content. They now value helpful and real content. AIs are tools that need good input to make great content. You'd still need a copywriter who can bridge the gap from ideas to content that makes real connections.

2. The Copywriting Market is Oversaturated.

The copywriting market is oversaturated and highly competitive. This is due to the growing popularity of online work and its low barrier to entry. This makes it hard for beginners to find jobs. But, the Internet made businesses, consumers, and workers adopt it. It created a fast-paced digital economy that’s rapidly growing.

Businesses can now market their products and services to a diverse global audience. They can do this faster than ever before. They compete with each other for market dominance and profit. This creates a growing demand for professional copywriters, debunking this misconception of oversaturation. They can create compelling copies. These will convert people to loyal customers and make their brand stand out. 

In 2022, a study by Litmus found that every $1 spent on email marketing has an average ROI of $36. This shows that businesses will pay for skilled copywriters. The writers help them connect with their audience. There are more copywriting jobs because digital marketing needs them. These jobs are on websites like Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn, and ProBlogger. They offer thousands of freelance, part-time, and full-time copywriting jobs. LinkedIn currently lists 28,000 copywriting positions.

These platforms are a reliable source for businesses. They use them to find talented copywriters. The platforms are also a place for new and experienced copywriters. They can offer their services in a secure environment.

3. SEO Tools Are Enough.

SEO and monitoring tools, like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, HubSpot Website Grader, seoClarity, Surfer, and Semrush, provide key insights. They show how a website is doing and how to optimize for keywords. They also help with analyzing competitors. But, they are not a sure way to succeed in digital marketing. These tools can analyze data and offer SEO tips. But, they are limited without humans. Humans must use the data well and work together. They must craft compelling copies that link companies to their audiences emotionally.

Good copywriters can use these SEO tools. They use them to create original, persuasive copies and connections. They will always provide value to companies. Let’s look at some numbers and examples. According to HubSpot, personalized call-to-actions increase the chances of converting traffic by 202%. For example, Unbounce did this. They changed their CTA from “Start Your 30-day Free Trial” to “Start My 30-day Free Trial.” This change increased their click rate by 90%. For example, let’s look at First Round Capital’s Homepage.

This copy conveys how First Round Capital understands its clients' challenges. It shows its expertise by citing notable companies they've helped. This creates a connection between First Round Capital, its clients, and the reader.

4. Online Platform Algorithms are Static.

Algorithms on social media and search engines are not static. They are dynamic and always changing. They change to improve user experience and content relevance. They also fight misinformation and spam and adapt to new trends. This makes it vital for businesses to keep up with the latest changes. They need to do this to ensure their marketing campaigns work. It also shows how valuable skilled copywriters are. They stay informed about industry trends and practices. This helps them create ad copies that satisfy search engines and consumers.

Why does this matter? Businesses must now stand out from the competition. This is needed for relevance and traffic in digital marketing. Let’s look at some numbers. Google has 92.5% of the search engine market and processes 8.5 million daily searches. We Are Social says 45% of internet users aged 16-64 use social media. They use it to research brands. Businesses that can't follow the algorithm updates won't stand out. They will have fewer platforms to reach their consumers.

Here is a brief overview of some of the latest algorithm updates on major social media and search engines:

Search Engine Algorithm Updates

Social Media Algorithm Updates

Google: Favors genuine and helpful content that’s expertly written for humans, not machines. Google is currently targeting to reduce unhelpful content and spam by 40%. 


Businesses, copywriters, and content teams must now work together with subject matter experts to craft factual content that satisfies these updates and dominates the SERPs.


YouTube: Maximizes user engagement and view time through engaging, high-quality, long-form content of at least 10 minutes in diverse formats like vlogs, tutorials, product reviews, and live streams.

Businesses, scriptwriters, and content teams should produce high-quality, long-form videos, engage with viewers, utilize relevant keywords and descriptions correctly, and capitalize on the new monetization options to remain competitive in the platform.


Amazon: The Amazon A10 algorithm update emphasizes the importance of strategic keyword usage in visible and metadata product listings to align with search queries. The Amazon A10 algorithm values customer reviews and sales velocity, indicating product popularity and satisfaction. Conversion rates and the seller's reputation also significantly influence product ranking. 


Businesses and copywriters should craft detailed, keyword-rich product descriptions, gather positive customer reviews, and marketing strategies that drive on-site and external traffic to Amazon listings to enhance product visibility and ranking in Amazon's search results.

Facebook: Emphasizes fostering genuine and meaningful interactions, particularly among friends and family.

Businesses must focus on crafting content that engages and encourages conversations and builds a community with their audience.


Instagram: Favors user engagement and interest, with a growing focus on Reels and other video content to remain competitive in the short-form video space.

Businesses and content teams should produce engaging, visually captivating video content that aligns with these preferences for increased visibility.


Twitter / X: Enhances the visibility of relevant and trending content. 


Businesses and copywriters must stay agile to keep pace with current events and trending topics and ensure their tweets maintain visibility and relevancy.

LinkedIn: The recent algorithm update favors content that promotes professional networking and authentic engagement.


Businesses and copywriters aiming to enhance their visibility should focus on crafting thought-provoking posts and actively engaging in relevant groups, nurturing meaningful connections with their audience.

7 Proven Copywriting Statistics that Prove this Industry isn’t Dead

Here are some interesting statistics on the impact of copywriting on digital marketing:

  • 74% of readers pay attention to spelling and grammar quality on websites, and 59% would avoid patronizing a company that made spelling and grammar mistakes.
  • According to CopyBlogger, 8/10 people would stop reading beyond a headline. Emphasizing the need to ensure that your copies are compelling and effective.
  • According to Hubspot, well-made and personalized call-to-actions in your content that resonate with customers increase its effectiveness by 220%. Even simply using the word “because” increases responses by 60%-94%.
  • Ad copies on landing pages with social proof, like testimonials, experience a 1% higher conversion rate than those without.
  • According to We Are Social, 55% of the global population uses social media and spends an average of 2 hours and 22 minutes on these platforms. And 45% of these users perform research on brands through social media.
  • 73% of companies hire content strategists to handle their content marketing.
  • Copywriters, on average, earn $57,000 annually, and some of the top freelance copywriters earn an average of $250 per hour.

Is Copywriting Dead or Still in Demand?

Copywriting is still in demand because businesses in the digital age now sell and advertise their products and services faster to a broader global market and stand out from their competitors. These businesses need skilled copywriters. The copywriters must work with the businesses. They must help businesses craft original, persuasive, and compelling copies. They must also navigate the complex updates of search engines and social media platforms. These updates aim to connect with consumers. They also aim to establish brand identities. This is all in the vast digital marketing space.

Let's look at some numbers. According to CareerExplorer, there are about 131,200 copywriters in the US. The demand for copywriters is expected to grow to 7.6% from 2019 to 2026. This will lead to a need for 14,300 more copywriters to fill the gap. This shows that there is a growing demand for copywriters and a supply that needs to be filled.

The belief that AI will replace copywriters is a misconception. AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper.ai boost productivity. But AI can't match the emotion and creativity human copywriters bring to content. The copywriting market is competitive. LinkedIn, Fiverr, and Upwork show that skilled professionals are in demand. The salary range for copywriters varies. It shows profitable opportunities. They depend on expertise and location. In summary, the role of copywriters is changing, but it is still critical. They craft unique and resonant content in digital marketing.

Is Copywriting Dead? Top Answers from Reddit

According to top Reddit comments, copywriting is not dead. Businesses still need good copies. It’s currently oversaturated. It requires skill and dedication to truly achieve success in the industry.

Reddit user u/senseibarbosa says that copywriting is oversaturated. This is due to social media and influencers. They make copywriting look like an easy way to make money. This user believes that people will leave once they face the challenges of being a copywriter.

Reddit user u/alexpierholland states that copywriting is profitable. He made his annual income from a previous position in just six weeks. He did it with hard work and dedication to copywriting.

Reddit user u/mads_61 says that the details of laws and regulations in some industries make it hard to automate copywriting and content creation.

Is Copywriting Dead? Top Answers from Quora

The top Quora responses say copywriting is not dead. It's more important than ever. This is due to increasing content demand and social media. Copywriting remains an important skill in marketing, and it’s undergoing a transformation.

Olivia Edmund states that the rise of the internet and social media has made businesses rely on good content. They need it to reach their audiences. This has caused a growth in demand for skilled copywriters.

Anum Shakoor states that copywriting is still vital in marketing and communication. The digital age highlights the need to craft compelling messages.

Faria Ejaz states that AIs can improve a copywriter’s skills. They make amazing things when used with human creativity and intelligence.

What is the Future of Copywriting?

The future of copywriting is bright. This is because of the rise of the internet. It is making transactions faster than ever. Search engines and social media algorithms are always changing. They now focus on real, high-quality content and interactions. AIs simply cannot provide them. These factors show there is a future for skilled copywriters. They can help businesses create persuasive copies. The copies can emotionally connect to their customers.

Is Copywriting Worth it in 2024?

Yes, copywriting is worth it in 2024. This is because businesses always have profit as their main goal. They always need great writing from skilled copywriters. These copies connect them with the right customers. Great copywriting requires pros who blend creativity with strategy. They craft messages that resonate with consumers and can easily increase conversion rates.

AI tools cannot easily replicate this skill, as copywriting demands significant training and practice. Copywriting is complex, making it resistant to downsizing, outsourcing, or automation. It requires a deep understanding of language and brand voice. This complexity ensures that it's a career that’s worth getting into for years to come.

The scope of copywriting is growing. It now includes more platforms that need to be mastered, like social media and search engines, to reach audiences. As technology evolves, copywriters will get better tools to make more targeted and effective content. They will use them to leverage extensive data to address specific consumer needs.

Flexibility for remote work and the potential for high income adds to the appeal of this field. Copywriting is crucial in business and digital marketing. There is a constant demand for skilled copywriters who are dedicated to honing their craft and meeting the industry's evolving challenges.

A user with 5 years' experience working as an agency copywriter on WarriorForum advises copywriters keep an open mind and roll with the trends as there's always something new to learn in the copywriting world.

Copywriting FAQs

Is Copywriting a Good Career?

Yes, copywriting is a good career because it’s profitable, in demand, and viable in many digital marketing niches. It’s a profitable career, with skilled copywriters earning an average of $57,000 annually. Copywriting is in demand as businesses adopt the Internet, and there is a 7% projected increase in demand. With the right skill set and dedication, copywriters have many opportunities and can enter different digital marketing niches, like direct response copywriting, website copywriting, ghostwriting, SEO copywriting, and many more.

Reddit user u/CrispyMcWilliam’s comment simplifies this best. "Copywriting is the art of selling at a distance, and if you can generate trackable sales for a business, copywriting jobs will always be in demand."

Is Copywriting Profitable?

Yes, copywriting is profitable because skilled copywriters can make as much as 6- to 7-figures annually. Professional copywriters capable of making persuasive copies that push sales and make brands stand out are in high demand. With their ability to strategize, persuade, and communicate, many digital marketing and entrepreneurial opportunities are available to them.

Legendary copywriter Drayton Bird, who has worked with McKinsey, Mercedes, Microsoft, Nestle, Philips, P& G, Toyota, Unilever, Virgin, Visa, and many more, stresses the importance of copywriting, “If you can't write copy or pay someone who can, you can't sell - and if you can't sell you will go broke. Simple, really.”

Go for an Undying Business Model in 2024: Copywriting or Local Lead Generation?

Copywriting is in high demand. Digitalization forces businesses to compete for brand recognition, relevance, profit, and customers. They must do so more than ever before. It has made a crowded market. It needs tremendous skill, time, patience, and dedication to compete. You must stand out to businesses who want your services. Why not use your copywriting talents? You can create your own profitable local lead generation websites. This way, you won't have to choose one business model over the other. You also won't be at the mercy of employers and search engine updates. 

Local lead generation stands out because there's less competition. It offers a chance at passive income. And you work for yourself. In local lead generation, you create websites for niches. They get traffic and rank in search engines. Then, you rent these websites out to local businesses. Think of it like becoming a digital landlord; these websites are your digital real estate. You’re cutting out the middleman and creating your own content and website.

Copywriting requires talent and creativity for creating original, high-quality content, which will generate great results when applied to content for local lead generation. Doing so can generate lots of traffic and leads. Businesses are willing to pay $500 to $3,000 a month for them. This business model requires less maintenance. It is easier to stay competitive than to stay up-to-date on the latest copywriting trends. Once you’ve set up and rented out your website, you can make more and repeat this process as much as you'd like.

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