You’ve got a burning desire to write, but you’ve got no idea how to make money from it. You might think that writing for magazines and newspapers is the way to go, but the truth is it can be quite difficult to make a living from it. Although the demand for content is ever-growing, so is the competition, which means that opportunities to earn decent money are few and far between. On the other side of the spectrum, people with a keen eye for detail who can string a sentence together can make a good living thanks to copywriting. With a bit of luck and determination, you might just be able to make a career out of it. Here’s how you can make money writing copy.
The Evolution Of Copywriting
In the world of copywriting, internet marketing, and product description, we’re often asked about the future of the industry. While it’s always difficult to predict what the future holds, one thing is for sure: it will be influenced by the events of the past. For example, the advent of blogs and social media made content creation easier than ever before. In turn, this led to an explosion of copywriting work, as well as opportunities for freelance writers and agencies.
In a nutshell, here are five steps to take when pursuing a career in copywriting:
1. Become An Expert At Using Microsoft Word
Even before you start looking for work, you should be establishing yourself as an expert in Microsoft Word; if you’re not familiar with it, here’s a quick tutorial on how to use it. In most circles, Microsoft Word is considered the gold standard of CMSs (content management systems). It is incredibly popular and there’s a reason why; with its vast array of features and functionalities, as well as its widespread availability, it is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to create content. Whether you’re a budding journalist looking for the perfect platform to showcase your work or an entrepreneur who needs convincing content for your website, Microsoft Word can help.
2. Start Building Your Portfolio
In addition to establishing your credentials as an expert in Microsoft Word, you should also be developing your portfolio. This entails creating content for different industries and subject matters, as well as varying levels of experience. While it would be great to simply write about your experiences, it’s also important to understand what makes your work stand out above the rest. Is it your use of compelling language? Is it your unique insights? Is it your analysis of the topic? Once you’ve nailed down what makes your work special, it’s easier to tailor your portfolio to showcase this particular skill set.
3. Keep Your Resume Up-To-Date
With the emergence of the internet and online directories, your resume is more important than ever. Instead of relying on your memory and the limited information that is available online, you should be keeping your resume up-to-date by regularly updating it with new information. Even if you’re not looking for a new job, it’s a good idea to keep your resume fresh by adding new skills and achievements as you learn new things. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even add a section at the end that’s dedicated to documenting your career path.
4. Attend Publishing Events
Publishing events are simply gatherings of people who are interested in the same thing as you; in this case, it’s writing. Even if you don’t work directly for a newspaper or magazine, being at a publishing event can open up some valuable opportunities for you. For example, you might be able to get a foot in the door at a well-known magazine or newspaper, or you might even be able to become a regular contributor to a digital magazine. If you’re looking for a steady stream of income, writing for publications is a great way to go. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out. This is especially true if you’re attending literary events; getting a word in with some high-profile journalists at these events could put you on the path to achieving your goals.
5. Sign Up For An Alert Service
As we’ve already established, your resume is more important than ever. Aside from keeping it up-to-date, you should be taking advantage of the internet by signing up for an alert service. This way, you’ll receive notifications when new positions that fit your skill set are posted. You can then quickly take advantage of these opportunities by sending in your resume and applying for the job. While it would be great to be able to apply directly for a position, it’s often better to look for work through online directories and job boards. The more people you can contact, the greater your chances of finding work. Even better, many job boards and directories can be used to establish contacts with journalists, publishers, and other industry professionals who can help you move forward on your career path.
The emergence of the internet and online directories has changed the way we find work, and with it, the way we approach our career. While it’s still preferable to have work experience, it’s no longer sufficient to have relevant experience. Going forward, having the ability to consistently create quality content on a wide variety of subjects will make you a more valuable candidate than ever before. To find out more, check out the following articles: