A copywriter is someone who creates written content for marketing or informational purposes. They might be tasked with coming up with compelling headlines for marketing pitches or researching and crafting informative content that can help educate and inform the reader.
Depending on their experience, expertise, and whether they are working independently or in-house, copywriters might charge anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per project. Getting paid per project might not be the most lucrative route but it can be much more consistent than advertising, which is usually paid on a cost per impression or cost per click basis.
The Evolving Role Of The Copywriter
While the role of a copywriter has not changed much in 200 years, the expectations and requirements of those who seek out copywriters have shifted significantly.
The first copywriters were basically journalists who would write about the latest news stories or compelling events. While that may still be the case, today’s copywriter is much more likely to be called upon to research and write about in-demand topics such as brand awareness, marketing strategy, and customer experience.
Outsourced copywriting has become commonplace as well. While it is possible to outsource the grunt work such as editing and fact checking, a good copywriter will put it all together for you. For $5,000 to $10,000 per month, you can have someone create and send you a polished, informative article every week. You’ll need to set the pace and ensure that you review and comment on their work, but aside from that, they will write your copy for you.
The Top Earning Copywriting Markets
Now that you know what a copywriter is and what they do, you can better determine how much you should be paying for their services.
Top earning markets for copywriters include:
- Marketing and ad copy: Compiling pitches, press releases, and advertising copy into an informative piece that will engage and attract online consumers
- Content strategy and pitching: Developing a content strategy for your company and creating pitches to inform key brand decision-makers of the value you provide
- Web content: Producing informative, compelling, and engaging content for your website, online store, or social media accounts
- Technical and scientific writing: Researching and writing about complex subjects such as chemistry, physics, or biology
- Editing and Proofreading: Editing and Proofreading (which is also the name of a popular editing service) are two of the most in-demand freelance editing services in the industry. Although the pay is relatively low, it’s still a steady flow of work and you can utilize their services for various types of technical writing, research, or editing projects.
- Ghostwriting: For those who prefer to work independently, ghostwriting is a lucrative alternative to being a copywriter. It is a service that allows you to outsource your writing needs to a professional writer. The advantage of ghostwriting is that you get to retain full ownership of the work.
- Copyblogging: If you’re looking for a more sustainable business model, consider copyblogging. With this strategy, you essentially become your own publisher and content creator. You find a niche, build your audience, and then engage with your audience through short-form content (such as re-posts and engaging tweets). In addition to copyblogging, you can also create and curate content to be distributed through influencer marketing or content brand ambassador programs.
- Consulting: If you’re looking for a more stable business option, consider consulting. Although the pay isn’t great, it’s still more stable than a lot of other occupations and you rarely have to worry about finding work. You can utilize your contacts to find clients who need help with various issues. Once you establish yourself as an expert in your chosen field, you can charge what you want for your services.
The Evolution Of Copywriting
While the role of the copywriter has remained relatively stable over the years, the method by which they go about creating the content has changed significantly. Thanks to the rise of marketing automation, today’s copywriter is expected to:
- Combine multi-purpose platforms and software like Microsoft Word, Salesforce, or HubSpot to create and manage content.
- Research and curate content on the side (whether independently or through an agency), and then use a variety of software and platforms to drive traffic to that content.
- Compose and articulate marketing messages across various platforms, including websites, blogs, and social media accounts.
- Manage multiple projects at once and be able to prioritize and delegate tasks.
- Use digital tools, platforms, and analytics to track the success of their efforts (and of course, billable hours!).
In order to better serve you as a copywriter, we have compiled a list of the top 10 things you need to have in your toolkit.
1. A Computer/Laptop
It isn’t 2018 yet, but you already know what this is. If you’re reading this on a phone or tablet, you can probably guess as well. For those who prefer to write on paper, a laptop is still the best choice. It isn’t exactly portable and it requires a stable connection (which can be met through WiFi or a cable).
If money is no object to you and you need something that you can take with you anywhere, then the best option is a tablet. Even then, you should still bring a backup laptop just in case. Remember, it’s not just about the hardware—it’s about the software and the connection.
2. A Charging Dock
You also need a charging dock to keep your phone fresh and to use while you’re on a limited network (such as an airplane). If you’re on a limited network, you won’t be able to use a lot of the apps on your phone. In that case, having a charging dock is essential. If you’re planning on using your phone a lot while you’re up and about, then consider investing in a portable charger. You can also use a power bank which is essentially a battery that you can keep in your car to charge up on the go.
3. A Stereomiler And A Pair Of Headphones
If you already own a pair of headphones, then you can stop right there. However, if you’re looking for a new set of headphones, then you need to consider what type of sound reproduction you need. Whether you prefer crisp sounds or a smooth listening experience, there is an optimum setting for headphones which can be personalized to your liking.
Looking for a good pair of headphones for under $100? You can’t go wrong with the Stereomiler, these headphones are virtually indestructible and they offer great sound quality for a low price point. If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful way to listen to music, then these are the headphones for you.
4. An Mp3 Player
It isn’t just about the quality of the sound either. You also need good quality audio files which you can take and use on the go. To that end, an Mp3 player is the best solution. These devices allow you to store and play back your music collection which can be accessed through a wide range of apps and platforms. You can also use a similar app to organize your playlists and create playlists of your favorite songs.
5. A Microphone
Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, you need a good microphone to capture audio of any quality. The best place to start is with the sound quality of your computer’s microphone. If it isn’t good, then you’re either going to have to invest in an external microphone or get used to using your computer’s built-in mike.
6. A Good Pair Of Speakers
You also need a pair of speakers to listen to your music collection or watch videos. While there are many options when it comes to computer speakers, nothing beats the luxury of good old-fashioned floor speakers. If money isn’t a concern and you’re looking for a sound experience, then you should invest in a pair of speakers for your computer or gaming console.
7. A Good Cell Phone Charger
If you’re still using a phone from the pre-smartphone era, then you’ll need a good charger to keep it powered up. These devices allow you to rapidly charge and store your phone, so you can use it throughout the day.