There are many famous journalists, writers, and bloggers who have made a living off their craft, but the fact is that they are in the minority. The majority of people who write now-a-days are either copywriters or content marketers, focusing on attracting customers and retaining them using inbound marketing techniques and persuasive content strategies.
The Rise In Digital Content Consumption
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either a) a marketer, or b) a reader of marketing blogs. If you’re not, you might want to consider hopping on board; it’s an exciting time to be in marketing!
With more people turning to digital platforms for their news, and social media platforms providing a ready-made audience, content creators can now have a voice in every niche and industry. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just want to find out more about the market, you’ll find plenty of high-quality content that you can consume in-house at minimal cost.
According to HubSpot Blogs research, people in marketing spend just over 4 hours per day – almost as much as they spend watching TV. So if you’ve got a way with words and can carve out a niche in a highly-regarded industry, you’ve got a winning formula!
The Growth In Earned, Professional, And Earned, Casual Copywriting
In today’s world of online marketing, content creators increasingly need to look for ways to make money – and what could be more lucrative than writing copy for some of the biggest brands globally?
In order to maximize their earnings potential, many content creators are taking on more freelance copywriting projects or are even creating their own blogs. While this might sound like a smart option, it’s essential that you understand the differences between the various types of copywriting and the unique skills and experiences that go into each one.
What is professional copywriting?
At the most basic level, professional copywriting is all of the words and phrases that you use in your written communications – whether that’s a business proposal, marketing material, website copy, or any sort of promotional or sales material.
In terms of earning potential, professional copywriting can range from £17,000 to £32,000 per year in London, £12,000 to £25,000 per year in Manchester, and up to £23,000 per year in smaller towns and cities.
What is earned, professional copywriting?
This type of copywriting is ideal for content creators who want to make a quick buck or two. If you’re experienced and can demonstrate that you know your way around a word processor, you can earn up to £17,000 per year in London, £12,000 per year in Manchester, and up to £23,000 per year in smaller towns and cities.
It’s also a good option for those looking for some flexibility and want to be able to choose their own hours.
The Differences In Skill, Experience, And Demeanor
The main difference between professional and earned, casual copywriting is the level of skill and experience that you need to have. Producers, directors, and executives within the industry usually look for highly qualified individuals with a background in journalism or communications – often with a marketing or advertising degree.
While professional copywriters must be able to churn out high-quality material quickly and accurately, the biggest differentiator is in terms of their demeanor. As well as having to meet tight deadlines, professional copywriters must exude confidence and competence.
In Which Format Do You Choose?
The main decision that you need to make when working on a copywriting project is in terms of format. Do you want to craft an article that can be published in a newspaper or on a website? What kind of content do you want to produce?
Most businesses and organizations don’t have the time to waste on a lengthy interview with a freelancer, so if you’re planning to write up an article for publication, you might want to consider a quick call or email to the magazine’s editor to ask about their publication schedule and what types of articles they’re looking for.
However, if you’re looking for a straightforward how-to guide – whether that’s to help customers or other individuals operating in your niche – you might want to consider creating a short video.
Video Tutorials And How-To Guides Are Trending
In today’s world, consumers are often looking for straightforward how-to guides and video tutorials to help them navigate life and work. Whether you’re a business or an individual seeking a second (or first) income, you can create a profitable niche for yourself by creating video tutorials and how-to guides for customers.
According to HubSpot Blogs research, customers in the UK want to see videos to help them understand how to use technology – mainly mobile phones and laptops. Over 3 in 4 (75%) of respondents said that short videos explaining what products or services they need or how to use them is the most effective way to persuade them to buy a product or service.
Another interesting finding from the research is that customers prefer to watch videos when they’re used in conjunction with text – almost as much as (68%) or more so than reading the text only (61%). This suggests that consumers appreciate the combination of pictures and text, and even prefer to get information this way.
So if you’ve got a particular subject matter expertise, you can create a profitable niche for yourself by helping customers, prospects, and other individuals learn about your area of expertise.
Final Takeaway
Writing is an important skill to have, and even more so now than ever before. With the world shifting to an “ediscovery” or “information” economy, businesses, brands, and organizations need people with the skill set to attract potential consumers, motivate existing customers, and convince others to try their product or service.
While it might be tempting to jump in and take on freelance copywriting projects to see how it feels to be paid to write, you should probably consider the demand for your skill versus the supply of eager, freelancing writers who can do your job.