How to Start a Career as a Copywriter and Earn Money
Imagine being paid to write words that persuade, inspire, and even sell. Sounds great, right? That’s what copywriting is all about. From the catchy billboard headline you saw last week to the product description that convinced you to buy that new gadget online, a copywriter is sitting behind the scenes somewhere. The good news is that copywriting is no longer just limited to advertising executives at agencies putting together brand communications. Brands need content created almost every minute of every day, so there has never been a better time to start a copywriting career.
So if you have ever wondered, “How do I become a copywriter?” or “What is a copywriting job exactly? This guide is the best starting point for you. We will cover everything from copywriting basics to how to get paid gigs, step-by-step. No matter if you are a college student, a parent who stays at home, or you are looking for a creative career switch, we will show you how to get paid copywriting jobs.
Table Of Content
What Exactly Is Copywriting?
Different Types of Copywriters
How Do You Become a Copywriter? Start With These Steps
Where Can You Work as a Copywriter?
How to Find Copywriting Jobs And Earn Money
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
What Exactly Is Copywriting?
Sometimes, getting started with copywriting can feel overwhelming. You probably have many questions about what it is, how to do it effectively, and how it’s different from content writing. Let’s start with the fundamentals.
Copywriting is the art and science of words (what we call “copy”) designed to provoke action in the reader. This action can be anything from purchasing a product, signing up for a newsletter, clicking on a link, or simply engaging with a brand. We see this style of writing in advertising, websites, emails, product descriptions, and social media — essentially, anywhere that words are needed to generate action to turn the reader into a potential customer.
Still not sure what is copywriting job? After great ideas and brilliant branding, it’s the true, behind-the-scenes powerhouse of most effective marketing campaigns. Copywriters help brands to connect with their audience using the correct tone and message in the right format.
Different Types of Copywriters
Before you dive into this career, it helps to know what kind of copywriter you want to be. Here are a few options:
- Marketing Copywriter: Produces promotional content such as sales pages, brochures, email marketing, and product advertisements. The goal of a marketing copywriter is to push customers to take action: to make a purchase, sign up for an offer, or click a link. If this sounds fun to you and you enjoy the psychology of selling to audiences and writing copy that sells, you might be cut out for this role.
- SEO Copywriter: Writes copy based on SEO strategies that help the content it produces rank on a search engine based on keyword phrases. An SEO copywriter’s content is typically an engaging copy that promotes a brand or provides information about product offerings, but it uses SEO strategies to structure articles, blog posts, and landing pages that will be seen by search engines and, therefore, people when they conduct search queries for a product and/or service.
- Technical Copywriter: Describes complex information and topics in a simpler, digestible, and relatable language to help break down information for non-technical audiences. Technical copywriting is often done in logical and science-based industries such as IT, engineering, manufacturing, health care, etc.
- Social Media Copywriter: Produces short-form copy for social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. A social media copywriter’s content is typically more about brand engagement, trends, brand voice, and using longer posts that are relatively engaging to promote blog posts, videos, sales, and products.
- Brand Copywriter: Works to develop a company’s voice and tone in all customer touchpoints from tag lines to brand mission statements. A brand copywriter is pro at messaging and combines language that creates consistent messaging that builds a brand and an emotional relationship with an audience.
How Do You Become a Copywriter? Start With These Steps
Now, let’s start with the step-by-step guide to understand how to start copywriting:
1. Strengthen Your Writing Foundation
While you don’t need a fancy degree to be a copywriter, some background in marketing, journalism, or English could give you a head start. More importantly, you need to be able to write clearly and persuasively.
Begin learning about copywriting by reading books about copywriting. A few classics are “The Adweek Copywriting Handbook” by Joseph Sugarman and “Made to Stick” by Chip Heath & Dan Heath. You should also read blogs, emails, and product descriptions with a copywriter’s perspective. Ask yourself, what makes this copy effective?
2. Understand Your Audience
The straightforward answer to “How do I become a copywriter?” starts with writing with the reader in mind. That means understanding who you’re talking to, what they care about, and what kind of language resonates with them.
Copywriting is rooted in human psychology. People don’t buy features; they buy benefits. They’re not just purchasing a water bottle—they’re buying hydration, convenience, and style. Learn to tap into those deeper desires and emotions through your writing.
3. Pick a Niche That Excites You
When you’re fresh into this process, it can feel overwhelming, and you’d be eager to write everything and anything. Eventually, though, choosing a niche will help you separate yourself from the competition. Think about the industries that you are passionate about: fashion, health/fitness, finance, technology, food, etc.
If you’re passionate, working on these topics becomes easier and more enjoyable. When you specialise in a field, clients will begin to see you as an expert in that space and may pay you even more.
4. Build Your Portfolio
You wouldn’t hire a photographer without seeing their photos, right? Similarly, no one hires a copywriter without seeing samples. Even if you’ve never worked with a real client, you can still build an impressive portfolio.
Here’s how:
- Create mock projects: Write pretend ads or product descriptions for brands you love.
- Start a blog: Choose a niche and publish engaging, persuasive posts.
- Volunteer your skills: Offer to write for friends, nonprofits, or small businesses.
Once you have 4-5 strong samples, organise them into a PDF or website. Platforms like Contently, Journo Portfolio, or even a simple WordPress blog can help you present your work professionally.
Where Can You Work as a Copywriter?
Now you have got the answer to “How do you become a copywriter?”, it’s time to learn where you can get the opportunities to work as a copywriter:
1. In-House Copywriter
This is a full-time role that requires you to write exclusively for one company. You will typically be a part of a marketing or content team and will help to produce a variety of copy from website to email campaign. The good news? You will likely find job stability and a consistent flow of work.
To find this type of role, continue to look on job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Research companies you like and make spontaneous contact with your portfolio.
2. Agency Copywriter
Working at a creative or marketing agency means writing for multiple clients across various industries. The pace can be fast, and deadlines are tight, but you learn a tonne and build an impressive body of work quickly.
Many agencies are open to entry-level candidates if you show promise and a strong portfolio. Some agencies even offer internships or training programs to help you get your foot in the door.
3. Freelance Copywriter
This is a full-time position, which means you will write only for one company. You will typically be part of a marketing or content team, and you will help produce various types of copy, from a website to an email campaign. The great news? You should get job security and a steady stream of work.
To find this type of opportunity, keep checking job boards, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Explore the companies you like and develop a cold outreach with your portfolio.
How to Find Copywriting Jobs And Earn Money
Start with Freelance Platforms
Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are a good launchpad. While the pay might be low initially, you’ll gain experience, testimonials, and client relationships that can lead to better-paying gigs.
Use LinkedIn and Cold Outreach
A well-written LinkedIn profile can work to your advantage if you don’t underestimate it. Optimise the headline (“Freelance Copywriter for Health & Wellness Brands”) and have a portfolio to show. Send a short pitch to content managers or small business owners.
Example :
“Hi Khush, I love what your skincare brand puts out with their content! I’m a copywriter who specialises in beauty and wellness. If you’re looking for extra hands, I’d love to help with product descriptions or blogs.”
Join Online Communities
Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Slack communities like The Copywriter Club or The Freelance Content Marketing Writer are goldmines. These spaces offer job leads, collaboration opportunities, and feedback from other writers.
Final Thoughts
Copywriting is so much more than simply writing on a blank page. It is about connecting! It’s about understanding what makes people tick and using your words to guide their decisions. Best of all, you don’t need a degree, a massive budget, or any insider connections to get started. You simply need a love for writing, a desire to learn, and a commitment to improve.
So if you’re thinking to yourself, “How do I get started in copywriting?” or “How do you become a copywriter?” I have presented you with a map. It doesn’t matter if you want a full-time job in-house, work for an agency, or if you want to nurture a freelance career—the possibilities are endless.
Get writing. Get learning. And who knows, you could change the world with your words (or at least sell a few more products).
Frequently Asked Questions
