Breaking Into Copywriting: Earning My First $100K
Do you want to get paid to write? Are you curious about what it takes to break into copywriting? Then, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’d like to share my journey of breaking into copywriting (so you can learn how to do it too)!
By the way, if you prefer to listen to this content, you can check out the podcast episode here:
Years ago, I knew that I wanted to work from home. Being pregnant with my second child, I had to find something that didn’t require me to leave the house. So, after a lot of research and trial and error, I decided to become a Virtual Assistant.
To say that I was thrilled would be an understatement. I had found the perfect job for me:.
Virtual assistance allowed me to work from home and gave me the flexibility to take care of my family while still bringing in some money.
However, as time went on, I started becoming disillusioned with the virtual assistant role. It was low-paying and not very stimulating. Plus, I had the feeling that I could do more with my skills.
From Virtual Assistant To Freelance Writer
Instead of calling myself a Virtual Assistant, I decided to rebrand myself as a freelance writer.
I knew that this was the right decision for me – not only because of my love for writing but also because of the potential it had to make more money than my previous role.
Charging flat fees instead of an hourly rate was a great way to increase my income. It also meant that I didn’t have to track my time or haggle over an invoice, which was a huge timesaver.
Overall, I also felt like it gave me an extra layer of control over my work.
Launching My Copywriting Career
My copywriting career elevated when I interviewed for a job with an online business that needed a copywriter.
It was the perfect opportunity for me to put my freelance writing skills into practice and hone my copywriting craft.
Because I had two kids under three, I loved the idea of being a full-time W2 employee with a benefits package.
My experience as an employee writing copy for emails, digital products, sales pages, and more made me realize that copywriting was something I could pursue as a long-term career. My words were helping this business make hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales, and I started to realize the power of copywriting.
I was hooked! After a year-long stint as an employee copywriter, I decided that it was time for me to take the plunge and become a full-time freelance copywriter.
Getting Paid To Write
The more I learned, the more confident I felt in my abilities, and soon enough, my copywriting career took off. I even celebrated my first $100K milestone!
I’m finally doing something I love and getting paid to write! It’s a dream come true.
By specializing my skills with copywriting, I managed to create a life that allowed me to stay home with my kids while still bringing in a decent income.
My experience has taught me the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, of learning new skills and techniques, and of taking the risks needed to pursue your dreams.
If you’re looking to break into copywriting yourself, I hope my story has inspired you to take that first step toward making it a reality!
Break Into Copywriting With My Help
If you’re looking for guidance to break into copywriting, I have five suggestions for you.
1. Read books about the craft. Anything to help you become better at it! But more importantly, than reading books, read copy. Copy is everywhere. I cover this in my course Copyland, which is designed to help beginners break into the copywriting world. You can find a list of my recommended copywriting books on my resource page here.
2. Take advice from someone who’s already done it. There are lots of experienced copywriters out there who have been in your shoes and can provide invaluable guidance on how to break into copywriting. I have a Facebook group for copywriters just starting out, so please join if you’d like to meet some experienced copywriters!
3. Be willing to work hard and be consistent. Breaking into copywriting is not a get-rich-quick scheme – it takes time, effort, and patience. If you don’t see any results initially, don’t give up. Keep going, and eventually, you’ll see rewards for your hard work.
4. Develop a portfolio of clips to show potential clients what you can do. This is essential – it gives them proof that you are capable of writing compelling copy that will help their business succeed. For this, I created a free portfolio builder in my course Copyland. You can also get a sneak peek on this free podcast episode below:
5. Get active and intentional in seeking out clients. I cover this in my Cold Pitch Workshop, where I provide resources to help you feel confident reaching out to potential clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breaking Into Copywriting
Below you’ll find some of the common questions asked about breaking into copywriting. If you don’t find your question answered here, leave it in the comments and I’ll response!
How do I break into copywriting with no experience?
If you want to become a copywriter but don’t have experience, you first want to learn basic copywriting principles like the ones I share in this free copywriting guide. The next step is to create writing samples that showcase the quality of work you can offer clients.
Once you have the skills and solid writing samples, you can start pitching to potential clients. I recommend writing several test projects and starting out with smaller projects first.
What are the common mistakes new copywriters can avoid?
The biggest mistake I see new copywriters make is rushing to find clients before learning the craft of copywriting. You don’t need to be a seasoned expert to get your first clients, but you should at least understand copywriting principles and have writing skills.
Another mistake I see copywriters make is giving up too soon. Please remember that as with any business, it takes a little time to gain experience and become established. With hard work and consistency, you can become a successful copywriter if you don’t give up!
How much do copywriters make?
Freelance copywriters can earn anywhere from $50-$200/hr+ depending on their skill and experience level.
In-house copywriters (who work as employees) can earn anywhere from 60K-100K+ as a yearly salary. The great thing about the copywriting industry is that there are many remote jobs available for people who prefer to work as a W2 employee.
Conclusion
Breaking into copywriting isn’t easy, but it is certainly possible if you take the time to learn and grow in the craft. I hope my story motivates you to take that first step toward becoming a successful copywriter. Don’t forget to sign-up for my free copywriting class here!
