The search for a flexible and rewarding side hustle leads many to consider copywriting. It’s a field mentioned for its low barrier to entry and high demand, making it an attractive option for those looking to supplement their income. This article explores the nature of the work, its benefits and drawbacks, earning potential, and the steps to get started, allowing you to determine if it aligns with your goals.
What is Copywriting
Copywriting is the process of writing persuasive text, known as copy, for advertising and marketing. The primary objective is to craft messages that compel an audience to take a specific action, such as purchasing a product, clicking a link, or signing up for a newsletter. Good copy connects with the reader on an emotional level, addresses their needs, and presents a clear, compelling reason to act.
You encounter copywriting daily across various platforms. Examples include the text on website landing pages, email marketing campaigns, product descriptions on e-commerce sites, social media ads, and video scripts. Even the text on a cereal box is a form of copywriting.
It is important to distinguish copywriting from content writing. While both involve writing, their goals differ. Content writing, such as blog posts or articles, aims to inform or entertain an audience to build brand awareness over time. Copywriting is focused on direct persuasion and immediate action, making it a direct driver of sales and conversions.
The Pros of a Copywriting Side Hustle
One of the primary advantages of a copywriting side hustle is the flexibility it offers. As a freelance copywriter, you have the autonomy to set your own hours and choose when and where you work. This control makes it possible to fit copywriting around a full-time job, family commitments, or other responsibilities. The ability to work remotely from anywhere with an internet connection is another draw for many aspiring writers.
The startup costs for a copywriting side hustle are minimal. You can start with just a reliable computer and internet access, which makes it an accessible option. The demand for skilled copywriters is also consistently high across a multitude of industries, from technology and finance to healthcare and retail, ensuring a steady stream of potential work.
Engaging in copywriting also allows for the development of transferable skills. You will refine your writing abilities and gain an understanding of marketing principles, consumer psychology, and persuasive communication. These skills are sought after in the business world and can open doors to other career opportunities. The work itself can also be a creative outlet, offering the satisfaction of crafting compelling messages that have a direct impact on a business’s success.
The Cons of a Copywriting Side Hustle
A copywriting side hustle comes with its share of challenges. The field is competitive, with many writers vying for the same projects, which can make it difficult for newcomers to land their first few clients. Building a reputation and a portfolio of work takes time and persistence.
Income can also be inconsistent, especially in the beginning. The “feast or famine” cycle is a common experience for freelancers, where periods of high earnings are followed by lulls with little to no work. This unpredictability requires careful financial planning and a consistent effort to market your services to build a steady stream of income.
The work requires a commitment to continuous learning. Marketing trends, search engine algorithms, and consumer preferences are constantly evolving, and copywriters must stay up-to-date to remain effective. Dealing with client feedback and revisions is also a regular part of the job, requiring patience and the ability to accept constructive criticism.
Earning Potential for a Copywriting Side Hustle
The financial rewards for a copywriting side hustle vary widely based on experience, niche, and pricing structure. The three common ways copywriters are paid are per hour, per project, and on a monthly retainer. Many writers use a combination of these depending on the client and the scope of the work.
For those just starting, hourly rates can range from $25 to $50. Intermediate copywriters with a solid portfolio might charge between $50 and $100 per hour, while expert writers can command rates of $100 per hour or more. Project-based pricing is also common, where a flat fee is charged for a specific deliverable, with fees ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand for a comprehensive campaign.
A monthly retainer is often the most stable form of income for a freelance copywriter. This involves a client paying a fixed fee each month for a set amount of work or ongoing services. Retainers can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, and successful freelancers have the potential to earn significantly more than the average staff copywriter salary of around $52,000 per year.
How to Get Started as a Freelance Copywriter
Embarking on a copywriting side hustle begins with a solid foundation and several key steps.
- Learn the fundamentals. A formal degree isn’t necessary, but you must understand persuasive writing. Invest time in online courses, books, and blogs to learn copywriting formulas, such as AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action), and study successful marketing campaigns.
- Choose a niche. To stand out in a competitive market, position yourself as an expert in a specific industry like technology or finance. This allows you to develop specialized knowledge and attract higher-paying clients looking for a writer who understands their industry’s audience.
- Build a portfolio to showcase your skills. If you don’t have professional experience, you can create “spec” ads, which are sample pieces of copy for real or imagined products. You could also offer your services to non-profits for a reduced rate or for free to gain experience.
- Find clients through several avenues. Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be a good starting point, although competition can be fierce. Networking on professional sites like LinkedIn and reaching out to businesses directly through cold emailing are also effective strategies.
Is Copywriting the Right Side Hustle For You
Determining if copywriting is the right side hustle for you requires self-reflection. It demands a genuine enjoyment of the writing and editing process, as the work involves spending significant time alone crafting messages. You must also be self-motivated enough to find your own work and manage your time effectively without the structure of a traditional job.
Finally, you must be able to handle constructive criticism on your writing, as client feedback is an integral part of the job. If the flexibility, creative outlet, and earning potential of copywriting outweigh the challenges of competition and income instability, it can be an incredibly rewarding side hustle.