How to Make Money Copywriting in 10 Steps

Did you know that experienced copywriters can earn well over $100,000 annually while working from anywhere in the world?

It’s true, and the best part is that you don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience to get started.

Whether you’re looking to escape the 9-to-5 grind or start a profitable side hustle, copywriting offers an incredible opportunity to earn while doing something creative and impactful.

In this article, I’ll walk you through 10 actionable steps to kickstart your journey as a successful copywriter—even if you’re starting with zero experience.

#1 Understand What Copywriting Is

At its core, copywriting is the art and science of writing words that sell.

It’s the text you see in advertisements, email campaigns, social media posts, and sales pages—all designed to persuade readers to take action.

Every business, from small local shops to Fortune 500 companies, needs compelling copy to connect with their audience and drive sales.

This universal demand makes copywriting an incredibly lucrative skill to master.

#2 Learn the Fundamentals

Success in copywriting starts with understanding the psychological principles that make people take action.

The AIDA formula—Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action—is your new best friend.

First, grab attention with a compelling headline.

Then, spark interest by addressing your reader’s pain points.

Next, create desire by presenting your solution, and finally, prompt action with a clear call-to-action.

Classic books like “The Boron Letters” and “Ogilvy on Advertising” are essential reads that will help you master these principles.

Modern copywriting also requires a solid understanding of SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Knowing how to incorporate keywords naturally while maintaining engaging prose will make you invaluable to clients who want their content to rank well in search results.

#3: Build and Hone Your Writing Skills

The secret to becoming a great copywriter isn’t talent—it’s practice.

Make writing a daily habit, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Study successful advertising campaigns and try rewriting them in your own words.

Pay attention to the copy you encounter in your daily life, from Instagram ads to email newsletters.

What makes some messages compelling while others fall flat? Keep a swipe file of effective copy that you can reference for inspiration.

#4 Create Your Portfolio

You might be wondering how to build a portfolio without any clients.

The answer? Create spec work.

Pick three to five brands you admire and write sample copy for them.

This could be a landing page, email sequence, or social media campaign.

Consider offering free or heavily discounted work to local businesses or non-profits—you’ll gain real-world experience while building your portfolio.

Package these pieces professionally on a simple website or platform like Notion or LinkedIn.

#5 Find Your First Clients

Landing your first clients doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Start by creating profiles on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, where many businesses look for copywriters.

When crafting your pitch, focus on how you can solve their specific problems rather than just listing your skills.

Don’t overlook your existing network—announce your new venture on LinkedIn and let friends and former colleagues know you’re available for copywriting work.

#6 Define Your Services and Set Prices

Pricing is often the trickiest part for new copywriters.

While it’s tempting to charge rock-bottom rates to win clients, this can actually make you appear less professional.

Research market rates and start at the lower end of average, then increase your prices as you gain experience and positive reviews.

Consider offering package deals for related services, like a bundle of social media posts with a matching email sequence. Remember: your time and expertise are valuable.

#7 Market Yourself

In the world of copywriting, you are your own best advertisement.

Create content that showcases your expertise—write LinkedIn articles about copywriting tips, share insights on Twitter, or start a blog about marketing and writing.

Collect and display testimonials from satisfied clients.

Build an email list where you share valuable writing and marketing tips.

Your own marketing efforts serve double duty: they attract clients while demonstrating your copywriting skills in action.

#8: Continuously Improve Your Skills

The best copywriters never stop learning.

After each project, ask clients for specific feedback about what worked and what could be improved.

Track the performance of your copy whenever possible—metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates are gold for your portfolio.

Stay current with industry trends by following leading copywriters and marketing blogs, and invest in courses or workshops that will expand your skill set.

#9: Scale Your Business

As you gain confidence and clients, consider specializing in a specific industry or type of copy.

Niching down often leads to higher rates because clients value expertise in their field.

For instance, you might focus on writing copy for SaaS companies or craft email campaigns for e-commerce brands.

Look for opportunities to create systems that will help you work more efficiently, like templates for common projects or partnerships with complementary service providers.

#10: Build Long-Term Success

The most successful copywriters think beyond one-off projects.

Build strong relationships with your clients by consistently delivering quality work and meeting deadlines.

Look for opportunities to provide additional value—could you offer content strategy services or help with brand messaging?

Consider creating digital products like templates or courses that can generate passive income while you sleep.

Copywriting isn’t just a skill—it’s your ticket to financial freedom and creative fulfillment.

The path to success is clear. Start with the fundamentals, practice consistently, build a strong portfolio, and never stop improving.

The best part? You can start today, right where you are, with the resources you already have.

Remember, every successful copywriter started exactly where you are now.

The only difference between them and everyone else is that they took action.

So, what are you waiting for? Take that first step today, and you’ll be amazed at where you might be a year from now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need formal training to become a copywriter?

No, while courses can be helpful, many successful copywriters are self-taught through practice and studying great copy.

How much can I earn as a beginner?

Most new copywriters start at $30-50 per hour or equivalent project rates, with potential to increase significantly with experience.

How long until I can make this my full-time career?

While everyone’s journey is different, many copywriters transition to full-time work within 6-12 months of consistent effort.

Recommended Resources

Some excellent tools to get you started include Grammarly for editing, Hemingway App for clarity, and CopyHackers for advanced training.

Join communities like The Copywriter Club on Facebook to connect with fellow writers and find job opportunities.

Ready to take the first step toward your copywriting career? Start by studying successful copy in your industry and creating your first spec pieces. The world of professional copywriting awaits!