This article is designed to help you get on the right path toward launching your very own copywriting side hustle. From understanding the basics of copywriting to creating a business plan and finding clients
From TikTok to blogs to your cousin’s sketchy MLM, looking at all the ways people try to get you into their side hustle can feel like looking out at a wild and treacherous ocean with no way to cross. However, with the global gig economy growing to $455 billion this year, many of us are finding the siren’s call enticing.
So what side hustle is the best way to get you across these uncharted waters? With its flexibility, tremendous room for growth, and relatively low barrier to entry, copywriting checks off all the boxes for a sea-worthy vessel.
Copywriting is an exciting and rewarding career path that can be done from anywhere with an internet connection. With a bit of hard work, dedication, and creativity, your copywriting skills could take you places you've never imagined before.
Starting any new venture can feel daunting at first, especially if it involves working for yourself. But copywriting doesn't have to be intimidating or overwhelming. In fact, when done right, it can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience.
This article is designed to help you get on the right path toward launching your very own copywriting side hustle. From understanding the basics of copywriting to creating a business plan and finding clients, this guide will provide all the information you need to embark on your new career journey. Let’s set sail!
What Even Is Copywriting?
Copywriting is the art of writing persuasive and impactful copy for advertising and marketing materials. A good copywriter can turn a simple product pitch into something that will capture their reader's attention, make them feel something, and ultimately encourage them to take action.
Copywriters often write for websites, brochures, emails, ads, and more. Businesses hire copywriters to create content that will drive sales and promote their products or services.
A good copywriter focuses on being persuasive as opposed to informative because their ultimate goal is to make a sale. They need to understand the needs of their target audience and write in a way that speaks directly to those people.
In other words: A copywriter will talk to her audience in their own language and convince them that she knows how to solve their problems. It takes a lot more than writing a good college essay. You need an understanding of human psychology, tone of voice, and — to be honest — faking it till you make it.
There are different types of copywriting to explore, including:
Conversion Copywriting
Conversion copywriting is key to creating content that resonates with readers and encourages them to take action. It allows you to speak directly to potential customers, build trust, and address their needs.
The term ‘conversion copywriting’ was popularized by Joanna Weiebe of Copyhackers and appealed especially to brands within the SaaS (software as a service), tech and e-commerce spaces.
This type of copywriting focuses on crafting persuasive messages that make people want to act – whether it’s signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase.
Brand Copywriting
Brand copywriting helps businesses build their reputation and stand out from the crowd. Through this type of writing, you can create an emotional connection between the reader and the company by crafting compelling stories that capture the spirit and values of a particular brand.
You can communicate why customers should choose them over their competitors by doing so. Your efforts will help businesses increase sales as well as build trust among potential customers – all while helping you establish yourself as a successful copywriter!
SEO Copywriting
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) copywriting involves creating content that will rank well in search engine results pages (SERPs). It involves using specific keywords throughout your content, so it's important to understand how Google works and what kind of keywords people are searching for.
With the right knowledge and practice, you can become an expert at optimizing your content for maximum visibility online. The best part is that the more you write, the better you'll get at creating SEO-friendly content. Don't be afraid to start out small and work your way up from there!
Direct Response Copywriting
Direct response writing is designed to grab attention and prompt readers to take action, whether it's making a purchase, signing up for an email list, or following through with any other desired outcome. It should be written in an engaging way that encourages readers to click on the call-to-action (CTA).
The definition of ‘direct response’ copywriting overlaps quite a bit with conversion copywriting. Although a direct response copywriter will typically (but not always) focus on writing long-form sales pages and emails to sell products within niches like fitness, finance, internet marketing and others.
Crafting effective direct-response copywriting takes skill and practice. However, if you have a knack for writing persuasive words that are clear and concise, this type of copywriting can be incredibly rewarding!
The Pros and Cons of Copywriting as a Side Hustle
Like any endeavor, it’s important to know what you’re committing to before you start down the copywriting path. From the outside, it may appear that it’s all working from the beach and writing about things you’re passionate about, but there’s a bit more to it than that.
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion:
Even with the possible drawbacks of being a copywriter, it’s still a flexible and rewarding side hustle. In my own experience, being able to say yes to things because I can set my own schedule has been an incredible blessing. I also love the opportunity to learn new things every day. If that sounds worth it to you, you’re in the right place!
A Copywriting Side Hustle May Be a Good Fit For You If...
You Have Previous Writing Experience
I started copywriting because I wanted to put my love of words to use. I had written lots of theatre scripts, participated in National Novel Writing Month, and even worked as a junior reporter at my local paper, but I always considered writing more of a hobby.
If you have a passion for the written word, copywriting is a great way to use that passion to make some money. If you’ve previously written articles or blog posts, this could be a great way to get started.
Previous experience with writing will also help you to stand out with your copy as you will have an understanding of flow, tone of voice, and what makes a compelling story. If you already know who you are as a writer, you will better understand how you can become what companies need.
You Can Handle Multiple Projects
As an independent contractor, you’ll get to use your organizational and time management skills to the max. By managing different clients and projects simultaneously, you can flex your multitasking muscles in a way that will bring out the best in your work.
This is only exemplified when your copywriting is a side hustle, as it requires you to keep track of all your projects as well as other commitments.
You'll be able to stay on top of deadlines while getting great satisfaction from keeping all those plates spinning! If this sounds like a challenge you’d love to take up, copywriting could be just right for you.
You’re Comfortable Networking
If you're looking to become a copywriter, networking is essential. It's important to reach out and make yourself known to potential clients and promote your services.
If you're someone who enjoys being social and making connections, then this work is perfect for you! You'll be able to use your natural sociability when it comes to building relationships with clients. So don't be afraid of getting out there and show off your skills.
You're Interested in Human Behaviour
Copywriting is an incredibly rewarding profession that requires empathy and insight into human behaviour. It takes more than just a love of words to be successful in this field; you need to understand people's motivations, desires, and needs.
To do so effectively, it helps to have an interest in psychology - understanding how we make decisions, why certain things appeal to us, and what triggers our emotions. With the right combination of skill and knowledge, you can use copywriting as a powerful tool for connecting with your audience on a personal level.
You Enjoy Learning
Copywriting involves a lot of learning, as it requires you to stay up-to-date with current trends in order for your writing to remain relevant. This means that you need to be prepared to do a lot of research and constantly update your skills through courses and copywriting exercises.
To make the most out of copywriting, it's also important to understand how different types of media can be used for marketing purposes and how to craft messages that will resonate with people. The more you learn about this field, the better equipped you'll be for success.
You will be writing for a variety of clients, sometimes about things you aren’t well versed at. When I started copywriting, I suddenly had to become an expert on biohacking, disruptive innovation, and cryptocurrency.
If you’re up to the challenge and excited to learn about all sorts of things, this is the perfect side hustle for you.
How To Launch A Copywriting Side Hustle in 5 Steps
1
Learn Copywriting Basics
If you're interested in copywriting, it's important to get a firm grasp on the fundamentals. Picture yourself as a captain of a ship ready to embark on an exciting voyage. The first step is gathering all the necessary supplies and knowledge before setting sail.
Reading books about copywriting and taking courses will help ensure you have everything you need for smooth sailing in this powerful, persuasive style. If your interests lie more with branding and messaging strategy, consider studying social psychology as well to add even more resources to your toolkit.
Having these materials handy will be a great asset in navigating the waters of copywriting. A good place to start is by trying out this free step-by-step guide to homepage copywriting. Other great resources include:
2
Pick a Niche or Specialty (As a Starting Point)
When starting out as a copywriter, it can be helpful to pick a niche that you know a lot about and have credibility in. You can focus on a particular industry, such as health and fitness or technology, or hone in on specific types of copywriting, like email campaigns or landing pages.
Eventually, you'll be able to expand, but this is a great way to get momentum. When Dustin Walker, owner of CopyGuide, first started his career as a copywriter, he was focused on the travel industry because of his experience as a travel writer and blogger. But after some time in the field and plenty of research into emerging trends, he decided to switch gears and specialize in writing about technology.
“Don’t be afraid to change how you position yourself when first starting out,” said. Walker. “As you gain more experience and develop more connections, it’ll become easier to figure out what type of clients to focus on.”
If you're looking for a new challenge or simply want to switch up your niche, don't be afraid! With enough research and dedication to honing your craft, there are plenty of opportunities out there for a change.
3
Gain Some Experience
There are lots of ways to start getting experience. Finding the right one for you will depend on your interests, commitments, and previous writing experience.
Start a Blog:
Starting a blog can be an excellent way to get the experience and practice you need to refine your skills. You'll have the opportunity to write pieces that demonstrate your ability while also getting the chance to develop compelling copy.
Plus, having a blog will make it easier for potential clients to find you and take notice of your services. If you focus your posts on the niche you’re hoping to fill, you might be able to start producing organic leads.
Make sure your blog posts are professional and show off your ability to pull in the reader. Write about things that interest you, and do your best to form a connection with your audience. You’ll be on your way to having an actionable portfolio in no time.
Find Freelance Work:
If you're looking to develop your skills as a copywriter and make some money while doing it, consider taking on freelance work through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. This may not be a long-term source of income — these websites tend to attract a lot of ‘budget’ clients — but it is a quick way to build up a portfolio.
Join Social Media:
It may seem a little out of the ordinary, but social media can be a great place to start working on your craft.
Having a Twitter account is a great way to hone your writing skills and make sure that you are communicating precisely, concisely, and with impact. Its character limit helps you get to the point quickly, training you to be an even better copywriter.
Websites like Quora offer an opportunity for people to answer questions in their own words - allowing you to practice your writing while also potentially developing a following. These answers can operate as full articles on their own, and you'll get feedback from people about how successful your copy was.
Facebook is another great platform on which you can write interesting posts that will be responded to by users, giving you valuable insights into what resonates with people!
Join a Freelance Writing Agency or Apply For an Internship:
If you're looking to gain experience in a more structured setting, consider joining a freelance writing agency or applying for an internship. This can help provide you with the guidance and support needed to become a successful copywriter.
Some agencies will have a membership fee or take a percentage of your sales, so this might not be the best choice long term. However, getting the experience and feedback in a controlled environment can be invaluable, especially if you haven’t written much before.
Volunteer Your Time:
When I first got interested in copywriting, I looked around at the people and organizations in my life that might need some targeted words written for them. Many of my acting friends were working on their personal websites and had no clue how to write a landing page or any interesting copy.
They were absolutely thrilled to have me offer up my writing skills, and it allowed me the chance to try out different things and see what works. Since I was volunteering my time, there was no skin off their back if they didn’t like the copy and decided not to use it.
Ultimately, I was able to offer the same service to the school I was going to. In the end, I had multiple websites with my writing featured, and I learned a lot in the process.
Think about the people in your life that might benefit from some copy, or look into local charities that could have an updated website. The kids' theatre troupe down the block or your brother-in-law’s car dealership aren’t likely to turn down your skills.
4
Create a Portfolio
As you gain experience, it's important to build a portfolio that showcases your work. This will help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your writing abilities. Setting up a website is a vital step in this process, as it not only shows off the work you've done but also acts as a piece of copy on its own.
You can include testimonials from clients, samples of your work, and other relevant information. Eventually, you'll want to show quantifiable results to set yourself apart.
For example, how many conversions did you make for a client? Did you help them increase website traffic or reduce the bounce rate? These metrics will demonstrate your skill set and show potential clients that you can get tangible results.
Remember, first impressions are everything. Make sure that potential clients can see your writing style, the businesses you’ve worked with, and who you are as a person. With a clear value proposition to let them know what you do and a short and quippy about me page, you can get them hooked enough to read your work.
5
Build Your Reputation as a Copywriter
Once you get your boat on the sea, the world is your oyster. The ultimate trajectory that your copywriting career can take is a huge topic that is largely dependent on what you hope to accomplish.
You need to be clear about what exactly your goals are. Discover for yourself if you truly want to go full-time as a freelancer or if having it as a side hustle is enough for you. Maybe you want to work towards building an agency or even take an in-house position.
You can start to meet like-minded individuals and show off your skills by attending events and conferences related to copywriting. There you can network with potential clients or employers. Leveraging social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram helps get the word out about what you have to offer.
Whatever you decide to do, know that it’s in your hands. The most frightening and exciting part of copywriting is that you are the captain of your own ship, and if you want to travel the world or stay close to the port, it’s all on you and the effort you’re willing to put into it.
The Bottom Line
Starting a copywriting side hustle may seem daunting, but with the right steps in place, it's entirely doable. It's like sailing on an uncharted sea - sure, there might be unknowns ahead, but with a good plan of action and determination, you'll be able to reach your destination.
So, find your niche, get some experience, and start writing. With every article you write, your skills and confidence will grow - then you'll be able to ride the waves of success as you journey towards achieving your goals.