How much can a copywriter really earn? Nicki and Kate are asked this question all. the. time. “Writing jobs don’t pay well” is something nearly everyone has heard whether they have been interested in the field or not. Nicki and Kate break down the myths about writing careers when it comes to freelance copywriting and, with a little quick math, show that it is far from impossible if you are willing to put in the work.
In this episode, Nicki and Kate explain the ins and outs of copywriting income both freelance and on-staff and they go into detail about defining your goals to really command control of your income.
TUNE IN: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Looking for closed captioning or a transcript? Check out the episode on YouTube!
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[1:20] Spoiler alert: it is completely possible to make 6 figures as a copywriter. Nicki asks Kate why she thinks it’s hard for people to believe that a writing job could pay so well. Kate says that too many people subscribe to the belief that writing doesn’t pay, they don’t know about copywriting.
[3:30] Nicki explains how you can have the best product in the world but without the right messaging, it won’t sell. And even on the flip side, the right messaging can sell just about anything.
[5:50] Nicki goes through the math for making 6 figures with doing 5–6 $1,500 projects a month. It is incredibly doable if you are willing to put in the work.
[8:00] Nicki and Kate talk about how making your desired income is very personal. It is a balance between the amount of money you want to make and the amount of work you want to do and freelancing gives you control of the dial.
[10:30] Half a million is a tough but manageable goal but 7 figures just doing projects is close to impossible, not because there aren’t enough clients but it would be incredibly hard to find the time to do 7 figures worth of projects.
[11:45] While 6 figures is doable, Nicki and Kate explain that you can’t go from 0–100 with your freelance career. You have to build and outline steps and write out and review goals.
[14:15] Nicki and Kate talk about SMART goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Making sure your goals fit all of these attributes will help you propel your business forward.
[16:45] Nicki explains how it is possible to make 6 figures as an on-staff copywriter but it will be a far slower process than working as a freelance copywriter because as a freelancer you are in control of your income.
[19:00] There is a lot to consider when thinking of freelancing vs. being on-staff as a copywriter. Nicki and Kate discuss some of the pros and cons of both.
[20:30] Nicki and Kate emphasize that it is really up to you what you want your career to look like!
[21:30] Remember, nobody is going to be a great copywriter without proper training. There are many more opportunities for clients than there are skilled copywriters to do the work.
Related Links
- How Soon Will I Make Money as a Copywriter?
- Should a Money Mindset Matter to Copywriters?
- For Love or Money
- The Subtle Shift That Will Double Your Copywriting Business Income
Get an *Exclusive* Bonus Recording!
Tell us what you love about the podcast and what you hope to hear next! When you do, you can get access to an exclusive bonus recording featuring five wildly successful entrepreneurs who share what they do (and don’t!) look for when hiring copywriters. You do not want to miss it!
Get all the details on how to get your recording here »
About the Build Your Business Podcast
Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?
Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 20+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.
See Previous Episode
Ep. 24: Freelancing During the Covid-19 Pandemic – Stuart’s Story
Last Updated on September 10, 2023
