• CCA Student Sign In

Filthy Rich Writer

The #1 All-in-One Online Copywriting Program

The #1 All-in-One Online Copywriting Training Program

  • What Is Copywriting?
    • What Is Copywriting?
    • Why Copywriting is the BEST Career for Writers
  • Blog
    • Most Popular
    • Mindset & Professional Development
    • Portfolio
    • Business Development
    • Book Recommendations
    • Pitching
    • Copywriting Tips
    • Terms to Know
  • Podcast
    • Build Your Copywriting Business Podcast
    • Latest Episodes
    • Student Stories
  • Copywriting Training
    • Learn About the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy
    • CCA Next Level
  • CCA Reviews
    • CCA Reviews
    • Videos: CCA Student Stories
    • Videos: CCA Student Reviews
    • CCA Student Wins
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • About Nicki Krawczyk
    • Press
  • Copywriting Tools

If I Make So Much Money Writing Copy, Why Am I Teaching Copywriting?

By Nicki Krawczyk 12 Comments

Nicki Krawczyk sitting in an empty conference room.

Usually, I get this question via a Facebook comment on an ad. And, I’d venture to say that it’s not asked in the most, oh, constructive manner. (Which tends to be the way with most Facebook ad comments that come through in the middle of the night…) But it’s come up often enough—and maybe you’ve even wondered it yourself— that I want to be sure to address it now.

The question is, “If you make so much money as a copywriter, why are you teaching copywriting instead?”

First, I want to make one thing abundantly clear—I am NOT teaching copywriting instead of writing copy. I’m still a working copywriter, in the weeds and doing the work, cranking out copy for clients. I’m not teaching instead of writing copy—I’m teaching AND writing copy.

And yes! I make a lot of money as a copywriter. I am a six-figure copywriter. The finances are a little muddier now that I have this business as well and don’t devote 100% of my time to copywriting, but when I am strictly devoted to copywriting, I have no problem hitting 6-figures per year.

Which is great, right? It’s a lot of money! I could very comfortably sit back and just write copy for the rest of my days.

But honestly, I’d feel like I was missing out on something.

How I Got Started in Copywriting

When I first got started with copywriting (20+ years ago!), I had to figure everything out on my own. I did have the benefit of having learned how to write copy from dad, who was a marketing director at the time. But the business side of it? That was tricky. I made a lot of mistakes and I wasted a lot of time and money.

I even got custom-made T-shirts with my name, phone number, email, and services (see the photo for proof—CD-ROMs?!).

Then, later on in my career, I had the opportunity to build a team of copywriters. Some of them had some editorial writing experience and some had just a very, very little bit copywriting experience. So, they were a smart, talented group…but they didn’t know how to write copy.

It was up to me to teach them all of the principles of copywriting—the basic stuff and the advanced stuff—and how to wield it all to craft effective copy. And I discovered that I really loved it.

I loved helping them learn how to do what I already loved to do. And, because I’m realistic and know that no one should stay in any job forever, I also had them build their own portfolio sites and learn how to market themselves as copywriters as part of that training. Basically, I taught them what I wish I could have been taught when I first got started.

Not long after we finished our initial training, I thought, “Well, hey, what if I could do this on a broader scale? What if I could reach more people and help them learn to write copy and build careers—while also helping them avoid all of those dumb (but super common) mistakes I made when I was starting out?”

Why I Created a Comprehensive Online Copywriting Course

The thing is, there weren’t—and there still aren’t—a lot of good resources for people who want to build copywriting careers. Or even for people who want to do it part-time. There are some scammy ones that teach antiquated projects like “online sales letters,” make B.S. promises like, “you’ll make six figures in your first year in your pajamas,” and bank on weird and useless “training techniques” like hand-copying ads. (What??)

And there are other well-meaning programs from young writers who’ve found some success for themselves (yay!) but only know how to teach you how they did it. And, unfortunately, that means directing people into pitfalls those instructors don’t understand and can’t anticipate, and only being able to offer a limited perspective from limited experience.

I’ve been a copywriter for more than 20 years. I’ve worked as a freelancer, on-staff, and as a contractor. I’ve worked for multi-national, multi-billion-dollar companies, I’ve worked for solopreneurs, and I’ve worked for every size business in between. And I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt:

There is a real and true shortage of good, skilled copywriters.

There is a far, far greater need for copywriters than there are copywriters to fill it. Believe me, I couldn’t even BEGIN to create my own competition by training writers—there’s too much opportunity!

Comprehensive Copywriting Academy Logo

There have never before been so many companies in the world and never before have those companies better understood the need for and value of good copy.

Why I Love Working with New and Seasoned Copywriters

I teach copywriting because I find it SO fulfilling to help people create copywriting careers of their own.

Every time one of my students lands a new client or hits a new income goal, I am truly elated.

I can’t imagine it’s an especially good business tactic to sell a course and then hang people out to dry, but I wouldn’t know. I want each and every one of my students to succeed and hit all of their goals and I give them the support and resources to help them get there.

Why do I teach copywriting? Because I love it. I love my students, and I love watching them create successful, fulfilling, great paying careers of their own.

And I still write copy because I love the unique challenge of combining creativity and strategy to write messaging that really connects with people.

So, I’m lucky—I have two careers that I absolutely love. And THAT’S why I do them both. 🙂

Listen to More

Nicki shared more about why she is both a working copywriter and teaching copywriting on the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast. Listen in!

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Hear More About Nicki’s Copywriting Background

On episode 8 of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, we’re turning the tables a bit! Kate is interviewing Nicki about her start in copywriting, the major piece of advice she would have given to herself when she was a brand-new copywriter, and why she created the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy.

Last Updated on October 30, 2024

Filed Under: Mindset & Professional Development, Most Popular Tagged With: copywriting courses

Interested in Copywriting? Get our Free Video Training!

Plus, get on the list for updates, freebies, and more :) 



About Nicki Krawczyk

Nicki is a copywriter, copy coach and the founder of Filthy Rich Writer. She's been writing copy for more than 20 years.

Comments

  1. Nicole Riley says

    March 2, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    I love that you chose to post about this, and I really appreciate your passion for teaching! I have been part of the CCA for a while now and I can tell how much joy it brings you to help others.

    It’s sad that our society often causes us to question someone’s desire to be of service.

    I think the best careers are the ones where you can be creative and contribute to the world in some way, so more power to you finding a way to do both!

    I made the plunge into fulltime freelance last August, after working in early education for the past several years. Now, I just began tutoring reading and writing so I can still return to teaching in some way, as well!

    Reply
    • Nicki Krawczyk says

      March 4, 2020 at 7:25 pm

      Hi Nicole,

      I agree – when we can have the best of both worlds, why shouldn’t we do it?? And I’m so happy for you that you can combine teaching and copywriting, too! 🙂

      Thanks for commenting!
      Nicki

      Reply
      • Michelle says

        December 26, 2020 at 4:40 am

        How did you use your early teaching experience in copywriting? Interested as I am an early childhood teacher but getting older in a physically demanding career.

        Reply
        • Nicki Krawczyk says

          December 31, 2020 at 2:26 pm

          Hi Michelle,

          I don’t actually have a teaching background myself; it’s something I’ve discovered I enjoy and a skill I’ve developed over the years. That said, though, we actually have a lot of current and former teachers in our student group. I think a teaching background makes them especially good at learning themselves, as well as working with their clients to uncover strategies and messages they might not even know are important. (Among many other things.) 🙂

          Thanks for commenting!
          Nicki

          Reply
  2. Skip Roos says

    March 3, 2020 at 8:33 pm

    When I was active in surgery, I also taught. Taught complex laparoscopic procedures, taught colleagues, medical students, gave some community lectures, mentored family practice residents, taught my scrub nurse how to suture skin and she became anyone’s equal..

    When we mentor and teach we develop greater clarity, understanding the techniques, the reasons why to a greater depth and the why-for’s. If it weren’t for long ago gone surgeons & instructors over the last 250 years allowing us to stand on their shoulders and look yonder, how would we evolve?

    I’m happy you teach. I’ve fallen behind, must prioritize; however, you always provide pearls while uplifting all of us. I listened to 3 other course offerings, they markedly contrasted. I always learn, plucking fresh ideas from your monthly sessions and can’t wait to finally create a website and receive professional feedback.

    Teaching brought me more awareness, understanding and was always rewarding, we are always learning. It’s even more challenging being a good teacher/mentor/instructor.

    Reply
    • Nicki Krawczyk says

      March 4, 2020 at 7:31 pm

      Hi Skip,

      Thanks for the insight – and I agree, teach helps make us all better and keeps us sharp! Learning never stops for any of us. 🙂

      Thanks for commenting!
      Nicki

      Reply
  3. David Gaines says

    March 7, 2020 at 2:15 am

    Gary Halbert recommends writing copy by hand to his son in the Boron Letters. I am VERY confused about the so-called scam artists who teach this technique? You say this is NOT a fundamental way to learn copy? This would be the first time I’ve ever heard this claim.

    Reply
    • Nicki Krawczyk says

      March 7, 2020 at 10:45 am

      Hi David,

      No, it’s really not a valid way to learn copywriting. I mean, what would you actually be learning by hand-copying something? You wouldn’t learn how to write a novel by hand-copying War and Peace, right? Just like with anything else you want to learn, you need to learn the principles of copywriting and then you need to practice them. While reading and analyzing copy that’s out in the world is useful and a practice I recommend, hand-copying ads definitely isn’t.

      Thanks for commenting,
      Nicki

      Reply
  4. Ferran Gomez says

    April 8, 2020 at 6:54 am

    The benefits of hand-writing copy is based in a principle called “Structural priming”. There’s a lot of scientific literature about the topic.

    It works and that’s why some of the greatest copywriters recommend this exercicise.

    Take care,

    Ferran

    Reply
    • Nicki Krawczyk says

      April 10, 2020 at 11:53 am

      Hi Ferran,

      We’ll have to agree to disagree. I’m familiar with the concept of structural priming, but learning sentence structure isn’t a very big concern when it comes to effective copywriting. Instead, students should be learning to analyze the copy they come across according to principles they learn so that they can more effectively create copy of their own.

      Thanks,
      Nicki

      Reply
  5. Craig says

    March 20, 2024 at 8:09 pm

    I look forward to the day I can do this course. I have been copywriting for nearly 7 years now but need to increase my income. Currently, I average about 25 assignments per month, which gives me roughly $1,400 to $1,700. I would love to increase that so that I can help provide for my family., but because I am not earning much, it’s taking me forever to raise the money for the course.

    With any luck, I should be able to sign up toward the end of 2025. I hope your prices stay steady!

    Wishing all the best to everyone who is currently enrolled.

    Reply
    • Kate Sitarz says

      March 22, 2024 at 10:50 am

      Oh wow, Craig! 25 assignments/month earning $1,400-$1,700 sounds like a recipe for burnout. Good for you for doing it to this point, but this certainly sounds like a situation of you being underpaid! Are you on Upwork or Fiverr? If that’s the case, our recommendation would be to ditch these platforms ASAP! You may find this post helpful on pitching: https://filthyrichwriter.com/5-ways-to-vastly-improve-your-pitches-to-would-be-copywriting-clients/ This post may help, too (even though you have TONS of experience, some of the pointers may give you a new way to approach your work): https://filthyrichwriter.com/how-do-you-land-your-first-copywriting-clients-without-experience-or-samples/

      Keep us posted and we hope to see you in the course one day soon!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Click here to subscribe

Break Into Copywriting

Sign up to get our FREE video training, special resources, and more!



Click here to subscribe

Comprehensive Copywriting Academy

Join the copywriting training program that's helping people just like you build successful copywriting careers!

Learn more
Comprehensive Copywriting Academy from Filthy Rich Writer

Portfolio Tips

  • Nicki Krawczyk, founder of Filthy Rich Writer and the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast
    Ep. 43: 4 Biggest Copywriter Portfolio Mistakes
  • Home office with desktop computer, tablet, and a mobile
    3 Copywriter Portfolio Examples That Wow Clients
  • Nicki Krawczyk, founder of Filthy Rich Writer and the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast
    Ep. 22: Why Every Copywriter MUST Have an Online Portfolio

Top Resources

  • What is Copywriting?
  • How Much Do Copywriters Actually Make?
  • Is Copywriting Hard to Get Into?
  • Why Copywriting Certificates Are B-S
  • How Soon Can You Make Money as a Copywriter?
  • What Does a Copywriter Actually Do?
  • Copywriting vs. Copyediting: What's the Difference?
  • Avoid the Copywriting Niche Trap
  • Upwork is NOT the Path to Copywriting Success
  • Getting Started in the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy

Recent Articles

  • Nicki and Kate sit at a table with podcast recording microphones, notebooks, and Filthy Rich Writer mugs, with the words "Build Your Copywriting Business" above them.
    Episode 227: How Do I Write an About Page? [Copywriting Tips]
  • Nicki and Kate sit at a table with podcast recording microphones, notebooks, and Filthy Rich Writer mugs, with the words "Build Your Copywriting Business" above them.
    Episode 225: What Jobs Can I Do As a Copywriter?
  • Nicki and Kate sit at a table with podcast recording microphones, notebooks, and Filthy Rich Writer mugs, with the words "Build Your Copywriting Business" above them.
    Episode 223: If Not Now, When? A Deep Dive Into Decision Making
  • Nicki and Kate sit at a table with podcast recording microphones, notebooks, and Filthy Rich Writer mugs, with the words "Build Your Copywriting Business" above them.
    Episode 221: “I Don’t Want To!” Tactics for Completing Un-Fun Tasks
  • Nicki and Kate sit at a table with podcast recording microphones, notebooks, and Filthy Rich Writer mugs, with the words "Build Your Copywriting Business" above them.
    Episode 220: How to Have Uncomfortable Client and Work Conversations
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn

Copyright © 2025 Filthy Rich Writer | Contact Us | FAQs |About Us | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy| Business Affiliates

Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}