The Numbers Behind Making 100K as a Freelancer In a Year

Boy, how sweet would this be, right? Well, to be completely honest with you, it’s not all that far outside the realm of possibility. In fact, it’s not outside of it at all—it’s totally doable. 

Many copywriters—regardless of experience, mind you—are able to bring in well over $100,000 in any given year. Yes, they’re hardworking writers, but many of them are only as skilled, if not less skilled, as you and me.

Make Earning Money a Focus

So, what sort of black magic are all top-tier copywriters working with that you’re missing out on? Well, for starters, they understand the concrete numbers behind making $100,000 an annual occurrence. 

If you’re going to pull this kind of coin on a regular basis, the first thing you need to do is make money a real focus. 

Now, this doesn’t mean that your wife and children need to wander the streets both naked and afraid while you trap yourself in your home office, slaving away at project after project. But, you will need to understand the numeric stepping stones that lead to making awesome money.

The Numbers

For starters, don’t focus on the totality of the year; instead, look at what sum of cash is to be made each and every day. Assuming you work 8-hour days, 5 days a week for 50 weeks, this means you’ll have to nab roughly $400 a day.

Seems fairly doable, right?

Basic math provides more detail: if $400 are to be made each week, by the end of said week, you’ll need to have brought in $2,000.

Save yourself the headache—that’s 9,000 bones come the end of the month. Simply put, to ensure this happens, dedicate your time only to the kinds of projects that pay the most money.

Proofreading and article generation are great projects, but you’ll need to focus on ghostwriting e-books, fundraising letters, speeches, annual reports and web copy if you’re to ensure this comes about.

Lastly, remember that you’re not going to make $400 every day. The work of a freelance copywriter is sporadic and involves activities other than writing. 

Realistically, maybe you’ll need to take a day or two to promote yourself and do a bit of digital marketing.

You’re the One In Charge

Just remember the specifics of what needs to take place on a more micro scale and hold yourself accountable. If you spend two days networking and bringing new projects onboard, that third day, your earnings should total $1,200. 

Conduct every work-related activity with this in mind. Though more money can always be made, time is your most precious commodity and can’t be taken for granted.

Alright, I’ve presented my findings—what do you think? With the numbers in place, is it really possible for mediocre copywriters to bring in six figures in one calendar year? Voice your take on the matter in the comments section below.

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Lucas Miller is the Founder of Echelon Copy. When not writing, editing or running, he's working tirelessly to perfect what he claims is the "World's Greatest Pompadour." Additionally, for what it's worth, his editorial works have been featured on Social Media Today, Business2Community, Ragan's PR Daily, Spin Sucks and many other top-tier PR publications.

How to Quickly and Effectively Delve Into Different Content Niches as a Copywriter

Journalists write articles. Authors write books. Screenwriters write screenplays. And copywriters? Well, they do a bit of everything, to be honest. That’s one of the greatest things about copywriting.

While the thought of sitting in a chair and typing all day at a desk might be enough to cause bored high school students to gouge their own eyes out with a hot fire iron, copywriters find joy in doing just that. 

It’s a weird feeling, but it’s a blast.

Copywriters Sometimes Need a Change of Pace

Listen, I’m not saying that copywriters don’t get tired of writing, it’s just that for them, it’s more of a passion than anything else. How can this be? Yeah, they’re good at it, so it’s more enjoyable, but there’s something to be said for the numerous types of copy that they tackle on a daily basis. 

This helps mix things up a bit. 

So, what should be done if you’re a copywriter who’s specialty is found in article generation and blogging and you’re looking to branch out and expand your editorial skill set? Whatever you do, don’t fret. 

In fact, this isn’t all that hard at all.

How to Branch Out With Your Copywriting Projects

If you can write well, you’re well-equipped to expand your various production niches. To make this happen, and get paid while you’re doing it, it’s best to find yourself some entry-level work on any one of the Internet’s best freelancer website. 

While sites like Toptal are great for nabbing work, honestly, the competition might be a bit advanced for someone who’s looking to try out something new. Instead, opt for sites like Upwork or Freelancer to get things started. 

Just for the sake of an example, let’s say that you’re looking to get into the production of email marketing campaigns and, after looking for some low-lying work on Upwork, you finally win a gig producing a series of emails for a small business.

More than likely, you’ll be a bit nervous. Sure, you’re working with a smaller client and there’s not much pressure on the line, but—as a good copywriter—you don’t make a point of disappointing paying customers.

How to Learn to Produce New and Exciting Content Types

Here’s the secret—are you ready? 

The solution to this problem is found in a painfully simple way: Google. 

Yup, the very method you need to expand your circle of influence as a copywriter is the same as the one you’d use to find out whether or not babies are born without kneecaps. 

Continuing with the example we’ve already established, if in need of some real help, simply google something along the lines of “how to write a marketing email.” 

Generally speaking, there’s a template for most copy types—marketing emails are no different. 

Read through some examples and find a few you like. Read through them four or five times and, honing in on what you’ve been asked to do by your client, follow the same outline as the examples you’ve chosen to work with. 

This isn’t plagiarism or anything similar, it’s being smart and expanding your copywriting abilities. If in fact you really know how to write well, while somewhat uncomfortable, the end product should satisfy exactly what you’re client was wanting all along.

Practice Until You’re Ready for Some Big-Money Projects

As is the case with just about anything in life, practice makes perfect. Continue to work smaller, more basic jobs and, in time, the portfolio samples you’ll have accumulated will be well worth the horrible money you made churning them out. 

The best part? 

This doesn’t only work with email marketing, it can also do wonders for brochure writing, sales letters, landing pages and a host of other content types. 

Ya see, copywriting—though a worthwhile skill in its own right—isn’t rocket science. The tricks of the trade are always changing, but the psychology behind all of it isn’t. 

It’s public knowledge, and because it’s public knowledge, it’s easy to find. Do your due diligence and you can write just about anything and make money doing it.

What do you think? Is there more to it than just hopping on Google and doing a few quick searches for copywriting expertise? Whatever your take on the matter, make your thoughts and feelings known in the comments section below.

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Lucas Miller is the Founder of Echelon Copy. When not writing, editing or running, he's working tirelessly to perfect what he claims is the "World's Greatest Pompadour." Additionally, for what it's worth, his editorial works have been featured on Social Media Today, Business2Community, Ragan's PR Daily, Spin Sucks and many other top-tier PR publications.

How to Successfully Network With Other Industry-Leading Copywriters

Copywriters needn’t only network with potential clients. In fact, it’s in their best interest to interact with other copywriters. 

Maybe I’m way out in left field with this one, but in my mind at least, copywriting is almost more of a trade than a field of academia. Hence, the importance of mingling with other copywriters. 

Ya know, like a shoe cobbler or a blacksmith. I’m only 25 years old, but I imagine that back in the day, when a young man wanted to become a blacksmith, he spent some time learning about the trade from an older, more experienced blacksmith. 

In my head, at least, copywriting is somewhat similar. It’s not a trade in the way that young people go to technical school to become welders or refrigerator repairmen, but the basic principles are the same.

Copywriting is a craft. Copywriting requires a certain set of skills. Copywriting is best learned through experience. 

Isn’t that how trades work, kind of? 

Heck, our bunch of professionals doesn’t even come from a single college major. If you can write, self-start, are generally likable and can research the heck out of just about any topic, you’ve got a career waiting for you as a copywriter. 

However, as is the cased with just about anything in life, if there’s easy money to be made, there’s some sort of catch. 

With copywriting, it’s the difficulty of creating powerful prose. This is where interacting with seasoned copywriters comes into play. 

Simply put, if you want your copywriting career to become all that it can be, you need to be picking up as many tricks of the trade as possible from those who know more than you do. 

How is this to be done? Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Develop a Relationship On Twitter

I’m a huge fan of Twitter. When I’m working, I’ve always got it open on my laptop. 

Sure, this is probably a bit of a distraction, but I feel like having my Twitter feed open at all times keeps me informed as to what’s taking place in the world of advertising, public relations and social media marketing. 

I mean, ours is an ever-changing industry, so it’s important to constantly be on the lookout for new information. 

Additionally, through Twitter, I’ve been able to connect with numerous copywriters. These are men and women who have years of experience in the industry and are willing to share their knowledge with those who are going to listen intently and put it into practice.

Don’t believe me? Hop on Twitter and interact with the likes of Danny Margulies, Ray Edwards and Ryan Healy. You’ll see what I’m talking about.

LinkedIn’s Search Feature

LinkedIn is the Internet’s largest professional networking site. As such, you’ve got to be a part of it if you want to be networking. 

Makes sense, right? 

While it is important that you put your best foot forward with your LinkedIn profile, what’s quite possibly even more essential is that you focus on connecting with other copywriters using the site’s search feature. 

Connect with them and reach out from time to time. Though somewhat uncomfortable initially, this isn’t a taboo practice on LinkedIn. Countless professionals do it. Well, at least the smart ones do.

Give the Warrior Forum a Try

Ever heard of the Warrior Forum? If you haven’t, it’s time to bust out the ol’ laptop and get cracking. The Warrior Forum is arguably the finest digital marketing forum on the World Wide Web.

There are gobs of copywriters hanging out on there. 

Also, Digital Point forum is pretty solid. Either way, you’re going to want to bring your bring A-game. While most copywriters are more than willing to offer some help, others are intent on making newcomers to the community feel as awkward as possible. 

That said, this shouldn’t stop you. A bit of digital hazing is well worth it when the light at the end of the tunnel has Bob Bly telling you about the ins and outs of how he quickly became one of the wealthiest copywriters to have ever lived.

Simply Reach Out and Ask

It’s so simple, yet nobody actually does it. If you happen to learn of a copywriter and you think to yourself, “This guy has something about him that I admire. I want to learn more,” reach out and introduce yourself. 

These days, with everyone’s information being made public on the Internet, it’s easy to find an email address, Twitter handle or even a phone number. Be genuine, humble and flexible and do what few are brave enough to even consider—ask for help. 

Worst case scenario, a copywriter refers you to his or her e-book and calls it a day. I’ve had this happen and, shockingly, the world didn’t end.

More often than not, however, I’ve been met with positive feedback.

Now, let’s turn the tables for a moment—what methods have you used to connect with top-tier copywriters? On the flip side of things, what impedes you from reaching out to learn more? 

If you’ve got something to say, please take a moment or two to share it in the comments section below.

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Lucas Miller is the Founder of Echelon Copy. When not writing, editing or running, he's working tirelessly to perfect what he claims is the "World's Greatest Pompadour." Additionally, for what it's worth, his editorial works have been featured on Social Media Today, Business2Community, Ragan's PR Daily, Spin Sucks and many other top-tier PR publications.

Move Over Medium: Why Blogging Is Best Done On Independent Websites

In recent years, more than ever before, blogging has taken off. Because of this, a number of companies of risen up from the ashes of traditional journalism and transformed themselves into kings of the blogging industry. Think about it: Medium, Tumblr, HubPages, Quora and LiveJournal have all, in addition to other things, become extremely well-known for the blogging platforms they provide. Heck, even the atrocity that is Blogspot sees a great deal of user engagement.

The Easy Way Out

Simply put, if you’re serious about blogging, do yourself a favor and create your own website with its very own web domain. Blogging, wrongfully associated with only stay-at-home and soccer moms, isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re going to put the necessary time and effort into growing a blog, don’t do it on the backs of some corporate entity; moreover, develop your own plot of metaphoric land out on the World Wide Web through WordPress, SquareSpace, Weebly or Wix.

The argument for using blog-specific sites is that they’re innately built for audience growth and consumption. Truthfully, it’s a strong argument. When people create a Medium account and use it, they’re not hopping online to shop or use social media; instead, they’re fully intent on reading. Ultimately, this is what bloggers want: people to read their posts.

Complete and Total Control

Sure, initially, Tumblr or HubPages might be better for widespread readership, but there’s a definite ceiling on what can come about in the ways of success. Should a booming blogger on Quora or LiveJournal ever hope to build more than editorial credibility or individual brand, he or she will need to venture out into choppier waters. 

When a site is individually owned and operated, not only is a hefty reader base still possible, but it’s substantially easier to branch out and truly own the project. Writing is one thing, but there’s so much more to blogging than run-of-the-mill, rudimentary posts. Additionally, endeavors involving web development, graphic design, search engine optimization, video production, social media marketing, advertising and e-commerce are made possible.

This is why innumerable bloggers from each of the world’s four corners make money as professional bloggers. It’s not easy, but it’s better than cutting corners and taking the easy way out. Right from the get-go, know that taking on a blog of your own is going to be difficult. That being said, if you plan on wholeheartedly embracing the grind mentality and tremendous effort associated with the practice, there’s no reason to blog through an overly intrusive, controlling publication.

As is customary in our industry, most PR pros have a digital portfolio, website or personal blog. More than likely, many of you are actively engaged in an editorial project, such as a blog, outside of your workplace duties. If so, what’s your hot take? With respect to blogging, is it better to embrace a reputable host site or go out on your own? Voice your opinion in the comments section below.

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Lucas Miller is the Founder of Echelon Copy. When not writing, editing or running, he's working tirelessly to perfect what he claims is the "World's Greatest Pompadour." Additionally, for what it's worth, his editorial works have been featured on Social Media Today, Business2Community, Ragan's PR Daily, Spin Sucks and many other top-tier PR publications.