Why Few Talented Writers Transition to Freelance Copywriting

These days, it seems everyone is a writer. Blogging has had a huge impact on this, but it’s almost more than that, I think. Why? Well, millennials, more than any previous generation, have placed a great deal of emphasis on creativity. 

Whether it be photography, graphic design or traditional art, more young professionals than ever before are foregoing law and medical school for careers that require real out-of-the-box thinking.

Freelance copywriting is one of said career types. But, oddly enough, great writers often forego the freedoms of freelance copywriting and instead continue to write as a hobby, more than anything else. Based on my experiences as a freelance copywriter, there are a few reasons for this:

The Sales Hustle Is Real

Freelance copywriters need to be excellent salesmen to make any real money. It doesn’t matter how many deadlines you’ve got on the horizon, the sales process is a continuous one and should always be given proper time. 

While stressful, the conscious pushing of editorial services is very much necessary. Seeing as how most writers prefer leisurely writing and complete and total creative liberty over having to become a spokesperson for their own personal brand, freelance copywriting is bypassed.

Writing Under Pressure

As a copywriter, writing is a race against the clock. The faster you write, the more copy you produce. The more copy you produce, the more projects you can take on during the work day.

The end result of all of this? More money. I very much enjoy the “ball’s in your court” side of freelance copywriting. That said, understandably, many don’t.

Impure Writing

Impure writing is basically advertorial writing. I’ve covered this in the past, but there’s this idea within the creative writing community that if the sole purpose of an editorial work is to make money, you’ve “sold out.”

Freelance writing is wholeheartedly driven by money. If you’re not motivated by bringing in as much capital as possible, you’re going to struggle to make a name for yourself.

So, is it just me or is there an astounding number of great writers who would rather do just about anything other than work as a freelance copywriter? If of a similar mentality, why do you think this is? If not, why am I so far off with all of this? Take to the comments section below to voice your opinion.

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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.

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.

Why Freelance Copywriters Must Rid Themselves of the ‘Poverty Mentality’

I’m sick of copywriters working under the “poverty mentality.” You’re a writer, you know that right? Like, the skill you’ve taken years to develop isn’t an easy one. 

If you think about it, there are skills that require substantially less time and effort to master, but still bring in disgusting amounts of money.

Plenty of Opportunity Out There

In fact, while I was in college at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, there was a young man from Ghana who’d joined the football team after having been spotted by the head coach at track practice one day. 

His name was Ezekiel Ansah and after only two years of playing defensive end for BYU, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the fifth overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.

Clearly, Ansah’s innate athleticism played a role in this fortunate turn of events, but the point that I’m making here is that little learned skill was needed to transform him from a scrub to a star. 

As a defense end, he gets the quarterback. Yeah, there’s more to it than that, but not much.

More Evidence

You’re probably thinking the following: “Lucas, makes sense, but that’s an outlying incident. Generally speaking, people don’t pay real money for easy-to-obtain skill sets.”

Really? Well, were you aware that a doorman in New York city earns on average about $30,000 a year by simply opening the door for other people? 

Not too much difficulty there, right? Yet, innumerable are the freelance copywriters who are making similar annual salaries.

The point I’m making is this—if there are employers out there who are willing to pay for skills that don’t demand much in the ways of much raw ability, the vast majority of them certainly will. 

It’s illogical to think otherwise.

Take a Stand; the Work Will Still Come

Writing is hard, so stop accepting work that’s beneath you and demand more from those who desperately need your services.

Now, with that in mind, it’s your job to always produce top-tier work so as to command higher wages, but if you can consistently do that, there’s no reason for why you can’t make anywhere between $50,000 and $100,000 a year as a freelance copywriter.

I’m not one of those guys who’s always looking to revolt against “The Man” or anything like that, but this gets to the point where it’s sad sometimes. 

There are many individuals, businesses and organizations out there whose top priority is not to simply find the cheapest editorial option; moreover, they’re looking for quality, lots of it and are willing to slap some real money on the table for it. 

Find them. Work with them. Get paid. Stop eating off the McDonald’s Dollar Menu.

However, as copywriters, until we stop with the constant pity party and make it a point to seek out and astound the best, most reputable of clients, most of us are going to be unhappy with our bank statements. 

Keep at it and earn what you deserve.

Newer copywriters—what’s your experience with wages been like thus far? On the flip side of things, experienced copywriters—how were you able to overcome the aforementioned “poverty mentality” while still continuously earning real money? 

Take a moment or two to share your knowledge 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.

Why Copywriters Are Some of the Wealthiest People Out There

Copywriters are filthy rich. They really are. I know what you’re thinking: “Lucas, how can you say such a thing when all I do is bid on mind-numbing projects on UpWork all day?” 

Well, in response, you can actually make some pretty solid money on UpWork if you know what you’re doing. Secondly, monetary wealth isn’t the only kind of wealth out there.

No, I’m not trying to get all Buddhist monk on you or anything, it’s just that there’s more to life than money. Also, there’s a great deal to life that is money and, fortunately for the copywriting industry, there’s plenty of that to be had, as well. 

Intrigued? That’s what I thought. Here’s all the glitz and glamour of copywriting has to offer its faithful participants:

Temporal Comfort

Copywriting is a lucrative industry, but nobody really believes it. It’s kind of like when someone says he’s a professional blogger. Admit it—the first thought that runs through your head is, “Gosh, this dude’s wife must love living off of Ramen noodles and Kool-Aid.”

Think about it—bloggers, journalists and novelists are all starving. Their writing is doing their bank accounts little good. Yet, copywriters are sitting pretty. 

Sure, maybe it’s because they’ve “sold out” and use their editorial talents for product-and service-pushing endeavors, but I couldn’t care less. I get paid to write for living and live comfortably doing just that. 

What more could a creative person want?

Incredible Relationships

Copywriters are professional networkers, practically. Sure, PR people [quite a bit of crossover between the two, honestly] are probably equipped with a bit more tact, but copywriters, especially freelance copywriters, depend on networking for their livelihood. 

While it’s true that the occasional butt face [I’m not a profane man, so this’ll have to do] hires you for a project, many of the people with whom you’ll work are absolutely splendid. 

Moreover, your relationship isn’t limited to a handful of emails. If you’re doing your job correctly and involve a client the way you should, a meaningful, long-lasting relationship can be developed. 

I love this sort of thing. It’s awesome.

Widespread Knowledge

If you think about it, copywriters are modern-day renaissance men—and women, mind you. We learn by experience—the best kind of learning, as far as I’m concerned. 

Moreover, we’re researchers. We produce invaluable copy for any and all industries. Be it a mammoth personal injury law firm or basic tech startup, we can handle anything. 

As the months and years fall of the calendar, our craft is perfected—all while we take in more information. Simply put, there’s nothing like it.

Individual Freedom

Of all the benefits of working as a professional copywriter, this is by far my favorite. If I want to roll out of bed in the morning and work in my underwear, I totally can. I’m my own boss. 

Obviously, this kind of work environment pertains primarily to freelance copywriters or those who run their own business, but it’s still a beautiful thing. 

Imagine breaking free from the confines of the corporate environment to pursue only the work you’re actually passionate about. 

Sounds like a pretty sweet gig, eh? Like anything else, it comes with its own series of stresses, but the pros far outweigh the cons.

See what I mean? If the aforementioned can’t be classified as wealth, then I don’t want to be wealthy.

Now, what do you consider wealth? If you’re a copywriter, do you see yourself a part of one of the wealthiest professional networks on the planet, or are you just as much a starving student now as you were a few years or decades back? 

Hop on down to the comments section below to have your voice heard.

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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.