Why Few Talented Writers Transition to Freelance Copywriting

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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.

 

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

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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.

 

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.