What Is Copywriting

The rumours are true. A career as a freelance copywriter is a pretty cushy “job.” You can work at home, take naps in the middle of the day, vacation a lot, and get paid really well.

The only downside is the confusion you’ll face when you say, “I’m a freelance copywriter.” (Many people think “copywriter” means you can help protect their inventions against theft — as in “copyright.”)

One of the easiest ways to explain the unique job of a copywriter is to say, “You know the stuff you get in your mailbox that you call junk mail?”

“Well, a copywriter wrote that. Copywriters also write other marketing materials like websites, emails, brochures, catalogues, and more.”

If you’re interested in copy writing, it’s probably because you heard:

• It’s a great way to make money working at home.
• You can be up-and-running quickly with very little investment.
• A formal education is not required.

All of these things are true.

In fact, professional copy writing skills continue to be in high demand and copy writing jobs are some of the highest paid projects for freelance writers.

Many copywriters make six-figures working full-time. Others only work part-time, but enjoy a full-time income.

The best part is, there is still plenty of room in this huge and expanding industry.

So what is copy writing?

Copy writing is the process of writing advertising promotional materials. Copywriters are responsible for the text on brochures, billboards, websites, emails, advertisements, catalogs, and more.

This text is known as “copy.” Copy is everywhere — it’s part of a $2.3 trillion industry worldwide.

Unlike news or editorial writing, copy writing is all about getting the reader to take action. That action might be to purchase, opt-in, or engage with a product, service, or company.

That’s why a copywriter is often referred to as “a salesman in print.”

Copy writing should not be confused with “copyright.” Copyright means an individual or company has the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute someone’s work (such as books, music, artistic items). The purpose of a copyright is to protect that material and prevent illegal use of it by unauthorised agents. The owner designates the material is copyrighted with the symbol ©.

What kind of qualifications do you need to be a copywriter?

Zero! There are successful copywriters with college degrees and some who didn’t finish high school. Some copywriters are only 18 and some are retired. Some copywriters are stay-at-home moms and some left six-figure corporate jobs.

The only thing you need is a computer and an Internet connection. Everything else can be learned. If you can write a letter to a friend, you have all the qualifications you need to get started now.

Can you really make six-figures as a copywriter?

Yes, and many copywriters do! But, how much you make depends on how much time and effort you put into it.

For example, one copywriter I know works decent hours, not only on copy writing, but also on the growth and development of her freelance business. She makes over $120,000 a year.

Another freelance copywriter is a real go-getter. He has a talent for copy writing and he’s a terrific networker and business developer. He has negotiated some lucrative contracts with a number of big companies and will be making more than $300,000 this year!

If you don’t want to work full-time, that’s okay. You can also make a very good living working just part-time.

Another copywriter I know wants to earn some extra money for vacations and her family’s savings plan. She works some during the evenings and on weekends and makes $25,000 a year. (Although she’s hoping to make $50K this year!) Not bad for a very part-time job.

Another example is a copywriter I know who is a stay-at-home single Mom. She has two young children to care for so she only works four hours a day in her freelance copy writing business. She makes $75,000 a year!

A great thing about being a freelance copywriter is you can work as much or as little as you want. It all depends on how much you want to earn and how often you want to work.

How do I get started?

While you don’t need any formal qualifications to become a copywriter, you do need someone to show you the ropes.

That’s why AWAI created the Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copy writing.

All the copywriters I’ve met — like the ones mentioned above — started their successful freelance copy writing careers by taking this program. Its step-by-step instructions prove anyone can quickly go from asking “What is copy writing?” to learning how to be a freelance copywriter.

There has never been a better time to become a copywriter. Companies are desperate for good freelance copywriters to help them sell their products and services.

Get started today and in no time, you could be the one they call.