How Soon After Training Can Copywriters Make Money?

For aspiring copywriters, the promise of a creative and potentially lucrative career is incredibly enticing. However, one question that looms large in the minds of those just starting out is, "How soon after training can copywriters make money?" 

While copywriting can be a rewarding profession, it's essential to understand the factors that influence your earning potential and the journey from training to a sustainable income, especially if you intend to go freelance.

Self-learning online may take a little longer, but could be more rewarding

The Copywriting Learning Curve

Before diving into the timeline of making money as a copywriter, it's crucial to acknowledge the learning curve. Copywriting is not just about writing—it's about persuading, engaging, and converting readers into customers. To become proficient, you'll need to master several skills.

Writing Skills

Copywriting demands impeccable grammar, clarity, and a flair for engaging storytelling. If you're not already a strong writer, this skill is your foundation. There are a tone of fabulous writing courses online that can help you build your experience and confidence. 

Marketing Knowledge

Understanding basic marketing principles, target audiences, and the psychology of persuasion is vital for effective copywriting. Use yourself as the customer. How would you feel if you saw that copy? Would you be convinced to buy?

SEO Proficiency

Many copywriting jobs today involve creating content for the web, so knowledge of search engine optimisation (SEO) is beneficial. This means thinking about keywords, copy placement and understanding how search engine algorithms rank content. 

Learning to be a freelance copywriter could be a huge boost in your confidence

Client Management

Building and maintaining client relationships, managing deadlines, and negotiating fees are essential skills for freelance copywriters. If networking isn’t in your skillset, it’s a good idea to start honing your customer service and soft sales skills. 

Portfolio Development

As a beginner, your portfolio may be limited, so you'll need to work on real or spec projects to showcase your abilities. Once you have more evidence of your skills, you’ll be able to secure those higher-paying clients. 

Your Training Period for Copywriting

Before you can start to bring in the cash, you’ll inevitably have to go through a training period. The duration of your training can vary depending on your starting point and the intensity of your efforts. Some individuals already possess strong writing skills and marketing knowledge, while others may need more time to acquire these skills.

If you're taking a copywriting course, it can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. During this time, you'll learn the fundamentals and start building your portfolio.

If you're teaching yourself, it may take a little longer, typically several months to a year to reach a proficient level depending on whether you’re working this around your other life commitments. 

Earning money as a copywriter is gradual, but you’ll feel accomplished - like you really earned it

Transitioning to Earning Money

Once your training is complete, transitioning to earning money can take a while too. It’s a good idea to ensure you’re financially stable before making the move. 

When you feel confident in your abilities and have a portfolio to back them up, you can start pitching your services to potential clients. Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be a good starting point. The time it takes to secure your first paying gig can vary widely, from a few weeks to several months, but once you get the ball rolling, you’ll find your jobs rolling in. 

Your income may start off small, but consistency is key. Keep honing your skills, delivering high-quality work, and expanding your client base. The better quality your work is, the easier the word will spread and you may gain more clients through word-of-mouth advertising. 

Factor that May Affect Your Income

The speed at which you start making money as a copywriter can also depend on several factors:

Niche

Specialising in a specific industry or niche can make you more attractive to clients and potentially lead to higher-paying projects. However, it may take you longer to secure clients in this specific field. 

Marketing Efforts

Your ability to market yourself effectively can significantly impact your income. Invest time in creating a professional online presence, such as a website or LinkedIn profile.

Experience

As you gain experience and accumulate a diverse portfolio, you can justify charging higher rates. A copywriter with more experience may be able to turn projects around more quickly too, meaning your pay per hour may be much more. 

There are lots of people who have been on your journey before, so reach out for advice and support

The Bottom Line

So, how soon after training can copywriters make money? It's a journey that can take anywhere from a few months to a year. The key is persistence, continuous learning, and adaptability. Be prepared to start with lower-paying projects to build your portfolio and gradually work your way up to higher-paying opportunities.

While the timeline to making a substantial income may be longer, remember that copywriting can be a rewarding career choice. The satisfaction of seeing your words influence and persuade, coupled with the potential for a flexible work schedule and financial independence, can make the journey worthwhile. So, if you're passionate about writing and marketing, don't be discouraged by the initial learning curve. With dedication and perseverance, you can turn your copywriting training into a thriving career.