Freelance copywriting is just like the new kid on the block - treated with a mixture of enthusiasm and suspicion. For the average essay writer or creative in 2021, delving into freelance copywriting may seem like a dicey idea. On the one hand, it's a great way to earn extra money with a flexible schedule. On the other hand, ditching a solid 9-5 for a career that doesn't seem to offer much security sounds like a recipe for disaster.
So what do you do? If you're considering pursuing a career in freelance copywriting and taking on copywriting projects, this guide will help you make the right decision.
In this article, we'll discuss the pros and cons of becoming a freelance copywriter in 2021 and help you weigh your options.
Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we?
Pros of Freelance Copywriting
Freelance copywriting certainly offers a lot of advantages and benefits considering that it:
Requires little to no investment
One of the major perks of freelance copywriting is that it requires little to no investment to get started. You don't need to dole out thousands of dollars just to get certified as a copywriter. You don't even need to have a college degree (although a degree can be a major resume booster).
So what do you need? Fortunately, the only thing you'll need to get started is your ability to write great copies that can convert leads into actual sales. You can then go on to hone this skill by taking free or paid Masterclasses on copywriting.
Grands career security
Several studies have projected that AI will be taking over most jobs in the near future. As such, it's important to choose an evergreen business model that can stand the test of time (and AI).
Fortunately, copywriting is one skill that will most likely remain in constant demand despite numerous technological advancements. This is because at the heart of copywriting lies creativity, emotions, and empathy. All these are qualities which artificial intelligence and big bots lack.
Thus, you don't have to worry about bots overtaking your chosen career path in a few years to come. As long as there are companies and businesses that need to sell to a target audience, there'll be a constant demand and need for human copywriters in the job market.
Lets you acquire more knowledge on the job
Everyone wants a career path that gives them sufficient opportunities for growth and advancement. With a freelance copywriting career, you can learn a lot of new things every day.
Copywriting typically involves a great deal of research to help you come up with winning copies that can convert leads. During this research, you may come across new concepts and skills that you probably didn't even know you needed before.
Although having to research audience demographics and new concepts can be daunting, it gives you room for creativity because you're putting your brain in overdrive to ensure that you achieve the primary goal: conversion.
Rolls in the bucks
Freelance copywriting is a highly paid skill that most people tend to overlook. In today's world, many companies will dole out a generous amount of money just to get one stellar copy that can bring in conversions.
In fact, recent stats have pegged the average salary of a freelance copywriter at $62,170 annually.
But that's not even the best part yet. In addition to a generous take-home salary, you also get to enjoy flexibility. Since you're freelancing, you can decide when you want to work and can even draw up a time management plan to enhance productivity.
Cons of Freelance Copywriting
Now that we've addressed the perks of freelance copywriting, it's time to get down to the unpleasant yet real truths that no copywriter wants to hear. Freelance copywriting does have some disadvantages, such as:
It requires a lot of flexibility, patience, and mental energy
Copywriting is a skill that's currently in high demand. However, breaking into the market is harder than most people think. When you first start off as a rookie, you'll most likely get rejected for several reasons.
For starters, most companies and businesses may prefer to hire an experienced copywriter over a newbie who doesn't have many projects in their portfolio.
Another reason why you'll most likely face several rejections is that copywriting is mostly subjective. You may write a stellar, captivating copy but won't get hired simply because your copy didn't sit well with the potential client. Does this mean your copy is trash? Absolutely not. The client just has a different opinion about it.
To survive in the copywriting industry and stay on top of the competition, you'll need to stay persistent and keep practicing your writing skills.
No chance of earning a passive income
Freelance copywriting is a profitable career, it’s no secret. However, unlike with many other careers or business ideas, there's no possibility of you earning a passive income as a copywriter. You need to be present and actually put in work to earn any income at all.
In today’s world, the concept of "earning money while you sleep" is a goal that most people are looking to achieve. Unfortunately, since freelance copywriting requires you to be available in order to earn money, this goal is simply not achievable unless you invest in other business models.
The Bottomline
Now that we've weighed the pros and cons of becoming a freelance copywriter in 2021, it's time to answer the ultimate question: is freelance writing a great career choice?
Yes, it is. Freelance copywriting gives you the opportunity to boss yourself and earn money with a flexible schedule. However, even though the pros outweigh the cons, it's still important to bear the outlined disadvantages in mind.
This way, you'll be more prepared to venture into this competitive industry and stay unscathed. As long as you play your cards well and ensure client satisfaction, you'll definitely make it as a freelance copywriter.
Good luck!
