If you’ve ever clicked a “Buy Now” button, signed up for a newsletter, or read a clever ad—you’ve experienced copywriting in action. Now imagine getting paid to write those words. Copywriting is one of the most in-demand, versatile, and flexible skills to monetize. Whether you’re a natural writer or just learning, this side hustle can be adapted to your schedule and scaled into a business.
This guide covers:
- What copywriting actually is
- The most common types of copywriting jobs
- How to learn and sharpen your skills
- General earning structures (without rates)
- How to land clients and grow
- How Wakewall can help you organize and promote your work
For more information, check out these pages below:
- The Niche Finder: Browse Ideas to Start Your Journey
- Smart Hustles & Side Income Strategies Guide to Earning More
- For more ideas, check out our Niche Ideas Category
- Wakewall’s 50-State SEO Guide for Small Businesses
What Is Copywriting?
Copywriting is the art of writing words that get people to take action—buying a product, subscribing to a service, or signing up for more information.
It’s not just about writing beautifully; it’s about writing with purpose and persuasion.
Copy vs. Content
- Copy = Persuades and sells (ads, product pages, email campaigns)
- Content = Informs or engages (blogs, newsletters, social posts)
💡 Many freelancers do both—especially when starting out.
Common Copywriting Jobs You Can Explore
Here are most popular and profitable copywriting categories:
| Category | Copywriting Job | What You’ll Do |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing & Advertising | Ad copy (Google, Facebook, Instagram Ads) | Write short, persuasive lines that make people click or buy. |
| Sales pages & landing pages | Craft web pages that sell products, services, or events. | |
| Product descriptions | Write compelling details that highlight product benefits. | |
| Direct response copy | Create copy that drives immediate action (buy, sign up, donate). | |
| Brochures & flyers | Write copy for print materials that showcase offerings. | |
| Billboards & print ads | Condense big ideas into short, punchy lines. | |
| Radio & podcast ads | Script spoken ads for audio platforms. | |
| Video ad scripts | Write persuasive dialogue or narration for commercials. | |
| Digital & Web | Website copy | Create engaging text for homepages, about pages, and services. |
| SEO blog posts & articles | Write keyword-optimized content to attract organic traffic. | |
| Case studies | Tell success stories of clients or projects to build credibility. | |
| White papers | Write detailed, research-based reports for B2B audiences. | |
| Lead magnets | Create guides or eBooks that attract subscribers. | |
| Press releases | Announce company news in a professional format. | |
| FAQs/help center | Write clear answers for customer support. | |
| Chatbot scripts | Script conversational responses for bots or AI assistants. | |
| Content Marketing | Blog posts | Inform, educate, or persuade through long-form content. |
| Social media captions | Write short, engaging posts for platforms like IG or LinkedIn. | |
| Newsletter copy | Craft updates and promotions for email subscribers. | |
| Infographics | Summarize information in text that complements visuals. | |
| Video scripts | Write for YouTube tutorials, explainers, or promos. | |
| LinkedIn articles | Write thought-leadership pieces for professionals. | |
| Guest blog writing | Create blog posts for other websites to build reach. | |
| Podcast show notes | Summarize episodes and highlight key points. | |
| Email & CRM | Cold outreach emails | Persuade new contacts to book a call or buy. |
| Sales drip sequences | Write multi-email campaigns that nurture leads. | |
| Onboarding emails | Guide new customers through setup or first steps. | |
| Retention/loyalty emails | Keep customers engaged and buying again. | |
| Re-engagement campaigns | Win back inactive subscribers. | |
| Abandoned cart emails | Convince shoppers to finish their purchase. | |
| Event/product launch emails | Announce new offers or updates. | |
| Thank-you notes | Build goodwill after a purchase or event. | |
| eCommerce & Retail | Product listings | Write titles and blurbs that improve sales. |
| Category pages | Describe groups of products to help browsing. | |
| Seasonal campaigns | Create promotional text for holidays and events. | |
| Upsell & cross-sell copy | Suggest related or higher-end products. | |
| In-store signage | Write short lines for displays and point-of-sale. | |
| SMS marketing | Craft short, impactful texts to drive immediate action. | |
| Loyalty program messaging | Explain rewards and encourage participation. | |
| Corporate & B2B | Brochures | Highlight company services in a professional way. |
| Annual reports | Write formal summaries of company performance. | |
| Company profiles | Create polished brand introductions. | |
| Internal newsletters | Keep employees updated and engaged. | |
| Handbooks/training | Simplify HR or training materials. | |
| Case studies | Show B2B client results and testimonials. | |
| Business proposals | Persuade prospects with structured offers. | |
| Technical documentation | Translate complex information into plain language. | |
| Specialized Niches | Financial copywriting | Write for banks, fintech, or investment firms. |
| Health & wellness copy | Create content for clinics, supplements, or fitness. | |
| Legal copywriting | Draft content for law firms or compliance docs. | |
| SaaS & tech | Write for apps, software, and tech platforms. | |
| Real estate | Describe properties and market agent services. | |
| Education copywriting | Write for courses, schools, or tutoring services. | |
| Nonprofit copywriting | Create donation appeals and grant messaging. | |
| Travel & hospitality | Write for tourism, hotels, and guides. | |
| Fashion & beauty | Write brand stories and product blurbs. | |
| Food & beverage | Create menus, packaging, and ad copy. | |
| Creative & Brand | Taglines & slogans | Create catchy one-liners that define a brand. |
| Brand storytelling | Write narratives that connect emotionally. | |
| Mission & vision | Put company values into words. | |
| Brand voice | Develop guidelines for how a company communicates. | |
| Campaign concepting | Generate big ideas for marketing pushes. | |
| Naming | Come up with product or business names. | |
| Scriptwriting | Write scripts for branded entertainment. | |
| Freelance/Entrepreneurial | Ghostwriting | Write under someone else’s name. |
| Personal brand content | Build thought-leadership posts for executives. | |
| Online course copy | Write landing pages and emails for course creators. | |
| Consulting funnels | Create persuasive copy for coaches and consultants. | |
| Crowdfunding campaigns | Convince backers to support projects. | |
| Resume/LinkedIn writing | Help professionals market themselves. | |
| Freelance gigs | Find varied writing jobs on platforms. | |
| Emerging & Digital-First | Influencer scripts | Write captions and promos for collabs. |
| TikTok/Reels scripts | Script short-form, viral-ready videos. | |
| App store descriptions | Optimize app listings for downloads. | |
| UX/UI microcopy | Write button labels, menus, and onboarding prompts. | |
| Voice assistant copy | Script interactions for Alexa, Google Home. | |
| NFT/crypto copywriting | Create whitepapers, sites, and community content. | |
| AI prompt copywriting | Write prompts for AI tools and automations. |
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Where to Learn Copywriting
You don’t need a degree or certificate to get started—just consistent practice.
Free Resources
- Copyblogger (industry blog)
- Reddit’s /r/copywriting community
- YouTube breakdowns of ads and campaigns
Paid Courses (Optional)
- Copyhackers (Joanna Wiebe)
- Copy Posse Launch Pad (Alex Cattoni)
- The Copy Cure (Marie Forleo)
- AWAI (American Writers & Artists Institute)
💡 Tip: Don’t overspend on training before you’ve written at least 10 practice pieces.
Practice Exercises
- Rewrite ads or emails from brands you admire
- Write 10 headlines for one product
- Create mock landing pages for imaginary businesses
- Publish your practice work on Wakewall to start a portfolio
General Earning Structures
Copywriters earn in different ways depending on experience and project type.
Freelance Work
- Per project (emails, landing pages, sales copy)
- Per word (for shorter copy or bulk work)
- Per package (e.g., bundle of emails + blog posts)
In-House/Agency Work
- Salaries for junior, mid-level, and senior copywriters, depending on experience and location
- Steady workflow but less flexibility than freelancing
High-End or Specialized Niches
- Copywriters who focus on specific industries (like SaaS, finance, or health) or specialize in formats (like email funnels or long-form sales pages) often command premium pricing.
💡 Key takeaway: Specialists usually earn more than generalists.
Where to Find Copywriting Clients
You don’t need to start with cold outreach—go where clients already hang out.
Freelance Platforms
- Upwork, Fiverr Pro, PeoplePerHour, Contra
- Build a profile, start small, and scale with testimonials
Networking & Outreach
- Join entrepreneur and business Facebook groups
- DM creators or small businesses directly
- Offer free audits in exchange for testimonials
Promote Yourself
- Create 3–5 mock projects for a starter portfolio
- Post samples on your Wakewall profile
- Share writing tips on social platforms
Monetization & Growth Strategies
Once you have a few clients, you can grow your copywriting hustle in several ways:
- Retainer Packages – Offer recurring services (e.g., weekly emails + monthly blog posts).
- Digital Products – Sell templates, swipe files, or mini-courses.
- Strategy + Copywriting – Combine consulting with writing to deliver more value.
- Specialize in a Niche – Focus on one industry or format to become the go-to expert.
How Wakewall Helps Copywriters
Wakewall makes it easy to stay visible, organized, and discoverable.
- Notes: Store voice guides, client briefs, drafts, and revisions.
- Reminders: Track deadlines, client check-ins, and project updates.
- Portfolio: Post mock or real copy projects directly to your profile.
- Wall Posts: Share before/after examples, writing tips, or new service openings.
- Messaging: Let potential clients contact you directly.
Use tags like:#CopywritingHelp #WebsiteCopy #EmailMarketing #FreelanceWriter
Final Tips for Beginners
- Write every day—even if it’s just practice.
- Focus on clarity and persuasion, not just clever words.
- Get testimonials early to build credibility.
- Treat your words as assets—they create measurable business results.
Conclusion
Copywriting powers sales, websites, and digital marketing—and it’s a side hustle you can start with little more than time and practice. Whether you want to freelance part-time or turn it into a full-time business, copywriting offers flexibility and growth potential.
