Become a Copywriter: Build a $100K+ Writing Career

Do you want to learn how to become a copywriter?

Copywriters are the strategic creatives who use words to persuade and drive action. They write website content like blog posts and landing pages, marketing emails and newsletters, ad copy for social media and print, product descriptions, and social campaigns. Their work helps businesses connect with customers, communicate value, and increase sales.

This career is flexible and rewarding—especially if you enjoy writing and want the freedom of running an online business.

Today’s feature highlights an interview with Nicki Krawczyk, a professional copywriter with more than 20 years of experience working with major brands such as adidas, TJMaxx, Keurig, and Hasbro. She founded the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy, where she has taught thousands of students how to build successful copywriting careers.

Nicki turned a passion for writing into a six-figure career that gives her control over her schedule and clients. In the interview below she shares practical advice on how you can follow a similar path.

In this interview, we cover key questions about becoming a copywriter, including:

• What copywriting is and how it differs from other forms of writing
• Realistic earning potential for copywriters
• Skills and qualifications that matter
• How to land your first client
• Whether there’s room for new freelance and in-house copywriters
• And more practical tips

Whether you want a side income or a full-time, flexible career, this interview offers actionable guidance to get started.

How To Become a Copywriter

If you want to start a copywriting career, this interview provides practical first steps and realistic expectations.

1. Tell me your story. Who are you, and what do you do?

My name is Nicki Krawczyk. I’ve been a professional copywriter for over 20 years, writing for companies ranging from multi-billion-dollar brands like adidas and TJMaxx to small business owners and solopreneurs. I also founded the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and have helped more than 12,000 students learn the craft and build careers in copywriting.

2. What is copywriting, and how does it differ from other types of writing?

Copywriting is marketing and advertising writing with a clear purpose: to persuade and prompt action. Copywriters create website pages, ads, email campaigns, product packaging, and many other formats intended to connect a product or service with the people who need it. What sets copywriting apart is the mix of creativity and strategy—writing shaped to achieve measurable results.

Unlike much of the broader writing market—where pay can be low—skilled copywriters are in demand and can command higher rates because their work directly affects a company’s revenue and customer behavior.

3. Why did you decide to become a copywriter, and how did you get started?

I was exposed to marketing early—my father worked in marketing and I helped with writing while in high school. After trying PR and other jobs, a book about copywriting sparked my interest. I began finding clients, made many mistakes, and learned through doing. Two decades later, I use those lessons to teach others so they can avoid common pitfalls.

4. How did you find your first copywriting client?

My first approach was old-fashioned: I targeted businesses I knew—health clubs—and mailed postcards offering my services. Today, the internet makes outreach easier. The key is reaching out to clients in a helpful, non-salesy way that solves a problem for them. Effective outreach positions you as a solution rather than a salesperson.

A caution: bidding sites like Upwork and Fiverr often force writers to underprice their work and give up control. A proactive outreach system lets you choose clients, set your rates, and control your workload.

5. What do you enjoy most about being a copywriter?

I love the combination of creativity and strategy. Copywriting lets me work with varied projects, choose clients, set my schedule, and work remotely. The variety of businesses and voices I encounter keeps the job interesting, and I value the freedom it brings.

6. How much money can someone realistically earn as a copywriter?

It’s realistic to earn six figures as a copywriter if you adopt professional rates and consistent client acquisition. For example, a starting hourly benchmark might be $50–$60. At $55 per hour and 40 hours per week, that’s roughly $114,000 annually. Many copywriters work fewer hours and still hit high incomes as their rates and experience grow. Reaching this level requires skill development, persistence, and smart pricing—not a get-rich-quick promise.

7. What skills or qualifications do you think are needed to succeed as a copywriter?

The most important qualification is being a good writer. Beyond that, openness to learning, willingness to leave your comfort zone, and persistence matter. Certifications are not necessary—experience and a portfolio that shows strong results are what clients value most.

8. What does someone need to get started in copywriting?

Very little: a computer and reliable internet connection, a free Google account for drafts and email, and a simple portfolio website (many hosting options are inexpensive). The essentials are skill, practice, and a way to showcase your work.

9. What does a typical day look like for you as a copywriter?

Freelancers set their own schedules. A typical day mixes writing, editing, brainstorming, outreach for new clients, client emails, and occasional calls. Many people start part-time while holding other responsibilities, then scale up as they gain clients. The flexibility to arrange your day around peak creative hours is a major benefit.

10. Is there room for new copywriters in the industry?

Absolutely. Demand for skilled copywriters far exceeds supply. Millions of new companies launch each year and every business needs clear, persuasive messaging. With just a few steady clients, a copywriter can build a strong, sustainable income. Now is a great time to enter the field as businesses invest more in effective communication.

11. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a copywriter?

Early challenges included finding clients, pricing work, and securing repeat business—mistakes I learned from and later taught others to avoid. For many beginning copywriters, internal resistance and fear are significant obstacles. Success comes from persistence, consistent practice, and community support to overcome doubt and maintain momentum.

12. Can you list the steps someone should take to get started as a copywriter?

Start with training to learn the fundamentals. Then practice and build experience through spec pieces that show your skills. Finally, adopt a reliable system for finding and landing clients—proactive outreach, not passive waiting or reliance on low-paid bidding platforms. Training, practice, and a repeatable client-acquisition approach form the foundation of a successful career.

13. Do you think it’s important for a copywriter to have a niche?

Choosing a niche too early can limit opportunities. When you’re starting out, it’s better to gain broad experience across industries and project types. A varied portfolio demonstrates adaptability and increases your chances of landing diverse clients. If you later decide to specialize, you can do so after building experience and market knowledge.

14. What are your best tips for someone who wants to become a copywriter?

Avoid shortcuts like overvalued certificates and bidding platforms, and instead focus on consistent practice. Schedule small, regular blocks of time—15 to 30 minutes daily—to study and practice. Treat your development like any other skill that improves through steady repetition. Put the work on your calendar and follow a proven process.

15. What are some effective ways for copywriters to grow their client base or increase their rates?

To grow clients, build a targeted list of companies to pitch and conduct value-first outreach. To raise rates, increase your project pricing as your experience grows or quote higher hourly rates to new clients while giving existing clients adequate notice of changes. Consistent outreach and clear pricing practices support both growth and rate increases.

16. How is AI affecting the copywriting industry?

AI is a useful tool but it doesn’t replace copywriters. AI helps with research and brainstorming, but it can’t craft original strategic insight, build client relationships, or advise on messaging and brand direction. Content writers may face more disruption because content tasks are easier to automate, but copywriters who combine strategy, creativity, and client collaboration will remain in demand.

17. Can you tell me about the copywriting course you offer? Why should someone take it?

The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy is an all-in-one training program that teaches the craft, helps students build a portfolio, and provides a system for finding and landing clients. The program includes self-paced lessons, live coaching, and an active student community for feedback and support. Lifetime access to the course and community allows students to learn at their own pace and return to modules when needed. The program aims to guide learners from beginner to professional copywriter with practical training and ongoing support.

Are you interested in starting a copywriting business?

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