How to become a copywriter in 2024
Tips for the new year 🎆
For anyone looking to become a copywriter next year, I would like to say for the record that there has never been a better time to become a copywriter than now.
Online writing is becoming hugely popular, and people are moving away from toxic social media apps and onto platforms such as this one, where people are creating with a little more purpose, and a little bit slower.
Companies are also realising the value of content.
Jobs are booming and freelance writing is in huge demand.
We’re also on the verge of an exciting AI boom, and you have the chance to be at the forefront of this copywriter 2.0 revolution.
But if you’re starting from zero, and aren’t sure how to dive in, here’s three tips that will help you get ahead in 2024.
1. Get on LinkedIn
If you’re a copywriter, and you’re not on LinkedIn, then you’re playing on hard mode.
You can set one up easily, and make it as fancy as you like.
There’s some copywriters who get all their business entirely through LinkedIn. And me personally, I’ve found all my main career jobs through it. It’s a great platform.
Here’s my LinkedIn profile if you need a framework:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-hinton-a3514714b/
There’s some LinkedIn profiles that operate entirely as a landing page.
Like Jon Brosio’s page:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbrosio/
There’s no need to go this ham on the profile. This is like the holy grail of profiles. But just make a nice profile, with a clear picture and copy on your site, and add some of your experience.
This will be where you convince potential employers and clients that you can create clear, engaging copy, and understand website design.
So in theory, your LinkedIn profile is your first assignment.
2. Learn AI
Start using ChatGPT and Bard, because they will be the future.
Even if they won’t take over the world, people will ask about AI at parties when you tell them you’re a copywriter. So at least do it for that.
But regardless of the hype, and the endless discussion, they are genuinely useful tools that are becoming more useful by the day. They will help you improve your writing and become a more detailed writer.
Since my last newsletter on here, ChatGPT has had a sweet new UX upgrade, and Bard has started getting it wrong less and less.
These AI tools are great for outlining frameworks, giving you writing ideas and laying out copy ideas, and most copywriters are starting to lean into them.
Jacob McMillen has even rebranded himself as The Cyborg Writer.
3. Start writing
Probably the most obvious one, but one I consistently find myself saying to people.
I write maybe 2,000 words a week these days.
Either these newsletters, content for my clients, or content for my main job.
It’s important because:
The more you write the better you get.
The variety of things you write, the better you get.
And most importantly, the more criticism you get, the better you get.
You will also then have a huge bank of writing that you can show to employers and clients, demonstrating that you can write well.
In most cases, that’s all it will take.
Start on Fiverr and create some writing gigs (Upwork is way harder to start in my opinion).
Make your prices super low and someone will take a chance no doubt. This is how I started.
It’s a simple way to start writing, but most importantly, write for a purpose, and to deliver results.
Should I take a fixed position or go freelance?
This is something I’m still debating, and there’s great benefits to both.
I would recommend starting both at the same time, and seeing what works for you.
Start on Fiverr at the same time you apply for content writer and copywriter roles.
In the career space, you can then use these Fiverr gigs to build more of a CV.
Even within marketing positions, ask your manager if you can pivot to more copy-focused tasks.
It’s all about building out your profile to demonstrate your ability.
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