Are you a college student with a knack for writing and a desire to earn money while developing valuable career skills? Copywriting could be the perfect career for you! As a copywriter, you can create compelling content for businesses, brands, and entrepreneurs—all while working around your academic schedule. From writing persuasive ads and engaging social media posts to crafting website copy and email campaigns, copywriting is a versatile and lucrative field. Here’s everything you need to know about starting your own copywriting career as a student, so you can build your portfolio, gain experience, and start earning today!
What is Copywriting?
Copywriting is the art of writing persuasive and engaging content with the goal of encouraging the reader to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or learning more about a product or service. Copywriting is used across various mediums, including print ads, website content, email marketing campaigns, social media posts, product descriptions, and more.
The main objective of copywriting is to grab attention, convey a message clearly, and prompt the reader to take a specific action. A copywriter’s work is often tied to marketing and sales efforts, as the content they create plays a significant role in driving conversions and achieving business goals.
Copywriters create content in several forms, including:
- Advertorials: Paid content designed to promote a product or service.
- Sales pages: Persuasive landing pages designed to convert visitors into customers.
- Social media posts: Short-form content that engages users and drives traffic to a website or product.
- Email campaigns: Writing email content that nurtures leads and encourages purchases.
- Product descriptions: Crafting detailed and enticing descriptions for e-commerce sites.
- Blog posts: Writing content that informs and educates while subtly promoting products or services.
In short, copywriting is about using words strategically to influence behavior, whether that’s driving sales, increasing brand awareness, or creating engagement.
Who is a Copywriter Career For?
A copywriting career can be a great fit for college and university students who:
- Love Writing and Creativity:
If you’ve always enjoyed writing essays, stories, or creative pieces, copywriting gives you a chance to put your writing skills to work in a professional setting. Copywriting also requires a creative mindset to come up with unique ways to present products or services in a compelling way. - Are Detail-Oriented and Persuasive:
Copywriting is about more than just writing well; it’s about persuading the reader to take action. If you can craft a convincing argument, whether it’s explaining the benefits of a product or creating an enticing offer, copywriting might be a great fit for you. - Have an Interest in Marketing:
If you’re studying marketing, communications, or a related field, copywriting offers a practical way to apply what you’re learning. Many successful copywriters have backgrounds in marketing, but you don’t need a formal marketing degree to succeed. A passion for understanding consumer behavior and how people make purchasing decisions will help. - Are Comfortable Working Independently:
As a student, you might have a busy schedule and need to balance writing with your academic responsibilities. Copywriting often offers flexibility, which allows you to work independently, set your own hours, and take on projects that fit your timeline. This makes it a perfect career option for those who want to earn money while studying. - Want to Build a Portfolio:
If you want to eventually transition into a full-time writing career, copywriting is a great way to build a portfolio of work that you can show to potential employers or clients. Starting early will help you build a body of work that sets you apart when you start looking for more significant opportunities.
Requirements to Become a Copywriter
Becoming a copywriter doesn’t require a specific degree, but there are several skills and qualifications that will help you succeed:
- Strong Writing Skills:
The foundation of copywriting is excellent writing. You need to be able to write clearly, persuasively, and with a strong understanding of grammar and syntax. If you’re already proficient in writing essays or research papers, these skills will transfer well into copywriting. - Creativity and Understanding of the Audience:
Good copywriters are able to put themselves in the shoes of the audience. Whether you’re writing for millennials, parents, or business owners, understanding your target audience is key to crafting persuasive content. Creativity is also important—whether it’s coming up with catchy headlines or unique ways to present a product, creativity will help you stand out. - Basic Marketing Knowledge:
While you don’t need to be a marketing expert, understanding the basics of consumer psychology and sales tactics will help you write more effective copy. Concepts like call-to-action (CTA), conversion rates, and buyer personas are important for writing compelling content that drives results. - Familiarity with SEO:
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a key part of copywriting, especially when writing for websites and blogs. Having a basic understanding of SEO principles, such as using keywords effectively, optimizing headlines, and writing for both humans and search engines, will make your copy more effective and help it rank higher in search engines like Google. - Time Management:
As a student, you’ll need to balance your coursework and deadlines with your copywriting projects. Time management is essential for ensuring you can complete your writing assignments on time while also giving your academic responsibilities the attention they need. - Portfolio and Samples:
One of the most important steps to becoming a copywriter is building a portfolio. Your portfolio should showcase a variety of copywriting samples, such as blog posts, landing pages, product descriptions, or social media content. You can start by offering your writing services to friends, local businesses, or student organizations to build your portfolio.
How Much Can I Make as a Copywriter?
The income potential for a copywriter depends on your experience, skill level, and whether you’re working as a freelancer or for a company. Here’s what you can expect:
- Starting Out:
As a beginner, you can expect to earn $10 to $25 per hour or $0.05 to $0.10 per word. Most entry-level copywriters start by working with small businesses, startups, or content agencies, offering affordable rates to build a portfolio. Starting rates may vary based on the type of content and the complexity of the project. - Intermediate Copywriters:
Once you’ve gained some experience and built a portfolio, you can start earning $25 to $50 per hour or $0.10 to $0.50 per word. Many intermediate copywriters begin to specialize in particular niches (e.g., tech, finance, health) and can charge higher rates for more specialized work. - Experienced Copywriters:
Experienced copywriters with a strong portfolio can earn $50 to $100 per hour or $1.00 or more per word. Many professional copywriters work with high-paying clients or large companies, creating advertising campaigns, sales pages, and content marketing strategies. - Freelance vs. Full-Time:
Freelance copywriters have the potential to scale their earnings by working with multiple clients at once, while full-time copywriters employed by companies typically earn salaries. Full-time copywriters can expect to make between $40,000 to $70,000 per year depending on their experience, niche, and location. Freelance copywriters, on the other hand, have the flexibility to earn more by taking on additional projects or offering specialized services.
How to Get Started as a Student
Starting a copywriting career as a student is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Learn the Basics of Copywriting:
Begin by studying the basics of copywriting. There are plenty of free online resources, blogs, and courses (such as those offered by CopyBlogger, HubSpot, and Udemy) that can help you understand the fundamentals of persuasive writing, SEO, and marketing. - Build a Portfolio:
To attract clients or employers, you’ll need a portfolio showcasing your best writing samples. Start by writing blog posts, website copy, or social media content. You can volunteer to write for student organizations, local businesses, or your own blog to build this portfolio. - Offer Freelance Services:
As a student, you can start offering your copywriting services on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. These platforms allow you to bid on copywriting jobs and start building a client base. You can also network with potential clients through social media or LinkedIn. - Take Online Courses:
Consider taking specialized copywriting courses to improve your skills. Look for courses that focus on specific aspects of copywriting, such as SEO, email marketing, or conversion optimization. These will help you develop expertise in high-demand areas. - Set Realistic Rates:
As a student starting out, it’s important to offer competitive rates to attract clients. As you gain more experience and confidence, you can increase your rates. Many copywriters start at lower prices to build their portfolio, and then gradually raise their rates as they gain experience and build a reputation. - Time Management and Balance:
Balancing your academic work with freelance copywriting can be challenging, so be sure to manage your time effectively. Set aside dedicated time each week to work on your copywriting projects and make sure you prioritize your coursework. With careful planning, you can succeed in both areas.
Our Thoughts
Starting a copywriting career as a college student is an excellent way to build a professional portfolio, gain real-world experience, and earn money while still in school. Whether you’re writing blog posts, social media copy, or product descriptions, copywriting offers a flexible and rewarding career path that aligns with your academic schedule. By learning the basics of persuasive writing, building a portfolio, and marketing your services, you can begin earning income and building a long-term career as a successful copywriter. Why wait? Start writing today and take the first step toward your future in copywriting!
