7 Advantages That Make Copywriting a Fantastic Job Now (And for the Future)

Is copywriting a good career?

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or simply looking to change careers, you’re wise to ask if copywriting is a safe and lucrative job choice before diving straight in.

Well, I’ve got good news:

Not only is copywriting a good job now, but I also believe it will continue to be a high-paying, in-demand job for the foreseeable future. Before we explore all the reasons that make copywriting one of the best jobs in the world, let’s quickly compare copywriting to another popular, well-paid position: creative manager.

The NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers recently advertised for a creative manager to help shape their brand. As the creative manager, you would design the team’s marketing materials and merchandise. You’d even get to work behind the scenes with some of the athletes.

This sounds like a fantastic job, especially if you like basketball. Plus, the salary could go north of $100,000.

But, there’s a catch …

To get hired, you’d need a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, along with five to seven years of design experience and high proficiency in a slew of design apps.

That sounds like way too much work — especially if you’re looking to change careers as I did.

Sadly, though, that’s the reality of most careers: there’s almost always a high barrier to entry.

Now, copywriting is a different story. One of the benefits of being a writer is how simple it is to get started:

• You don’t need a degree or even a high school diploma to work as a copywriter.
• You don’t need years of experience. Once you learn the fundamentals of copywriting and create a copywriting portfolio to show potential clients, you’ll be ready for paid projects.
• You only really need enough technical proficiency to turn on your computer, type your copy in a Word doc, and send and receive email.

I know some of you are thinking:

“Okay, great — there’s a low barrier to entry. But is copywriting a good career?”

Let’s take a closer look at why I believe copywriting is a smart career choice — both now and for the future.

1. Copywriting Is In Demand

Copywriting is simple to break into because it’s in high demand — yet there’s far less competition than other high-paying jobs.

Consider a patent attorney. That’s a coveted job with a median base salary of $150,000. But with only around 1,125 positions open in the U.S., the odds of landing this job are slim.

That’s a far cry from copywriting.

Direct-response marketing is a $2.3-trillion industry — and it’s still growing. Millions of high-quality clients need copywriters to write sales letters, emails, space ads, and a host of other projects that fall under the definition of copywriting.

Plus, with online advertising like social media and mobile continuing to explode, there will never be enough qualified copywriters to write all the copy businesses need. This brings me to my next point.

2. Everyone Needs a Skilled Copywriter

Not only is copywriting in demand, but it’s also a skill that absolutely every business, big or small, needs to succeed.

Think about it.

A business can have the most beautiful website in the world. But if it doesn’t have the right messaging, then its ideal customers won’t stick around — and they certainly won’t make a purchase.

Choosing a copywriting niche is a clever way to differentiate yourself from other copywriters. And since everyone needs a copywriter, there are endless opportunities to specialize in an industry you’re passionate about.

Plus, if you choose to write in a niche you love, your hours of research won’t feel like work at all. So, is copywriting a good career? I’d say so.

Love dogs and cats? Consider pets copywriting. Yes, that’s actually a thing. Here are a few other copywriting niches to spur your creativity:

• Real estate copywriter
• B2B copywriter
• Technology copywriter
• Home improvement copywriter
• Software copywriter

3. No One Is Looking Over Your Shoulder

Have you always dreamed of being your own boss? Of creating a schedule that works for you, so you can spend more time on the things that matter? Well, with copywriting, now you can. But this isn’t the case for most well-paid jobs.

Let’s take pharmacists, for example.

It takes up to eight years of schooling before you can get licensed as a pharmacist. Then you need to pass two licensing exams (something you’ll never have to worry about with copywriting).

Plus, consider the hours. Today’s pharmacies are usually open nights, weekends, and even holidays. So instead of watching your kids tear open their presents on Christmas morning, or enjoying your Thanksgiving turkey with loved ones, you might be stuck at work.

This is contrary to what the writer’s life is all about. In fact, for many freelance copywriters, the single most profound benefit is freedom.

Depending on your income needs and goals, you can work full-time or part-time hours. No one’s forcing you to put in a 9-to-5 workday, five days a week, in addition to having a boss demanding you come in on the weekend or a holiday.

Want to sleep in one day — or every day? Cut out early on a Friday for a coffee date? Take a long lunch? As a copywriter, you only answer to yourself, so indulge however you see fit.

4. Your Simplest Path, No Matter Your Income Goals

Do all copywriters earn a six-figure income?

Of course not.

Not everyone aims to make $100,000 a year. Some copywriters value their time more than money, and others might prefer to work part-time hours because they can still earn a solid income. Still, other copywriters prefer taking on smaller projects that might not pay as much as, say, a sales letter, but can quickly and easily be delivered.

Considering the benefits of copywriting and the answer to “Is copywriting a good career?” crystallized something I already believed to be true: copywriting is the most straightforward path to earning a high income on your terms.

You can start any time in your life and quickly take the necessary steps to become a highly-paid copywriter. Build your copywriting portfolio and invest in your writing skills, and there’s no limit to your earning potential.

5. Quality Copywriting Can’t Be Automated

It’s hardly any secret that with technology and innovation comes automation. Not all jobs are future-proof; you’d be wise to consider how artificial intelligence might impact your income-earning potential.

Now, I can’t tell you what the future holds, but I will say this:

I don’t believe technology will replace human copywriters anytime soon. That’s because great copywriting is both an art and a science.

Copywriting is an art because, at its core, it’s a creative process. Sure, there are formulas you can follow. But to craft messages that get the yes from leads and customers, you must understand how words work.

Copywriting is a science, too, because the best copywriters know what drives their audience to make a purchase; that doesn’t come from guessing, but by studying customer data, psychological triggers, and consumer decision making.

Proven copywriting templates are a great way to get started. But thought-provoking, conversion copywriting that connects with readers on an emotional level? That’s a high-level skill that simply can’t be programmed or outsourced — and it’s why businesses will continue to pay big bucks for beautiful copy that converts.

6. Take Your Job Around the World

For years you’ve dreamed of taking your family somewhere sunny and tropical, but due to a tight work schedule and a limited budget, it never seemed feasible. Until now, that is.

You’ve invested in your copywriting skills, taken courses, and built your portfolio, and you’re now attracting high-paying clients in an industry you love.

You finally have the income and flexibility to take the trip of a lifetime. Better yet? Your lucrative copywriting projects can go with you wherever you go. You’re no longer asking, “is copywriting a good career.” You know it is.

Sound too good to be true? It’s not. I know because I’ve taken my virtual copywriting clients with me around the world — and many of our AWAI copywriting graduates have used the freedom and flexibility of their copywriting careers to explore inspiring and diverse locales.

Remember, you only need a laptop to land profitable copywriting clients. So, why not swap your home desk for somewhere a little more exotic?

7. Copywriting Is Fun

Listen to these job titles:

• Software engineering manager
• Procurement manager
• Financial planning
• Analysis manager
• Data scientist
• Medical science liaison

Some of you might enjoy these positions, but me? No, thank you. Not even for $100K.

However, with copywriting, you’re constantly writing about new and exciting products, services, and ideas. You choose your clients and can write about the topics that interest you. You’ll enjoy becoming an expert in your craft, and your passion will shine through in your copy.

Ultimately, that’ll lead to better results for your clients and better fees for you.

So, are you ready to become a copywriter? All you need is someone to show you the way. And our copywriting roadmap will give you a clear pathway into this fun, lucrative, freedom-filled career.

Do you have any questions about getting started as a copywriter? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.