I'm a budding writer, and I wanted to know if it was worthwhile to investigate copywriting. I currently just write web articles, but I was wondering if I should list this as one of my skills on Elance. I can write pretty much anything, even related to marketing. Does it pay that much more?
In copywriting you need more than just a content. You need a briliant idea with a selling skill. Of course, with these skills you'll get more pay.
I think copywriting does pay more, and I think it's up to the seller to find his brilliant idea, not to you. If youre doing a good job though, you should work in collaboration with him to write the best copy possible
Here's a post from a DP member with some of the copywriting rates he was charging at this time last year: http://www.chrisblogging.com/copywriting-rates-how-much-should-you-charge/
In general yes (especially if you're comparing it to the type of content rates you see advertised by most writers on DP). Then again, a lot of clients don't know the difference - they want marketing copy (which involved market research, more planning, and copy that motivates someone to generally do something) but they advertise for content writers and expect to pay on a "per article" rate like basic Web content. So there's no clear cut answer. Business writing (corporate communications and marcomm work) does generally pay far better than content writing work, but in the end you're the one who sets your rates and targets your market, so how much you earn is up to you.
Copywriting naturally pays more than content writing because the former is a form of writing specialization. I suggest that you put it in your Elance skills if you really know how to do it. It would also help if you know the difference between copywriting and content/article writing.
Thanks for adding that link, Tyler. It is still a good place for aspiring writers to get an idea on where to start, how to set rates, etc.
Copywriting pays more. And it does require special skills that mean you can make a connection to your target market no matter who they are. It's almost like role play. Then you have to boil it down and write it. You have to adapt your copywriting to the media for which you are producing. Radio and web are different, even TV and You Tube draw in different audiences whose response is different. There are image campaigns and promotional campaigns for example. But you have to use different language and strategies depending on the media. But if you are writing multi media campaigns for a client, YOU MUST deliver a consistent marketing message. If you are selling shoes that are great walking shoes, you stick to that message and most everything you write wraps around that core idea. About 50% of the time, I am developing the selling strategy. The corporate clients usually have one but small-middle sized businesses rarely do. In any given week, I am doing the selling strategy 100% and then the next week they have that already. So you can start out just knowing what one is and do the idea/copy part.
It has nothing to do with what you "bill yourself" as, and everything to do with the actual services you provide. Calling yourself a copywriter when you write content just makes you look ignorant, so they shouldn't call themselves one unless they actually are. And adding SEO to the title isn't enough to make a difference. A lot of writers here call themselves SEO writers of one type or another, and quite a lot of those writers work for bottom of the barrel rates.
Well, I was just feeling too sleepy to write a long message- so, in short, yeah copywriting pay a lot more!
I was going to say thanks for that. So many copywriters claim they know what they are doing when they don't; they charge a fortune & many have left me quite upset. That's why I decided to find someone who wants to train themselves with all the training material I've purchased & work on my websites while learning. They give me a rate I can live with, & build their skills at the same time, but I would only hire someone who already has good writing skills & is prepared to stay with us for 6-12 months. I'm not here to train someone & then have them walk away, so someone who's ethical as well. An ethical copywriter - fancy that LOL Michelle
copywriting definitely pays more since it's the thing separating the user from the order page. While content writing indirectly brings in revenues in the form of advertising.
The original question was, "What pays more - copywriting or content creation?" The answer is both can pay equally; however it's a matter of how you position yourself and of course the depth and breadth of your portfolio. Since both are 'words that sell'; the implied value is the use or desired result that comes from the words that you write. Please remember - you're working with people - not businesses. People require that they feel comfortable with you first - let's call this trust and respect. Some may mistakenly take this as, "I have to offer a discount in order for people to buy from me." In fact, this is not the case. My take on discounts is this: when you dis-count your work, it leaves others to dis-count your work as well. In other words, the only way you can distinguish yourself from your competitors is through price. When you base your work solely on price, then you create a commodity that is subject to the whims and generosity of your intended buying audience. Read: Words That Sell - Richard Bayan The Power of Emotional Appeal - Roy Garn Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion - Dr Robert Cialdini These should be staples in your content/copywriting collection. Enjoy the ride. Nicholas PM me should you have any further questions.
Oh man, does it ever. How anyone can write a 500 word article for $5-10 dollars is beyond me. I get at least $700 dollars for a 500 word email. So to make a long story short, absolutely. Only downside is you have to perform you live or die based on your last promotions results. Do well and you're welcomed like a conquering Caesar, fail and well you know... Nick Xifaras Copywriter
The market for solid copywriting isn't so solid on this forum. There are some spots where it can pay well, though.
I definitely agree on this one. Especially because you really can't guarantee whether or not the copy would sell.