How to Become a Copywriter (Step-by-Step Guide)

Great copy doesn’t sound like marketing—it feels like truth.

Words like that catch your eye for a reason, because behind every successful brand, product, or idea stands a story told well. If you’ve ever paused at a headline, clicked “buy,” or shared a post that moved you, you’ve already experienced the power of copy.

Whether you’re building your freelance career, expanding your digital skills, or simply curious to know the answer to the question who is a copywriter and what they do, you’re in the right place.

In this blog, we’ll break down what copywriting really is, the different paths you can take, and the practical steps to help you become a copywriter in 2025.

Who is a copywriter?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Who is a copywriter?”, the simplest answer is this: a copywriter is a professional who writes words that get people to act. These aren’t just any words; they’re the ones that persuade you to sign up for a course, click on an ad, buy a product, or even share a post.

In today’s digital economy, where attention is short and competition is everywhere, businesses can’t just put information out there and hope for results.

They need words that sell without sounding pushy, and that’s where a copywriter steps in.

So, who is a copywriter really? They’re more than just writers. They’re strategists who understand psychology, marketing, and audience behavior. They listen to what a business wants to achieve, study what the audience cares about, and then create messages that connect the two.

David Ogilvy, one of the most respected figures in advertising, once put it this way: “If you’re trying to persuade people to do something, or buy something, it seems to me you should use their language.” That’s exactly what copywriters do: they speak the customer’s language.

Copywriters also exist in almost every digital space you interact with: websites, social media, email newsletters, product descriptions, sales pages, and even video scripts.

If you’ve ever clicked “Buy Now” because the text convinced you, you’ve experienced the work of a copywriter firsthand.

In short, a copywriter is someone who uses words as a tool for influence. For professionals in digital skills, marketing, design, or even tech, understanding who a copywriter is matters because nearly every business decision online today depends on the power of persuasive writing.

What does a copywriter do?

Now that we’ve answered the question: who is a copywriter, the next natural question is: what does a copywriter do on a daily basis? The answer goes beyond just “writing.” A copywriter’s role is to take business goals and turn them into words that make people take action.

For example, when you land on a website and see a headline that instantly makes sense and nudges you to scroll down, that’s copywriting. When you open an email and feel compelled to click a link, that’s copywriting. In practice, what copywriters do is blend creativity with strategy so that businesses don’t just reach their audience, they connect and convert them.

Here are some of the core tasks copywriters handle:

Website Copy – From homepage headlines to service descriptions, copywriters create text that explains a brand’s value in clear, persuasive terms.
Sales Pages and Ads – Copywriters craft high-converting ads, landing pages, and sales letters that turn attention into revenue.
Email Campaigns – They write subject lines and body copy that drive open rates, click-throughs, and signups.
Social Media Content – Short, punchy posts that keep audiences engaged and motivated to act.
Product Descriptions – Words that highlight benefits (not just features) and influence buying decisions.
Scripts – Copywriters often write scripts for video ads, explainer videos, or even podcasts.

In fact, according to the Content Marketing Institute, content marketing generates more than three times as many leads as outbound marketing, while costing 62% less. And at the heart of that success are copywriters, the ones fueling the engine with words that drive action.

So, what does a copywriter do day-to-day? They don’t just write; they analyze target audiences, research competitors, and test messaging to make sure every word earns its place. If the answer to the question: Who is a copywriter is about identity, then what copywriters do is about action. It’s the bridge between strategy and execution.

Types of Copywriters

Once you’ve understood the answer to the question: who is a copywriter and what copywriters do, it’s important to realize that not all copywriters are the same.

Copywriting is a broad field, and depending on your skills, interests, and industry focus, you can specialize in different areas. This matters because the type of copywriting you choose determines the kind of clients you work with, the tools you use, and even how much you can charge.

Here are the main types of copywriters you’ll come across in 2025:

1. SEO Copywriters

These copywriters focus on writing content that ranks well on search engines while staying persuasive and engaging for readers. For example, a blog post optimized for the keyword “how to become a copywriter” can attract thousands of readers monthly if done right.

SEO copywriters understand keyword research, on-page optimization, and how to structure content so that Google rewards it and people love reading it.

2. Advertising Copywriters

These are the people behind the ads you see on Google, Facebook, TikTok, or even traditional billboards. Their job is to grab attention in seconds and deliver a clear, irresistible message. A single headline from an ad copywriter could mean the difference between a campaign flopping or generating millions in revenue.

3. Email Copywriters

This remains one of the highest ROI marketing channels, according to Litmus; the average ROI for email is $36 for every $1 spent. Email copywriters specialize in writing subject lines, newsletters, and sequences that keep subscribers engaged and push them toward buying.

4. Direct Response Copywriters

Known as the “hard-sellers” of copywriting, they write sales letters, landing pages, and long-form campaigns designed to get immediate action, whether that’s “Buy Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Donate Today.” Direct response copywriting is the closest link between words and revenue.

5. Social Media Copywriters

With billions of people scrolling daily, businesses rely on social media copywriters to cut through the noise. These professionals know how to write short, impactful posts and captions that not only spark engagement but also lead to conversions.

6. Technical Copywriters

In industries like SaaS, fintech, and IT, technical copywriters translate complex ideas into simple, persuasive copy. For instance, they might explain how a cybersecurity product works in plain English while convincing decision-makers why it’s worth buying.

7. Content Marketing Copywriters

These copywriters blur the line between content writing and copywriting. They write blogs, ebooks, and guides that inform readers but still strategically push them toward a brand’s product or service. If you’ve ever downloaded a free ebook from a company and later bought from them, that’s the work of a content marketing copywriter.

8. Brand Copywriters

Beyond selling, businesses need a consistent voice and identity. Brand copywriters specialize in building that voice across websites, taglines, mission statements, and storytelling campaigns.

A good example is Nike’s “Just Do It”; that’s brand copywriting at work.

The truth is, there’s no single answer to “who is a copywriter” because the role shifts depending on the niche. What copywriters do in advertising looks very different from what they do in SEO or technical industries. The key is to find where your skills align and focus on becoming excellent in that area.

How to Become a Copywriter

We’ve already answered the question: who is a copywriter and what a copywriter does. Now the big question is how to become a copywriter in 2025.

Unlike many careers, you don’t need a formal certificate to get started. What you need is the right mindset, consistent practice, and a step-by-step path you can actually follow. Let’s break it down.

1. Learn the Basics of Copywriting

If you’re asking, “How can I learn copywriting?”, the first step is to master the foundations. Copywriting isn’t just about writing; it’s about psychology and marketing. You need to understand what makes people stop scrolling, why they click, and what motivates them to buy.

A practical way to start is by studying classic copywriting principles like AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) and PAS (Problem, Agitate, Solution).

For example, next time you see a Facebook ad that catches your eye, pause and analyze: did it first grab your attention, then spark interest, then offer a solution? That’s AIDA at work.

Resources like HubSpot Academy, Copyblogger, or books like Influence by Robert Cialdini can give you immediate insight. And the good news? Many of these resources are free.

2. Study Great Copy in Action

One of the fastest ways to grow is to see how professionals do it.

Every day, you come across ads, emails, and websites, and start treating them like study material. Ask: Why does this headline work? Why did this email make me click? Why did I trust this product description?

A practical exercise: create a swipe file. This is a personal collection of ads, emails, or landing pages that you think are powerful.

Copywriters like Joanna Wiebe (founder of Copyhackers) swear by this method. The point isn’t to copy word-for-word, but to dissect what works and why.

By building a swipe file, you’ll train your brain to spot persuasive techniques faster, and apply them to your own writing.

3. Practice Every Single Day

This is where many beginners struggle; they keep consuming information but don’t practice. Copywriting is like going to the gym: you don’t get fit by reading about workouts, you get fit by actually lifting.

Start small. Take a product on Amazon and rewrite its description to make it more persuasive. Pick a random service (like a gym membership) and write a Facebook ad for it. Rewrite a boring headline into 5 different catchy ones.

Here’s a practical tip: set yourself a 20-minute daily challenge. Each day, write 10 different headlines for the same idea. Within a month, you’ll notice a big difference in your creativity and flow.

As legendary copywriter Eugene Schwartz said, “No sentence can be effective if it contains facts alone. It must also contain emotion, image, logic, and promise.” Practicing daily helps you learn how to balance those elements naturally.

4. Build a Portfolio That Speaks for You

Once you’ve started practicing, the next question is: how to be a copywriter who gets clients without experience? The answer lies in building a portfolio. Your portfolio is proof that you can do the work.

Don’t wait until someone pays you; start creating sample projects yourself. Pick a brand you admire and rewrite its homepage copy. Draft a three-email welcome sequence for a fictional online course. Write an ad campaign for a pizza shop or a fintech app. Even though they’re “mock” projects, they show potential clients how you think and write.

If you want real-world projects, volunteer for nonprofits or small businesses in your community. Many are happy to let you write their social media posts or email newsletters in exchange for testimonials. That testimonial plus your samples? That’s your first solid portfolio.

Check our guide here on how to create a portfolio that gets you hired.

5. Understand Digital Tools

In 2025, copywriters who only write words without knowing tools will be behind. If you’re serious about how to become a copywriter, you need to understand the digital landscape where your words live.

For example:

SEO Tools (Ahrefs, Semrush, SurferSEO) → help you write copy that ranks.
Email Platforms (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Klaviyo) → help you understand email funnels and automation.
Analytics Tools (Google Analytics, Hotjar) → show you how users interact with your copy.
AI-assisted Tools → not for writing entire projects, but for brainstorming or idea generation.

The point isn’t to be a tech guru but to know how copy interacts with digital platforms. For instance, a website headline that works in theory may not perform well if users bounce. Knowing tools lets you adjust and prove your value with data.

6. Network and Get Feedback

Copywriting is both a skill and a community. One of the fastest ways to grow is by surrounding yourself with people who are already better at it.

Join online communities like Copyhackers’ 10x Freelance Copywriter group, r/copywriting on Reddit, or LinkedIn groups for marketers and writers.

Share your work. Ask for feedback. Be open to critiques, even harsh ones. They’ll speed up your learning curve.

Networking also opens doors to jobs. Many freelance copywriters get their first big projects not from platforms like Upwork, but from referrals or community connections. As the saying goes, “Your network is your net worth.”

A practical step: post one copywriting example a week on LinkedIn. Not only will you improve by creating consistently, but you’ll also position yourself as a copywriter-in-training in front of potential clients.

Check out this LinkedIn series that takes you through everything you need to know, from setting up your account to landing jobs.

7. Start Small, Then Grow

When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by big goals like landing high-ticket clients or writing for global brands. But how to become a copywriter in reality starts with taking small, practical steps.

Begin with freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour, where you can find entry-level projects. They may not pay much at first, but they give you the experience of working with real clients. Another option is to reach out directly to startups, coaches, or small businesses who may not have a copywriter yet but desperately need one.

From there, as your portfolio and confidence grow, you can increase your rates, specialize in a niche, or even pitch to agencies and larger companies. Many successful copywriters in 2025 started with $50 projects and eventually built six-figure businesses.

The growth comes from consistency, learning from every project, and positioning yourself as someone who solves business problems with words.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How can I learn copywriting?”, this is the roadmap. It’s practical, it’s doable, and it works. The world of digital skills is expanding fast, and copywriting sits at the heart of it, because no matter how good the product, service, or technology is, it still needs words that persuade.

By starting today with small, consistent steps, you’ll not only understand the answer to the question: who is a copywriter and what copywriters do, but you’ll actually become one.

What are the Skills Needed by a Copywriter?

Knowing who is a copywriter and how to become a copywriter is one thing; actually thriving as one requires specific skills. Copywriting is not just about writing well; it’s about combining creativity, strategy, and psychology to produce words that work.

Here are the key skills every copywriter needs in 2025:

1. Writing Clarity

You don’t need to be a poet, but you must write clearly. Copy that confuses won’t convert. A good copywriter explains even complex ideas in simple, human words.

2. Research Ability

Great copy is built on great research. Copywriters dig into customer pain points, study competitors, and understand the product before writing. Without research, your copy is guesswork.

3. Understanding Psychology

Copywriting is persuasion. Knowing triggers like urgency, scarcity, or social proof helps you craft words that influence decisions.

4. Storytelling

People remember stories more than facts. Whether it’s a brand origin story or a customer success example, storytelling makes copy relatable.

5. Digital Marketing Knowledge

In 2025, copywriters need to know where their words live: SEO for websites, subject lines for email, hooks for social media. A copywriter who understands digital marketing adds more value.

6. Adaptability

Copywriters often switch tones depending on the brand. One day you might write for a fun pizza brand, the next for a serious fintech startup. Being flexible is key.

7. Editing and Attention to Detail

Strong copy is rarely written in one draft. Good copywriters know how to edit ruthlessly, cut fluff, and polish until every word earns its place.

How Much Do Copywriters Earn?

One of the first questions people ask after figuring out the answer to: who is a copywriter or how to become a copywriter is simple: “Can I actually make money doing this?”

The short answer is yes, but how much you earn depends on your skill level, niche, and the kind of work you do.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for copywriters in the United States ranges around $85,000 per year, with senior copywriters making upwards of $130,000.

Freelancers, however, operate on a very different model. Many charge per project, per word, or on a retainer basis.

Here’s a breakdown of earning potential for copywriters:

Entry-Level Copywriters

If you’re just starting, expect between $15–$25 per hour or $300–$500 per project, depending on complexity. Many beginners build experience through freelancing platforms or internships.
Mid-Level Copywriters

With 2–5 years of experience, copywriters often earn $40,000–$60,000 annually, or $1,000–$3,000 per project if freelancing. At this stage, strong portfolios and niche expertise (like SaaS or health) bring higher pay.
Specialized/Niche Copywriters

Copywriters focusing on high-demand niches, like tech, finance, or healthcare, earn more. For example, a SaaS landing page copy can pay anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on scope.
Freelance & Remote Copywriters

Freelancers have the advantage of working with multiple clients. Some experienced freelance copywriters earn six figures annually, especially when combining project fees, retainers, and royalties from performance-based work.
Top 1% (Direct Response Copywriters)

The best-paid copywriters often work in direct response marketing, the kind of copy you see in ads, sales letters, or email funnels. These professionals can charge $10,000+ per sales page and sometimes earn commissions based on sales.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Copywriting in 2025 isn’t just another digital skill; it’s a passport to opportunities. From helping brands find their voice to crafting words that actually sell, copywriters are in high demand across industries.

And the best part? You don’t need years of formal training to start; you need the right guidance, practice, and a community that pushes you forward.

That’s why spaces like Creaitz exist, a community where digital professionals like you learn, grow, and turn skills into real-world impact.

Whether you’re aiming for your first copywriting gig or scaling up as a pro, you don’t have to do it alone.

Join us today at Creaitz, because the fastest way to master copywriting is walking with others already on the journey.

Similar reads: