Startup cost
$500–$3k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Copywriting Business
Decision Snapshot
Copywriting
Idea Score
68
Profit margin
23%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Flexible
Part 1 - How to start a Copywriting business - Background
These businesses are usually companies that are hired by other companies for marketing projects. They craft content such as blogs, social media posts, industry reports, and more. Copywriting companies work on a freelance basis because there aren’t many companies that hire writers exclusively. Because of this, you should aim to work with multiple clients to keep work steady.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Copywriting business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a copywriting business?
Costs to get started are low and generally include a computer and a stable internet connection. If you’re working with larger corporate clients, you will also need a business Paypal account or merchant account and invoicing software.
Costs for a new computer range from between $400 up to $2,500 or more.
Fees for a merchant account also vary, but can include a flat fee plus a per transaction fee. Some companies, like Paypal, may charge you a flat per-transaction fee and a percentage of each transaction. Merchant accounts and payment gateways may charge you a monthly fee for service, plus a percentage of sales and a flat per-transaction fee.
Invoicing software ranges from free to several hundred dollars per year for professional applications.
Another expense, which varies, is advertising. Using pay-per-click advertising carries a higher cost than using other forms of advertising, like referrals or email marketing.
If you start a large agency, with full-time employees, your costs can increase dramatically. Under this model, you may spend up to $10,000 for high-end computer systems and conference software.
What are the ongoing expenses for a copywriting business?
The only ongoing expenses in this business are utilities to run electronics (computers, lights, etc.) and service fees for merchant accounts and invoicing software. If you employ other copywriters, you will also need a payroll system.
If your clients require you use a special content management system (CMS), you will need to maintain this as well.
Who is the target market?
Ideal clients for a copywriting business are typically large corporate clients who can afford a professional writer or team of writers. Larger clients are also more likely to have ongoing or regular projects and assignments, providing a more stable source of income.
Avoid clients who are smaller or who have no (or very little) budget for projects. Individual clients are more risky than corporate clients.
How does a copywriting business make money?
Most copywriting companies charge clients a flat rate per word or a flat rate per project. However, some companies charge tiered rates depending on the amount and type of work being performed.
How much can you charge customers?
Writing fees are all over the board. There is, unfortunately, no standard rate for writing. However, there are strong trends within the industry. Most volume-based copywriting agencies charge clients between $0.05 and $0.10 per word. In some cases, they charge less. Higher-end agencies may charge clients between $0.20 per word up to $2 or more per word.
Flat-fee rates can be as low as a few dollars for volume work or between $500 and $3,000 or more for customized projects. The higher the fee, the more specialized the project tends to be. Some companies will also require graphical design and layout for higher-priced projects.
How much profit can a copywriting business make?
The profit potential for a copywriting agency is almost unlimited. According to Payscale, the average wage for a freelance writer is $24.24 per hour. As the owner of a copywriting agency, you could earn between $31,000 and $95,000 per year.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Some specialties in copywriting demand more money than others. For example, technical writing usually commands higher fees than general copywriting. Focusing your business on technical subjects like law, finance, tutorials, and educational material may allow you to make more money than writing general topics.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a copywriting business?
Day-to-day activities usually involve meeting with new clients, checking for assignments, billing for work completed, managing workflow (usually in a spreadsheet or similar application), researching other companies’ brands and general culture, and of course writing and completing assignments from those clients.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful copywriting business?
Generally, no special certifications are necessary but it helps to have a strong background in writing or journalism. In addition to general writing skills, good copywriters have a writing style that has a flexible voice which ensures your content fits the voice of the company/institution you are writing for.
Corporate clients tend to hire professional writers or journalists that have experience in a specific industry or niche. As such, some projects may require the writer have special degrees or certifications in (or related to) that industry.
For example, a corporate client may require a copywriter have a degree in biology if the assignments or project is science-based and focuses on biology topics. A well-developed portfolio is essential too, as you will need some material to show prospective clients samples of your work.
What is the growth potential for a copywriting business?
A small company may only consist of one or two writers. A larger company is usually set up to accommodate a team of writers. Most of the time, a small copywriting business can be run out of an apartment or house.
Larger operations can be set up in a more traditional office setting.
If a good reputation is built, these businesses can even expand to take on clients from dozens of companies at once.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a copywriting business?
Getting started as a copywriting business isn’t difficult but it can take time. If you have no industry contacts, you’ll probably start with copywriting job boards. You can also partner with existing agencies and provide outsourced work.
Most new copywriting business owners start by working for a large agency as a copywriter. Often, the business owner will have made contacts within the industry, making the transition easier. Without key contacts, it will be harder to land your first few clients and start generating revenue.
How and when to build a team
Most copywriting companies can be run as a one-person shop. This model allows you to set your own hours and work from home. You will typically sign a contract with a larger agency or directly with clients.
However, as you accumulate clients, it may make sense to hire additional copywriters (either employees or freelancers) to help you complete projects. Expanding your operation depends a lot on the volume of work you have (and can maintain).
If you want to remain a small company, you may only hire freelance writers. If you want to grow your agency, you will need a full-time staff.
Part 2 - Is a Copywriting business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Copywriting business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Copywriting Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Copywriting business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.