A few nights ago, someone left a comment on one of our Facebook ads essentially saying, “Your training is all well and good, but when the market is flooded with copywriters no one will be able to find work and everyone will have to work for peanuts.”
Well, that’s a pretty dire prediction. But as you’ve likely heard me say before: The people who know the least about a topic are usually the loudest in giving their opinions.
At the same time, maybe you’ve wondered this, too. Maybe you’ve seen the testimonials on our site and thought:
“If all of those people are already successful, is there even any room for me?”
In a word, yes.
In three words, very much yes. But let’s dig in a little further.
There Aren’t As Many Copywriters as You Think
First, I think it’s interesting that no one’s ever concerned about the markets being “flooded” with doctors or accountants or mechanics or any of those and institutions of higher learning are churning people in those professions out in the thousands upon thousands upon thousands every single year.
But I get it, someone sees my Facebook ad a couple of times and assumes that we’re doing the same. Let me assure you: Our numbers are nowhere near that high.
And, considering there are really only a handful of consistently running copywriting courses that actually teach marketable copywriting skills, there’s not going to be any market-flooding any time soon.
The Internet is very good at showing you more of what it thinks you want. So, if you’ve expressed interest in copywriting, you’re going to see a ton of copywriting content. That makes it feel like the world is filled with copywriters. But don’t let that fool you. Look at the actual data.
The Opportunity for Copywriters is Large
Let’s look at it from the other side—the opportunity side.
You’ve probably heard me say before that there is so much more need for good, skilled copywriters than there are good, skilled copywriters to fill it.
That’s very true. And no matter how long I have this company and no matter how many copywriters I train, that will remain true.
Why? Because there are SO MANY companies and organizations out there.
The simple fact of the matter is that every single company and organization uses copy. Copy conveys their messages and allows a company or organization to meet its goals. Copy is essential to ALL companies and organizations.
Now, will every single one of them hire a copywriter? Of course not. But you don’t need them to.
The most recent statistic I could find (2019) conveys that there are more than 32.5 million businesses in the US. Along with that, there are more than 1.5 million nonprofits in the US.
(Global students and readers, I just used US numbers because they were easiest to find instead of tracking down and adding up the numbers for all English-speaking countries and companies.)
That means that there are more than 34,000,000 businesses and organizations operating within JUST the US that have a need for copywriting.
And don’t forget, you can write for businesses and organizations in any English-speaking country AND any company that is marketing to English-speakers, wherever that company is located.
For example, for several years I worked with a Brazilian company that made videos for other Brazilian companies that wanted to reach English-speaking audiences.
And, don’t forget that 543,000 new businesses are started EACH MONTH.
Now, again, not every single one of these will hire copywriters. (Even though they should.)
But if only ONE PERCENT of the 34 million companies hired copywriters?
(The real percentage would much, much, much higher but I’m making a point here.)
That would be 340,000 companies or organizations IN THE US ALONE.
How Many Clients Copywriters Need vs. How Much Work There Is
Considering the average copywriter needs, oh, 5 or 6 clients (on average) a month to make an excellent full-time living (and retainer clients, who keep working with you over and over, decrease the number of new clients you need)…
There is SO MUCH more need for good copywriters than there are good copywriters to fill it.
Not only will we not “flood the market” with copywriters, but there remains (and will remain) an actual drought of copywriters.
And the companies that are looking for copywriters? Many of them are looking for multiple copywriters! Ad agencies have teams of copywriters. Internal marketing teams often have several copywriters, if not an entire team. Small businesses may work with several copywriters. And that’s not even touching on maternity leaves, overflow work for busy periods, and more!
Don’t let fear-mongering or misinformation from misinformed people scare you off. If you love writing, if you have a natural talent for it and if you’re open to learning and willing to follow the steps that you’re given…
Copywriting is, and will remain, a HUGE career opportunity.
Watch More
Listen as Nicki and Kate dig deeper into the math and why how we feel about things isn’t always how they actually are. They also discuss why not all copywriters are created equal—so even if there are people calling themselves copywriters, it doesn’t mean they know how to write copy (which means there’s even more room and opportunity for trained copywriters!).
Your turn! Has this information changed how you feel about copywriting? If so, how? Let me know in the comments below!
*543,000 new businesses each month
*34.5+ million businesses in the US
*1.5+ million nonprofits in the US
Last Updated on June 30, 2023
You are so right about there not being a shortage of doctors, mechanics or accountants, so why should copywriters be any different? Thank you for all of the great information you provide regarding the business and education of copywriting.
Hi Kristina,
I’m glad it all made sense! It can be so easy to give into fearful thoughts when they’re not even based in fact. (I’m not immune to that, myself, by any means 😀 )
And you’re so welcome! It’s so gratifying to hear that you find it valuable. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
That’s good to hear It’s seemed like as soon as I started looking into copywriting, suddenly they were everywhere. I was starting to feel a little overwhelmed and concerned.
Hi Sarah,
I’m glad this was helpful! Bear in mind, too, that as soon as you start looking into copywriting, you’re going to be served up all kinds of ads about copywriting and things even just *remotely* related to copywriting. That can make it seem like the world is awash in copywriters, when it’s only just the perspective being served up to you. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Thank you, I really appreciate this post!
Hi Abigail,
I’m so glad it resonated with you! As copywriters, our biggest challenge isn’t competition, but inaction and the things that get in the way of us building our businesses/careers.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
This is one of my concerns so am happy For your direct perspective. I unfortunately am not in a position to waste time or money and am seriously sucking up everything I can find along with all your emails etc this weekend to make my decision before your special expires.
Hi Lisa,
Oh absolutely – I’d say that no one really has the time or money to waste on a career that won’t work! The trickiest thing is being stuck in one’s own perspective; after you do a search on Google or click on something regarding “copywriting” on Facebook, you’ll be served up ads and articles galore and it can seem like its so much more prevalent and the market can seem so much more saturated than it actually is just because of what you’re being shown by the big ad companies and social media platforms.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
If we sign up for the free video course, how is our email address used (besides sending us the video? I don’t see a privacy policy or terms of use posted anywhere… Thanks.
Hi Megan,
We never sell or share email addresses; we use them to send information out about our program and other helpful tips about copywriting in general. You can actually a link to our privacy policy at the bottom of our site. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
This was so helpful….since signing up I have been bombarded on social media and oversaturation became a real fear. Seeing it from your perspective is so helpful.
Thankyou
Hi Caroline,
Don’t forget why you’re being bombarded – you’ve interacted with sites and ads about copywriting, so sites like Google, Facebook, and Instagram have it built into the way they operate to show you more and more of those. You’re not seeing the full landscape of sites and information, you’re seeing a curated feed of information based on what they think you want to see.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
When I first heard about copywriting, the idea that a person could make such good money with less than a year of training made me think that once word gets out, every 18-year old will want to be a copywriter! While a doctor or accountant has to study for several years and usually spend 6 figures just to get educated. Would love some more reassurance, Thank you!
Hi Anne Marie! Well…not every 18 year old likes writing 😉 Truly, one of the first things we say is you do need to like words (more on traits of successful copywriters here: https://filthyrichwriter.com/copywriting-qa-how-to-know-if-you-have-what-it-takes/). It still requires training and it does require taking action on specific steps. Not everyone is up for that, and certainly not everyone is open to being coached. Copywriters can make great money in their first year. It’s very possible to hit six figures, but it really depends on the individual. Copywriting directly helps businesses grow and scale, which is why we’re paid so well! It’s a bit apples and oranges with a field like doctors – yes they spend a lot to get educated, but doctors do have a higher salary potential (obviously dependent on a lot of factors). Copywriters can certainly hit $200k (check out this episode where I break down my income: https://filthyrichwriter.com/podcast/ep-41-actual-freelance-copywriting-salary-digging-into-one-copywriters-numbers/). However, it becomes harder to provide one-to-one services, at which point if a copywriter wants to continue to scale, they may start their own agency. I hope that helps answer your question, but let us know if you have more 🙂
This freelance copywriting salary podcast, from Kate, was very informative and encouraging. Thank you for sharing it.
We are so glad you enjoyed it, Kate is the best!
Thank you for the insights about the market NOT being flooded with copywriters. I believe you because it makes sense, and being optimistic helps an awful lot!
I couldn’t help noticing, though, that you may need a proofreader ..? Forgive me for saying this but having seen Nicki’s and Kate’s openness and sense of humour; I’m game if you need an extra proofreader. Cheers!
Thank you for the offer, we just brought a copyeditor on staff so we are set!
I am 73, working full-time overnights at a Macy’s fulfillment center (love the people!) and manage my 7 (5+2) rentals with outstanding mortgages of nearly $2200/month. Currently I’m in discussions seeking to find the right couple to take over management and progressive development of the 5+2, which are dedicated to providing “Affordable NON-assisted Living in the Golden Years” mostly to women (WITAWA) but also to serious-minded men and couples. Someday soon I hope to transition to a part-time writing career . . . as I am able to retire from the weight of these obligations (which are also near and dear to my heart).
Though I majored in journalism during my college years and used my writing abilities in business environments, I have never written for someone else as a career. Although I am sincerely interested in CCA, my time is so limited now that without home internet I am restricted to those times when (a) I’m awake and (b) the library is open–I use the computer there and have a wonderful relationship with the staff (which I enjoy).
I watched the video (would like to do so again) . . . but I needed time to (a) digest and visualize (b) assess my financial options, and (c) coordinate my currently limited time schedule. Unfortunately, when I got back to the computers on my next day off from Macy’s, the window of opportunity had indeed closed. Could you get with Nicki to discuss whether she could resend the video invitation on a Tuesday or Wednesday so I could re-watch on Friday or Saturday (after I transition to days (on Thursday)?
I would greatly appreciate this opportunity.
Hi Linda! Please send us an email at contact@filthyrichwriter.com and we will be more than happy to work through this with you!
Hello Nicki,
I am considering editing at the moment as a possible side income, and was wondering how to get started in this field. I have experience writing blogs, creating basic websites and writing and publishing ebooks, aswell as both a BSc and PgDip in subjects requiring extensive assessments including a lot of essay writing.
I enjoy writing and especially proofreading, but am unsure where to turn next in order to get some helpful experience for this future venture.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the detailed and informative article on copyrighting, which appears to highlight to me a good level of understanding and expertise in the area
Hi Ben! Here’s a link to a previous post about copy editing vs copywriting which may be useful for you! https://filthyrichwriter.com/copywriting-qa-the-difference-between-copywriting-and-copy-editing/
Hi Ben! You may also want to check out our free training if you haven’t already: https://filthyrichwriter.com/training
I have always considered copy writing as not profitable, and see as just a waste of time. I don’t really know, I’m confused right now. Is there anyway you can boost my confidence in pursuing copywriting
Journalism, book writing, and blogging all fall under the umbrella of “content writing” (writing that offers information, inspiration, or entertainment). This can often pay less than copywriting as companies have come to expect to get content writing services cheaply. Part of the reason for that is the proliferation of unskilled “writers” in the market. Many people wrongly assume that content writing does not require any expertise and so the market is flooded. Copywriting, on the other hand, pays well because it requires a higher level of skill and often directly translates to helping a client increase revenue (although there will ALWAYS be some clients that try to get great copywriters for cheap!).