You know how to write. You’ve created blogs, articles, and maybe even a few ebooks. You’re used to crafting long-form content, organizing ideas, and hitting deadlines. You’ve probably worked with editors and content calendars. Maybe you’ve even ranked on Google a few times.
But despite all that… something’s missing.
Maybe it’s the low pay. Maybe it’s the fact that you’re always churning out content but rarely seeing the results. Or maybe you’ve seen other writers—copywriters—charging 5x what you do for half the word count.
What You’ll Learn
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to go from content writer to copywriter—even if you’ve never written a sales page before. You’ll learn:
- The core difference between content and copy
- Why copywriters earn more (and what clients really pay for)
- The essential skills you’ll need to build
- How to start landing your first copywriting gigs
- Proven strategies to make the leap without starting over
Content vs. Copy: What’s the Real Difference?
At first glance, content writing and copywriting can seem similar. After all, both involve writing words for the web. But their purpose is completely different.
| Content Writing | Copywriting |
|---|---|
| Informs or educates | Persuades or sells |
| Long-form (blogs, articles, whitepapers) | Short-form (ads, emails, landing pages) |
| SEO-driven traffic | Conversion-driven action |
| Builds trust over time | Gets results fast |
Content builds relationships. Copy drives action.
Copywriting is about moving people to act.
That means every word matters. Every line has a job. The copy isn’t just there to sound smart—it’s there to sell.
Why Copywriters Get Paid More
Content writing is often treated like a commodity. You get paid by the word or by the article, and there’s pressure to produce fast and cheap. It’s the race to the bottom.
But copywriting?
Copywriters are valued based on the results they drive.
If your copy sells a $10,000 product… suddenly your $500 fee seems like a steal. That’s why top-tier copywriters earn thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) for a single sales page or email sequence.
Even beginner-level copywriters often charge more per project than seasoned content writers.
How to Start Thinking Like a Copywriter
1. Purpose Over Prose
Forget “sounding smart.” Copywriting is about clarity, emotion, and impact.
Every line should push the reader closer to a decision.
2. Start With the Reader’s Desire
Copy doesn’t start with information—it starts with motivation. What does your reader want? What problem are they trying to solve?
3. Structure Matters
Great copy follows proven frameworks:
- AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
- PAS (Problem, Agitate, Solve)
- Before-After-Bridge
- The 4 P’s (Promise, Picture, Proof, Push)
Core Skills to Master as a Copywriter
1. Persuasion Psychology
Understand how people make decisions—emotionally, not logically. Learn about:
- Social proof
- Scarcity
- Authority
- Reciprocity
- Anchoring and contrast
2. Headline Writing
The headline is 80% of the battle. Master the art of writing headlines that stop the scroll, spark curiosity, and hook attention.
3. Offer Crafting
You’re not just writing—you’re helping shape offers. Learn how to:
- Add urgency and bonuses
- Remove friction (like guarantees)
- Frame pricing for maximum perceived value
4. Calls to Action (CTAs)
Every piece of copy should tell the reader what to do next. Get specific. Use strong verbs. Make it irresistible.
5. Voice and Tone Adaptation
Copywriters often ghostwrite for brands, influencers, and businesses. That means mimicking tone and voice quickly and convincingly.
Start Here: Content You Can Easily Turn Into Copy
You don’t have to start from scratch. Here’s how you can “copy-ify” what you already know:
- Blog Post → Email Sequence: Turn your best blog into a 3-part email series that leads to an offer.
- Article → Landing Page: Repurpose a how-to guide into a lead magnet landing page.
- Newsletter → Sales Email: Take an informative newsletter and pivot it into a conversion-focused pitch.
How to Land Your First Copywriting Clients
1. Offer Free or Discounted Copy to 3 Clients
Choose 3 businesses you respect. Offer to write a sales email, landing page, or product description in exchange for a testimonial or case study.
2. Update Your Portfolio
Even if you’ve only written blogs, create a “copy” section on your site. Show samples that highlight persuasion and conversion. Include a short write-up on the strategy behind each piece.
3. Get Active on Copywriter Job Boards
Check out places like:
- Cult of Copy Job Board (Facebook)
- Copywriting Subreddits
- ProBlogger (for conversion-focused gigs)
- Freelance copywriter Slack groups
4. Cold Outreach (With a Twist)
Find businesses with weak or outdated copy. Send a short email with a free suggestion or even a rewritten paragraph. Offer to help improve results.
Tools and Resources to Accelerate the Switch
- Books: “The Boron Letters” by Gary Halbert, “Breakthrough Advertising” by Eugene Schwartz, “Cashvertising” by Drew Eric Whitman
- Courses: Look for ones that focus on real client work and persuasive structure (not just grammar or writing prompts)
- Templates: Use tested frameworks and improve them over time
- Swipe Files: Build a collection of great copy from ads, emails, and sales pages you admire
Final Thoughts
Making the switch from content writer to copywriter isn’t just about changing what you write—it’s about changing how you think.
You’re no longer writing to fill space. You’re writing to drive action. To sell. To persuade. To make things happen.
And that’s where the real money is.
So if you’re feeling burned out on content mills and looking for a more profitable, creative, and high-impact career—copywriting might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.
Because once you learn how to write words that sell…
You’ll never go back to writing “just content” again.