How to Become a Successful Ecommerce Copywriter in 2024 (Ultimate Guide for Beginners)

Do you have a burning desire to get paid like a king to write for ecommerce brands?

If so, you’re in the right place.

Over the last 3 years, I’ve secured dozens of high-paying ecommerce clients, worked in a wide variety of ecommerce niches and have written copy for the most popular types of ecommerce (email campaigns, social media ads, product descriptions, websites, SEO blogs and much more).

And I’m going to reveal my best-kept secrets with you to help YOU become a successful Ecommerce copywriter in 2024.

In this post…

You’ll learn what ecommerce copywriting is, what a day in the life of an ecommerce copywriter looks like, how much you can realistically earn in 2024, and hand you a step-by-step gameplan for becoming a successful ecommerce copywriter in the shortest amount of time – EVEN if you have ZERO ecommerce copywriting experience.

 

What is Ecommerce Copywriting?

Ecommerce copywriting is just like any other type of copywriting.

The only difference is…

You are writing solely for ecommerce businesses.

The main goal is to drive sales.

Good ecommerce copywriting involves grabbing your ideal reader’s attention, piquing their interest and motivating them to take action, usually to make a purchase or join an email newsletter.

There are a few main types of copywriting you will write for Ecommerce businesses…

Here are the most common types of Ecommerce copywriting:

#1 Product Descriptions

Ecommerce copywriters excel in crafting product descriptions that go beyond mere specifications and features. You’ll have to be a wizard at turning features into benefits and addressing the unique needs of your target audience. By emphasizing the value a product adds to your customer's life, you will make your copy more enticing and irresistible.

#2 Landing Pages

A BIG aspect of ecommerce copywriting involves creating landing pages that serve as online storefronts. Ecommerce copywriters structure these pages, ensuring that persuasive headlines, clear calls-to-action, and engaging visuals work harmoniously to guide visitors through the buying journey. The goal is to create a seamless and enjoyable user experience that maximizes conversions (making a purchase).

#3 Email Marketing

Ecommerce copywriters play a key role in creating email campaigns that drive sales. Through email sequences, you’ll write emails that engage subscribers, inform them about promotions and product launches, and build brand loyalty. The secret sauce is creating emails that resonate with your audience, motivating them to click through and explore what the ecommerce store has to offer them. Before you write emails, check out this email crash course I created for beginners: The #1 FREE Email Copywriting Course for Beginners (Write Better Emails Today)

#4 SEO Optimization

Beyond the art of persuasion & selling, ecommerce copywriting involves understanding search engine optimization (SEO). Copywriters integrate relevant keywords seamlessly into their content, ensuring that product pages and ecommerce sites rank high on Google. This not only increases visibility but also attracts organic traffic, boosting new leads and future customers. To learn more about SEO copywriting, devour this blog post - The #1 SEO Copywriting Course for Beginners (Learn SEO Copywriting in 10 Minutes)

#5 Social Media Copy

Social media plays a big part in digital marketing. Most ecommerce brands use social media to build their following and sell their products.

You’ll spend a lot of time helping companies write engaging social media posts and advertisements. See this blog post – How to Become a Successful Social Media Copywriter in 2024 (Ultimate Guide for Beginners) - to learn more about social media copywriting and how to write for different social media platforms.

 

What do Ecommerce Copywriters do?

You will spend the majority of your days researching, writing and collaborating with design and marketing teams.

Core responsibilities:

1. Crafting Compelling Product Descriptions

you’ll spend a lot of time writing persuasive product descriptions. Emphasizing benefits and unique selling points that resonate with your target audience and encourage them to buy.

2. Writing Persuasive Landing Page Copy

This involves creating attention-grabbing headlines, subheadings, and body copy to guide visitors seamlessly through the sales funnel, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding.

3. Producing Engaging Email Marketing Content

Ecommerce copywriters develop personalized emails for newsletters, promotions, and product launches.

4. Optimizing Copy for SEO

You’ll conduct keyword research and integrate relevant keywords into product descriptions and website content to enhance search engine visibility.

5. Creating Impactful Social Media Copy

You’ll write social media posts and advertisements, aligning your copy with the brand’s voice, and boosting engagement through engaging captions and persuasive calls-to-action.

6. Collaborating with Design Teams

Ecommerce copywriters work closely with graphic designers to ensure written content complements visual elements, contributing to a visually appealing user experience.

7. Staying Informed About Products and Industry Trends

You’ll research your market, competitors, and industry trends.

8. A/B Testing and Analyzing Performance

Conducting tests on various elements, such as headlines and calls-to-action, while analyzing conversion rates and engagement metrics to make data-driven improvements, is a BIG role of ecommerce copywriters.

9. Adapting to Ecommerce Platform Changes

Staying compliant and optimizing copy for new features, addressing customer queries, and building trust with customers about the quality and reliability of products.

 

How Much Do Ecommerce Copywriters Make? (2024 Salary)

In 2024, the average salary for an ecommerce copywriter ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 per year.

This depends greatly on your experience, expertise, the geographical location of the job and the company you are writing for.

Ecommerce copywriters with specialized skills such as SEO optimization, email marketing, and social media management can command higher salaries.

Read this blog post to learn how to quickly increase your rates as a freelance ecommerce copywriter… The Ultimate Guide to Freelance Copywriting Rates in 2024 (How Much Should YOU Charge?)

 

 

How Much Should an Ecommerce Copywriter Charge?

On average, freelance ecommerce copywriters charge between $50 and $150 per hour, or per project, depending on the scope of the project and the clients you’re writing for.

Different ways to price your services:

1. Hourly Rates: If you're billing hourly, consider the time spent researching, writing, and revising the copy. Factor in your expertise and the value you bring to the client.
2. Per Project Rates: For larger projects like website overhauls or extensive product launches, quoting a flat fee for the entire project may be easier. Consider the time commitment, research, and revisions required for the project.
3. Retainer Agreements: Some freelance ecommerce copywriters work on a retainer basis, providing a set number of hours per week or month to a client. This is where the real money is to be made.
4. Consider Additional Services: If you offer additional services such as SEO optimization, social media management, or email campaign creation, factor these into your pricing. Clients often appreciate comprehensive solutions that address multiple aspects of their online presence.

IMPORTANT:

Your rates should reflect the value you bring to the client.

Regularly assess and adjust your rates as you gain experience and build a strong portfolio.

Building lasting relationships with satisfied clients can also lead to referrals and increased earning potential in the long run.

For more info on how to price your services and how to quickly raise your prices, see this detailed blog post.

 

7 Ecommerce Copywriting Best Practices (With Tips)

#1 Understand Your Audience

Tailor your copy to resonate with your target demographic. Research their preferences, pain points, and language to create content that speaks directly to them.

• Detailed Persona Development: Go beyond basic demographic information and create detailed buyer personas. Understand your audience's preferences, motivations, pain points, and the language they use.
• Segmentation Strategies: Tailor your copy to different segments within your target audience. Recognize that different customer groups may have unique needs and preferences. Personalizing your messaging based on these segments can significantly enhance engagement.
• Customer Journey Mapping: Map out the customer journey to identify touchpoints where your copy can make the most impact. Align your messaging with the customer's mindset at each stage, from awareness to consideration and finally, conversion.

 

#2 SEO Mastery

Incorporate relevant keywords naturally into your copy to improve search engine rankings. Strike a balance between SEO optimization and maintaining a conversational tone.

• Keyword Research Excellence: Invest time in thorough keyword research to identify terms and phrases your target audience is using. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to discover high-ranking keywords relevant to your products.
• Natural Integration: Incorporate keywords seamlessly into your copy, ensuring they fit naturally within the context. Avoid keyword stuffing, as search engines prioritize user experience. Striking a balance between optimization and readability is crucial.
• Stay Informed About Algorithm Changes: Search engines continually update their algorithms. Stay informed about these changes and adjust your SEO strategy accordingly. Adapt to new trends, such as the growing importance of user experience signals in rankings.

 

#3 Compelling Headlines

Craft attention-grabbing headlines that entice readers to explore further. A strong headline sets the tone for the entire piece and can significantly increase conversion rates.

• Create Urgency or Curiosity: Craft headlines that evoke a sense of urgency or curiosity. Encourage readers to explore further by hinting at exclusive offers, limited-time promotions, or intriguing product features.
• Address Customer Pain Points: Identify and address common pain points your audience might have. Craft headlines that position your product or solution as the answer to their challenges, creating an immediate connection.

 

#4 Emphasize Benefits

Focus on the benefits of the product rather than just listing features. Help the customer visualize how the product will improve their life.

• Use Clear and Tangible Language: Clearly articulate the benefits of your product using tangible language. Help customers envision how the product will solve their problems or enhance their lives. Focus on outcomes rather than features.
• Storytelling for Emotional Appeal: Integrate storytelling techniques to create an emotional connection. Share customer success stories or narrate scenarios where your product makes a positive impact. Emotional engagement can significantly influence purchasing decisions.
• Feature Benefits in Bullet Points: Break down benefits into easy-to-digest bullet points. This enhances readability and allows customers to quickly grasp the value your product offers without being overwhelmed by lengthy paragraphs.

 

#5 Implement a Persuasive Call-to-Action (CTA)

• Be Clear and Direct: Craft compelling calls-to-action that leave no room for ambiguity. Clearly communicate the action you want the user to take, whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or exploring a new collection.
• Instill a Sense of Urgency: Create a sense of urgency or scarcity in your CTAs to prompt immediate action. Phrases like "Limited Time Offer" or "Only a Few Left" can encourage customers to act quickly, reducing the likelihood of procrastination.
• A/B Test CTAs: Experiment with different language, colors, and placements for your calls-to-action. Conduct A/B testing to identify which variations yield the highest conversion rates. Continuously refine your CTAs based on data-driven insights.

 

#6 Optimize for Readability

• Use Concise and Clear Language: Keep your sentences and paragraphs short and to the point. Use plain language that is easy for your audience to understand. Avoid jargon or complex terminology that might alienate potential customers.
• Utilize Subheadings and Bullets: Break down your content using subheadings and bullet points. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your copy but also makes it easier for readers to scan and quickly extract key information. Attention spans online are short, so make your content easily digestible.
• Prioritize Mobile Optimization: With a significant portion of online shopping occurring on mobile devices, ensure that your copy is mobile-friendly. Test the responsiveness of your product pages and emails on various devices to guarantee a seamless experience for users across platforms.

 

#7 Create a Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

• Clearly Define What Sets You Apart: Develop a concise and compelling Unique Value Proposition that clearly communicates what makes your products or brand unique. Highlight key differentiators such as quality, innovation, or exclusive offerings. Ensure that your UVP is consistent across all your copy.
• Address Customer Concerns: Anticipate and address potential objections or concerns your customers may have. Incorporate reassuring language that emphasizes product quality, satisfaction guarantees, or hassle-free returns. Building trust is crucial for converting potential customers into actual buyers.
• Leverage Social Proof: Integrate customer testimonials, reviews, and ratings strategically into your copy. Showcase positive experiences from real customers to reinforce the credibility of your brand and products. This social proof can be a powerful motivator for prospective buyers.

 

How to Become an Ecommerce Copywriter with NO Experience (5 simple steps)

I’ve created a VERY DETAILED crash course on how to become a successful freelance copywriter.

This ultimate guide reveals exactly what I did to get into copywriting extremely fast and earn close to 6-figures within my first year.

However, these are the 5 main steps you’ll want to take:

1) Learn the basics

Start off by reading these 10 direct response copywriting books:

1. The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert
2. The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman
3. How to Write a Good Advertisement by Victor O. Schwab
4. Scientific Advertising By Claude Hopkins
5. The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan Kennedy
6. Ogilvy on Advertising By David Ogilvy
7. Tested Advertising Methods By John Caples
8. Cashvertising By Drew Eric Whitman
9. The Copywriter’s Handbook By Bob Bly
10. Kick-Ass Copywriting Secrets of a Marketing Rebel By John Carlton

Along with reading these books, you should take some ecommerce marketing courses to learn the fundamentals and best practices (Udemy has a ton of reliable courses for $10).

IMPORTANT:

How to craft a persuasive and engaging message (copywriting 101) remains the same, but there are slight nuances and best practices for writing for ecommerce brands. So, make sure you study ecommerce marketing and each major type you’ll write for (email, social media, etc.)

Along with passive learning, you should also practice your copywriting skills.

I’ve created a detailed blog post covering the top 5 ways to practice your copywriting skills.

I spent 3 months on this first crucial step, BEFORE writing for clients.

I recommend you do this for at least a month.

Why?

Value.

You want to get good at writing ecommerce copy so you can provide tremendous value to your clients.

This is the REAL secret for earning a fortune as an ecommerce copywriter.

 

2) Get Clients

After you’ve learned the basics and feel confident in your skills, it’s time to get paid.

It’s very easy to feel lost when searching for clients.

To make it as easy as possible for you to gain maximum clients, in minimum time, read this very detailed blog post:"How to Get Copywriting Clients in 2023 With No Experience (Get New Clients TODAY)," I reveal my ten favorite methods for getting freelance copywriting clients.

As a beginner, the goal is to gain rapid-fire experience by writing for a wide variety of clients, platforms and topics.

 

3) Choose a Niche

After you’ve gained experience and have samples & testimonials to show clients, you should choose a niche.

Why?

One main reason:

You will earn WAAAAAY more money (specialists are always paid more than generalists).

My comprehensive guide, "The 10 Highest-Paying Copywriting Niches in 2023 (How to Pick the Best One for YOU)," provides step-by-step instructions on how to choose a niche you’ll enjoy writing for.

You can niche down within Ecommerce. For example: become the go-to copywriter for skincare ecommerce brands.

 

4) Build an Impressive Portfolio

Before you can go after high-paying niche clients, you’ll need an impressive portfolio filled with ecommerce samples, testimonials and experience.

Create a portfolio, within 10 minutes, by following this detailed blog post: How to Create a Copywriting Portfolio with NO Experience (In 10 minutes or Less)

 

5) Scale Your Ecommerce Copywriting Business

This blog post reveals the top 3 ways to grow your business and hit 6-figures as an Ecommerce copywriter.

3 Fastest Ways to Grow Your Freelance Copywriting Business in 2023 (Make 6-figures This Year)

Read it once you’re ready to scale.

 

Conclusion

You now have everything you need to go all in with ecommerce copywriting.

Follow this step-by-step blueprint to start getting paid to write as quickly as possible.

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