Full-Time niche copywriter

Small and mid-sized businesses, agencies and marketing teams in your chosen niche, such as dentists, contractors or software companies.

Higher project fees for specialist work plus monthly retainers for ongoing emails, blog posts or ad copy. Agencies may also subcontract overflow work to you.

• Persuasive writing and research
• Knowledge of one industry
• Pitching and following up with leads
• Managing several clients and deadlines

• Check whether you need a local business license and whether forming an LLC makes sense for you (ask your state or an accountant)
• Consider professional liability insurance in case a client disputes your work or claims copyright problems
• Do not copy text from others and check that claims you write, especially health or financial ones, are accurate and allowed
• Income can be uneven early on, so keep a cash buffer and avoid relying on one client
• Plan for self-employment taxes and check IRS rules on estimated payments

Estimates typically run around $300 to $2,000 to start, depending on your equipment, software, website and any insurance or business formation you choose. Treat this as an estimate and check your own needs before budgeting.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your niche, how many retainer clients you have and how many hours you work. Income can be uneven early on, so keep a cash buffer.

Things to check: whether you need a local business license, whether forming an LLC makes sense for you (ask your state or an accountant), and whether professional liability insurance is worth considering. Also check IRS rules on estimated tax payments.