Are you’re curious about copywriting salary? Maybe you’ve heard that copywriting is a flexible, high-paying career—but you’re wondering: “How much can I actually earn?” or “How do I even start?” Whether you’re in Kenya or anywhere else around the world, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about copywriting salaries, job opportunities, and how to launch your copywriting career. Let’s dive in!
Copywriting Defined
Copywriting is writing words that sell. Think website pages, ads, social media posts, or emails designed to make you click, buy, or sign up. It’s not about fancy vocabulary—it’s about understanding what people want and speaking directly to them.
For example:
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- A Facebook ad saying, “Tired of messy hair? This $10 shampoo gives you salon-worthy locks at home.”
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- A website headline like, “You deserve a vacation. Book your dream trip today—50% off flights!”
If you can write clear, persuasive sentences, you can become a copywriter.
Copywriting Salary: What You Can Earn
How much money can you make as a copywriter? Well, it depends on your experience, niche, and where you work. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Copywriting Salary Per Month
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- Entry-level copywriter salary: $500–$1000/month.
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- Freelance copywriter salary: $500– $5,000/month.
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- Experienced copywriters: $5,000– $15,000+/month (yes, really!).
Why the big range? Freelancers set their own rates, and specialized niches (like tech or finance) pay more.
Related: Copywriting vs Content Writing: Main Differences
2. Copywriting Salary Per Hour
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- Beginners: $15–$30/hour.
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- Freelancers with experience: $50 – $150/hour.
3. Copywriting Salary in Kenya
In Kenya, copywriting is booming thanks to remote work and growing digital businesses. Here’s what you can expect:
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- Entry-level copywriting jobs in Kenya: Ksh 20,000–Ksh 50,000/month.
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- Freelancers copywriting jobs in Kenya: Ksh 50,000–Ksh 200,000+/month (if you work with international clients).
Copywriting Jobs: Where to Find Them
Here’s how to find copywriting jobs or gigs:
1. Remote Copywriting Jobs
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- Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn and Peopleperhour.
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- What to search: “Freelance copywriter,” “content writer,” “SEO writer.”
2. Copywriting Jobs in Kenya
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- Local companies: Check sites like BrighterMonday, Corporate Staffing, or MyJobMag.
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- Startups: Kenyan tech and e-commerce companies often need copywriters for websites and ads.
Example: A Kenyan skincare brand might hire you to write product descriptions for a skincare product.
3. Freelance Copywriting
Freelancing lets you work from home, set your hours, and choose projects you enjoy. Platforms like Upwork have thousands of jobs
Pro tip: Start with small projects to build your portfolio. Even 2–3 samples can land you bigger jobs.
Getting Started With Copywriting
You’re probably thinking: “This sounds great, but how do I actually start copywriting?” Here’s your step-by-step plan:
1. Learn the Basics
You need to understand:
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- How to write clear headlines.
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- What makes people click (“buy now,” “get started,” “limited offer”).
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- SEO basics (using SEO keywords naturally in your content).
2. Practice Writing
Start with free tools:
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- Rewrite ads you see online.
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- Create fake product descriptions (e.g., “Describe this water bottle in 3 sentences”).
Example:
Original: “This water bottle keeps drinks cold.”
Your version: “You’ll never sip lukewarm water again. This bottle keeps your drinks icy for 24 hours—perfect for hikes, work, or lazy Sundays.”
3. Build a Portfolio
Create 3–5 samples of your copywriting work. It could be a website or blog posts.
Pro tip: Use a free Google Doc or Canva to make it look professional.
4. Land Your First Clients
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- Offer free work: Help a friend’s business or local NGO with their website copy.
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- Apply for easy jobs: Look for “beginner copywriter” gigs on freelance sites like Upwork or Peopleperhour.
Example: Your first paid project could be writing 5 product descriptions for $50.
Why Copywriting Could Be Perfect for You
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- No office needed: Work from home, a café, or the beach.
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- Flexible hours: Write at 2 AM or 2 PM—it’s your call.
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- Unlimited earning potential: The more skills you gain, the more you charge.
Avoid These Copywriting Mistakes
Here’s what to avoid when copywriting:
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- Using jargon: Write like you’re talking to a friend. E.g. Instead of: “Utilize our synergistic solutions,” say “Get more done in less time.”
- Ignoring SEO: Use SEO keywords naturally in your content.
- Underselling yourself: Charge what you’re worth—even as a beginner.
Final Thoughts: Your Copywriting Career Starts Now
You’ve learnt of copywriting salary. You don’t need a degree, a big budget, or years of experience to become a copywriter. All you need is the willingness to learn, practice, and put yourself out there.
Ready to take the first step? Join my one-on-one online copywriting training to fast-track your skills and start earning sooner.
