To many, copywriting can seem like the introvert’s dream job. After all, the days of having to tune out the hubbub of a noisy office while bashing out lines of copy are largely in the past. But is it really best to go solo as a copywriter? Or are there still benefits to becoming part of a team?
Do copywriters typically work alone?
The simple answer to this question is yes - most copywriters work alone. Even in a bustling agency setting, the copywriter is more often than not the odd one out, a solitary figure huddled under noise cancelling headphones as designers and art directors pour over mock-ups and briefs. But in this post-covid era, a huge percentage of copywriters work from home, embracing the peace and quiet necessary to perfect their craft.
Just because copywriters physically work alone, though, doesn’t mean that they can’t be part of a team. In fact, it’s not really possible for them to fly completely solo, given that their work will always form part of a larger communications strategy. But should aspiring copywriters aim to become independent freelancers, joining a new team every time they take on a fresh contract or retainer? Or is it better to build a reliable network of professionals and tackle projects as a team? If you’re just embarking on a copywriting career - or thinking of taking things to the next level - it’s important to know that each approach has its pros and cons. In this article, we’ll look at some of the benefits and downsides to going solo vs. building a team.
Do copywriters typically work alone?
The simple answer to this question is yes - most copywriters work alone. Even in a bustling agency setting, the copywriter is more often than not the odd one out, a solitary figure huddled under noise cancelling headphones as designers and art directors pour over mock-ups and briefs. But in this post-covid era, a huge percentage of copywriters work from home, embracing the peace and quiet necessary to perfect their craft.
Just because copywriters physically work alone, though, doesn’t mean that they can’t be part of a team. In fact, it’s not really possible for them to fly completely solo, given that their work will always form part of a larger communications strategy. But should aspiring copywriters aim to become independent freelancers, joining a new team every time they take on a fresh contract or retainer? Or is it better to build a reliable network of professionals and tackle projects as a team? If you’re just embarking on a copywriting career - or thinking of taking things to the next level - it’s important to know that each approach has its pros and cons. In this article, we’ll look at some of the benefits and downsides to going solo vs. building a team.
Copywriting as a ‘lone ranger’
Keen to go it alone? We can certainly see the appeal. Although you’ll always have to collaborate with other creatives to an extent, the benefits of being a lone copywriter are manifold. For starters, you’ll have much more control over what clients you work with and can always turn down any projects that you don’t gel with - within reason, of course. On top of that, solo copywriters are largely able to set their own hours and work independently without having to take the schedules of others into account. Because of this, it’s a great career path for digital nomads or stay-at-home parents looking for a flexible job.
In reality, though, it can be difficult for independent copywriters to find work, leading to long hours spent trawling LinkedIn and promoting your skills with no guarantee of any financial return. And unless you’re a true misanthrope, you’ll likely get lonely at times, working with little human contact beyond the occasional Zoom call or Google Teams meet. Worse still, when you do get to work with others, there’s no guarantee they’ll be people with whom you have an actual rapport.
Building your own creative team
If you’re worried about feeling isolated as a solo copywriter, you might want to consider joining or forming your own creative team. Although you’ll have to make some sacrifices in terms of flexibility and control, the benefits may well outweigh the disadvantages. Generally speaking, copywriters who join forces with other creatives enjoy far more in the way of networking opportunities, making this style of collaborative working ideal for recent graduates and those looking to change or improve their career.
By fostering a close network of colleagues, you may be able to avoid some of the common problems that copywriters face, such as unreliable workflow and social isolation. And even though you’ll have less control over what you do and when you do it, you won’t have to worry about who you’ll be working with from one day to the next.
Which style of copywriting is right for me?
Because each way of working has its own unique pros and cons, only you can decide which one works best for you. If you’re struggling to figure it out, we recommend writing a list of what qualities you value in your career. Is the ability to set your own hours and work around childcare or other commitments important to you? If so, you might be a good fit for a solo career. But if you’re looking to expand your skill set and grow your potential, you may find it useful to work as part of a team.
How can I kickstart my copywriting career?
Whether you’ve decided to go it alone or you’re searching for your creative tribe, the value of joining a strong copywriting network cannot be overstated. For solo writers, they represent a chance to connect with others, share tips, and hone your skills, all while combating the loneliness that can sometimes sink in with lone working. Meanwhile, those who’ve decided to go down the collaborative route can use networks to find the right creatives, identify opportunities, and build the relationships that will help their copywriting careers to flourish.
Online networks are also a great place to learn more about the professional tools that professional copywriters rely on. From SEO solutions such as Answer the Public and Surfer SEO to editing tools such as Grammarly and Yoast, there are so many different ways to level up your skills.
