Just like all careers, copywriting comes with its fair share of benefits and challenges. Whether you’re working as a freelancer or for an agency, this is a profession with some unique struggles to overcome.
The most common challenges of copywriting include high competition, writer’s block, dealing with diverse clients, time management issues, and time zone differences. There are also creative differences, constant industry changes, freelance loneliness, pricing variances, and the pressure of deadlines.
No job is perfect. Although copywriting is a creative path that offers flexibility, there are also plenty of challengers. Let’s look at each one in detail and find some solutions.
11 Most Common Copywriting Challenges
Copywriting challenges can arise from clients, the nature of the work, competition, industry, or the environment.
Understanding these drawbacks and how to overcome them is the key to becoming a successful copywriter.
1. High Competition
The copywriting field is growing rapidly, with more and more people joining it each year. As a result, the intense competition for jobs and clients makes it difficult to rise to the top of your field.
Unlike other industries where competition is local or confined to certain areas, online competition is global, meaning that writers from all over the world will compete for the same jobs.
Therefore, it can be difficult to stand out or get noticed by clients.
Some copywriters may charge lower rates to stand out from the crowd, but this strategy can be risky and often doesn’t lead to long-term success. Instead, it’s important to:
- Build a strong online presence and portfolio
- Focus on quality over quantity when building your brand
- Leverage networking opportunities with other professionals
- Continue to learn new skills and keep up with trends
You should view competition as an opportunity to up your game. If you focus on honing your skills and building a strong reputation, you’ll eventually rise above the rest of the pack.
Referrals can also be a great way to cut through the noise of high competition and land clients. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations or reviews from friends, colleagues, and previous clients.
However, your work should always speak for itself. Ensure you deliver high-quality results and never take shortcuts.
Those who refer you have their own reputation on the line, so make sure you can follow through on your promises.
2. Writer’s Block
This is perhaps one of the biggest challenges faced by copywriters. Sometimes you just can’t think of what to say, or it feels like your words aren’t flowing naturally.
You may have found yourself staring at a blank screen for hours, struggling to get your ideas onto paper. Or perhaps you’ve felt overwhelmed by all the requirements and parameters of a project.
Writer’s block can also be caused by external factors such as stress or a change in your usual routine.
It is estimated that 7 out of every 10 writers experience writer’s block from time to time. This can be disturbing, especially when you have deadlines to deal with.
To overcome writer’s block, you can:
- Focus on breaking down the project into smaller tasks
- Take some time away from the project and come back to it later with fresh eyes
- Talk to friends and colleagues for advice or inspiration
- Utilize online writing tools like prompts, generators, or mind maps
- Ask for assistance from colleagues
- Manage your time wisely and prioritize important tasks first
- Try different methods, such as bullet journaling or typography exercises
Although there’s no surefire way to avoid writer’s block entirely, being mindful of its triggers can help you prepare and find ways to overcome it when it strikes.
Most importantly, you should always be willing to seek help when needed.
3. Trust Issues
Working online comes with its share of challenges. One common problem is dealing with trust issues.
Clients may not see your physical workspace or how quickly you respond to their requests, which can make it difficult for them to trust that you will deliver quality work on time.
On your part, some clients may trick you by not paying you for your work. To build trust with clients, you must be transparent and communicative about your processes and timelines.
You can also set up contracts that protect both parties in case of a dispute.
Having a formal onboarding process to help clients get to know you better can also help you establish trust and build long-term relationships.
Finally, maintaining a portfolio of your work will showcase your expertise and dedication to clients.Trust goes both ways, so both parties need to put in an effort.
4. Dealing with Diverse Clients
One of the most rewarding aspects of copywriting is working with clients from a variety of different industries and backgrounds. However, this can also be one of the biggest challenges.
Clients often have specific ideas about what they want, whether it’s regarding style, tone of voice, content length, or subject matter.
Navigating these unique preferences can be difficult, especially if they contradict your personal style and preferences.
Apart from this, different industries can also have vastly different writing styles and terminology.
Therefore, it’s essential to be mindful of these nuances when working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Some tips for dealing with diverse clients include:
- Adapting your style and tone to fit the client’s needs
- Asking for clarity or clarification when needed, especially in unfamiliar subject matter
- Seeking advice from colleagues or other professionals
- Developing good communication skills and listening to feedback
It’s important to remember that all clients have their own preferences, requirements, and needs.
Being flexible and adaptable in your approach allows you to effectively manage any challenges that come from working with different clients.
5. Time Zone Differences
Global client access is always seen as a plus for copywriters, but when it comes to working with teams in different time zones, it can present some unique challenges.
Depending on the project and team, you may find yourself dealing with deadlines that can span across various time zones.
For example, if you’re working with a client in Europe and another in Asia, your day could start and end very early or very late if you need to accommodate both clients.
As a copywriter, it’s important to be flexible when working with teams or clients from other parts of the world. This means learning to prioritize your tasks and accommodating different time zones.
It also helps to cultivate good communication skills and establish clear expectations with your clients.
For example, you may want to agree on specific contact times or methods of communication to ensure that all team members are kept up-to-date.
In addition, it’s important to be mindful of cultural differences and consider the best way to communicate with different people. This could mean using different tones, styles, or languages for various clients.
Managing time zone differences takes a lot of flexibility and open communication with your clients.
But by being proactive and focusing on collaboration rather than competition, you can make the most of this opportunity to gain global exposure and expand your client base.
6. Time Management
What does a day in the life of a copywriter look like? For many, it can involve a lot of juggling and multitasking.
As a copywriter, you’ll often find yourself balancing multiple projects at once, such as coming up with blog posts, writing sales letters, or completing other marketing materials.
This means that effective time management is essential to success in this field. However, this can be challenging, especially if you’re dealing with tight deadlines or last-minute client changes.
Good organizational skills, time-tracking tools, and effective communication with your client or team can help you manage your time more efficiently.
Prioritize tasks, set achievable goals, and take breaks when needed. After all, you still need to maintain a good work-life balance.
To improve your time management, you can:
- Plan your day by breaking down tasks into individual steps.
- Use time-tracking tools and apps to keep a record of how you’re using your time.
- Set boundaries with your clients, such as deadlines and expected response times.
- Learn to say “no” so you can avoid overcommitting yourself.
- Find ways to streamline your workflow and processes (i.e. using templates or automating tasks).
Ultimately, time is one of your most valuable resources as a copywriter.
By being organized, efficient, and proactive in your approach, you can successfully juggle all your responsibilities and accomplish your goals.
Also, don’t fall into the temptation of not leaving some free time for yourself or your hobbies.Taking care of your personal well-being is crucial if you want to find long-term success as a copywriter.
7. Creative Differences
Just like any other creative field, copywriting can be a very subjective and personal process. What works for one client may not always work for another.
As a copywriter, you’ll often need to generate ideas that appeal to people across diverse industries and markets. This can mean adapting your style or tone to suit your client’s needs or target audience.
In addition, you may need to write in different formats or media, such as web copy, email campaigns, brochures, and social media posts.
Depending on the client or project goals, you may find yourself writing in unfamiliar formats.
It is not uncommon for copywriters to write what they think is their “best piece ever” only to have the client reject it because “it’s not what they had in mind.”
This is where creativity, flexibility, and understanding the needs and expectations of your clients come in.
To overcome these challenges, many copywriters have found success by collaborating with their clients and team members.
You can hone your skills and improve your creative process by getting feedback on your work.
8. Constant Industry Changes
Two decades ago, print media and billboard advertisements were the primary ways for businesses to reach out to their customers. Now, we live in a world of digital marketing and social media platforms.
The copywriting field constantly evolves and adapts to new technologies, trends, and audiences. As a copywriter, staying up-to-date with these changes is vital if you want to meet clients’ expectations.
This means being familiar with the latest marketing trends, social media platforms, software tools, and content formats. You’ll also need to keep up with industry news and developments to write relevant copy.
To stay on top of industry changes, you may want to join professional organizations or attend conferences and workshops in your field.
Additionally, you should always seek opportunities to build your skills and knowledge through online classes or independent research.
9. Freelance Loneliness
You will likely spend a lot of time working alone as a copywriter. This can be an isolating experience for some people, especially if you work from home.
It can be challenging to balance your client’s needs with your personal needs. Working remotely may also mean that you’re missing out on team and client events.
If you are struggling with feelings of loneliness, it is important to prioritize self-care and build a support system.
This may include connecting with other freelancers in your industry, joining online communities, and scheduling regular social activities with friends or family.
Working from home can be lonely. To cope with this, some copywriters work in co-working spaces or cafes to stay more connected.
Additionally, it is essential to remember that even if you don’t feel like talking to anyone all day, your clients still need you and value your hard work.
Joining social gatherings like a local writing group or volunteering for a nonprofit can help you stay connected to your community and feel more fulfilled in your career.
10. Pricing Differences
Copywriting is highly competitive, with many freelance copywriters vying for the same clients.
Pricing can be a challenge when trying to win new clients, because you may need to undercut other freelancers to land the job.
However, setting fair and competitive prices is vital for financial stability and a healthy working relationship with your clients.
As you gain more experience and expertise, you can increase your rates accordingly.
Many factors go into pricing for copywriting services, such as word count, research needed, the client’s industry and target audience, and the scope of your services.
To build a healthy relationship with clients, you must clearly communicate what you offer and discuss your rates up front.
You may also consider offering discounts or custom packages for certain projects or clients that need ongoing copywriting services. Just don’t price your services too low!
11. Dealing with Deadlines
Copywriting projects often have tight deadlines, which can be challenging if you’re juggling other commitments.
As a copywriter, managing your time efficiently and prioritizing the most urgent tasks will save your day.
Setting specific deadlines for each project will also help you stay organized and focused on delivering quality results within the given timeframe.
Additionally, a reliable and fast internet connection and adequate software programs can help you meet your deadlines without worrying about tech issues.
Other departments may rely on your work to hit their own goals and deadlines. Therefore, you should communicate with them regularly and prioritize urgent requests.
To stay on top of deadlines, you may also want to:
- Delegate tasks as necessary and ask for help from other team members.
- Utilize time-tracking software to track your progress and stay organized.
- Establish a routine that works for you, such as writing in the morning or during specific times of day.
- Work backward from your deadline to set realistic milestones and goals.
- Focus your energy on one project at a time.
Student syndrome and procrastination can also be challenges you’ll have to overcome as a copywriter.
However, with time and practice, you can improve your ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines. In the end, having a strong work ethic and staying organized will help you succeed.
Key Takeaways
There is no doubt that copywriting can be challenging, especially when you look at all the obstacles that copywriters face.
Some of the biggest challenges include high competition, writer’s block, dealing with diverse clients, time management, time zone differences, creativity differences, constant industry changes, and freelancing loneliness.
To overcome these obstacles and succeed as a copywriter, it’s crucial to stay connected with others in your industry and set competitive and fair rates.
You should also manage time efficiently, prioritize urgent tasks, and stay organized.