Seven Industry Niches That Always Need Copywriters
Finding jobs as a digital copywriter or editor shouldn’t be hard.
I wish I could write that we could all be travel writers, living glamorous, luxurious lives on the open road.
I’ve been all over the United States, parts of Canada, and Australia. So, part of what drew me into the allure of copywriting, other than loving to write, was the idea that copywriting would allow me to travel more. Heck, I thought it might even provide me with the opportunity to get paid to travel. Being a travel writer or personality like John Krakauer, Anthony Bourdain, Bill Bryson, or Cheryl Strayed is hugely alluring.
Unfortunately, travel writing is also an extremely competitive industry, as is the copywriting industry, in general. Anyone who has worked as a copywriter for a while can tell you that finding clients who will work with you long-term and who will pay you your asking rate can be a challenge. So, after travel writing job upon travel writing job fell through, I ultimately decided to work around travel writing alone and focus on remote writing and editing jobs that paid well enough to allow me to travel when I wanted.
The following industries are ones I have worked for who have not only always been looking for copywriters but who have also had some of the kindest, most understanding, and most easy-to-work-with clients out there.
1. Automotive
Writing for the automotive industry can be lucrative and practical!
The automotive industry makes up approximately 20% of all sales in the United States — and that is held afloat largely by the work of those in the marketing industry (including copywriters). It includes auto manufacturers, new car dealerships, used car dealerships, car accessory sales, and much more.
In my experience as an automotive industry copywriter, I’ve done the following work and more:
Writing about car care tips
Writing about makes and models of cars
Forming auto dealership ideas into well-thought out content
Re-writing websites
Making SEO keywords blend into interesting and informative posts
You might even get so good at it that your employer asks you to come up with topic ideas. One of my favorites? Writing about the film Ford Vs. Ferrari. I adore movies, and getting paid to write about a film I enjoyed watching was super rewarding.
2. Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is a must for modern enterprises. Copywriters are part of that equation.
Digital transformation refers to the process through which companies upgrade their technology to remain competitive. This involves more than just buying a bunch of technology for your workplaces -- it often requires systematic planning, company culture change, and more.
The best part for copywriters? Digital transformation isn’t a one-and-done process. It will require a company’s commitment to providing the best for its customers, staff, and corporate culture through a constant re-evaluation of technology and business processes.
Much of the digital transformation work I’ve done has been elaborating upon this process on company websites, blogs, and more. But just like digital transformation, the way you interact with companies and enterprises that make digital transformation possible will be unique.
3. Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple — Oh my!
I never really thought much about cryptocurrency before I started my career as a writer. It just seemed too out there, like buying gold bars or hiding cash in your mattress.
Like many topics that need writers, there are *plenty* of people interested in cryptocurrency. And those people pay well. (Don’t worry, you can request to be paid in actual money.)
Want to get started learning about cryptocurrency or thinking about basic blog posts? Here’s a quick tip. Google “what is cryptocurrency?” and check out the related questions.
4. Beauty
The secret to writing for the beauty industry? Think outside the box.
I think where copywriters go wrong when it comes to writing for the beauty industry is that beauty typically conjures images of makeup brushes, lipstick, and influencers. However, the beauty industry covers a lot more than that. In my time working as a copywriter, some of the beauty companies I’ve written about have been:
Anti-aging cosmetic companies
Fake tanning salons
Cosmetic surgeons and injectable companies
Wig makers
Haircare
Stem cell laboratories that do beauty-related work
All in all, I cannot think of a single makeup company I have written about/for. However, I learned a lot about essential skincare and haircare as a writer -- which has forever changed my hygiene routines for the better!
5. Legal
Copywriters help lawyers keep up with their SEO efforts during their busy weeks.
Lawyers are extremely busy people. As recently as 2015, the average lawyer reported working between 50-20 hours per week. They also work odd hours. Most legal clients work regular 9-5 jobs, which makes meeting with them during those hours difficult.
They might have the legal expertise. But you have the time.
In my experience, many legal teams depend upon copywriters to keep their blogs running -- something which is critical to website SEO. Past legal clients I’ve worked with have given me basic outlines of the content they want, allowed me to research and write the requested content, and then followed up with them about edits. It takes less time out of their day to meet with me regarding their content, and research writing is fun for me. It’s a win-win.
6. Medical
Medical companies need constant help updating their website content, service offerings, and more.
The medical industry covers vast swaths of enterprises and businesses. I’ve written for laboratories, plastic surgeons, diabetes specialists, psychologists, and more. Their one unifying need? Consistent content updates.
The medical industry is science-based. Since scientific findings are not static, medical businesses must always update their legal pages, blogs, and service offerings to reflect up-to-date medical science. The good news? Most medical industries are generous with their copywriters and editors -- providing them with enough information to start their writing and enough time to go through edits without requiring you to bend over backward.
7. Cannabis
If you’re open to legalized cannabis, you can reap some pretty high profits (pun intended).
A touchy subject, cannabis is also one of the largest growing industries in the United States. 15 States so far have legalized recreational marijuana usage for adults. Many more states have legalized medical usage and decriminalized general usage. Growing support has all but cemented the idea that recreational marijuana usage is coming soon -- and growers are already beginning to utilize marketing and copywriting to their advantage.
You don’t necessarily need to be pro-cannabis (or have tried cannabis) to write for a cannabis or hemp sales company. But with the market competition, they will be on the lookout for writers comfortable with SEO, who can write content that is both interesting and traffic-driving and can create a *lot* of content.
One word of advice -- don’t take low job bid offers from cannabis companies. They are paid well, and you should be paid well, too.
A Note About Growing In Comfort
Don’t worry — we all have to start somewhere.
I’m just going to say this right now -- when I began my career as a copywriter, I knew absolutely nothing about cars. After having worked for a leading cell phone brand right after college, I knew some about tech, but I ended up writing mostly for B2B and digital transformation companies.
And, to be honest, cryptocurrency still isn’t something I ever imagined knowing so much about.
I say this only because many fledgling copywriters go into the industry with a misconceived notion that they must be experts in everything they write about. This notion is wrong -- you are an expert in writing. You’ll likely never be an expert in beauty, the legal industry, cars, or anything else you’re paid to write about. Be patient with yourself and allow your customers a good understanding of your comfort levels. I started out writing basic posts about cars, like “how to keep your car clean” and moved on to more advanced topics like the differences between Ford F-150 model years with my clients’ help. You can do that, too.
And, honestly, I’m forever grateful to my automotive clients, past and present. Now I know how to best take care of my own car, clean my face based on my skin type, and how to best prevent fine lines and wrinkles (hint — sunscreen).
Plus, I found I actually enjoy writing about topics I never thought I ever would have.