In the world of making money online, two giants stand out: copywriting and dropshipping. It’s like standing at a crossroads, each path promising its own adventure, rewards, and challenges.
And, seeing as 70% of Gen Z has a side hustle, you’re probably looking for a way to make some extra cash too.
But, I know, that deciding which way to go can be downright daunting. But hey, that’s where this article comes in.
Copywriting? It’s all about crafting words into sales. If you’ve got a way with words, there’s serious cash to be made. And dropshipping? It’s the dream of selling without the hassle of inventory, turning your laptop into a virtual storefront. Sounds cool, right?
But here’s the kicker: Choosing isn’t just about picking a business model. It’s about picking your future. Yeah, no pressure!
So, let’s break everything you need to know to make that big decision. Whether you’re leaning towards crafting compelling copy or building a dropshipping dynasty, I’ve got you covered.
Understanding the Basics of Copywriting vs Dropshipping
Alright, let’s kick things off by getting down to the basics. We’re looking at two titans of the online business world: copywriting and dropshipping. But what’s the deal with each? Let’s break it down.
What is Copywriting?
Imagine being able to persuade, inspire, and convince anyone with just your words. That’s copywriting. It’s art. It’s science. And it’s everywhere. From the ads that make you click to the emails that you actually read. Copywriting is about creating messages that move people to action.
It’s not just writing. It’s understanding human psychology, knowing what makes people tick. And the best part? You can do it from anywhere. All you need is a laptop and a knack for crafting compelling content.
What is Dropshipping?
Now, flip the script. Dropshipping is like being the middleman who doesn’t need to stock anything. You’ve got an online store, but when someone orders, a supplier ships the product directly to your customer. Your role? Marketing maestro and customer service superstar.
Here’s a visual breakdown:
No warehouse. No inventory headaches. Just pure, streamlined e-commerce. You focus on selling and leave the shipping to someone else. It’s a lean business model that’s made for the digital age.
How to Get Started With Copywriting and Dropshipping
Alright, you’re feeling the excitement. You’re ready to dive in. But how? How do you go from “I wanna do this” to “Hey, I’m actually doing this”? Let’s get into it, step by step.
Getting Started with Copywriting
First up, copywriting. Here are the steps I recommend my students take when they are breaking into writing:
- Learn the ropes. There’s a ton of free content out there. Blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts. Soak it all in. Understand what makes good copy tick.
- Practice. Write daily. Emails, product descriptions, blog posts, social media updates. The more you write, the better you’ll get.
- Build a portfolio. Start with mock projects or offer your services for free to non-profits or small businesses. You need something to show potential clients.
- Pitch yourself. Use social media, freelance websites, and networking to find work. My Academy breaks all of these down and more.
Getting Started with Dropshipping
Now, onto dropshipping. I’ve run multiple successful e-commerce brands and here’s what I did as a beginner:
- Choose your niche. Passion sells. Find products you believe in, or that tap into trending or evergreen markets.
- Find suppliers. Platforms like AliExpress and Oberlo can connect you with suppliers. Vet them carefully. Your reputation depends on their reliability.
- Set up your online store. Shopify, WooCommerce on WordPress – pick your poison. Customize it to stand out.
- Market like crazy. Use SEO, social media, and paid ads to get the word out. Be patient as you learn and optimize these channels, as it take some time to see results.
Pros and Cons of Copywriting and Dropshipping
Alright, let’s get real for a minute. Every path has its advantages and disadvantages, right? Copywriting and dropshipping are no exceptions.
The Benefits of Copywriting
- Flexibility? Check. You can write from anywhere, anytime. Your couch, a beach in Bali, you name it. If you’ve got Wi-Fi, you’re set.
- Startup costs? Practically nil. Got a laptop? Some decent Wi-Fi? Maybe a caffeine addiction? You’re pretty much good to go.
- Demand is through the roof. Everyone needs words. Websites, emails, ads. You’re like the superhero everyone’s calling for help.
The Challenges of Copywriting
- It’s a battlefield out there. Competition is fierce. Standing out takes more than just being a good writer. You need to market yourself, too.
- The hustle never stops. Finding clients, keeping clients, pleasing clients. It’s a cycle. One that can be exhausting if you’re not prepared for it.
- Learning curve. Understanding what makes people tick, SEO, and persuasion techniques. There’s a lot to learn, and it never really stops.
The Benefits of Dropshipping
- Scalability? Big yes. Start small, grow huge. The sky’s the limit when it comes to expanding your store.
- Inventory headaches are a thing of the past. No stock, no worries. Your living room doesn’t need to look like a warehouse.
- Diversity of products. Today, you’re selling yoga mats. Tomorrow? Who knows! You can pivot fast without much hassle.
The Challenges of Dropshipping
- Thin margins. It’s the truth. Unless you find a killer product or niche, expect to play the long game to see significant profits.
- Supplier drama. Late shipments, quality issues. Your brand’s reputation is partly in their hands. Choose wisely.
- Ad spend can add up. Getting eyes on your store isn’t free. And in the crowded online marketplace, visibility comes at a premium.
Earning Potential of The Two Business Models
Now, let’s talk numbers. Because, let’s face it, passion is great, but you can’t pay the bills with it. So, what’s the earning potential for copywriting and dropshipping?
Copywriting Earnings
First up, copywriting. The beautiful thing here? Your income is pretty much tied to how much you’re willing to hustle and how well you can sell yourself.
The average copywriter’s salary is between $49,000-$63,000 to give you an idea.
Starting out? You might be looking at anywhere from $50 to $200 for a piece of content. Not bad for starting, right?
Get some experience? Now we’re talking $500, $1000, or even more per project. And for those who really nail it? Think 5 to 6 figures annually, easily. I’ve had non-stop 5-figure months as a copywriter and you can too.
The more specialized you are, the more you can charge. SEO experts, technical writers, or those with a knack for converting sales pages? You’re the unicorns. Businesses will pay top dollar for your skills.
Dropshipping Earnings
On to dropshipping. This one’s a bit of a roller coaster. Why? Because your earnings can be super variable. However, similar to copywriting, research has found that the average Shopify store generates $67,000 in revenue.
Starting out, you might be putting more into the business than you’re getting out, however. Ads, website, supplier costs—it adds up.
Once you hit your stride, though, and find that winning product or niche, things can skyrocket. We’re talking thousands to tens of thousands a month. Some dropshippers even hit the six or seven-figure mark annually.
But remember, it’s all about the margins. After costs, a good target is a 20-30% profit margin. Not easy, but definitely doable with the right strategy.
Making Your Decision
Alright, I’ve laid it all out. The good, the bad, the profitable. Now comes the big moment—making the decision.
Which is Right for You?
Here’s the thing. It’s not just about what you want to do. It’s about what you’re good at and what fits your life.
Love writing? Got a knack for persuasion? Copywriting could be your golden ticket.
Fascinated by e-commerce? Thrive on finding the next big thing? Dropshipping might just be your game.
But it’s not just about passion. It’s about practicality.
- Time commitment: Got more time than money? Copywriting can start paying off with just your time investment. Dropshipping needs a bit of both.
- Risk tolerance: Comfortable with a bit of gamble? Dropshipping’s fluctuating income might not phase you. Prefer steady over heady? Copywriting’s your bet.
- Skillset: Love learning about SEO, persuasion, and marketing? Copywriting’s your playground. More into analytics, trends, and customer service? Dropshipping’s calling your name.
Combining Copywriting and Dropshipping
Here’s a twist. Why not both? Seriously. Skills in copywriting can supercharge your dropshipping business. Great product descriptions, compelling ads, persuasive emails—they all add up to sales.
And if you’re dropshipping, those copywriting skills? They’re gold. They can help you stand out in a crowded market, connect with your customers, and drive sales through the roof.
Final Thoughts on Copywriting vs Dropshipping
If you’re thinking of how to make money online, I bet you’ve come across copywriting and dropshipping. Luckily for you, I have years of experience with both of these businesses.
Recap? Copywriting is your arena if words are your weapon of choice. Dropshipping? It’s all about selling smart—not hard. Both paths offer the potential for freedom, flexibility, and yes, financial success. But they also demand dedication, learning, and a good dose of grit.
My parting advice? Start. Start now. Start small, but just start. The biggest hurdle is often not choosing the path but taking the first step on it. And remember, the digital landscape is ever-evolving. Stay curious, stay adaptable, and never stop learning.
If you want to learn more about making money online and copywriting, explore my online courses.
