7 Ways You’re Hurting Your Copywriting Career (and How to Fix Them)

Starting a career in copywriting is exciting but challenging. As a beginner, you’re probably eager to land clients, hone your skills, and make a name for yourself. But what if you’re unknowingly sabotaging your progress? Let’s uncover the 7 most common mistakes beginners make—and how to avoid them.

1. Neglecting to Build a Portfolio Early

When it comes to landing clients, your portfolio is your calling card. Yet, many beginners delay creating one because they feel they need paid work to get started. Waiting for “real” clients only holds you back.

Why This Hurts You:
Without a portfolio, potential clients can’t assess your skills or style. You miss out on opportunities because others with portfolios are more prepared.

How to Fix It:
Start building a portfolio with spec pieces—samples written for hypothetical businesses or as part of creative exercises. Aim to show variety: ad copy, blog posts, email sequences, and landing pages.

Pro Tip: Focus your portfolio on a niche you want to specialize in. This makes you more appealing to specific clients.

2. Overlooking the Importance of Research

Copywriting isn’t just about stringing words together. It’s about deeply understanding the audience, the product, and the competition. Skimping on research is a mistake that can make your copy feel generic or ineffective.

Why This Hurts You:
Copy that doesn’t resonate with its intended audience fails to convert. Research is the backbone of compelling and persuasive writing.

How to Fix It:
Spend time researching before you start writing. Dive into the audience’s pain points, desires, and objections. Use customer reviews, competitor websites, and forums to understand their language and priorities.

3. Ignoring Feedback (or Taking It Too Personally)

Copywriting is subjective, and not every client will love your first draft. If you ignore feedback or get defensive, you risk burning bridges and missing opportunities to grow.

Why This Hurts You:
Feedback is how you improve as a copywriter. Taking it personally instead of professionally limits your ability to refine your craft.

How to Fix It:
View feedback as a learning opportunity. Ask clarifying questions if needed, and incorporate suggestions to meet the client’s expectations. Over time, you’ll spot patterns and improve your first drafts.

4. Failing to Understand SEO Basics

In today’s digital-first world, search engine optimization (SEO) is critical for copywriters. If you ignore it, your copy may not perform well in search engines, leaving your clients dissatisfied.

Why This Hurts You:
Clients increasingly expect copywriters to understand SEO. If your content doesn’t rank, clients may see it as ineffective.

How to Fix It:
Learn SEO fundamentals like keyword research, optimizing meta descriptions, and using headers (H1, H2, H3) effectively. Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to identify keywords like “copywriting for beginners” and integrate them naturally

5. Writing Without a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

You’ve written beautiful copy, but there’s no clear next step for the reader. This is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make.

Why This Hurts You:
Without a strong CTA, even the most engaging copy falls flat. Clients need their audience to act, whether it’s signing up, clicking, or buying.

How to Fix It:
Make your CTAs actionable and benefit-driven. Instead of “Learn More,” try “Unlock Your Copywriting Potential—Download Now!” Tailor the CTA to the specific goal of the copy..

6. Not Networking Enough

Copywriting is as much about relationships as it is about writing. If you’re not networking, you’re missing out on referrals, mentorship, and potential clients.

Why This Hurts You:
Clients often hire based on recommendations. Without networking, you limit your exposure to potential opportunities.

How to Fix It:
Join copywriting groups on LinkedIn or Facebook, attend webinars, and connect with professionals in your niche. Networking doesn’t mean hard-selling yourself; it’s about building genuine relationships.

7. Underpricing Your Services

It’s tempting to price yourself low to attract clients, especially when you’re new. However, this devalues your work and sets the wrong expectations for future projects.

Why This Hurts You:
Low pricing can lead to burnout, resentment, and a portfolio full of underpaying clients. It also positions you as a budget option rather than a professional.

How to Fix It:
Research standard rates in your niche and set a baseline that reflects your skills. As your experience grows, don’t be afraid to increase your rates. Remember, clients who value quality are willing to pay for it.

Conclusion: Build the Career You Deserve

Your copywriting career is in your hands. Avoiding these common pitfalls can accelerate your growth, land you clients, and build a reputation you’re proud of.

What’s your biggest challenge as a new copywriter? Share your story in the comments below—I’d love to help!