If you are thinking about becoming a copywriter in Australia, you’ve made a great choice.
Copywriting is one of those special jobs that lets you use your creativity while also being smart about business. Plus, there are lots of companies looking for good copywriters right now.
You can work from anywhere and help all kinds of businesses. If you’re good at it, you can make great money from writing.
In this guide, we’ll break down what copywriters actually do, how to get started, and the steps to turn writing into a career (or even a business) in Australia.
What Do Copywriters Actually Do?
Basically, copywriting is about using words to get results. You might write to sell a product, get someone to book a call, or just make them click “read more.”
Today’s copywriters write many different things for businesses and often focus on online marketing. They help create websites, emails, sales pages, and social media posts. This includes anything a business needs to communicate with potential customers and make a sale.
You can learn more about what copywriters do all day or check out a career guide to understand the role better.
One of the great things about being a copywriter is that you can specialise in a different area, depending on what you like:
Digital copywriter – write content for websites and online platforms
SEO copywriter – write content that shows up well on Google searches
Brand copywriter – help companies sound consistent and professional
Technical copywriter – take hard ideas and make them easy to understand
No matter what type of copywriting you do, the goal is always the same: turn attention into action.
Essential Skills Every Copywriter Needs
Good copywriting isn’t just about stringing words together. You need to know how to use words to get results. That takes a mix of creativity, strategy, and discipline.
A good copywriter should have these skills (or work hard to build them):
Writing and editing skills: Write clearly and change your style to match different companies.
Research skills: Learn about customers and what makes them want to buy things
Marketing and SEO knowledge: Make your writing sound good and help people find it on Google
People skills: Talk clearly with clients and other team members
Creative problem-solving: Find new and interesting ways to write about products
Time management: Finish projects on time while keeping your work of high quality
AI awareness: Use tools like ChatGPT to help with research, ideas, and drafting copy
When you get those skills working together, you’ve got the foundation for a solid copywriting career.
Different Ways to Work as a Copywriter
There is not just one way to become a copywriter. The path you choose depends on how you like to work, what kind of clients you want, and what lifestyle you are looking for. If you’re trying to decide between freelance vs in-house copywriting careers, here’s a quick comparison to help you choose.
In-house copywriter
You work directly for one company. You will know the brand really well, have a steady paycheck, and usually work regular hours. The downside is that you have less variety in your work, but you get to learn one industry really deeply.
Agency copywriter
This job is fast-paced and full of variety. You will work with many different clients and campaigns, often with tight deadlines. It is a great way to learn quickly, build a strong portfolio, and work with a creative team.
Freelance copywriter
You have total flexibility. You set your own rates, choose your clients, and work from anywhere you want. But you are also running your own business. This means you have to find clients, send invoices, and manage projects as well as write. Many freelancers succeed by focusing on one specific type of business or industry.
In the end, it comes down to what you value more: stability or freedom, variety or focus, collaboration or independence.
Steps to Becoming a Copywriter in Australia
If you want to break into copywriting in Australia, here’s exactly how to do it. We’ll also point you to some helpful resources along the way, including this guide on the Australian copywriting market.
Learn the basics (and get a mentor)
Start with the fundamentals. Books like The Copywriter’s Handbook or Ogilvy on Advertising are classics. Study successful ads and break them down to see what works. If possible, find a mentor who’s already in the field. Having someone guide you early can save years of trial and error.
Take a copywriting course
You don’t need a degree, but structured learning can speed things up. TAFE and universities offer marketing subjects, and there are plenty of online courses tailored to the Australian market.
Build a portfolio
Show what you can do. If you can’t find any paid work to build your portfolio when you’re starting out, write spec ads, redo bad ones you find, or volunteer for small businesses and non-profits. Aim to cover different formats: websites, emails, social, long-form.
Get experience
Look for entry-level roles in content, marketing, or agencies. Even freelancing on platforms like Upwork can help you practice and collect testimonials.
Network with other Aussie copywriters
Connect with other professionals, both online and in person. LinkedIn, local marketing events, and relationships with designers or web developers can all lead to opportunities.
How Much Do Copywriters Earn in Australia?
Salaries for Australian copywriters vary depending on experience, location, and the type of work you do. But as a rough guide:
Entry-level: around $55k
Junior (1–2 years): $60k–$70k
Mid-level (3–5 years): $70k–$90k
Senior (5+ years): $90k–$110k+
Freelancers charge by the hour or by the project. Many start out at $70–$100 per hour, while experienced specialists can charge $100–$200+.
The biggest factor? Results. If you can show your words make money, you can command higher rates.
Experienced freelance copywriters in Australia will tell you that building long-term client relationships can give you more stable income, rather than constantly seeking new projects.
Is Copywriting a Good Career Choice in Australia?
If you enjoy writing and solving problems, copywriting is definitely a career worth considering. It combines creativity with strategy, pays well once you get established, and gives you the freedom to choose a path that works for you. You can have the stability of working for one company, the variety of working at an agency, or the independence of freelancing.
A lot of people are afraid to get into copywriting because AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are changing how copywriters work. But they’re not replacing copywriters yet. In fact, AI has made good copywriters more valuable than ever. Businesses need people who can take what AI creates and turn it into sharp, persuasive messages that actually get results, as well as leveraging AI to write more copy, faster.
If you want to become a copywriter, make sure you learn the basics, build a portfolio, find a mentor, and get your first projects. Your skills will improve quickly, and the Australian copywriting community is friendly and collaborative.
If you want more practical tips and resources to help you succeed, check out the rest of our blog. We have articles with copywriting examples and insights that will help you improve your skills.