How to Become a SEO Copywriter: Skills, Training & Salary

20-Second Summary

This blog is a complete guide on how to become a SEO copywriter. From the required skills and courses, building a great portfolio, to the estimated salary of a copywriter for entry-level, mid-level, senior and expert positions, you will get all the information to kickstart your copywriting journey.

What is an SEO Copywriter & Why It’s in Demand

An SEO copywriter creates compelling and persuasive content for brands for their websites, webpages (like landing pages), and their social media platforms in order to get them visibility in search engine results, along with best SEO practices to bring in converting leads from the target audience.

They make use of the keywords strategically to satisfy the intent of the audience and search engines after researching the competitors’ strategies to penetrate the market, crafting engaging and unique content that provides value.

Difference between Copywriter and Content Writer

Both the SEO content writer and copywriter use optimization to rank content, but their desired outcomes are different.

An SEO copywriter crafts content that is short-form, and their intent is to convert visitors into active customers, while a content writer’s main goal is to inform, entertain, and build long-term trust and brand authority.

SEO Copywriting Skills

To become a successful SEO copywriter, you need to master both writing techniques and search optimization strategies.

Below are the core SEO copywriting skills that are essential for copywriters.

Keyword research 

Keywords are the basis for effective content to become visible in search engines and to reach the targeted audience.

• Copywriters can use different keyword search tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs, to identify intent terms your audience searches for.
• While looking for the keywords, the copywriters must consider the search volume and intent of their visitors to ensure their content not only ranks, but also attracts the right traffic.
• Low-volume keywords with high search intent, and long-tail keywords ensure a great start to a copy that converts

Search Intent

SERPs now value content that matches the user

You must consider that your visitors are seeking different kinds of content, including:

• Informational content
• Navigational content (content with competitors’ comparisons)
• And Transactional content (to initiate and make a purchase)

If your copy aligns with user intent, it increases your relevance, rankings, and conversions.

On-page SEO and User Experience

On-page SEO helps optimizing for search visibility, and includes:

• Writing title tags and meta descriptions with CTA’s to generate clicks and engagement.
• Structuring content with headings.
• Using keywords naturally with a focus on semantic SEO.
• Optimizing images with alt text.

These techniques not only boost rankings but also improve the user experience.

Readability

Make your content readable by:

• Using short paragraphs.
• Active voice
• Bulleted points for step-by-step informational communication
• And very plain language to make it easy to understand and read.

Tools like Grammarly can help with readable writing, as clear and readable content is not only SEO-friendly but also persuasive.

Brand Voice, Tone & Style

• An SEO copywriter must adapt to the client’s brand voice, tone, and style.
• Whether formal, casual, or persuasive, consistency builds brand authority.
• Copy that reflects a company’s personality connects with readers on a deeper level.

CTAs (Calls to Action)

Calls to Action guide your visitors through the steps they need to take to make a purchase, buy a subscription or download.

• An expert copywriter knows how to use compelling CTAs to make the visitors not only engage but also take the steps that convert them.
• Use strong CTAs as a hook with an action-driven language that aligns with the user intent.

Internal and External Linking

For copywriters who create web content, including blogs, articles, and web pages it is an essential part of SEO copywriting.

• With strategic internal linking, copywriters help search engines understand site structure and keep readers exploring.
• External linking to authoritative sources boosts trustworthiness.

A good copywriter balances both for a substantial SEO impact.

Analytics and Reporting

Being an SEO writer, your job does not end with publishing the content; using the analytics and reporting is essential to not only see your progress, but also to show your clients reports to show them results.

Using analytics/reporting tools like Google Analytics or Search Console helps:

• Track performance
• Monitor keyword ranking
• Improve future strategies by identifying areas to optimize for search engines and user engagement based on their intent.

SEO Copywriter Training and Learning Paths

Platforms for both free and paid training for SEO copywriting are available. Some recommendations are:

Free Training

Platforms like Ahrefs, Yoast, HubSpot, and Semrush offer free introductory courses on basic SEO and content optimization. 

• Ahrefs provides a free beginner course on SEO fundamentals to bring organic traffic.
• HubSpot offers training for SEO best practices for marketers.
• Yoast provides a free online course on SEO basics and also its SEO plugin.
• Surfer SEO Surfer SEO provides free resources, blog content, and introductory webinars on SEO content strategy. Their in-depth SEO copywriting course is paid.
• Semrush Academy offers free courses on SEO, including technical SEO, keyword research, and on-page SEO, plus certification.

Paid Training

Advanced and paid options include platforms like those found on Coursera, Skillshare, and specialized platforms like Surfer SEO. 

• Coursera has various paid courses and certifications in SEO copywriting from known universities like the University of California and organizations like Google.  While not always labelled ‘SEO copywriting,’ they cover SEO writing and strategy.
• Skillshare hosts multiple paid classes on SEO copywriting and digital marketing writing, though quality varies by instructor. 
• Surfer SEO offers a paid advanced course for professional copywriters, focusing on keyword research, content optimization, and strategy, with certification included.
• Moz offers paid SEO courses on topics like keyword research, on-page SEO, and content strategy. Some discounts and free courses are available periodically.

Job Description of a Copywriter

So, what is An SEO copywriter’s job description? Basically, it combines creative writing with digital marketing strategy to create content that is not only engaging but also search engine optimized.

Key Responsibilities of an SEO Copywriter

• Conduct keyword research
• Analyze search intent to guide content creation.
• Write SEO optimized blog posts, landing pages, product descriptions, and web copy.
• Craft compelling title tags, meta descriptions, and headings to drive clicks that convert.
• Ensure:
  • Content readability
  • Brand voice consistency
  • A clear call-to-action (CTA)
• Apply on-page SEO best practices such as:
  • Internal linking
  • Keyword placement
  • Structured formatting
• Collaborate with marketing teams, designers, and SEO specialists to align content with organizational campaigns.
• Track performance using analytics tools to improve content for better rankings and conversions.

Skills of an SEO Copywriter:

• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Knowledge of SEO fundamentals:
  • Keyword density
  • Meta tags
  • Internal and External linking
• Writing for different tones, audiences, and digital platforms.
• Familiarity with SEO tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, and Google Analytics.

Building Portfolio & Entry Roles

If you are a beginner, having a strong copywriting portfolio will be the fastest way to acquire jobs in the market.

Steps to Build a Portfolio

1.  Analyse blogs, landing pages, product descriptions, and ad copy from brands that rank well in search results.
2. Use free tools like Canva, Google Docs, or Notion to recreate and rewrite these examples in your own style, as a sample.
3. Create example copies for different types of copy formats, including copy blogs, landing pages, and email campaigns.
4. Keep short notes on how you did it differently, including the notes about your keyword research, user search intent, CTAs, title tags, and meta descriptions, to showcase to employers that you have the potential.
5. Start your own portfolio website and publish your own articles, along with copywriting service landing pages and drive traffic to show companies that you can bring real results.
6. Work for free for NGOs or family members, and friends to add to your portfolio.

Looking at your website with your actual work and your skills, you can showcase your talent and land jobs like:

• Junior SEO Copywriter at agencies.
• Freelance SEO Copywriter through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or direct outreach.
• Internships in digital marketing companies for hands-on learning.

Earnings of an SEO Copywriter in the USA 

Below, we have given a salary estimation of SEO copywriters in the USA; hence, these figures reflect salary ranges in the United States. Earnings in other countries may differ based on local market conditions.

SEO Copywriting Examples & Case Studies

Let us have a look at three case studies covering the copywriting practices that drove results, showing how this is a strong field and why it can be a great career.

Case Study 1: HubSpot (2025)

• HubSpot tested AI-driven copy improvements in its nurture email campaigns by optimizing subject lines and CTAs for user intent.
•  They achieved an 82% increase in email conversions.

Source:  HubSpot Marketing Blog, 2025.

Case Study 2: Unbounce (2025)

• An E-commerce store featured in Unbounce’s CRO case studies used the services from Unbounce and performed A/B testing for Headlines and CTA wordings.
• This helped the store improve its conversion rates by 27%, with measurable sales growth.

Source: Unbounce CRO Case Studies, 2025.

Case Study 3: RankWriters (2025)

• A B2B marketing agency took services from Rank Writers to optimize their blogs
• Rank Writers changed their keyword-stuffed blogs into value-driven, optimized blogs.
• They also enhanced the readability for a better visitor experience.
• They were able to grow their organic traffic by 52% year-over-year, with an increase of 19% in the sales-qualified leads.

Source: RankWriters Case Study Examples, 2025.

Tips & Best Practices

Below, we have the best practices and tips that can help you make your portfolio even stronger and help you provide professional and result-driven strategies to excel in the SEO copywriting career.

• Use professional tools to find keywords based on the search intent of users.
• Use long-tail keywords with low search volume to win over the competitors.
• Always research the competitors, identify gaps in their content to
• Write your copy with a human-first approach rather than writing for the search engines because Google ranks the content that is unique and gives value to people.
• Work on your CTAs and make them persuasive for encouraging clicks, subscriptions, and purchases.
• Always maintain the tone of the brand so that its customers can relate to your copy and perform desired actions. 

Best Tools For Copywriters

Below, we have a brief tabular description of the best tools for SEO copywriters, along with their main use and how they can help copywriters in creating copies that engage and bring clicks and conversions.

Final Remarks

An SEO copywriter plays an essential role in helping to drive sales to businesses, making them rank online by helping them engage. With the right training, portfolio, and strategies mentioned in this guide, you can create a career growth map as an SEO copywriter.

We also have a detailed blog on Email Marketing Customer Journey and Copywriting that you can read to further enhance your knowledge on the topic. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do SEO copywriters make?

Copywriters can make anywhere between $40k and $120,000 in the US market, and it varies globally based on the geographical market requirements.

Is copywriting a legit side hustle?

Yes, with right skills and portfolio, it can be the most rewarding hustle in digital marketing because it requires low upfront investment and you can scale into a full-time career.

What are the 3 C’s of copywriting?

The three C’s are Clear, Concise, and Compelling. Write an easy-to-understand copy which is short and persuasive.

 What skills are required for SEO copywriting?

Keyword research, understanding search intent, on-page SEO, strong writing, user experience optimization, readability, crafting CTAs, and using analytics to improve results.

How can I get SEO copywriting clients as a freelancer?

Build your own website and create your service landing pages, blogs, and social media copies that bring your organic traffic, also build your profiles on Upwork and Fiverr and get some freelancing projects to add on your website with results, and do free copywriting as volunteering for NGOs to show your potential.

What SEO tools should a copywriter use?

Top tools include Ahrefs, Semrush, Surfer SEO, Google Keyword Planner, Grammarly, and Yoast SEO.

What is the key difference between a content writer and a copywriter?

A copywriter curates a persuasive + optimised short-form content to convert website visitors into customers, whereas a content writer creates informational + optimized long-form content to create trust and credibility of the business, building long-term relationships.