If you have a knack for words, you must have thought of starting a copywriting business. Given today’s landscape, the copywriting business is profitable, as there is a high demand for copywriters.
But many people get stuck at the question, “How to start a copywriting business in 2026?” The thing is, it does not have to be complicated. It is actually easy to start a copywriting business from scratch if you know the right steps to take.
This is where this guide comes in. It walks you through all the important steps to help you establish a solid business foundation.
30-Second Summary
This guide talks about all the vital aspects of how to start a copywriting business in 2026. Explore how to create a solid plan and choose the legal setup for the business.
Discover the registration process, important licenses, and estimated cost for setting up the business, along with earning potential, copywriting tools, and popular niches.
Why 2026 is the Ideal Time to Start a Copywriting Business?
Even with the popularity of AI, human persuasive writing cannot be replaced. Businesses need professional copywriting that can connect with real people. You can automate many tasks with AI-assisted copywriting trends 2026, such as A/B testing and research.
It gives you time to focus more on creativity and strategy. Also, the rise of voice search optimization and storytelling branding makes copywriters essential across digital platforms. In short, this is actually the right time to start your copywriting business.
Create a Copywriting Business Plan 2026
Firstly, you need to have a clear business plan. It should cover your goals, target audience, and service structure.
What to Include in Your Plan
Services you will offer: Decide what services you can offer to people, including ad campaigns, website copy, blogs, landing pages, and email marketing.
Target clients: Choose what demographic you want to target. Are they startups, agencies, SaaS businesses, or ecommerce brands?
Financial goals: Have a clear estimate of income targets for 3, 6, and 12 months.
Marketing channels: Analyze the best channels to market your business, such as LinkedIn, cold outreach, or freelance platforms.
Tools and expenses: List down your important tools, subscriptions, and branding costs.
It does not have to be lengthy. Even a one-page plan is enough to keep you focused on the strategy.
Follow the Freelance Copywriting Business Steps
Starting small is a smart decision. You need to build your credibility before expanding your business. Here is how you can do it.
Build your skills: Study and learn everything related to your field, such as conversion writing and SEO.
Create some samples: Demonstrate your copywriting skills with samples of mock projects.
Pitch your services: Approach businesses directly using different platforms.
Get testimonials: Having the proof of results will increase your credibility.
Systematize your workflow: Keep consistency in your work by using templates and tools.
This approach will give you the experience you need to expand your business.
Choose the Right Legal Structure for a Copywriting Business
After getting the experience and gigs, you need to choose the legal structure for your business.
Sole Trader
It is the easiest setup, but it has unlimited personal liability. It is ideal for freelancers or for those running a simple business. You need to register the business with the government, particularly if you choose a brand name.
Partnership
This setup brings shared responsibility and liability among the partners. It is also suitable for people who want to collaborate with others. You must register the business with your state’s Secretary of State.
Limited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company, also known as LLC, protects your personal assets from business liabilities. It gives your business a professional appearance and is suitable for client credibility and scaling.
Handle Copywriting Business Registration
Now that you have chosen your business setup, here is how to register it.
Register your Business Name
The name you pick for your business should embody your services and be easy for the audience to remember. When choosing a name, verify its availability on the state’s business registration website. Register the name with the state’s appropriate agency to make it official.
Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Even if you do not want to hire employees, you need an EIN, otherwise known as a Tax ID number. It is essential to pay taxes. You can file for it on the IRS website without any charges. Without it, you will not be able to open a business bank account.
Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses
You may need necessary permits or licenses, depending on the location and setup of your business. Some states require you to get an operating permit. Always check with your local government to see its requirements.
Open a Business Bank Account
After registering your business, it’s a good idea to open an account for it. This keeps your personal and business finances separate and helps you track earnings. Having a business bank account is also good for your image when dealing with clients.
Important Licenses for a Copywriting Business
To start a copywriting business, you do not need a lot of licenses. Below are some essential ones to cover you legally.
Business License: You might need a business license to operate, depending on your location. This is a requirement of your county or city and is easy to apply for through the local government’s website.
DBA: It stands for Doing Business As. If you choose a business name other than your own, you need to file for it. For instance, you do not need to file a DBA for “John Doe Copywriting Agency”, but for “BrightPen Agency”, you have to file for it.
Sales Tax Permit: In most cases, copywriting is not subject to sales tax, but it is wise to check with your local government. If there is a requirement, you can get a sales tax permit from your state’s tax office.
Estimate Copywriting Business Costs
Getting into the copywriting business means you can start earning right away. All you need is a good Wifi and a laptop. However, despite a low startup cost, it is important to understand all the expenses involved.
Business Registration
The estimated cost for business registration is $50 to $500. This is the cost for registering your business legally. It depends on the state and is a one-time expense to make your business official.
Website and Marketing
The cost for business branding and marketing is around $100 to $600. You need to invest in marketing to get your brand noticed. It includes creating a website, designing flyers, and running ads on Google for online presence.
Tools and Software
You need to set aside $50 to $500+ for copywriting tools and software. You might need a grammar and plagiarism checker like Grammarly and Copyscape. Project management tools, like Asana and Trello, can also make project management easy.
Certifications and Training
You need $0 to $2000. Although you don’t need formal education for a copywriting business, getting certifications will build your credibility. There are many affordable options. However, comprehensive programs, such as those by CopyBlogger and AWAI, can cost more than $2000.
Insurace
While it is not necessary, many copywriters choose to invest in insurance to get protection from any legal or client disputes. The cost of general liability per year is $200 to $500, depending on the coverage you choose.
Total Estimated Cost
Starting a copywriting business is cost-effective, but it is good to have a clear idea of expenses. You can start from as little as $500 and go up to $5,500 if you invest in professional branding, advanced certifications, and paid marketing.
Setting Pricing for Copywriting Services
The right approach to setting prices for copywriting services is to consider your experience and niche. Some common pricing models and strategies are
- Per project pricing, which is the flat rate for certain deliverables.
- Hourly rates that are ideal for ongoing projects.
- Per-word pricing is more suitable for blogs and SEO content.
- Retainer models are for a recurring monthly payment for regular content.
- Performance-based pricing depends on metrics, like sales and conversions.
How much can you earn from a Copywriting Business?
You earn according to your experience and also your location.
- Entry-level copywriters earn around $40,000 to $50,000 annually.
- Mid-level copywriters roughly make around $50,000 to $70,000 annually.
- Experienced copywriters get $70,000 and more, depending on the industry.
The following are some notable regional differences.
- In California and New York, copywriters make $75,000 to $100,000+ annually for industries such as tech, entertainment, and advertising.
- In Texas and Florida, incomes are around $50,000 to $70,000 for experienced copywriters.
- In midwestern states, like Ohio and Michigan, earnings can be around $45,000 to $60,000.
Select Copywriting Niches to Focus on Portfolio Building
Having a specialized niche increases earning potential. The most popular niches right now are
- B2B SaaS and tech startups
- e-Commerce and product descriptions
- Health, fitness, and wellness brands
- Insurance and finance companies
- Real estate and local businesses
Clients see your work before hiring you. Even if you are new, create mock samples to show your clients. For example, create a product page for a skincare brand or write an ad for a SaaS platform.
3 to 5 strong samples are enough to showcase your tone, versatility, and conversion focus.
Choose the Right Copywriting Tools
The proper tools are important to enhance productivity, save time, and increase output quality.
Below are some tools worth investing in.
- AI writing tools: Jasper, ChatGPT, and Writesonic
- Grammar and clarity: Hemingway and Grammarly
- SEO optimization: Ahrefs, SurferSEO, and Ubersuggest
- Editing and collaboration: Notion and Google Docs
- Project Tracking: Asana and Trello
Keep Learning and Adapting
The world of copywriting changes fast. Therefore, it is important to stay on top of all updates through books, podcasts, and online courses.
Starting your own copywriting business is not about massive funding. All you need is focus and a strong understanding of the business world. Using the right planning, tools, and storytelling is the simple answer to the question “How to start a copywriting business in 2026.”
FAQs
How can I Master Client Acquisition for my Copywriting Business?
To get clients in 2026, you need a strong online presence. Use platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn, and network through digital communities. Offer free consultations, show testimonials, and optimize your website for voice search to attract clients.
What is the role of Storytelling in Modern Copywriting?
Storytelling makes your message relatable and memorable. In 2026, copywriters combine storytelling with data insights to connect with the audience.
How can I launch a Copywriting Agency in 2026?
The right steps to launch your copywriting agency in 2026 are planning your services, hiring writers, determining pricing structure, and investing in branding. Use task management tools to streamline projects and focus on getting and retaining more clients.
