If you want to make money as a writer, you’ve probably come across two major paths: copywriting and general writing. While both involve crafting words to engage and inform readers, they serve different purposes — and come with different income potentials. But which one is better for making money? Let’s break it down, explore the key differences, and figure out which path might be the best fit for you.
What Is General Writing?
General writing, often called content writing, covers a wide range of formats designed to educate, entertain, or inform. This includes blog posts, articles, eBooks, how-to guides, product descriptions, and social media content. The goal of general writing is usually to provide value to the reader — not necessarily to sell something directly. For example, a blog post titled “10 Ways to Improve Your Productivity” exists to attract traffic, educate the reader, and build trust. While this kind of writing indirectly supports business goals, it doesn’t push for an immediate sale.
General writing jobs can be found on freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, as well as content agencies and directly with businesses. Rates for general writing vary widely — beginners might earn $0.03 to $0.10 per word, while experienced content writers in profitable niches can command $0.15 to $0.50 per word or more.
What Is Copywriting?
Copywriting is more specialized and focuses on persuading the reader to take action — whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or clicking a link. Copywriting includes sales pages, product descriptions, email marketing sequences, ads, landing pages, and even video scripts. The key difference is that copywriting isn’t just about providing information — it’s about driving conversions. For example, a sales page titled “Boost Your Productivity with This One Simple Tool — Try It Today” aims to convince the reader to buy, sign up, or take immediate action.
Copywriters are often paid more than general writers because their work directly impacts revenue. Rates can range from $100 to $500 per page for beginner copywriters, while experienced copywriters can charge $1,000 or more per sales page — especially in high-demand industries like finance, health, and technology. Some even work on a percentage of sales model, which can lead to massive payouts if the copy performs well.
Which One Pays More — Copywriting or General Writing?
While both paths offer earning potential, copywriting tends to pay more — and faster. Businesses are willing to invest more in persuasive copy that directly increases sales. A strong sales page or email sequence can generate thousands (or even millions) in revenue, so copywriters who deliver results are in high demand.
That said, general writing offers more variety and can feel less “salesy,” which appeals to writers who prefer to educate, inform, or entertain rather than persuade. Successful content writers can also make excellent money, especially in specialized niches like finance, technology, or healthcare. However, it usually takes longer to build authority and command high rates in content writing.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best path depends on your skills, interests, and goals. If you enjoy storytelling, explaining concepts, or writing long-form content that helps people, general writing might be your sweet spot. It’s ideal for bloggers, niche website creators, and those who prefer a more relaxed, informative tone.
On the other hand, if you’re more strategic, enjoy psychology, and love crafting persuasive messages, copywriting might be the better fit. Copywriting requires a strong understanding of consumer behavior, emotional triggers, and marketing techniques — but once you master these skills, the income potential is higher and more consistent.
Can You Do Both?
Absolutely! In fact, many successful writers blend both skill sets. For example, a content writer might create a blog post that educates the reader, then include a persuasive call to action that encourages them to download a free guide — blending content writing with copywriting principles. The more versatile you are, the more valuable you become to clients.
Final Thoughts: Which Path Will Make You More Money?
If your primary goal is to maximize income, copywriting is the faster route to higher rates and bigger paychecks. However, if you prefer crafting informative, evergreen content and building an audience over time, general writing can still be very profitable — especially in specialized, high-demand niches.
The key takeaway? Both paths can lead to a thriving writing career — the best one is the one that matches your strengths and interests. Ready to dive in? Start practicing, build a portfolio, and start pitching clients. Whether you choose copywriting, content writing, or a combination of both, the online world is full of opportunities for skilled writers.