What Motivates Copywriters? If You Said ‘Money’ You’re Wrong
Are copywriters motivated mostly by money?
If you were to listen to them, it might seem that way. Many people pursue copywriting careers in the hopes they will be able to earn six figures a year.
But perhaps more than money copywriters are motivated by recognition and admiration.
Here’s why:
There is apparently an irremediable insecurity at the core of every intellectual, be he noncreative or creative. Even the most gifted and prolific seem to live a life of eternal self-doubting and have to prove their worth anew each day. What de Remusat said of Thiers is perhaps true of most men of words: “he has much more vanity than ambition; and he prefers consideration to obedience, and the appearance of power to power itself. Consult him constantly, and then do just as you please. He will take more notice of your deference to him than of your actions.” (The True Believer, Eric Hoffer, pp. 132-133)
After 12 years of copywriting, I still experience moments of insecurity. And I have observed insecurity in other copywriters I have worked with.
A little bit of encouragement and recognition seems to go a long way.
What do you think? Do copywriters prefer to get big checks or get their egos stroked?
Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
-Ryan M. Healy
