Are you a writer looking to make a career change? Do you aspire to be the next great copywriter? If so, copywriting could be right for you. Though it may seem like an easy job, this type of writing requires extensive knowledge and skill. Many people dream of becoming a copywriter, but they don’t know where to start. With this guide, you’ll learn what it takes to become a successful copywriter. You’ll find out about the different types of copywriting and get advice on how to get started as well as tips on succeeding in your future career.
Learn About Being a Copywriter
For some people, learning about being a copywriter is easy because they want to write for fun or make money online. For others, it’s more difficult because they want to start their own business or go into the field professionally. Here are five things that you can do today that will help you master being a copywriter.
What does a copywriter do?
The world of advertising is full of hype. Everyone wants to be a copywriter and the job market for copywriters is competitive. There are several different types of copywriting jobs, some that require more creativity and others that require more technical knowledge. Copywriters can work in a wide range of industries, from marketing to education to corporate law. The most important thing to remember when you’re looking into becoming a copywriter is that there is no such thing as one way to become a professional writer. You have to be willing to try new things, explore your options, and make calculated risk decisions in order to succeed in this industry. Here are some ways you can start preparing yourself for a career as a copywriter.
A copywriter creates clear, captivating and persuasive content aimed at encouraging people to take action, usually to buy a product or subscribe to a service. They find creative ways to convert their clients’ abstract ideas into compelling content suitable for advertisement. Copywriters can produce content for magazines, websites, blogs, TV programs or other media outlets.
Apart from producing sales copy, copywriters may also generate the following forms of content:
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Technical reports, user manuals, training manuals and any other scientific documentation
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Social media content
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Persuasive speeches
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Public relations materials like press releases, feature articles, products updates and memorandums
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Marketing emails
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Content idea pitches to interested organizations
Average salary
A copywriter’s salary can vary greatly based on their experience, education and employer. Freelancing or full-time employment can also affect salary.
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Common salary in the U.S.: $61,657 per year
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Some salaries range from $14,000 to $114,000 per year.
Copywriter requirements
Copywriters may be required to have a range of skills, education, training and certifications, including:
Education
Copywriters typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or another related major. Some employers may hire copywriters with a high school diploma or GED certificate, an appealing work portfolio and experience. In school, students should focus on courses such as writing, media, communications and marketing.
Those who specialize in a certain area of copywriting may have a degree in the subject. For example, software copywriters may have a degree in computer science or engineering. These copywriters typically learn how to copywrite by taking extracurricular courses or conducting individual studies.
Training
Copywriters typically receive a large portion of education training. During schooling, they learn the basics of spelling and grammar. When they join the workforce, the company or agency they work for typically provides training to develop particular writing styles and concepts.
Copywriters usually undergo continuous training to stay up to date on the latest copy trends. They should know how to perform research on certain topics and how to create copy for best SEO practices.
Certifications
Though copywriters don’t need certifications to work, they can still earn them to show their dedication to the role and increase the possibility of a higher earning potential. Here are two copywriter certifications:
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SEO Copywriting Certification: Offered by SuccessWorks, the SEO Copywriting Certification shows a writer’s ability to use search engine optimization best practices in their articles. To earn this certification, candidates must complete a training course that instructs them on how to understand client needs, target keywords and boost content to the top results of a search page. Candidates also need to pass a final examination following the training course.
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Direct-Response Copywriting Specialist: Offered by DigitalMarketer, the Direct-Response Copywriting Specialist is available for copywriters who want to learn more about marketing and search engine optimization. To earn this certification, candidates need to complete a training course and pass an exam.
Skills
Copywriters need a unique set of skills to create successful content that is easy to read and understand:
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Research skills: Copywriters often write about a variety of topics and need to be able to convey information about subjects in clear terms. Researching each subject they write about and how to target best SEO practices can help them create effective copy for clients.
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SEO skills: These skills allow copywriters to generate content that helps their clients attract traffic to their websites. SEO skills are becoming an increasingly important part of online copy.
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Creativity: Different assignments require unique approaches. Good copywriters can develop new and fresh ideas for common content.
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Time management: Copywriters often compose multiple pieces per day for clients. The ability to manage their time effectively helps them submit all of their content on time. Time management can assist in creating a schedule for each piece they need to write, proofread and submit.
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Communication: Copywriters often work with clients and managers to understand requirements and style guides. They should be able to read written communication and follow precise instructions to create satisfactory copy.
Copywriter work environment
A copywriter’s work environment varies based on their role. Most copywriters spend long periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Many copywriters still utilize a notepad and pen for their work. Freelance or contract copywriters may be able to work from home or another remote space like a coworking area. Copywriters who work exclusively for one company could work in an office setting with other copywriters, editors and creative teams. They may work part or full time.
Copywriters could work in the following industries:
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Media and broadcast
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Education
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Government
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Technology
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Corporations
How to become a copywriter
There are many routes to become a copywriter. Here’s one of the most common ways to become one:
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Get a bachelor’s degree. Though not always required, a bachelor’s degree can help you become a more competitive candidate for many jobs, and in some cases, it’s a minimum requirement. Focus on taking courses like composition, communication, marketing and journalism.
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Build a portfolio. Many employers or contract jobs require a copywriter to submit sample work. Building a portfolio of relevant work can help you submit copy that impresses hiring managers. To assist in building a portfolio, consider creating a blog or writing sample work based on a prompt.
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Gain experience. Experience can help you charge higher rates for contract or freelance jobs and earn a higher salary for a full-time position. You can gain experience by interning in college or volunteering with local agencies. Make sure to add any work you completed in your portfolio.
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Apply for jobs. You can apply for many different types of copywriting jobs, depending on your scheduling preferences and interests. If you live in an area with few local opportunities, you can search for remote copywriting positions. When applying for jobs, make sure to read application submission instructions carefully. Many employers may prompt you to submit work or complete a writing test piece. Follow the guidelines carefully to ensure they see your best work.
Copywriter job description example
JORA Digital Marketing Agency is seeking a copywriter to help in developing digital strategies for its European segment. The copywriter will join a growing team of digital marketing experts providing support to more than 200 high-profile companies around the world. The selected candidate will have to fulfill the following responsibilities:
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Under the general supervision of the content manager, they will coordinate and write quality copy for direct mail, digital, email, print, broadcast and other outdoor advertising projects on behalf of our clients and other prospective customers.
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They will develop original concepts for advertising campaigns, working as both an individual and a member of our creative team.
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They will consult and advise our clients on specific project requirements, timelines and any costs arising.
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They will familiarize themselves with the client’s product, target market, audience demographics and competitor activities in the market.
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They will evaluate the results and recommend appropriate actions for marketing campaigns.
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They will write, proofread and edit original content for projects requested by clients, marketing associates and other players.
