Copywriter Career Guide

What is a copywriter?

A copywriter writes cool and catchy stuff for different things like posters, emails, social media, and websites to help sell products or tell people about services. They work with other creative folks like designers and digital experts to come up with new ideas for ads and marketing stuff. Copywriters can be part of a team in a company or work at an ad agency where they help different customers from all sorts of industries. 

Duties and responsibilities

A copywriter’s main job is to write things that grab people’s attention and make them want to buy stuff or learn more. They work with teams or clients to really get what the audience likes and what the brand is all about. Then, they create messages that show why the brand is awesome, which helps sell products and make the brand famous.

They also have to make sure everything they write is spot-on, easy to read, and mistake-free. They might help come up with ideas for what to write about and work with designers and web folks to make everything look great.

Work environment

Copywriters can work at ad agencies, in marketing departments, or by themselves as freelancers. They usually work in offices but working from home is becoming more common.

Typical work hours

Most copywriters work a normal 40-hour week, but sometimes they need to work extra to meet deadlines or when a project is really busy. Freelancers can set their own hours but might need to adjust when their clients need them.

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How to become a copywriter

Becoming a copywriter means getting the right mix of skills and experience. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Get a bachelor’s degree (optional)

You don’t always need a college degree, but having one in English, journalism, or marketing can help. These subjects teach you how to write well and understand different styles.

Step 2: Sharpen your writing skills

Being a great writer is key. Write a lot, take writing classes, and read different stuff to improve. Learn the tricks of copywriting, such as writing catchy headlines and knowing what your audience likes.

Step 3: Build a killer portfolio

Put together a portfolio with your best writing pieces, like blog posts, social media updates, and ads. If you’re new, try creating sample ads or help out local businesses for free to get some pieces for your portfolio.

Step 4: Gain diverse experience

Try writing for different industries. This shows you can handle various topics and audiences, whether you work for one company or freelance for many.

Step 5: Take copywriting courses

There are excellent online courses to learn more about copywriting. For instance:

• SEO Specialization on Coursera to learn how to make websites more visible.
• Viral Marketing course to learn how to make content super popular.
• The Complete Copywriting Course on Udemy to learn top writing techniques and sales psychology.

Step 6: Specialize or advance your education

As you get better, you might want to focus on a specific area like tech or health. This makes you more of an expert and can help you earn more. Or, think about getting a master’s degree or special certifications to boost your skills even more.

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How much do copywriters make?

There are many variables that go into determining how much a copywriter makes, from company size to experience to education, just to name a few.

Highest paying industries

• Advertising and Public Relations: $77,570
• Software Publishers: $75,450
• Motion Picture and Video Industries: $73,860
• Radio and Television Broadcasting: $63,960
• Management of Companies and Enterprises: $63,940

Browse copywriter salary data by market

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Types of copywriters

Copywriting has many fantastic paths, letting you choose what fits your style and interests. Here’s a quick look at different types of copywriters:

• Advertising copywriter: These copywriters come up with the words for ads you see in magazines, on TV, and online. They work with a team to make sure their ads grab your attention and make you interested in the product.
• Content copywriter: These writers create stuff you read on websites and social media, like articles, blog posts, and emails. They work with marketing teams to make sure everything they write sounds like the brand they’re writing for.
• Technical copywriter: If you’re into gadgets or techy stuff, this might be for you. Technical copywriters write about complicated products in a way that everyone can understand, creating manuals, product descriptions, and more.
• SEO copywriter: SEO copywriters write articles or content that shows up high in search results. They use special keywords to help people find their articles when they search online.
• Direct response copywriter: These copywriters write to get an immediate reaction, such as getting you to buy something, sign up for emails, or download a guide. They write things that need to persuade you right away.
• Social media copywriter: Writing for social media is all about being catchy and quick. Social media copywriters create posts for platforms like Instagram or Twitter that are meant to be shared and liked.
• Scriptwriter: These copywriters write scripts for videos—whether they’re ads, how-to videos, or fun promotional clips. They work with video teams to make sure their words turn into effective videos.

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Top skills for copywriters

If you want to be a great copywriter, here are the key skills you’ll need:

• Writing skills: You need to be awesome at writing. You should know how to catch your reader’s attention and keep them interested.
• Creativity: You’ve got to be creative. This means coming up with fresh ideas and new ways to say things so that you stand out and keep your audience hooked.
• Attention to detail: You need to be on the ball with details. Making sure there are no typos, the facts are right, and your grammar is perfect is super important.
• Research skills: Being good at research is a must. You often need to dig into new topics and make sure the stuff you’re writing about is accurate and interesting.
• Time management: Time is money, right? You need to be good at managing your time to meet deadlines and handle multiple projects without losing your cool.
• Ability to work with deadlines: Deadlines are a big deal in copywriting. You need to be able to work under pressure and turn in your work on time, every time.

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Copywriter career path

If you’re thinking about becoming a copywriter, here’s how you might climb the ladder:

Entry-level jobs

Start out in roles like marketing coordinator or advertising assistant. These jobs help you learn the ropes and get the hang of how things work in marketing or advertising.

Become a copywriter

After you’ve got some experience, you can move up to a copywriter or senior copywriter position. Here, you’ll be crafting cool and catchy content for websites, social media, print ads, and email campaigns.

Move up to management

If you’re good at what you do and can lead a team, you might advance to higher roles like creative director or chief marketing officer. In these positions, you’ll oversee copywriting teams and manage the bigger picture of your company’s marketing and advertising strategies.

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Similar job titles

• Technical Writer
• Creative Director
• Art Director
• Marketing Specialist
• Marketing Coordinator
• Communications Director
• Public Relations Specialist
• Journalist

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Copywriter position trends and outlook

• Changing consumer preferences: As consumers lean more toward personalization, authenticity, and social responsibility, copywriters need to adjust their strategies to meet these demands. They must craft messages that not only sell but also resonate deeply with their audience’s values and expectations.
• Technology impact: Technology, especially tools like AI and natural language processing (NLP), is reshaping copywriting. These advancements help copywriters create content more efficiently and effectively, but staying updated with these technologies is crucial. 

Employment projections

The job outlook for copywriters looks steady. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of writers and authors, including copywriters, is expected to grow by 4% through 2032, which is about average. To thrive, they should keep up with shifts in consumer behavior and tech trends, continually refine their skills, and build a strong professional network.

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Copywriter career tips

Build a strong writing portfolio

A diverse portfolio showcasing your ability to write in different styles—like website content, social media posts, email campaigns, and ads—is crucial. It’s your ticket to demonstrating your skills to potential clients or employers, helping you stand out in the competitive field.

Stay current with marketing trends

The marketing world evolves quickly. Keep up with the latest trends in advertising platforms, changes in social media algorithms, and SEO strategies. Engaging in ongoing education and professional development will keep your skills sharp and relevant.

Expand your professional network

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FAQs