Have people been telling you that you have “a way with words” for as long as you can remember? If so, you could have what it takes to work as a copywriter.
More than 100,000 people are working as copywriters all across the country right now. But there is always room for one more, especially if you’ve mastered English and know how to use your words wisely.
So, what does a copywriter do, and how can you become one? You need to make sure that you know the answers to these questions before applying for copywriting jobs. It’ll ensure you’re 100% cut out for a copywriter career.
If you think you might be prepared to jumpstart a career in copywriting, you should learn everything you can about copywriting as a whole. Here is all of the information that you need to know about copywriting in general.
What Is a Copywriter?
A copywriter is, quite simply, a person who makes a living by creating copy for clients. They’re responsible for developing the words used to sell products and services to consumers.
Copywriters work to do this in a variety of ways. They write the words, sentences, and paragraphs that are used to create things like:
- Blog posts
- Brochures
- Product descriptions
- Website copy
- Email blasts
- Newsletters
- Social media posts
- And so much more!
If you’ve ever received marketing materials of any kind from a company, there is a good chance that a copywriter was behind them. Copywriters play an essential role in the business world and are responsible for helping companies educate their customers about their products and services daily.
What Does a Copywriter Do Each Day?
Now that you have a broad understanding of what a copywriter does, let’s get more specific. You’re probably wondering, “What does a copywriter do daily?”
It all depends on which projects they’re working on at any particular time. But generally speaking, copywriters constantly communicate with their clients about what companies need them to write.
They’re also constantly researching the products and services they’re writing about. They need to know these products and services inside and out to create compelling copy about them.
Sometimes, companies invite copywriters into their brainstorming sessions and ask them to help develop great ideas for their upcoming marketing campaigns. This provides copywriters with an excellent opportunity to branch out and do more than write day in and day out.
What Skills Does a Copywriter Need to Have?
There are many skills that a copywriter will need to have to enjoy a long and successful career in copywriting.
First and foremost, a copywriter will need to be a strong writer. They must spin their words into copy to hold people’s attention and convince them to try a particular product or service.
Additionally, a copywriter also needs to be strong in spelling and grammar. A copywriter needs to fully understand the importance of creating a precise copy that is easy to read and error-free.
And on top of all this, a copywriter must avoid plagiarizing. If a copywriter is caught copying someone else’s work and trying to pass it off as their own, they’ll usually be fired on the spot and blackballed from the copywriting industry forever.
Who Does a Copywriter Work For?
When you work as a copywriter, you might not have one boss that you work for. Many copywriters are freelance workers who perform tasks for companies without being a part of their full-time staff.
That being said, many companies hire full-time copywriters to work only for them. It’ll be up to you to decide whether you want to go the freelance route and have a handful of different clients or work for one specific company all the time.
How Can You Become a Copywriter?
Many people who work as copywriters have a college degree in English or journalism. This helps provide them with the training they need to launch a copywriter career.
Some people attend schools set up expressly for copywriters in training. You can learn copywriting here if you would like.
You can also attempt to break into the copywriting business without formal training. It’s not easy, but if you have a strong portfolio filled with clips that speak to prospective employers, you might have some luck getting in good with them and earning yourself copywriting jobs.
How Much Do Copywriters Make?
You want to become a copywriter to spend your days writing and doing something you love. But you also want to do it to earn an honest living. And you should be able to do that.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that copywriters make a little over $60,000 on average. However, you can also make much more than that by gaining experience and participating in copywriting campaigns that yield great results.
Kickstart Your Copywriter Career Today
Before trying to get a copywriter career off the ground, you should know the answer to the question, “What does a copywriter do?” But you should also do some soul-searching to see if it’s the right career for you.
Give it some thought today and decide if you want to pursue copywriting as a career. It could end up being one of the best decisions you ever make.
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