Copywriter Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a copywriter. Feel free to use our copywriter job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a copywriter.
Who is a Copywriter?
A copywriter creates advertising copies that encourage viewers or readers to buy the product being promoted. Copywriters must communicate compelling concepts in persuasive words to convince the target audience to take action.
Catalog copywriters, for example, are given a photograph of the item they want to sell and some words so that customers can order it. The description of the product is limited to a very brief space. People mistakenly believe that the photo is more important than the description. However, studies show that persuasive words can make a big difference in sales. Copywriters know how to communicate the benefits of an item to potential buyers. The copywriter doesn’t just describe the item.
A few lines under the photo of the jewelry that describe the metal, the gemstones, and other details can help people order the product. The likelihood of the jewelry being sold will increase if the creative copywriter can write about it in a way that each reader feels that the piece is right for them.
Newsletters are often produced by copywriting services. It is easy to mistakenly believe that company newsletters, such as those created by the human resources department, will be written by employees. Of course, this is not always true. Sometimes, copywriters are hired by the president of a company to write letters.
For case studies, a copywriter might be hired. This is often necessary when experimental work is being done. Although they may be experts in their field, the majority of those who carry out these studies are often unable to communicate understandably. Copywriting services are used to help them get the attention and support that they require.
Experts in one field may have similar issues. They have expertise that they want to share but don’t know how to make it interesting. To make reports and articles more easily readable, copywriters are often hired.
These are the three major types of copywriters:
- Agency copywriters
Agency copywriters are often assigned to agencies that serve multiple clients and work full-time. Many projects in this area will require you to be creative and have a challenging outcome.
- Corporate copywriters
Corporate copywriters have more stability in their jobs and will only write about the products and services of the company they work for. These positions require less creativity and are more consistent in their subject matter.
- Freelance copywriters
The greatest freedom is available in freelance copywriting. You can choose the subject matter, project type, and time commitment. Freelancer copywriters have the flexibility to work as many jobs or as few as they wish.
Copywriter Job Description
Below are the copywriter job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a copywriter job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a copywriter include the following:
- Interpreting creative briefs and creating different concepts for execution on assigned brands
- Editing and writing original copy for a variety of corporate marketing and communication materials
- Collaborating with account managers and creative staff from concept development through delivery of the final product
- Presenting copy concepts and final deliverables to the internal team and client representatives as required.
- Revising copy based on feedback/direction from clients and internal
- Editing and creating original copy that is accurate, well-researched, meets deadlines, and meets the needs of clients/companies.
- Speaking with clients to learn more about the content needs of both internal and external parties
- Researching to support writing or ideas formulation.
- Learning about your target audience before writing a copy for them
- Assisting with other aspects of research or creativity to create coherent, accurate content.
- Writing compelling copy for all marketing channels including email campaigns, and blog posts.
- Proofreading and editing any copy before it goes live
- Maintaining brand voice and tone.
- Presenting executives of companies with creative briefs and completed projects.
- Working on multiple projects simultaneously and involved in project management.
- Collaborating with colleagues to help others achieve their marketing goals
- Learning how to use the most popular digital marketing tools such as content management software, search engine optimization, and website analytics software.
- Brainstorming and creating ideas for advertising and marketing campaigns
- Copywriting for different media and formats
- Contacting clients or company decision-makers to pitch ad and marketing campaign ideas
- Searching for products, services, customers, and website search trends.
- Developing brand voices and adapting copies to an established brand voice
- Analyzing the result of campaigns to guide future copywriting strategies
- Managing multiple client accounts and working on multiple campaigns simultaneously
- Interacting with your clients, their target audience, and their competitors.
- Communicating with clients to understand their briefs
- Developing creative ideas and concepts often in partnership.
- Presenting your ideas to the creative director and then to clients for development and appraisal
- Writing clear, persuasive, and original copy for each iteration of the project
- Accepting recommendations from clients, creative directors, or account teams and using them to amend, revise, or redevelop ads or campaigns.
- Overseeing all aspects of campaigns from the initial stage of production to its completion
- Casting actors for radio and TV work, and listening to voice recordings
- Liaising with photographers, typographers, and designers.
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and culture
- Monitoring the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
Qualifications
Education
A bachelor’s degree is usually required for copywriters. Employers may hire copywriters who have a high school diploma, GED certificate, or a work portfolio that shows experience and strong work history. Students interested in this skill should concentrate on writing, media, and marketing courses in school.
A degree may be required for those who are specialists in copywriting. Software copywriters might have a degree, for example, in engineering or computer science. Copywriters learn to write by taking extracurricular classes or doing individual studies.
Training
A large amount of education is required for copywriters. They learn grammar and spelling basics during school. They are often trained by the agency or company they work for to learn specific writing styles and concepts when they enter the workforce.
Continuous training is a must for copywriters to keep up-to-date with the latest copy trends. They must be able to conduct research on specific topics and create content using the best SEO practices.
Certification
Although copywriters do not need certifications to work in the industry, they can earn them to demonstrate their dedication and increase their earning potential.
These are two certifications for copywriters:
- SEO Copywriting Certification.
This certification demonstrates a writer’s ability to use search engine optimization best practices in their articles. Candidates must complete a training course to learn how to target keywords, understand client needs and increase search engine results. After completing the training course, candidates must pass a final exam to get certified.
- The Direct-Response Copywriting Specialist
This course is offered by Digital Marketer and is for copywriters who are interested in learning more about search engine optimization and marketing. Candidates must complete a training program and pass an exam to earn this certification.
Essential Skills
To be successful in copywriting, you need a variety of soft and hard skills. These examples extrapolate the skills copywriters must have to succeed.
- Strong writing skills
Writing skills are the first and most important hard skill these professionals possess. Copywriters can create different types and lengths of a copy. These include white papers, journal articles, and short product descriptions. Copywriters must have the ability to communicate ideas in a way that persuades an audience to act.
- Communication skills
Copywriters must be able to communicate verbally or by written communication. They can be successful by using this ability to communicate effectively in meetings and with clients.
- Technical skills
Digital marketing and advertising copywriters will require a variety of technical and computer skills. Copywriters will need skills such as the ability to create websites, use basic formatting methodologies, and use content management systems.
- Creativity
Copywriting requires a lot of imagination and creativity. Copywriters are not strangers to this type of thinking. These professionals can use their creative thinking skills to succeed in their jobs. They may be able to create new connections between concepts or find innovative ways of promoting brands and businesses.
- Problem-solving skills
A copywriter’s job is not only about solving problems, but also the ability to navigate through different aspects of their profession. A copywriter for an advertising company may depend on their problem-solving skills to keep within the project’s timeline and budget, while also developing the best strategies to achieve business goals. It is essential to solving problems to work on different types of writing projects.
- Research skills
Any copywriter must have strong research skills, especially for more complicated writing projects such as white papers and technical guides. Copywriters must also conduct extensive research before creating new marketing materials. Copywriters creating promotional materials might research other businesses to see what type of advertising works. This research can be used to help copywriters create a strategy and write outlines for reaching customers.
These steps will help you improve your copywriting skills.
- Develop strong writing skills
Many online resources offer writing prompts, exercises, and journal ideas for free. These can help you to exercise your brain and get started with writing. You can improve your grammar and mechanics, as well as learn new vocabulary. You can also improve your writing skills by setting small goals to communicate your ideas in writing. With this, you will be able to communicate meaning, thought, and emotion in writing.
- Learn to write different types of copy
You can practice different elements of copywriting as you improve your writing skills. For example, longer content that requires a bit of research or product descriptions for your favorite items. You will become more proficient at creating copies if you can find the right ways.
- Learn online
Many online courses offer tips and exercises, as well as professional training. You can download and keep the exercises from an online course, which will allow you to practice your skills whenever you need them. Learning from experts in the field is a great way to learn new methods and approaches for handling different types of projects.
- Get a solid understanding of the industry
You can learn everything about copywriting including the latest techniques and changes in printing styles. Many newsletters, journals, and networking groups are available for copywriters to help you get more information about the field and improve your skills. You may also be able to find clients looking for a copywriter to work on a project.
How to Become a Copywriter
There is no single path to success in any profession. However, some basic principles will help you get there. Although copywriting doesn’t require a degree in marketing or journalism, it can make you more marketable. These are some tips to help you become a copywriter.
- Learn the basics of copywriting
Writing a clear copy is not enough to be an effective copywriter. Copywriting requires a deep understanding and appreciation of customers’ needs and psychology. Copywriting requires you to be able to grab the attention of your audience quickly and effectively, while also arranging words and other elements in a pleasing manner.
- Copywriters are used in many industries
Knowing your target audience is an essential part of a marketing plan. Knowing the reasons why people hire copywriters will allow you to target those audiences on a more basic level. Businesses, as well as other organizations, need to produce a lot of original content to attract customers’ attention.
- Find and establish your niche
After finding your niche, you will be able to target the clientele you have and this will allow you to establish credibility as a copywriter and maximize your results.
- Create a portfolio
A copywriting portfolio is also known as a Minimum Viable Portfolio (MVP). It contains sample work that targets a client’s interest. An MVP is a writing sample of your carefully-constructed work, about 200-400 words in length that provides a concrete representation of the quality of writing you offer your clients.
- Know the market, and how to position yourself
Copywriting is about retaining, attracting, and gaining new clients by using language, image placement, persuasiveness, and other means. To be able to effectively advertise and secure clients, a copywriter must understand advertising basics.
To attract clients who are interested in your services, you must include marketing strategies, product placements, target audience, branding, and brand identity.
- Apply for jobs
You have many options for copywriting jobs depending on your interests and scheduling preferences. Remote copywriting jobs are available if you don’t have any local opportunities. Make sure you read the instructions before applying for jobs. Employers may ask you to submit work or complete a writing task. To ensure that they are impressed with your work, make sure you follow the guidelines.
Where to work
The work environment of a copywriter varies depending on their job. Copywriters work long hours at their computers and sit at their desks for long periods. Many copywriters still use a pen and notepad for their work. Some freelance or contract copywriters can work remotely from home. A copywriter who works exclusively for one company may be able to work in an office environment with editors, copywriters, and other creative team members. They could work part-time or full-time.
These industries could be a good place for copywriters:
- Broadcasting and media
- Education
- Government
- Technology
- Corporations
Copywriter Salary Scale
The average salary a copywriter earns in the U.S. is $61,657 annually.
