If writing is fun to you, you have probably thought about getting a job as a copywriter. This type of work includes writing prose for advertisement purposes of selling and promoting various services or goods. For example, one may conjure a new company motto or a jingle for some cereal commercial. Coming up with new slogans or campaign ads requires a lot of creativity. Examples of copywriter’s work include Nokia’s “connecting people,” KFC’s “finger-licking good,” etc.
Copywriter’s Duties and Responsibilities
- This job might not be glamorous or in the spotlight, but it plays a vital role, which creates a massive impact on the reputation and image of a brand or company. The duties and tasks of copywriters comprise of the following:
- Scripting social media content: they must create content that reflects or denotes a client’s voice or brand.
- Collaborate: they work with various people starting from marketing, public relations, and customer service.
- Producing error-free work: Content from copywriting must be of high-quality and following the style the company wants.
- Interpreting creative direction: Adapting points from a short creative brief to a persuasive replica
- Managing multiple projects: they must handle numerous projects that often have short deadlines.
- Proposing concepts for a copy: they Present different ideas with their strategies to a company’s leadership.
How much does a copywriter earn?
The salary depends on the experience level, expertise, type of client, among other variables. However, the median annual wage is approximately $61,820, 10% top yearly salary approximates at $118,760 or more, and 10% yearly bottom salary is about less than $30,520.
Education, Training, and Certification
To get a job as a copywriter full-time, you require a 4-year bachelor’s degree. You don’t need any certifications or licenses, but it will boost your experience and working samples if you do.
College degree: You may be able to find a job through creating adverts, but managers who seek to employ will want to see work you have done at another agency. Besides, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree in copywriting, but hiring managers do prefer seeing that you have an undergraduate in English, journalism, or communication.
Portfolio: this field of expertise is particularly challenging to secure a job since you must have a collection of your work. If you want to compile a book, your best chance is to start as an intern. Starting early will increase your chances of gaining more experience within a short period. Working on ads for different agencies as a freelancer will help you compile your book.
Internship: getting an internship in an advertising agency needs your diligence in looking up openings online. Similarly, you can get in touch with creative directors who run or work in creative departments for ad agencies.
Copywriter Skills and Competencies
Apart from writing samples and education, other skills will help one become a successful copywriter. They include:
Creativity: you should have a talent for being creative and witty with words.
Social media: A successful candidate should be well conversant with SEO concepts and skills in understanding the nuances of writing on social media.
Learning ability on the job: some people can learn on the job. Get an internship in an agency first to figure out if your talent is in copywriting.
Communication: communication skills come in handy when interacting with coworkers and clients.
Attention to detail: maintain close attention to more information to ensure client satisfaction.
Conclusion
Copywriting is not about copy and paste. It is a real career that pays off as well. You can pursue this venture as a full-time job if you feel you have what it takes. You know what? I believe you can be an excellent copywriter.