Synonyms: Content Writer, Copy Specialist, Marketing Writer, Brand Storyteller

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics:
• How to Become a Copywriter
• Career Path
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Amy

Quick Facts

What copywriters do:

Copywriters create written content designed to promote products, services, or ideas. This includes writing copy for advertisements, websites, social media, emails, and other marketing materials.

Median income:

$73,690 annually or $35.43 per hour, though some can make up to $100,000.

Lifestyle:

Flexible work lifestyle, with the option to work in-house, freelance, or remotely. They usually handle multiple projects with varying deadlines, making their schedules adaptable.

Education Requirements:

Open to any background, including those without degrees.

Job Outlook

The future for writers is bright, with the occupation projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

This is perfect for you if:

• You love writing, creative content creation, and storytelling
• You are detail-oriented, paying attention to technical guidelines
• You can manage multiple projects with varying deadlines
• You are self-motivated and love learning

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Amy Kerr to learn more about being a copywriter here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Schedules vary based on whether you’re an in-house, freelance, or remote writer, but most copywriters enjoy the flexibility to set their own working hours as long as they meet project deadlines.

Setting:

In-office, hybrid, or fully remote, depending on their employment type and company. Some may also use co-working spaces for a professional environment and networking opportunities.

Tasks:

Create content for different media, including advertisements, websites, and social media, to engage and persuade an audience. They conduct research, develop messaging strategies, and revise their work based on client feedback.

Topics:

Consumer behavior, psychology, marketing, advertising, writing techniques, industry-specific knowledge, and various media trends.

Skills:

Highly proficient in writing, editing, and research, and knowledgeable in SEO, marketing, advertising, and content management systems.

Tools:

A laptop or PC equipped with Word or Google Docs.

Common Characteristics:

Natural Talents (strengths):

Naturally creative, good at expressing ideas clearly, with a keen eye for accuracy and consistency, and empathetic—always understanding and connecting with the audience’s needs and emotions.

Interests:

Research, understanding different topics clearly, doing creative tasks such as storytelling and design, and persuading others through their writing.

Personality:

Copywriters typically have investigative, artistic, and enterprising personality types. They are analytical, creative, and persuasive.

Values:

Creativity, autonomy, impact, learning, feedback, and good working conditions.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become a Copywriter

Education Requirements:

Copywriting is open to any background, even to those without degrees. However, a bachelor’s degree is often preferred, along with a strong portfolio of writing samples and relevant experience, which are essential.

Preferred Majors

Pursuing majors in advertising, marketing, journalism, communications, English, literature, creative writing, public relations, media studies, or a related field, is beneficial.

Career Path

Source: Copywriter Collective

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

Advice from Amy

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Build a strong portfolio with a diverse range of creative work and showcase it on a well-organized website. Tailor your application for each job and actively network to open more opportunities.

Recommended resources:

Books:

• The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert Bly
• Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
• The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman
• How to Write Seductive Web Copy by Henneke Duistermaat

Online Courses and Programs:

• CopyBlogger’s Content Marketing Certification
• HubSpot Academy’s Content Marketing Certification
• Udemy’s Copywriting for Beginners
• Coursera’s Writing and Editing Courses
• Skillshare’s Copywriting for Beginners

What Amy would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:

“It would probably be to take a breath and listen more. If someone gives you feedback or wants something done differently on your work, remember they’ve been doing this and know what they’re talking about. This is not a court of law. Listen. You’re not going to run out of creativity. Just go back, see what else you can do, and don’t take it personally.”

Watch the full interview with Amy:

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 30 July 2024.

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