If you believe in the power of words and want to conquer the world with strong, effective sales headlines, a career in copywriting might be for you!
Have you ever been fascinated by powerful ads or headlines that say so much in so few words? Have you wondered how those texts came to be, or who the person behind them is?
If you love writing and want to use your words to create impactful messages, it might be time to learn more about a career as a copywriter.
What does a copywriter do?
A copywriter is the mysterious creative mind behind the most powerful advertising slogans, website texts, and memorable billboards. Their role is to use the power of words to capture the attention of the target audience and convey a message that will inspire, persuade, or motivate. Every time you see an ad that makes you laugh, think, or feel something, there's a good chance a serious copywriter was behind it.
Besides grabbing people's attention, that message needs to convince people to want that product! Copy is a type of text that sells! That's why copywriters use words to first raise awareness about a product or industry, then interest in that product, followed by a desire to own that product, and finally, prompt action to buy the product.
What I just described is the famous AIDA formula that many copywriters use when writing (A-attention, I-interest, D-desire, A-action). There are many copywriting formulas, but none can deliver top results if you don't have that special something inside you!
The best copy is short and effective, and the best ads are the ones you remember because they are simple and understandable! You see now that copywriters are like wizards, so if you decide to become a copywriter, you will be the voice behind brands, evoking emotions and driving action with the power of words.
What does a typical work environment look like and is it easy to find a job?
A copywriter is not just a writer.
A copywriter is also a strategist who thinks about how to convey a message in the most efficient way. They engage in market research, competitor analysis, and defining a unique selling proposition that will attract consumers. That's why it's important for copywriters to collaborate with designers, marketing experts, and clients to create unique campaigns and messages that others will remember. Most of them work in marketing agencies, in marketing teams of large companies, or as freelancers. They have the opportunity to work on various projects for different clients, making their work challenging and diverse.
The good news is that the copywriting market is very active and offers many opportunities. In the era of digital advertising, content marketing, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, an increasing number of companies recognize the importance of quality writing for attracting and engaging their audience. This means that copywriters (along with content writers) are in high demand. Copywriters who stand out with their creativity and ability to generate significant results can have excellent career advancement opportunities. They can become senior copywriters, creative directors, or even start their own marketing agency.
What are the working hours like?
When it comes to working hours, copywriters often have the flexibility to organize their time as they see fit. Some projects may require additional hours of work, especially before deadlines or campaign launches, but in most cases, copywriters can align their working hours with their lifestyle, making this job even more exciting!
What skills do you need to develop?
While you don't need formal education in writing to become a copywriter, certain qualifications can help you build your career and compete successfully in the market. Here are some qualifications that might be beneficial:
- A degree in communications, marketing, English, or a related field
- Writing or copywriting courses
- Experience in writing, such as blogs, articles, advertisements, etc.
- Understanding of marketing and sales fundamentals
What do you need to stand out even more:
- Expressiveness and creativity: Being a copywriter means being imaginative and having the ability to convey a message in an original and engaging way. An out-of-the-box approach is highly valued, as well as being idea-oriented.
- Literacy: Copywriters must have an eye for detail and possess excellent knowledge of the language they write in. Grammar and style are crucial for building trust with clients and the target audience.
- Research skills: Copywriters must be able to research and analyze the target audience and its needs, competition, and market to create successful campaigns.
- Technical skills, such as the ability to use certain content management software, basic website creation, applying basic formatting, and other similar tasks. Additionally, many copywriters today (successfully or not) use artificial intelligence, but only the best know how to combine it with their own ideas without others realizing they didn't write it themselves. Now is the right time to learn how to use all these tools!
How much can you earn?
Well, it depends on how well you write 🙂
But, on average, a beginner copywriter can charge their services between €15-20 per hour, while experienced ones who are truly exceptional can earn up to €200 per hour!
You might not know this, but…
...Your CV and cover letter are your first chance to showcase your writing skills! How can you expect to work as a copywriter if you can't write your own CV properly?
LinkedIn is the right place to prove your writing skills, so don't be shy and use it as a tool to stand out and show your passion for writing and advertising.
You already know – you need to pay attention to writing style, grammar, and clarity. Your writing should reflect your ability to convey a message that impresses the employer, so you should never use ChatGPT to create this content, as it can disqualify you for this position.
CONCLUSION
So, you've discovered the exciting world of copywriting – from creating compelling content to shaping a brand's narrative, a copywriter's words have the power to inspire, influence, and drive action.
If you see yourself in this career, continuously seek ways to utilize your talents, develop your skills, and channel your creativity into a career that will inspire you every day.
As inspiration, you can watch the series "Mad Men" – I promise it won't leave you indifferent!
