Copywriter Job Description

The principal responsibility of a copywriter is to create original and creative content for clients.

It’s usually in written form combined with some type of visual support.

The visuals can be photos or pictures, videos, info graphics, and other kinds of graphic design.

The job of a copywriter can differ, and they can have many tasks and responsibilities

Generally, someone who works in advertising will have different duties from a professional that deals with marketing.

Copywriters can work for companies and agencies, or they can work independently as a freelancer.

The employment rate for this profession is fairly high.

Copywriters should have the skills and ability to write creative and compelling content that will draw the reader’s attention.

Copywriter Job Overview

Based on PayScale data, the average salary of a copywriter in the US is $46,000.

This number is higher than the minimum wages and can grow over time.

Copywriters can also receive bonuses and profit-sharing, so their salary can be as high as $71,000 annually.

So, what does it take?

The type of copywriter is what it depends on.

Though the duties of different copywriters can vary, some responsibilities are common in any industry.

Primary, they have to create original and unique content on a daily basis.

Job satisfaction in this occupation is high.

It seems like women are occupied with copywriter duties far more often than men.

So, let’s dig deeper into a job description of a copywriter.

Responsibilities of a Copywriter

As stated above, the work of a copywriter can differ a lot from one position to another.

For example, senior copywriters have duties that greatly differ from a junior copywriter.

Below, you will find a list of the most common and frequent responsibilities of a copywriter.

These duties cover various occupations.

So, not all responsibilities listed below can be found in all positions.

The most common copywriter duties include:

• Creating original content for clients.
• Writing texts for websites, radio, ads, brochures, and other media.
• Researching the topic before writing.
• Determining the demand for products.
• Presenting the product demand to the public.
• Generating original, unique, and appealing content.
• Cooperating with account executives.
• Planning the project budget and needs.
• Cooperating with art directors to create ideas.
• Updating digital media with appropriate and prompt content.
• Understanding, carrying out, and teaching search engine optimization methods.
• Monitoring projects from the beginning to the end.
• Checking, proofreading, and editing content.
• Communicating with clients.
• Following the desires and needs of the clients.
• Replying to feedback in a formal and prompt manner.
• Completing the projects within tight deadlines.
• Overseeing and changing content to enhance profitability and efficiency.
• Checking content for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Researching the competition.
• Staying updated on pop culture and market trends.
• Casting models and actors for commercials and ads.

Requirements

The job of a copywriter is a constant creative process.

So not everybody will find the job suitable.

One may think it’s tough to create content daily.

In this case, the job might be unsuitable for them.

Others, though, will find this occupation very attractive and appealing.

Aside from the desire to produce and publish content, a copywriter needs a particular set of skills.

Without them, an aspiring copywriter might not be good at this job.

Even without some of the following skills, however, a persistent and ambitious enough person can do the job excellently.

The following skills and qualifications are most often required from a copywriter:

• Having a language level of a native speaker.
• Having excellent grammar and spelling skills.
• Using the right language for various target audiences.
• Being able to efficiently meet deadlines, work with limitations, and pressures.
• Being highly organized.
• Having creativity and vivid imagination.
• Efficiently deal with the workload.
• Being highly self-motivated.
• Being able to cope with both positive and negative feedback objectively.
• Keeping up with a strict budget and deadlines.
• Being apt in project management.
• Being highly creative, logical, and imaginative.
• Being flexible and open-minded.
• Ability to follow briefs and guidelines for writing.
• Understanding various language aspects and writing styles.
• Ability to write clearly and up-to-the-point.
• High proficiency in verbal and written communication.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Ability to work under high pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Willingness to change according to the feedback.
• Excellent people skills.
• Advanced leadership skills.
• Adequate technical and IT skills.

Education and Training

A copywriter isn’t required to have a degree, however, it’s recommended and highly encouraged.

Some qualifications can be of great help when being considered for the position of a copywriter.

The most commonly needed qualifications or degrees are in English, journalism, public relations, advertising, communication, or media studies.

There is no formal training required either.

Most of the times, a copywriter receives in-house training or guidance from their colleagues.

It may take up to two weeks, afterward, they can start producing their own content.

New employees are encouraged to attend external courses or seminars.

Experience

The most essential factor for a copywriter to be hired is a portfolio.

With a great portfolio, a seeker of a copywriter job could get it instantly.

A portfolio should demonstrate a scope of content the writer can produce as well as writing and creative skills.

For copywriters, the experience is far more valuable than education.

Even the unpaid projects are counted as experience, as long as they appear in the portfolio.

Based on the PayScale report, the experience can influence the salary of a copywriter greatly.

With 20+ years of experience, a copywriter can get a raise to their salary of as much as $20,000.

This number doesn’t include overtime work, profit sharing, bonuses, etc.

Career Outlook and Opportunities

The employment prospects for copywriters aren’t too bright though.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate should grow by 7% until 2020.

This is one point less than estimated for the other occupations across the US.

However, it’s not as bad as it may seem.

While there is huge competition in the field, job opportunities are numerous.

The reason for this is that many copywriters enroll in the field not knowing what to expect.

So as soon as they realize they can’t keep up with the daily tasks, they quit shortly after being hired.

Because of this, job openings are available almost constantly.

The job of a copywriter is sought-after.

Decent salary, low educational requirements, and creative nature of the copywriter’s job are very appealing.

However, with high competition and stressful environment, not everyone can handle the job.