How to Become a Copywriter
Becoming a copywriter is the process of mastering the intricacies of the science of marketing and the art of composing persuasive text. Many confuse copywriting with content writing. The hallmark of understanding the difference between the two is to define the purpose of both careers. The content writer creates text which primarily educates the readers or provides a form of entertainment for them. A copywriter, on the other hand, is tasked with writing compelling text which will persuade the reader to engage with a particular brand, product or service. Successful copywriters must master a number of various skills while simultaneously honing in on developing natural talents. To start out on the path of being a sought-after copywriter, the following things will be milestones signifying advancement towards your goal.
Become an Expert on the Basics of Marketing
Marketing involves the ability to look at a target audience from both the big picture (macro) vantage point (a “bird’s eye view”) so to speak, as well as having the ability to quantify the minutiae of what is happening in the minds and everyday daily lives of the target consumer (micro viewpoint or “boots on the ground”). Marketing involves data analytics, digital marketing strategies, understanding the intricacies of social media marketing, email marketing, branding, and a mastery of consumer behaviors. In preparation for or in addition to your formal education, you might consider working at a marketing firm or volunteering as an intern for a brief period. All that you learn in that capacity will make you a more proficient copywriter. To get started, visit the website of the American Marketing Association (AMA) https://www.ama.org/the-definition-of-marketing-what-is-marketing/.
Learn About Advertising
In order to succeed as a copywriter, one must understand the fundamentals of advertising due to the fact that a copywriter is essentially a salesperson creating text to sell an idea, product, service, etc. Effective advertising embodies an inherent understanding of the needs, desires and pain points of the target audience. Some ways to become skilled at persuading and inspiring a target audience to take action, is to enroll in an advertising seminar or online academic class, read books and articles about advertising, visit the local community college and ask for permission to sit in on a class or two, and finally, become familiarized with the field’s trade and membership associations like the American Advertising Association (AAA) https://www.aaaa.org/.
Master the Mechanics of the English Language
Although copywriting is often an informal or lighthearted endeavor, the best foundation for any persuasive writing is a mastery of the basics of English grammar. Your versatility as a copywriter will be greatly enhanced by having the ability to sell complex or technical products or services, as well as appeal to the highly educated target audience which consumes them. Develop the mindset of finding the quickest way to brush up on your language skillset by taking a fundamentals course or even contacting a local high school teacher and request tools they recommend for your quest. You might even engage a tutor for pinch-hitting purposes. Local and online colleges offer basic courses in English grammar, and finding one which suits your schedule and budget are well worth the effort.
Enroll in a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree Program
The most success in the field of copywriting will be gleaned by those who have completed a bachelor’s and/or master’s program in one of the associated fields. The degrees which most succinctly prepare one for a career as a copywriter are English, journalism, marketing, and communications.
English or Creative Writing Degree
The benefits of getting a degree in English or creative writing is that you will walk away with a strong foundation in language, a mastery of grammar, and experience in the actual writing process under the watchful eye of professors and teaching assistants.
Journalism Degree
Extremely valuable to a copywriter are the essential components of a degree in journalism. Some of the areas you will be introduced to are writing and reporting, research skills, techniques in interviewing, digital aspects of journalism, media analytics and production, media law and ethics, just to name a few.
Marketing Degree
A marketing degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills with regard to marketing principles, strategic thinking, planning, the development of marketing concepts, understanding consumer behavior, research techniques, data analysis, advertising and promotion basics, brand development and management, public relations, international marketing, and ethical parameters and considerations.
Communications Degree
You might look at a degree in communications as a combination of the abovementioned degrees. The topics included in an academic program include communication theory, media writing, journalism and reporting, strategic communication, public relations, emergency or crisis communication, digital media production, research methods, and interpersonal and mass communication skills.
Job Outlook for Copy Writers
The United States Bureau of Labor (BLS) outlines in detail the growth expectancy and all aspects of the field of writing in their Occupation Outlook Handbook https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm#tab-6. They project and predict in terms of decades, currently the years 2022-2032. The BLS offers statistics in terms of the “median” in that area. Don’t confuse median with statistics. As they explain, “The median wage is the wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less.” As of 2022, the median pay for writers was $73,150 per year or $35.17 per hour. The projected growth for the field was 4% (average growth rate), which translates to 15,500 new openings each year. Your career awaits you! Get to the top of your field by developing a well-rounded set of skills and earning a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree!
