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What does a Copy Writer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A copywriter is a professional writer who creates marketing materials, such as advertisements, brochures, and web content.

Copy Writer job duties include:

  • Researching and writing copy for advertising, marketing, and promotional materials
  • Interacting with clients to understand their needs and develop concepts that meet those needs
  • Brainstorming with creative teams to generate new ideas and approaches
  • Presenting concepts and ideas to clients
  • Revising and editing copy based on feedback from clients or creative directors
  • Working within budget and time constraints
  • Proofreading final drafts of copy before release
  • Coordinating with other members of the marketing or advertising team, such as designers, printers, or website developers
  • Keeping up with trends in the field to ensure that copy is fresh and relevant

Copy Writer Job Requirements

Most copywriters have a bachelor's degree in English, advertising, communications, or marketing. Many copywriters begin their careers as internships or assistant positions and then move up to copywriter positions. There are no specific certification requirements for copywriters, but many companies prefer to hire copywriters who have completed a course in copywriting or have experience working in advertising or marketing.

Copy Writer Skills

  • Persuasive
  • Confident
  • Passionate
  • Driven
  • Innovative
  • Creative
  • Meticulous
  • Organized
  • Resourceful
  • Efficient
  • Timely

Related: Top Copy Writer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Copy Writer

A copywriter is a wordsmith who writes advertising and marketing materials. A good copywriter can make a product or service sound appealing, even if it’s not the best on the market. To become a copywriter, you don’t need a college degree, but you will need to be able to write well and understand the principles of effective persuasion.

Here are four steps you can take to become a copywriter:

1. Develop your writing skills.

If you want to be a copywriter, you need to be able to write clearly and persuasively. The best way to develop your writing skills is to practice writing in different styles and for different audiences. Write blog posts, articles, short stories, and even marketing materials for friends or family businesses. The more you write, the better your skills will become.

2. Study advertising and marketing.

To be an effective copywriter, you need to understand how advertising and marketing work. Read books and articles about persuasion, consumer behavior, and effective marketing campaigns. Pay attention to the ads that surround you every day, and analyze why they’re effective (or not). The more you know about how advertising works, the better equipped you’ll be to create effective ad campaigns of your own.

3. Get some experience.

While you don’t need formal experience to become a copywriter, it can certainly help. If you have the opportunity to intern or work with an experienced copywriter or ad agency, take it! You’ll learn valuable lessons about the industry and hone your skills at the same time. If you can’t get formal experience, try volunteering to write for a non-profit organization or local business. Any real-world writing experience will be beneficial as you start your career as a copywriter.

4. Start pitching yourself to clients.

Once you feel confident in your writing ability and have developed a strong understanding of advertising and marketing, it’s time to start pitching yourself to potential clients. Start by creating a portfolio of your best work, then reach out to businesses or ad agencies that might be in need of a freelance copywriter. With hard work and persistence, you can turn your passion for writing into a successful career as a copywriter

Related: Copy Writer Resume Example

Related: Copy Writer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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