What Does an Advertising Copywriter Do?
An advertising copywriter, also called an ad copywriter, is a professional who develops content used to market and promote goods and services. These workers write ad copy, jingles, and slogans featured in magazines, television commercials, and other media outlets. The advertising world is a fast-paced environment, and advertising copywriters produce copy under tight deadlines. Some copywriters work as freelancers for a variety of advertising firms, while others work in-house for just one company. Advertising copywriters can advance to positions as communications specialists or creative directors.
Copywriting is in high demand as a skill in a world in which creating new content is extremely important for the revenue of a large number of companies. While writing as a general career may not be on the rise, copywriting is quite the opposite. Today, most copywriters work for digital publications in addition to advertising companies and companies producing a wide range of goods. To be a successful copywriter, you need to be able to create tailor-made content with the appropriate tone, grammar, and message for a wide variety of potential clients.
How to Become an Advertising Copywriter
- Get a bachelor's degree
- Gain writing experience
- Advance with experience
In order to become an advertising copywriter, you'll most likely need to earn a bachelor's degree in communications, English, marketing, or a related field. Some positions may also require prior experience in the field. Prospective employers may want to see samples of applicants' work to ensure they are capable of producing quality advertisements. Key skills that can help advertising copywriters succeed in the field include the ability to work under strict deadlines, creativity, and persuasiveness. They should also be proficient in the use of copywriting and graphic design software. Another thing that you can do is just practice your writing. Read extensively, study advertising copy, and write as much as you can. Creative writing, essays, poetry, and technical writing can all help you hone your skills even before you start working in the industry.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor's Degree
Copywriter education requirements generally include a bachelor's degree. Many colleges and universities offer four-year degree programs in communications with concentrations in advertising. In these programs, students get a comprehensive overview of the industry and take courses in mass communications law, public relations, consumer behavior, communications theory, and strategic campaigning. Copywriter degree requirements are not strict, but anyone applying for these jobs must have excellent writing and editing skills. Students also learn to develop their creativity and learn to produce copy for different types media.
Success tip: Participate in an internship. Advertising internships offer students opportunities to gain experience in the field and learn about the advertising industry. Some schools offer internships as part of degree programs, though students can also pursue these opportunities on their own by contacting advertising and marketing firms.
Step 2: Gain Writing Experience
Kicking off a career in advertising can be difficult, since many employers want copywriters with prior experience. New advertising copywriters can gain experience by writing content for television and radio stations, not-for-profit organizations and publications. Freelancing is a viable option, since it allows writers to sell their work to various advertising agencies and publications. Writing a blog can also give aspiring copywriters exposure. Another option is to create a portfolio of your writing samples that you can give to prospective employers. Include a variety of pieces that demonstrate your writing abilities and your ability to write for varying audiences. Proof that you are a good writer can be almost as valuable as prior experience in some cases.
Step 3: Advance with Experience
After obtaining a position with an advertising, marketing, or public relations agency, copywriters may start out by completing lower-level tasks and writing basic content for ads. As they demonstrate their writing skills and ability to meet deadlines, they may receive more complex assignments and functions, like strategic market planning and concept development. Early tasks may also include editing and fact-checking content that has already been written. Getting used to different formatting conventions and basic HTML coding can be helpful for copywriters in this phase of their careers.
Success tip: Develop a portfolio and add to it over time. Advancing through the advertising industry as a copywriter requires a portfolio that emphasizes both writing strengths and knowledge of the business aspects of advertising. A portfolio may consist of a variety of print advertisements, recordings of television or radio spots, and links to online advertising. A portfolio is often the deciding factor for employers seeking copywriters. Adding new pieces to your portfolio to reflect your improvement is also an important part of the process.
Success tip: Join a professional organization. Advertising copywriters can join the American Association of Advertising Agencies or American Marketing Association. These organizations provide industry news, job boards, and opportunities to network with industry leaders from other agencies and organizations. Some also host educational seminars, both live and online.
Advertising Copywriter Salary & Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as of May 2020, writers and authors in general who worked in media and communications earned a median annual salary of $67,120 and can expect a 9% increase in jobs from 2020-2030. The BLS does not specifically report on the earnings of copywriters. However, according to PayScale.com, copywriters earned an average of $53,800 as of January 2022.
Let's review. You'll probably need to earn a bachelor's degree in communications, English, marketing, or a related field to get a job as an advertising copywriter.
