Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, Bsc

As the year ends, many of us wonder if it is time to make a change. For some, this includes their professional lives. Maybe it is time to start working from home? Maybe you did that for a while and didn’t want to return to the office? But what could you do that will pay the bills? Have you considered a copywriting career but don’t know what it is and how to get started? Copywriting opportunities seem to pop up all over the place these days, from product descriptions to creating a landing page or even featuring your work on search engines; effective copywriting skills will open many doors.

Definition of copywriter

Professional copywriters are people who specialize in creating written content for the purpose of advertising or marketing that catches the reader’s attention. A copywriter’s job is to craft compelling and persuasive text that is designed to promote a product, service, or idea to future or current customers. As a remote career choice, it can include writing website copy, advertising slogans, social media posts, emails, and other types of marketing materials. The overall idea is to create or expand a company’s client base and persuade people to perform a particular action, such as buying a product.

Copywriting requires strong writing skills and the ability to craft compelling and effective messaging, as well as an understanding of marketing principles and the target audience. Some copywriters have a background in advertising, marketing, or journalism, while others may have a degree in English or creative writing; however, as a general rule, a bachelor’s degree is not a must, as skilled copywriters will often tell you.

Types of copywriting professionals:

Advertising copywriter

Advertising copywriters often work closely with marketing teams and graphic designers to create cohesive campaigns that effectively communicate the message and brand of a product or service to a target audience. They use various techniques, such as storytelling, persuasive language, and emotional appeals, to engage and influence the reader.

Freelance copywriter

A freelance copywriter is a professional writer who works independently rather than being employed by a specific company or organization. Freelance copywriters are hired on a project-by-project basis to create written content for the purpose of advertising or marketing. This can include writing website copy, advertising slogans, social media posts, emails, and other types of marketing materials.

Freelance copywriters typically work with a variety of clients and may specialize in a particular industry or type of content. They may also work with agencies or other organizations that provide writing and marketing services to clients. Freelance copywriters have the flexibility to choose the projects they work on and can often set their own schedules and work from anywhere.

Direct response copywriting

Direct response copywriting is a type of writing that is designed to elicit a specific action or response from the reader. This can include making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a form. Direct response copywriting is often used in marketing and advertising campaigns to persuade the reader to take a specific action.

To be effective, direct response copywriting must be persuasive and compelling, using techniques such as storytelling, emotional appeals, and persuasive language to engage the reader and convince them to take action. It should also be clear and concise, with a strong call to action that tells the reader exactly what they need to do next.

Direct response copywriting is often used in a variety of marketing channels, including direct mail, email marketing, social media, and online advertising. It is an important tool for businesses and organizations looking to generate leads and drive conversions.

What copywriting skills do you need?

There are several skills that are important for a successful copywriter to have, and for sure, there is a learning curve in creating compelling content. The following bullet points can give you an idea:

1. Strong writing skills: A good copywriter should have excellent writing skills, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation. They should also be able to write clearly and concisely and be able to communicate complex ideas in a way that is easy for the reader to understand.
2. Persuasive writing: A copywriter should be able to craft compelling and persuasive text that is designed to influence the reader’s opinion or encourage them to take a specific action.
3. Research skills: A copywriter may need to do research to gather information about a product, service, or target audience and should be able to effectively synthesize this information and use it to craft effective marketing messages.
4. Creativity: A good copywriter should be able to think creatively and come up with unique and engaging ideas for marketing campaigns.
5. Understanding of marketing principles: A copywriter should have a strong understanding of marketing principles, including how to target a specific audience and craft messaging that resonates with that audience.
6. Collaboration skills: A copywriter may work closely with marketing teams and other professionals and should be able to effectively collaborate and communicate with these team members to create cohesive campaigns.

As with all jobs, it is a good idea to build relationships with people in the field who can give you further information on how to find potential customers and how to create good copywriting pieces. After successfully overcoming the learning curve, you can lodge your own business for your target audience.