According to Pew Research from April 2021, as much as 93% of Americans currently use the internet. So it’s easy to see how online copywriting is becoming a sought-after skill for businesses across the country.
Surely anyone can write things on the internet though. If you’ve tried to write online content for your business, you’ll know it’s not as easy as it seems.
In this case, you might wonder, ‘what does a copywriter do and how can they help my business?’. Keep reading to learn more about copywriter responsibilities and skills.
Types of Copywriters
There are two main types of copywriter careers, these are freelancing and full-time. Since you need few tools to write copy, one person can do both these copywriter jobs if their employee doesn’t mind them moonlighting.
Most copywriters specialize in one or more types of copy. These include:
- SEO copywriting
- Print copywriting
- Website copywriting
- Advertising copywriting
They might also focus on a specific niche such as technology, medicine, or travel.
How Do You Become a Copywriter?
Although you don’t need any formal education to fulfill a copywriter role, most copywriters have a bachelor’s degree in communications, English, or journalism. There are also plenty of worthwhile courses available online for copywriters to hone their skills.
You don’t need any certifications or licenses to work as a copywriter.
The most important thing employers consider when hiring a copywriter is experience. Fortunately, it’s easy for copywriters to accumulate experience on their own.
Nowadays, anyone can start a website, market themselves online, and win customers that way.
Advertising copywriters may find it a lot harder to get their foot in the door. When you want to work in this field, you need a ‘book’. This term refers to a portfolio of ads you’ve worked on.
Usually, copywriters need to sign up for an internship at an agency to gain experience and credibility in this industry. There aren’t many of these internships available, and there’s a lot of competition for them.
What Skills Do Copywriters Need to Succeed?
To thrive at copywriting, you must love expressing yourself through the written word. There’s no other way you can keep churning out original writing, hour after hour, every day.
Some of the soft skills that copywriters need include:
Creativity
The freedom to enjoy creative expression is one of the best parts of being a copywriter. Copywriters need exceptionally creative minds to help them create unique, interesting pieces that inspire engagement.
SEO Know-How
Search Engine Optimization is a vital component of online copywriting. So, copywriters must have a solid grasp of these concepts as well as a thorough knowledge of social media writing nuances.
Ability to Learn Quickly
Copywriters must know how to take direction from their client or employer. That involves absorbing information from a huge number of sources and compiling it into a cohesive whole.
They’re storytellers who master their craft by discovering new ideas at work and play.
A copywriter’s mind is always busy gathering information that might help them better understand their target audience and reach them more effectively.
Communication
Communication is a vital skill for copywriters. Not only must they get your message across to potential customers, but they also have to mesh well with a huge number of departments within the average company.
High Attention to Detail
Details are everything when it comes to keeping clients happy. Attention to detail also helps eliminate spelling and grammar errors and ensure the client gets what they envisioned from the final copywriting work.
Ability to Handle Criticism
Constructive criticism is a vital part of improving your performance as a copywriter. Nobody gets things right the first time, every time, and copywriters need to change tack as often as required without taking offense at client criticisms.
What Does a Copywriter Do Daily?
Most businesses hire a copywriter to write compelling copy to help improve their SEO, update product listings, or write compelling sales copy.
So, a day in the life of a copywriter might involve the following aspects:
- Marketing meetings
- Reviewing written briefs
- Research
- Conceptualizing and writing social media posts
- Writing internal communications
- Creating online or print copy
- Proofreading and editing
Most copywriters work to tight deadlines and are versatile enough to juggle multiple projects at a time.
Often, copywriters keep detailed logs of how they spend their time and often use time-tracking apps for billing purposes or to measure their performance.
Some copywriters might also go through analytics with relevant personnel to review how clients respond to their work. This helps them fine-tune their future projects to increase engagement or sales.
From this, it’s easy to see how a skilled and dedicated copywriter can drive sales and boost engagement for any business.
What Do Copywriters Earn?
Copywriter salaries vary wildly according to experience, expertise, industry, and the type of client they work for. Some of the world’s top copywriters earn six-figure salaries from their work.
On average, copywriters earn about $61,000 per year, although the top players in the business world can earn over $118,000 annually. Entry-level copywriters charge around $14 per hour.
Embrace the Business Benefits of Copywriting
Now that you have clarity about the question, ‘what does a copywriter do?’, you’re bound to realize what these professionals can add to your business offering.
Fortunately, you don’t need to hire a dedicated copywriter to work for your small business. There are loads of agencies and freelancers around who can help you out with tailored packages where you pay only for what you need.
So, there’s no reason why your business shouldn’t benefit from the skills of the best copywriter for your needs.
Would you like some more insights about how to succeed in business today? Browse our blog for all the latest tips.