Copywriter Job Description

A copywriter is one who prepares the words, slogans or script to promote a person, business, opinion or idea. Copywriting is part of direct mail marketing, Internet advertising, catalogs, white papers, television or radio commercial scripts, press releases, and other marketing media.

Many candidates majoring in mass media and communication may choose commencing their careers with copywriting. Here, you will find the detailed job duties of a copywriter, along with the requirements to be one.

• The term, copywriter, is almost always used to refer to advertising copywriters who generate words to accompany advertising visuals.
• He/she may be employed by an agency or firm, either on permanent basis or as a freelancer.

• The job of a copywriter is to devise words and verbal content that are used alongside the visual elements.
• Most of these writers work closely with the advertising team, and may even provide input about the visual elements.

• Those who work with an agency may have to handle projects of a wide variety. However, some specialize and choose to work with only one industry sector.
• A copywriter, along with the creative team, takes a client's advertising brief and produces original copy ideas with the objective of capturing the target audience's attention.

• It is important to ensure that the material he presents is factually correct and in keeping with the codes of advertising practice.
• While working on multiple projects, a copywriter is required to attend or hold meetings with account executives, at which time the client's requirements and core messages are discussed.

• He needs to gain a deep understanding of the product, target audience, and competitor activities in the market.
• Exploring different ideas and concepts, for both the visual and verbal elements in union with the creative team is also his responsibility.

• He needs to prepare drafts of different initial options for the creative director. They may either be rejected or developed into workable concepts.
• Once a few options have been finalized by the team, he has to prepare them in the form of a story board to be presented to the client.

• He must make changes to the copy until the client is satisfied.
• He may also play a role in coordinating the production phase; booking and liaising with designers, illustrators, printers, photographers, and production companies.

A copywriter's work is deadline-driven. While most officially have a 5-day week, work frequently extends into evenings and weekends when deadlines have to be met.

Most established advertising agencies require a college degree. Apart from that, a copywriter needs to have a flair with words, a fluency with the language, the ability to persuade, and a vivid imagination.

High school students who feel they may be interested in pursuing a career in copywriting should take all the writing and journalism courses they can as well as make writing a habit.

There are majors in advertising available at most colleges as part of their curriculum. Additionally, courses in marketing, writing, literature, communications, mass media, and journalism are useful, and a good knowledge of computers is indispensable.

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, advertising copywriters earn a median yearly income of USD 68,345.
• The field of consumer product sales is highly competitive, thus copywriters who work with an ad agency usually make thousands of dollars more than those who work for publishers or industrial product firms.

If this is the field you plan to join, know that there is fierce competition for jobs, and the job has high pressure. However, it is interesting, and monotony or dullness are aspects you will never grumble about. Another positive point is that employment growth in advertising is expected to be brilliant in the decade to come. Good luck!!