Skills Needed To Become A Professional Copywriter

By Martha Hamilton


When it comes to any type of writing or editing position, an individual is going to need a specific set of skills. When looking to become a Professional Copywriter, one is often going to need even more specific skills than others. For, in this type of work, the individual often works with a creative team to create art, captions and content for campaigns related to advertising and marketing.

Most often, these individuals have worked as freelance or contract employees who have been part of an advertising team. In most cases, these teams work together to create art, content and prices for various advertising campaigns. As such, it is important these individuals build a portfolio based on the different jobs one has worked over time.

Individuals looking to become involved in the process of copy-writing must often have skills beyond those of freelance editors and writers. Some of these include, web and print advertising, creating brochures, proposals, pamphlets and other materials related to advertising.

Understanding a number of different language styles, especially those which appeal to readers is a huge bonus for those looking for this type work. For, it is essential that the individual be consistent with the voice with which one writes during all phases of the campaign. While this is the case, it is also important to use language which draws the audience to whatever one might be selling at the time.

Having experience with regards to editing, revision and search engine optimization is often desirable, though at times can be overlooked in lieu of learning on the job. Whereas, having familiarity with commonly used style guides is essential as is being self-motivated and well organized. For, as this type work is often driven by deadlines, it is important all content related to a campaign be delivered on or before any associated deadline.

In most of these positions, education often takes second place to experience. For, in order to get the best jobs one must present a portfolio which shows creativity and technical skills. Individuals without a portfolio can at some time verify experience through references. While this is the case, most advertising agencies prefer to see actual work from previous campaigns before adding an individual to a creative team.

In building a portfolio, it is important to include examples from all areas in which an individual has worked. For example, by including work from different areas such as radio, television, print and web advertising, one is more likely to get hired than otherwise. Whereas, when an agency can see a number of different writing styles such as blog posts, content, captions and email related to marketing, individuals are often going to be noticed more than others which do not include this information.

One of the most important aspects an individual can have in relation to this type position is that of strong verbal and written communication. For, while a writing position, there are often times when an individual will need to discuss the campaign with advertisers, clients and media organizations. As such, one must also be able to present oneself as a creative professional while knowing how to gain the attention of these individuals as well as readers before, during and after having worked on a campaign.




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