What is a Copywriter?

If you’re already familiar with the world of copywriting then it’s pretty simple. If however you are in the early stages of wondering how to write for living this article will help explain what a copywriter does, and what opportunities are out there for you.

A copywriter is ‘the use of words to promote a person, business, opinion or idea. Although the word copy may be applied to any content intended for printing (as in the body of a newspaper article or book), the term copywriter is generally limited to such promotional situations, regardless of media ...’

In brief a copywriter writes the words to your favourite television advert, the words on that flyer, the words on that billboard, the words on a website the list really is endless.

Usually you are oblivious to the work of a copywriter as you absorb their work without even thinking about as promotional text and on consumer products. Think of your box of Cornflakes... A copywriter was responsible for the text on the front and the back of the box.

As well though a copywriter writers write for business to business situation. For example if Apple needed a new chip to go in their new iPod. A copywriter would write a pitch to grab the attention of chip manufactures who in turn will get a copywriter to write a pitch to Apple of why they should get the contract in hope of being successful.

Really when you think about it whenever something is sold a copywriter is being paid to write sales and marketing material.

Can you make a living as a Copywriter?

You could choose to be a freelance copywriter. Giving you the freedom to work from home and chose which jobs you do and how much to demand as daily/hourly rates. However these factors do depend on your success rate and this lifestyle isn’t ideal for everyone.

It would be advisable to start off working for someone else, such as a copywriter with an advertising agency. These jobs aren’t that easy to secure but perseverance and determination will get you a long way. The main advantages of working in an agency are you can learn from other colleagues and even clients! Also you can benefit from working for numerous clients.

It’s slightly easier though to secure a contract within the advertising department of a company. Mostly companies decide to do the advertising work themselves instead of out sourcing projects as this is much cheaper.

Rates of pay depend on what type of employment and what industry of copywriting you get into. The most lucrative industries to get into are Finance, Health and alternative Health Care.

You may also find our page on Getting paid to write helpful.

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We don’t want our clients to be scared to contact us and potentially lose out on valuable tax saving advice, that's why we only charge a fixed fee of £30 VAT a month. It’s important when you first start out freelancing that you set your business up in the best way possible. As a start up you’ll probably have loads of questions and will really appreciate the fact you can call your accountant as many times as you like without the fear of racking up large bills.