If you’re looking for a career in copywriting, what do you need to do? We decided to dive into this question, as we often get asked by our readers. What is the required copywriting qualification for work? What education, training, and/or experience does a copywriter need in order to be successful? Let’s examine each part of this question in detail.
Copywriting Education
The first step to being a top-notch copywriter is getting an education in copywriting. This could be online or in traditional academia. Perhaps you’ve heard of Harvard University’s “Graduate School of Journalism” or the “Masters of Professional Writing” at the University of Southern California. These are both great options for getting an education in copywriting, but not the only ones.
- The New York Times’s Digital Academy
- The American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Agency Digital Diploma Program
- The Chicago Tribune’s “Illinois Press Institute”
- The Walt Disney Company’s “Corporate College”
The above educational institutions offer a variety of degrees, with a specialization in journalism being the most popular option. Students will learn the ins and outs of reporting on business and marketing news, as well as the history of journalism and the Four News Values.
Additionally, some institutions offer a specialization in creative writing, which can be applied to the copywriting field. Here is a quick rundown of the essential education and training you need to have before you begin your career:
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Advertising
- A minimum of three years of experience in working as a journalist
- A writing portfolio that includes published work and interactive content
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
What are the Job Growth Prospects for a Copywriter?
With the above education, you’re prepared to enter the work force and begin your career in copywriting. Though all types of journalism have experienced a boom in recent years, the demand for copywriters usually outstrips the supply. That is, unless you decide to become a literary agent and start handling your own pitches.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 73,500 copywriters were employed in America in 2016. This is a gain of about 3% from 2015, and a good indication that those with an education in copywriting will have plenty of opportunities to choose from.
While the number of journalists and reporters is on the rise, the demand for copywriters usually outstrips the supply. This can be attributed to the fact that copywriters are in great demand and have a lot of job opportunities available to them.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 10% of copywriters can expect to earn about $51,300 per year. Those in the middle can expect to earn $41,800, and the bottom 10% can look forward to $34,200 per year.
What Special Traits does a Good Copywriter Need to Have?
Besides the standard education in copywriting, you also need to have certain skills and traits that will make you a better writer. Just like any other professional in the field, you need to possess the following qualities:
- Determination
- Persistence
- Flexibility
- Humility
- Originality
- Accountability
Does a Good Copywriter Need to Be Creative?
Though all types of journalism and advertising have seen an explosion in demand for copywriters in the last few years, that doesn’t mean that you need to be creative to do the job. While it’s always a plus to be creative, you don’t need to be Picasso in order to be a good copywriter.
According to HubSpot Blogs research, creative copywriters often earn six figures, while traditional copywriters can expect to make about four figures. So, it seems that being creative can boost your earnings – though it’s also common for those in the creative industry to be highly skilled and experienced, traditional copywriters can still make a good living too.
Does A Top-Notch Copywriter Need To Be Technical-Savvy?
Since a copywriter’s job is to write compelling material for both businesses and consumers, you’ll need to be technically savvy. Though all types of journalism have seen a rise in demand for copywriters, that doesn’t mean that you need to become an expert in computer science to do the job. You just need to be comfortable using Microsoft Word and Excel – and ideally, have a working knowledge of HTML and the basics of website design.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 45.2% of all copywriters are computer literate. That is, they can write reports, descriptions, and other material using a computer. Additionally, about 24.6% can design websites and apps, and 22.1% can write code.
So, if you’re looking to enter the field and want to be sure of a high-paying job, you don’t need to be a computer whiz. Just make sure you’re comfortable using Microsoft Word and Excel, and can write a convincing pitch – be it for a product, service, or idea.
What is the Deadline for This Kind of Work?
Depending on which stage you’re at in your career, you might need to set a specific deadline for the work you produce. Though it’s always nice to have lots of time, you don’t always have that luxury. Especially in the case of non-fiction, there is often a strict deadline for the material you’re required to write.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 72.8% of all copywriters meet this deadline regularly. This means that they are often required to submit a piece of creative work by a certain date. As a freelancer, part-timer, or new graduate, this might be challenging – you’ll need to find a way to meet the deadline without compromising the quality of the work.
In fiction, the deadline is usually much less pressing – though it still exists. About 47.8% of fiction writers meet this deadline regularly, and only about 14.7% of them miss it every time. If you do decide to pursue fiction, the industry generally has a much more liberal idea of what constitutes a “good” pitch.
How is This Job Different From Writing For Newspapers And Other Media?
If you’ve ever worked in journalism or other media, you know that this is a common question. Though all types of journalism have seen a rise in demand for copywriters, that doesn’t mean that all newspapers will simply “buy” your work.
- Newspapers and other media outlets have changed a lot in the last few years. You won’t always be pitching stories to a single editor. More often than not, you’ll be pitching pieces to a group of editors, or a commissioning editor who will choose the content for a product.
- Additionally, some pieces might be paid for, while others could be for free – though you might be required to follow certain guidelines as to what constitutes an acceptable piece.
How Much Experience Does a Good Copywriter Need?
In order to become a proficient copywriter, you need to have some experience under your belt. Though it’s always a nice to have a long resume, you don’t always need to have worked in the field before to be considered good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that about 44.6% of all copywriters have two to four years of experience, and only about 16.1% have more than four years of experience. If you’re just starting out, it might be a good idea to look for entry-level positions.
What are Some of the Best Markets for This Job?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top five industries for which copywriters work are as follows: