When you’re told often enough that you don’t have what it takes, you may begin to believe it. Just because you don’t fit into what most companies are looking for doesn’t mean you’re incapable of writing compelling copy for marketing materials or websites. In fact, it may mean the exact opposite. Here’s why getting a copywriting job may be more challenging than you think.
The Demand Is Out There
If you’ve ever applied for a job, you may have noticed that the more qualified you are, the easier it becomes to get the job. Although this may be true in general, it doesn’t apply to copywriting. A widely-accepted estimate indicates that there are more than 400,000 positions available for copywriters in the United States alone. That’s a lot of work opportunity.
In order to get a taste of this abundant work opportunity, you may decide to try and land a salaried copywriting position with a prominent company. If this sounds like a good idea to you, then prepare to sink considerable time and effort into your job search.
You’ll Need To Stand Out From The Crowd
Now, you might be thinking that once you get a copywriting job you’ll be able to sit back and sleepily produce brilliant copy for your new boss. Sadly, this is not the case. In fact, being a good copywriter means you’ll have to work hard to stand out from the crowd. For context, let’s take a quick look at how the workplace dynamics of a corporate world differ from those of a conventional job market.
In the corporate world, there is often a lot of competition for both jobs and contracts. As a result, it’s critical that you develop strong communication skills and a versatile writing style. This way, you’ll be able to convince the reader that you’re the best person for the job – or, at least, the best person among the many others who applied.
On the other hand, in a regular job search, your competition is usually limited to other applicants who are also hoping for employment. As a result, employers are more likely to focus on your skills and experience rather than on your competition. For instance, if you have a lot of experience in copywriting, this will be the key factor in your favor when applying for a position at a law firm.
The Industry Is Changing
One of the things that makes the copywriting industry so attractive is that it is constantly evolving. Just like any other profession, the ability to adapt to new situations, technologies, and business models is essential. This is why most copywriting contracts are either assigned or commissioned. This means that you’ll likely be asked to produce content on an ongoing basis. In other words, you’ll be working at a content mill.
However, although this may be the case, it doesn’t mean that you have to stay put. The evolving nature of the industry means there will always be new tasks and opportunities for you to seize. For instance, if you’re looking for a position at a digital marketing agency, then be sure to emphasize your experience in SEO and content strategy. Because these areas are constantly evolving, you can bet that the content produced and consumed by businesses and marketers will also be changing. If you want to remain competitive, then be sure to keep up with all this innovation and change.
The Pay Is Poor
Aside from the fact that you’ll need to work hard to land a copywriting job, the pay is also poor. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for a copywriter is around $64,000 per year. While this may sound like a lot, if you’re comparing it to the average salary for an office worker ($85,000) then it really isn’t that much. In fact, if you’re looking for a job in a remote area with poor public transportation, then this pay rate might be all the motivation you need to pursue this career path.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a job in a large city, then you might have to settle for something less than the average. This is because large cities usually have a higher cost of living. As a result, the pay for a copywriter in a large city is usually lower compared to that of a small town. However, as long as you’re willing to work hard and learn the trade, then this low pay shouldn’t be a problem. At least, it shouldn’t be a problem for long.
The Most Prospective Career Paths Are Unstable
One of the things that makes the copywriting industry so interesting is that there are so many different paths you can take. Even if you end up choosing a career in journalism, you’ll have a wide range of opportunities. This is because the media world is constantly evolving, and new platforms, tools, and business models are emerging every day.
If you choose to specialize in SEO, then this will likely lead you to becoming a search engine optimizer. However, as the SEO world is constantly changing, you may find that you’re unable to directly apply what you’ve learned. This is why it’s so important to continue learning and adapting. One of the best websites to learn more about SEO is wwww.seobook.com. By regularly participating in online conferences and user groups, you’ll be sure to keep up-to-date with all the changes in the industry.
Even if you end up specializing in content strategy for business websites, you’ll still have a wide range of opportunities. The reason for this is that business is always evolving, and companies are becoming increasingly digital. As a result, if you can develop a good relationship with a company, then they may eventually ask you to take on a more marketing role. If this sounds like something that would interest you, then be sure to keep your eye out for emerging digital marketing agencies.
The Most In-Demand Platforms Are Online
Just because something is digital doesn’t necessarily mean it belongs in the internet. For example, if you’re a fast-paced editor who has a lot of experience in writing for magazines, then you may decide to try your hand at being a copywriter for online marketing. As the name would suggest, an online marketing copywriter will typically work for an online marketing agency or marketing company. The main responsibilities of an online marketing copywriter are to create compelling content that will drive traffic to a website or social media channel.
If you’re looking for a stable and secure career future, then the copywriting industry might be a bad move. However, if you’re looking for opportunities to constantly learn and grow, then this might be a solid option. Just make sure that you’re not applying to a content mill, as these often have very low pay and no growth opportunities.
There Are Many Other Careers That You Can Choose From
If you’re still undeterred by the fact that there are more than 400,000 job opportunities available for copywriters, then there are many other careers that you can choose from. Why? Because the field is constantly evolving, and new industries and job categories are emerging every year.
To name a few, you can become a proofreader, copy editor, or translator. If you’re looking for a more general overview of the differences between various copywriting jobs, then be sure to check out this informative post by Michael Hyatt. From there, you can choose the option that suits you best.
As for why it’s so hard to get a copywriting job—well, quite simply, because there are so many competitors and so much opportunity out there. Just remember: If you prove yourself to be an expert in this guide, then you’ll be able to get a job anywhere you want.