How To Get Started As A Copywriter In 2023- A Complete Guide To It

May 11, 2023
How To Get Started As A Copywriter In 2023- A Complete Guide To It

There are many advantages to choosing a career in copywriting. You can work in various industries, exercise your creative muscles, work from any location, and receive a respectable monthly paycheck. 

But the question is, "How do you begin a career as a copywriter?" Don't worry; Kito Infocom has got you covered. 

Based on our analysis of more than 400 copywriter job listings on Indeed.com, this article offers a step-by-step tutorial for developing a career. 

You will gain all the knowledge you require regarding: 

  1. What is copywriting?
  2. Who is a copywriter?
  3. How is a copywriter different from a content writer?
  4. What does a copywriter do?
  5. What are the skills and qualities that a copywriter needs?
  6. Different types of copywriting jobs
  7. Salaries and rates for a copywriter

Are you sitting comfortably? Then let's get started! 

 

  1. What is copywriting? 

Let's begin by quickly defining copywriting: 

  • Using the written word to educate, sway, or sell your audience is known as "copywriting." It can be found in various media, including newsletters, trade brochures, infomercials, and more.
  • The best copy uses linguistics, psychology, and a thorough understanding of the target audience. Almost every industry makes use of copywriting. It is a crucial component of companies' marketing, advertising, and sales. 
  1. Who is a copywriter?

  • A person with expertise in persuasive writing and who can create copies for various marketing platforms is known as a copywriter. 
  • All of the headlines, advertisements, product descriptions, and slogans around us were put together by them. 
  • They could work for a company, on their own, or even as consultants. 

 

  1. How is a copywriter different from a content writer?

In most cases, copywriters collaborate closely with other advertising or marketing experts. Make sure to avoid mixing up content writers with copywriters, though. 

Copywriting and content writing skills frequently overlap. The primary distinction is as follows:

  • Content writers produce informational or instructional content such as blogs, articles, case studies, and white papers.
  • Copywriters produce materials such as advertisements, slogans, emails, taglines, etc., intended to persuade or sell.  

 

  1. What does a copywriter do? 

  • Writing copy is a copywriter's primary responsibility. 
  • But the job entails more than just typing a few catchphrases while seated at a computer. 
  • For further clarification, we examined a breakdown of copywriting job descriptions concluded in a survey conducted in 2022. 
  • According to the survey results, the principal duties of a copywriter are as follows:
    • 28.26%- create and edit original copy for emails, websites, social media, blogs, etc.
    • 19.25%- develop the brand voice
    • 18.77%- collaborate with other teams
    • 11.88%- research new ideas
    • 7.47%- understanding marketing plans 
    • 4.69%- learn about the target audience of the brand
    • 4.21%- meet content needs 
    • 2.11%- actively participate in the content creation process
    • 1.53%- proofreading content
    • 1.25%- understanding SEO strategy
    • 0.57%- research keywords

 

A copywriter's daily tasks can change depending on several variables, including the kind of copy they write, the kind of project(s) they are working on, etc. 

  1. What are the skills and qualities that a copywriter needs?

Every company looks for various skills and qualities when hiring a copywriter. To make it easy for you, we have listed the skills and qualities of a copywriter separately. This will also help you judge whether you are fit for a copywriter job. 

 

Listed below are the skills required to become a copywriter.

  1. Writing skills 
  2. Research skills
  3. Communication skills
  4. Ability to generate sales

Listed below are some qualities that a company expects when hiring a copywriter. 

  1. Creative
  2. Organized 
  3. Curious
  4. Adaptable
  5. Should have a growth mindset

 

  1. Different Types of Copywriting Jobs

When you're prepared to start your career as a copywriter, you have three choices:  

  1. Working as an in-house copywriter 
  2. Working for a marketing agency 
  3. Working as a freelance copywriter 

 

  1. Copywriting Salaries and Rates 
  • Depending on where you live, copywriting salaries will change. Compared with small rural areas, large urban agencies in places like New Delhi will pay more for an internal copywriter. 
  • Many copywriting positions now offer remote or hybrid work options, so you may see a significant difference in pay depending on where you apply. 

Salaries for internal copywriters

  • According to our research, nearly two out of every five copywriting jobs are now advertised as remote or hybrid. However, the majority of them are still internal roles. 
  • Based on experience and seniority, salaries can differ quite significantly. In the US, in 2023, the average salary for all positions will be $66,000. 

Freelance Copywriter Rates

  • Rates for independent copywriting are more complicated. 
  • If you've decided to work for yourself, you must determine your rate. 
  • You run the risk of underselling yourself if it needs to be higher. If your rates are too high, you risk losing potential clients to writers who charge less. 
  • It can be calculated roughly by dividing your ideal annual income by the estimated number of days you can sell in a year. For example: 
    • Your excellent yearly salary is $60,000 (before taxes). 
    • You can sell for 100 days in a year. 
    • $600 daily rate for you.
  • Hourly rates range from $20 and up, depending on the sector, the client's location, your level of experience, and the turnaround time. 
  • Remember to bill for the time you'll spend speaking with the client before the project even begins and the time you'll spend making revisions and changes in response to their feedback. 

Final Thoughts

  • There is scope for a flexible and rewarding career in copywriting. It pays well, but there is also room for creativity. 
  • Additionally, you'll get to work in-house, as a freelancer, or as a freelancer with an agency. 
  • Even better, it doesn't matter if you just graduated from college or have a 20-year career. You can gain knowledge of the process and use your professional experience.  
  • Create a portfolio, establish clear goals and financial expectations, and begin networking. Good luck, and get writing!
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