Copywriting: Copywriting refers to the science and art of writing copy (words that are used on websites, advertisements, promotional materials, etc.). Copywriting is the art and science of writing copy (words used on web pages, ads, promotional materials, etc.) that sells your product/service and convinces potential customers to take action. It's similar to hiring one salesman in order to reach all your customers. It's like having a sales team that contacts customers one by one; a copywriter can reach all of your customers at once through billboards and magazine ads, sales letters and blog posts. Copywriting is what binds it all together. Your copy is what gives your design meaning. It also sets the foundation for SEO, content marketing, and growth hacking. A better copy will help you convert more customers. We want to give you a hand when you write a copy.
Employment
Many copywriters work in advertising agencies, marketing departments, public relations firms, copywriting agencies, or freelance, with clients ranging from small businesses to large corporations.
- Copywriters are often hired by advertising agencies as part of a creative group, where they work with creative directors and art directors. Based largely on client information, the copywriter creates copy or scripts for advertisements. The art director oversees the production of printed advertisements and is responsible for the visual elements. The overall idea commonly referred to as "the concept" can be conceived by any member of the team. Collaboration often enhances the quality of the work. A few agencies are specialized in a specific industry or sector.
- Copywriting agencies combine copywriting with a variety of editorial and related services, including positioning and messaging consulting and social media optimization. These may include copy editing, copy editing and proofreading, fact-checking, speechwriting, and copy editing. Some agencies have in-house copywriters, while others hire freelancers or contractors.
- Many digital marketing agencies include freelance copywriters or employees focused on digital communication. A copywriter's work may overlap with that of a content writer. They will need to create persuasive email copy, social media ads, Google ads, online landing pages, and Google advertisements. The digital age has brought a new wave of copywriting to the field. However, there are downsides to globalization. Some copywriting work has been reduced due to the availability of skilled copywriters at different rates.
In-house copywriters can also be employed by retail chains, book publishers, and other large companies known for their ability to write advertising copy. You can also hire them to write advertisements for newspapers, magazines and broadcasters.
Copywriters can work for many clients as freelancers or independent contractors. They can work remotely, at home, in a coworking space, or a coffeehouse.
Technical writers are very similar to copywriters, and they may have overlapped. Technical writing, in general, is aimed at instructing and informing readers, not persuading them. A copywriter might write an advertisement for a car while a technical writer would explain how to use it.
Education
Traditionally, a bachelor's degree was required to become a copywriter. This included a Bachelor's degree either in English, advertising or journalism. This is still the case for in-house copywriters. Copywriting mentors and courses are available for freelance copywriters. Writing samples are often preferred by clients over formal copywriting credentials. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual salary for authors and writers was $62,170 in 2018. PayScale.com reported that the expected salary range for copywriters was $35,000 to $73,000 in 2019.
Famous copywriters
John Emory Powers (1837-1919) was the first full-time professional copywriter in the world. Some copywriters are well-known in the industry due to their founding of major advertising agencies and others due to their life work. Before becoming well-known in other areas, many creative artists were copywriters. David Ogilvy (1911-1999) is well-known as the father and founder of advertising. Famous for his famous quote about Rolls-Royce cars, he stated: "At 60 MPH the Electric Clock makes the loudest sound in this new Rolls-Royce." Some of his memorable books on advertising include Ogilvy On Advertising and Confessions Of An Advertising Man. Time named Leo Burnett (1891-1971) one of the 100 most influential individuals of the 20th Century. Leo Burnett Worldwide was founded by him. One of the most memorable campaigns is Marlboro Man. Publicis Groupe acquired his company in 2002.
Most successful ad campaigns
- Nike's "Just Do It” campaign soared Nike's sales to over $9.2 Billion in just 10 years.
- California Milk Processor Board's "Got Milk?" California Milk Processor Board's "Got Milk" initiative has helped increase milk sales and has resulted in many parodies.
- Apple's "Get a Mac", a Mac vs PC campaign, generated 42% market share growth in its first year.
Formats
Internet
The Internet has opened up new opportunities for copywriting, including landing pages, other web content and online advertisements, emails and blogs, as well as other electronic communications such as email, blogs and social media. Copywriters have new ways to improve their craft, research and see others' work. Freelancing is a viable option for art directors, clients, and copywriters. You can also become a freelance copywriter by using many of the new websites.
Part of the process is to experiment and continue to re-evaluate.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
It is possible that web copy has as its goal higher search engine rankings. This meant that keywords and phrases were strategically placed and repeated on pages. However, it also required writing in a way that humans would understand normal. Nowadays, "on-page optimization" refers to the consideration of semantic keywords and phrases (i.e. Those that have the same meaning or are related. SEO copywriting also includes content on pages linking to the page, including the text in the link. However, this should not be excessive. As the topic evolves, there has been a lot of research.
Book publishing
The jacket flap copy (or flap copy) is the summary of a book that appears on the inside cover of a hardcover dust jacket. The back cover copy is similar to text but is usually shorter and is on the outside back cover. Catalogue copy is a summary of a publisher's catalogue. This is an example of copywriting that uses writing to persuade customers to become interested in the product.