Copywriting Jobs for Beginners: How to Get Started In 2023

Are you looking for a way to make money using your writing and persuasion skills?

Copywriting is an in-demand and highly lucrative job that revolves around creating compelling content to promote products or services.

In a time where AI copywriting software tools can help with various tasks, there’s no excuse not to level up your skills in this area.

In this article, I’ll discuss what it takes to break into the world of copywriting and how to best prepare for a successful career.

What Are Copywriting Jobs

Copywriting is a form of writing that focuses on creating promotional materials and marketing campaigns for businesses.

Copywriters typically write advertisements, brochures, website content, promotional emails, press releases, catalogs, product descriptions, and other forms of written marketing collateral.

It requires creativity and an understanding of the target audience’s needs and preferences.

If you love to write and think you have what it takes to craft compelling copy for advertising, copywriting might be a great career choice.

First, take some time to learn about the industry by researching what other successful copywriters do, reading books, and consuming materials about how to become one.

You’ll also want to hone your writing skills by practicing and getting feedback from friends, family, or peers.

Once you have a basic understanding of copywriting and some experience crafting copy, you can look for job opportunities online.

Numerous freelance websites host listings for copywriting jobs where employers may post openings in the industry.

Many large companies post copywriting positions on their websites or through a professional recruitment agency.

Benefits Of Getting A Copywriting Job

So what are the perks of copywriting jobs?

First and foremost, copywriting jobs allow creative professionals to express themselves through the marketing materials they create.

Copywriters can work with different project briefs in various industries, allowing them to flex their creative muscles.

Additionally, the job provides a sense of satisfaction for strategists and those looking for a challenge as they develop engaging and compelling content to achieve its desired outcome.

Copywriting jobs offer stability and income potential, with many employers providing full-time contracts (or retainers) along with competitive pay rates.

Working within a team is also possible, allowing you to join the web content marketing revolution and be alongside others as you make headway in your chosen field.

Skills Required To Find Copywriting Jobs

So what skills are needed to become a great copywriter?

Here are a few key ones to consider:

• Analysis: Copywriters are often required to analyze brand messages and create persuasive content aligning with the brand’s voice and objectives.
• Creativity: Working in copywriting involves content creation that is engaging, informative, and interesting to readers. Copywriting jobs bridge the gap between content marketing and creative writing. Moreover, creativity is vital to developing ideas for blog posts, infographics, video scripts, or other multimedia projects. Also, having a good command of the English language is key in any digital marketing job and this is no different.
• Staying in the loop: Copywriting jobs often require engaging and informative content and staying up-to-date on industry trends. Staying informed about advancements in technology and digital media will help you hone your skills for creating effective copywriting materials.
• Research: Copywriting jobs require creative and technical skills when it comes to research. Finding the pain points of a specific industry, optimizing content that’s not doing so well, or even figuring out the insights the proper keyword research can provide are all crucial skills.
• Proofreading: To succeed in copywriting, the skill of proofreading is critical. A copywriter should proofread their work several times to ensure accuracy, clarity, and detail.

These skills are essential for anyone looking to break into the world of copywriting and build a successful career.

The Different Types Of Copywriting Jobs Available

There are various types of copywriting jobs to consider for freelance writers seeking to earn money.

For example, one can find copywriting jobs across marketing and design teams in many industries.

Social media managers may require content for their campaigns.

Web designers may need text to accompany their visuals.

The possibilities are endless.

As a copywriter, you can choose from various job opportunities, some of which are as follows:

• SEO Copywriter: An SEO copywriter optimizes content for search engine rankings. They create keyword-rich content to increase website visibility and boost organic traffic.
• Social Media Copywriter: These professionals use their writing skills to craft compelling posts, tweets, and other content for social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
• Brand Copywriter: Brand copywriters focus on creating promotional materials that help shape a company’s identity and voice across various platforms.
• Ecommerce Copywriter: This type of copywriter specializes in creating product descriptions and other content for e-commerce sites. Being able to build landing pages that take someone from a paid social media ad to a purchase page and getting them to become a customer requires solid copywriting skills.
• Technical Copywriter: If you have an aptitude for understanding technical language and processes, a technical copywriting job might be the right fit. These professionals write instruction manuals, user guides, FAQs, and other materials that explain how technology works in simple terms.

How To Find Copywriting Jobs

Finding copywriting jobs takes effort, but the proper job postings are online if you know where to look.

First, you should visit writing jobs listing sites like FlexJobs, Upwork, and Freelancer.

In this case, you’ll want to ensure your profile is professional and highlights your experience and writing ability so employers can easily find you.

Additionally, many large companies have job boards on their websites specifically for copywriters — take some time to research these opportunities.

Don’t forget about social media – many employers post openings on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Take some time to search through these outlets to see if any opportunities fit your skill set.

When you look at the job description, ensure the role aligns with your skills and experience.

Consider some key questions:

• Are you looking to join a marketing team, or are you more interested in developing content on a one-off basis?
• Do you prefer web design-related tasks or crafting engaging blog posts?
• If the job requires copywriting for digital media, do you know SEO content and keyword optimization techniques?
• Are you open to travel if necessary?

Employers generally seek maximum creativity and proven experience when searching for copywriters.

Building up your portfolio with smaller jobs (while still searching for longer-term ones) can be essential if you want to sharpen your skills as you wait for the right opportunities.

Tips For Writing Effective Copy

As you find jobs and get better at copywriting, there are some essential tips to remember when creating content.

Abstain from jargon and obscure language; use simple yet compelling words that everyone can understand, as this will increase engagement.

If you need to write compelling copy for in-house projects, learn the company’s terminology and style guide to ensure consistency throughout your content.

As you do, remember to start building up a swipe file of successful campaigns and writing samples.

Such samples can be beneficial when you get stuck or need inspiration.

Another critical aspect of copywriting is tracking.

Keep an eye on how your work is performing and look for ways to improve it.

Use analytics tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic, clicks, and conversions, so you can see what’s working and make adjustments accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Writing

As copywriting is part art and part science, some mistakes can easily creep into your work if you’re not careful.

Here are some of the most common pitfalls to watch out for.

Moreover, for content creators seeking copywriting jobs that involve developing marketing campaigns, avoid making generic statements about the product or service you are trying to promote.

Copywriting jobs make content writers more successful when they clearly articulate how a product or service can be used and benefit its users.

For example, when e-commerce copywriting projects require product descriptions, avoid creating generic sentences and focus on highlighting the features and advantages of the featured item.

As a marketing copywriter, it’s critical not to over-promise or use deceptive language in your freelance writing jobs.

Next, consider that dealing with marketing projects requires a meaningful understanding of how to target your audience.

This understanding means that for any marketing copywriter, crafting effective headlines is about getting people interested in reading the next section of content.

It also means that writing copy for multiple channels such as websites, blogs, and social media posts requires adapting the style to match each platform’s expectations.

As a copywriter, you’re also striving to get people to consume the next step of your content, whether that’s the next paragraph, getting people to click on a button, or taking any desired action.

Another mistake copywriters make is believing there’s only one way to get the job done.

This mistake is common among both new and experienced people.

For example, a senior copywriter can have specific ways of doing so.

It’s essential to learn from everyone around you; however, feel free to test new ideas.

After all, the numbers don’t lie, and untested opinions about what could work don’t matter.

Finally, I want to touch on the channel again.

Always factor in the channel when writing copy and consider how the message should appear depending on where it will be published.

Consider the text and any images or videos you use when creating social media posts.

If you’re working on a longer blog post, the tone you use and the level of detail you provide can make a big difference.

The same message written for an email newsletter will differ from a blog post.

The length, tone, and structure should all be considered when writing copy.

As a copywriter, the writing style needs to be engaging and motivating – that’s how customers will remember your content.

Moreover, to ensure high-quality copy, use a spellchecker, proofreaders, and editors to double-check every word.

Building A Long-Term Freelance Career

Building a successful and long-term career as a freelance copywriter requires hard work and dedication, but it can be gratifying.

As a beginner, taking on short-term contracts is generally easier than committing to long-term clients.

However, long-term activities like investing time into learning how content management systems work, developing client relationships, and producing successful campaigns will help you establish yourself as a reliable content creator.

Over time, your portfolio reflects your style as a copywriter and shows how you effectively develop content to meet the needs of a particular brand or campaign.

Stacking up skills is also essential.

For example, let’s consider that you work with web and graphic designers to help promote their work.

Understanding the workflows of graphic designers, the kind of language they use in their day-to-day, and other insider tips you pick up along the way can boost you as you seek more clients.

Moreover, staying current with changes in any industry will help you stay ahead of the competition and be successful as you seek out copywriting jobs.

Another tip is to pay attention to networking.

It can provide invaluable opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Joining online forums and attending events like conferences or workshops tailored for copywriters can help you find potential clients or partners needing your services.

As you develop your skills and the portfolio pieces that accompany this, developing relationships with peers and clients will also prove essential in helping you build a long-term freelance career as a copywriter.

Finally, establishing specific goals and creating an organized system for tracking tasks can keep you focused and motivated when working freelance copywriting jobs.

Consider realistic timelines and strive to meet them consistently to stay on time.

When people can rely on your word and know you’ll deliver, you’ll have many more opportunities to grow and develop as a copywriter.

Content Writing Vs. Sales Copywriting

Knowing the difference between content writing and copywriting is essential for those wanting to specialize in either field.

Sales copywriting is a specialized branch of content writing that focuses on email marketing, advertising, website promotion, and other forms of online marketing.

Copywriting jobs also involve creating sales copy where the aim is to generate leads or increase conversions.

Unlike content writing, copywriters creatively use persuasive words to communicate their message.

On the other hand, content writing is more focused on providing informative material without any particular purpose or goal beyond informing readers.

The benefit of content writing is that it allows writers to express their creativity while excitingly conveying helpful information.

So where should you focus your efforts?

It all depends on the realm of messaging you’re trying to reach.

Copywriting is better suited for building a brand that uses direct response marketing to get customers to act.

For example, in the healthcare industry, copywriting is perfect for crafting small promotional campaigns to draw attention to a particular product or service.

Content writing, on the other hand, is ideal for providing comprehensive educational materials about medical procedures or services.

By combining both content and copywriting, you can create powerful marketing messages that drive engagement and conversions.

By understanding the differences between content writing and copywriting, you will be better prepared to create quality materials in either field.

Copywriting Jobs – FAQ

Are Freelance Copywriter Jobs Remote Jobs?

Yes, most freelance copywriter jobs are remote.

As being able to work remotely is one of the great benefits of freelancing, many are attracted to copywriting for its potential for a flexible schedule.

What Does It Mean To Proofread Content?

The definition of proofreading is to read over written material carefully to check its accuracy and correct any mistakes.

It involves looking for typos, grammar errors, spelling mistakes, clarity of language, factual inaccuracies, and more.

As you write explicit and error-free content that meets the standards of the client or employer, it helps ensure professional results.

How Do You Create Content That Engages Readers?

Creating engaging content that is attractive, informative, and written in an easy-to-understand manner is vital for a copywriter.

Some ideas to help you engage readers include:

• Tell a story to draw the reader in
• Incorporate visuals like images, videos, or infographics
• Write in an active voice that is concise and direct
• Break up long blocks of text into shorter paragraphs with headings and subheadings.

Do You Need Specific Degrees To Become A Freelance Copywriter?

Sometimes, certain employers may require a bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications.

However, there’s no set educational requirement to become a copywriter.

If writing clear, engaging, and accurate content is something you enjoy doing and have the skills necessary to do it, you can become a successful freelance copywriter.

Can You Do Copywriting Part-Time?

Yes, you can.

Moreover, you don’t need years of experience to start your journey in copywriting.

While the job type will dictate what jobs you can generally get, if you can do thorough research on a subject and use this to help you with writing engaging content (that resonates with your readers), you’ll have a great advantage.

As a copywriter job involves creating written content to get people to take action, that is all you should focus on.

Whether you work part-time or full-time, strive to write high-quality content that helps solve a real problem your target market is facing.

Conclusion

Copywriting can be highly rewarding but requires hard work, dedication, and an understanding of the craft.

With the above tips and advice, you can start building your career as a freelance copywriter while creating compelling content that resonates with readers.

Further reading on AdamEnfroy.com: AI writing software can help you with content writing and copywriting to make it easier to create high-quality content quickly.

It can also improve accuracy and help you create copy consistent with your brand’s tone and style.