How to Become a Copywriter

Copywriting can be a very lucrative and rewarding career. And a well paid too considering that the majority of copywriters - including those working only part-time - earn tens of thousands of pounds a year. Of course under condition that their copies sell and that they know to sell their skills.

Education/Qualifications

Both clients and copywriting/marketing agencies are interested in the results. Having a degree from disciplines such as marketing, literature or journalism can’t hurt but it won’t really impress anyone in the industry. Top paid copywriters are a highly diverse group consisting of both highly educated individuals with doctorates and those who haven’t even finish high school. But it is also true that copywriters without at least high school degree are the exception rather than the rule. Also, the majority of them had to invest a lot of time and effort to prove that they are just as good or even better than their higher educated colleagues.

Experience

Lack of experience is a major obstacle in becoming a copywriter but the good news is that there are many ways to persuade potential clients or/and copywriting/advertising agencies to give you an opportunity or at least ask you to write a sample. One of the easiest ways to demonstrate your skills is to launch your own website and start writing Spec Ads which can be used instead of copy samples. But don’t simply wait to be “discovered”. Contact your local copywriting/advertising agencies if they are looking for apprentices and start advertising your services to local businesses. If you offer competitive pricing, you will soon get your first client. And be sure to dedicate yourself completely to the project not only to meet but to exceed your client’s expectations and you will soon get the second client.

Skills/Abilities

In addition to being a good writer, you also need to be a good seller if you want to succeed as a copywriter. Your copywriting skills and abilities can always be improved and there are many courses/seminars to further develop your skills and become even a better copywriter. Copywriting is one of those professions that require ongoing learning and development. But it is crucial to have well developed copywriting skills and abilities before you start advertising your services and applying for copywriting jobs. How do you know that you’re ready? Look at it this way, if you can sell your services you can probably sell your client’s product/services as well.