Copywriting is the act or occupation of writing text for the purpose of advertising or other forms of marketing. The product, called copy or sales copy, is written content that aims to increase brand awareness and ultimately persuade a person or group to take a particular action. Copywriters help to create various marketing communications such as billboards, brochures, catalogs, jingle lyrics, magazine and newspaper advertisements, sales letters and other direct mail, scripts for television or radio commercials, taglines, white papers, website and social media posts, and more. They align all this with the target audiences expectations while keeping the content and copy fresh, relevant, and effective. Some copywriters work as independent contractors or freelancers, writing for a variety of clients.
Copywriting should not be confused with the word “copyright.” Copyright refers to the exclusive legal right to reproduce or sell someone’s work, such as books, music, or artistic items.
A copywriter is a professional writer responsible for writing the text, or copy, used in marketing and promotional materials. They are trained to craft words in a way that will connect with the target audience and move them to do something. Copywriters are professionals who have learned and practiced their craft. They may work in-house, on a contract basis, or as freelancers.
The job responsibilities of a copywriter can include brainstorming and creating concepts for advertisements and marketing campaigns, writing copy for various formats and media, and working in partnership with a graphic designer. Good copywriting practices include investing time in research, providing valuable insights, creating content that resonates, using formatting to its advantage, and making the copy flow naturally.
