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Marketing & Advertising

Copywriter

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A copywriter creates written content for advertising and marketing purposes, such as websites, adverts, emails, brochures, and social media posts. The main aim is to engage audiences and encourage them to take action, like making a purchase or signing up for a service. Copywriters often work closely with designers, marketing teams, and clients to make sure the messaging is clear and effective. This job suits people who enjoy creative writing, have a good eye for detail, and can adapt their tone and style for different audiences. Many copywriters work in advertising agencies, media companies, or as freelancers, and the role can often be done remotely.

Copywriter

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a copywriter in the UK ranges from £22,000 to £40,000 per year, with experienced or senior copywriters earning up to £60,000.

Job Openings

There are over 3,500 copywriting positions advertised monthly across the UK, with opportunities available in agencies, in-house teams, and freelance roles.

Growth Prospects

The demand for digital copywriters is expected to grow by around 7 percent per year, reflecting the increasing importance of online marketing.

🚀 Careers in this path

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SEO Copywriter

Focuses on writing website content that is optimised for search engines to help websites rank higher in search results.

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Social Media Copywriter

Creates engaging posts and adverts for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, tailored to specific audiences.

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Advertising Copywriter

Specialises in crafting catchy slogans, headlines, and scripts for adverts on TV, radio, and online campaigns.

Build Writing Skills

Study English and Communication

Focus on English, media studies, or communications at GCSE and A-Level to develop your writing and comprehension abilities.

Strong language skills are essential for copywriting. Taking English Language and Literature at GCSE and A-Level will build your understanding of tone, grammar, and storytelling. Media studies or communication subjects can also help you analyse how messages are crafted for different audiences.

Practise Writing Regularly

Write articles, blogs, or adverts to improve your style and versatility. Start a personal blog or contribute to school newsletters.

Regular writing practice is key to becoming a successful copywriter. Try different formats, such as blogs, social media posts, or adverts. Sharing your work with others or receiving feedback from teachers can help you identify areas for improvement.

Gain Formal Education or Training

Consider Higher Education

Pursue a degree in English, journalism, marketing, or a related field to enhance your credentials.

While a degree is not strictly required, many employers prefer candidates with relevant qualifications. Degrees in English, creative writing, journalism, or marketing provide valuable skills and may include modules on advertising or persuasive writing.

Explore Copywriting Courses

Take short courses or online certifications in copywriting to learn industry-specific techniques.

Specialist courses in copywriting are available both online and in-person. These courses often cover topics like SEO writing, writing for digital platforms, and creating effective calls to action. Look for courses from professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Build Experience and a Portfolio

Create a Portfolio

Collect examples of your best writing to showcase your skills to potential employers or clients.

A portfolio is essential for copywriters. Include a variety of writing samples, such as adverts, blogs, and social media posts. If you have done freelance work or internships, add these examples. You can also create mock projects to demonstrate your abilities.

Gain Work Experience

Seek internships, freelance projects, or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience.

Look for internships at marketing agencies, media companies, or in-house marketing teams. Freelancing platforms are also a good way to find small copywriting jobs. Volunteering to write for charities or local businesses can help build your experience and network.

Apply for Copywriting Roles

Look for junior copywriter or content writer positions to start your career.

Entry-level roles are available in advertising agencies, marketing departments, and content creation firms. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experience. Be prepared to complete a writing test or provide portfolio samples during the application process.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Copywriter. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Copywriter and an Advertising copywriter both focus on creating engaging written content tailored for advertising purposes. They require similar skills in crafting persuasive and compelling messages to effectively communicate with target audiences.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • a graduate trainee scheme

University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • English
  • creative writing
  • journalism
  • communication studies
  • advertising

You might be able to get into this job with a degree in an unrelated subject. For example, if you want to be a copywriter for a scientific research company or a law firm, you might be able to get a job with a degree in biochemistry or law.

Entry requirements

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Junior Advertising Creative Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Advertising Creative Level 6 Apprenticeship, leading to a professional qualification

These can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Volunteering

Work experience will help you get a better understanding of the role. You'll also get to make contacts who may help you to find paid work in advertising. You could try volunteering, internships or temporary jobs.

Social media sites like LinkedIn can be useful to make contact with companies.

Direct Application

You can apply to companies directly if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job.

Some advertising agencies might consider your application if you do not have a degree. In this case, you'll need to show off your creativity, writing skills and business sense.

Other Routes

If you have a degree, you can apply for graduate training scheme with advertising agencies.

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Career tips

You could showcase your skills by creating your own blog or website. You'll also need to develop a portfolio of your work to show to potential employers.

You could enter the D&AD New Blood competition which is for students and recent graduates who are not already employed in a creative role. It gives you the opportunity to work on a real client brief and showcase your work.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an advertising copywriter from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and Discover Creative Careers.

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