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Marketing & Advertising

Copywriter

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A copywriter is responsible for creating written content that promotes products, services, or brands. This can include writing adverts, website content, social media posts, emails, brochures, and more. Copywriters work closely with marketing teams, designers, and clients to develop ideas and ensure messages are clear and persuasive. Strong writing skills, creativity, and a good understanding of the target audience are essential. Many copywriters work in advertising agencies, while others are employed by businesses or work as freelancers.

Copywriter

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Copywriters in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £45,000 per year, with experienced professionals and those in senior roles earning up to £60,000 or more.

Job Openings

There are over 4,000 advertised copywriter positions in the UK each year, both in-house and freelance.

Growth Outlook

The marketing and digital advertising sector, where most copywriters are employed, is expected to grow by 5 percent annually through 2027.

🚀 Careers in this path

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SEO Copywriter

Specialises in writing website content that ranks well on search engines by using keywords and understanding online trends.

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Advertising Copywriter

Creates catchy and persuasive text for adverts in print, online, radio, or TV to promote products and services.

Content Writer for Social Media

Develops engaging posts and campaigns specifically for social media platforms to attract and interact with followers.

Build Your Writing Skills

Practise Regularly

Write as often as possible to improve your ability to express ideas clearly and creatively.

Set aside time each day or week to write short stories, blog posts, or journal entries. Practising a range of writing styles will help you develop flexibility and confidence. Try rewriting adverts or website copy you find and see how you would improve them.

Study English Language

Focus on English at school and consider taking subjects like English Language or Literature at GCSE and A level.

Strong grammar, spelling, and punctuation are essential for copywriters. Examining how language is used persuasively in literature and media will help you understand what makes writing effective. If possible, join a school newspaper or magazine.

Gain Relevant Experience

Build a Portfolio

Create a collection of your best writing to show potential employers or clients.

Start with personal projects, volunteer work, or mock adverts. As you gain more experience, add examples that demonstrate your range, such as blogs, articles, social media posts, or email campaigns. An online portfolio or a simple website can help showcase your work.

Seek Work Experience

Look for internships or placements with marketing agencies, newspapers, or companies with in-house marketing teams.

Many organisations offer short-term placements for students interested in media or marketing. This experience will help you understand how copywriting fits within a business and give you the chance to work on real campaigns.

Develop Professional Connections and Specialise

Network with Industry Professionals

Attend events, join online groups, and connect with copywriters to learn more about the industry.

LinkedIn and professional organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) offer opportunities to meet experienced copywriters. You can ask for advice, learn about job openings, and find out about industry trends.

Choose a Specialism

Decide if you want to focus on a particular area such as digital marketing, SEO, or technical copywriting.

Copywriting covers many fields, including advertising, web content, social media, and product descriptions. Some copywriters become experts in a specific sector, such as healthcare or technology, which can make them more in demand.

🎯 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.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Copywriter and an Advertising copywriter share similar core skills, such as creating persuasive and engaging written content tailored for specific audiences. Both roles involve understanding branding and marketing strategies to craft compelling messages that promote products or services.

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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