Professional Copywriting is a lucrative career for writers who are willing to learn and work hard. Many AWAI members have had to transition to this career after experiencing layoffs and downsizing in previous professions, but for those who are successful, this can be an opportunity for a better quality of life with a more stable income.

Copywriters are creative wordsmiths that are adept at selecting just the right words to entice a target audience to take action. They also have a good feel for additional material that might give their words more power, such as an eye-catching photo or a compelling headline. Copywriters must be effective multitaskers, able to juggle multiple projects at once and often on tight deadlines. Excellent interpersonal skills are a must for copywriters, who must be able to effectively listen and ask questions to understand their clients’ objectives. Copywriters must be patient, as they may sometimes encounter dissatisfied clients that request rewrites of their original work.

Many businesses require content to be written with a specific audience in mind, including both internal and external customers. Whether that content is an in-depth white paper for enterprise software businesses or social media posts for thrill-seeking outdoor adventurers, it must be crafted in a way that will engage and resonate with that audience. In addition, the content must be infused with the right amount of jargon that will be understood by the targeted audience.

Copywriters who have excellent interpersonal skills are often able to work well with people from a variety of departments, including PR, marketing and customer service. They are able to understand the big picture and how their writing fits into a company’s overall strategy, then adapt that message to various platforms and mediums.

Getting started as a copywriter can be difficult, especially if you aren’t sure where to start or how to position yourself as an expert in your field. One option is to find an agency that needs copywriters and become a subcontractor, much like a plumber or electrician might work under a general contractor. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door of this industry, and it can provide stability with your income until you are able to build up your own client base. You can also pursue freelance opportunities on sites such as Upwork to gain experience and build up your portfolio. Once you have built up a solid portfolio, it’s time to start looking for full-time jobs. Regardless of the path you choose, it’s important to keep writing and learning in order to build on your successes and stay current with the ever-changing trends in the business world. By doing this, you will ensure that you are always ready to take on new challenges and continue to grow your career. This will help you to achieve your long-term goals for success as a professional copywriter.