OVERVIEW
What is a Copywriter?
Copywriters are the creative marketing professionals behind the messages you see every day—from website copy, blogs, and emails to social media posts, ads, and print materials. Their goal is to inform, engage, and persuade audiences in ways that inspire customers to action and drive results.
Copywriters can specialize in a specific area like digital marketing, social media, email marketing, traditional print ads, or long-form content. For example:
- Agency copywriters write ads, campaigns, and other persuasive advertising copy for multiple clients, often in a B2B setting.
- Corporate copywriters usually work in-house and focus on a single brand.
- Freelance copywriters typically work for a variety of clients on projects such as ads, web copy, landing pages, and social media.
- Content writers focus primarily on educational or informative long-form content such as blogs, articles, and white papers.
No matter which type of copywriting career you pursue, there is a need for skilled writers who excel at storytelling. Every business relies on copywriters to communicate effectively, persuade audiences, and build brand awareness. Whether you dream of working for an advertising agency, joining a corporate team, or running your own freelance business, if you enjoy writing copy that connects with people, then a career as a copywriter could be for you.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Copywriter Do?
Copywriters do more than just write. At the core of every copywriting role is the ability to understand an audience’s problem or need, and then craft messages in the right brand voice, tone, and format to engage, build trust, and provide solutions. Copywriting also includes a strategic understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) and AI-driven search results—meaning copywriters have to be skilled at writing content that resonates with people and performs online.
Depending on the role and organization, a copywriter’s daily responsibilities may include:
- Asking good questions to obtain key information. Copywriters are skilled researchers capable of sifting through many sources to find key insights.
- Researching competitors. Many copywriters are tasked with researching competitors to identify market gaps and write competitive messaging.
- Choosing the appropriate copywriting framework. Using copywriting frameworks like AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action) helps a copywriter create copy that is compelling and mindful of the marketing sales funnel.
- Planning out each section of copy. Great ideas mean nothing without strong organization and planning. From titles to sections to bulleted lists, thoughtful organization ensures content is readable and impactful for consumers.
- Writing clear, compelling copy for various mediums. From short-form copy like ads and newsletter blurbs to long-form blogs and articles, copywriters need an understanding of grammar, editing, and the purpose of multiple styles of content.
- Incorporating input from stakeholders. Executives, marketers, and other stakeholders provide valuable insights that help a copywriter align messaging with the target audience and business goals.
- Collaborating with editors. Copywriters work with editors to refine grammar, clarity, accuracy, and flow.
- Integrating marketing strategy, SEO, and AI insights. Today’s copywriters create content that not only connects with readers but also aligns with marketing goals through strategic use of SEO and AI-driven tools.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Copywriter?
Becoming a copywriter begins with building a strong foundation in writing, research, and marketing through education and experience:
Step 1: Earn a Degree in Communications or Marketing
Earning a bachelor’s degree in communications or marketing provides foundational skills in research, writing, editing, and audience awareness—all of which are essential for success as a copywriter.
Step 2: Gain Writing Experience
Gaining experience writing copy as an intern while earning your bachelor’s degree will help you begin to develop your portfolio.
Step 3: Build a Portfolio
Your portfolio showcases your best work and demonstrates your ability as a writer. A strong portfolio can set you apart when applying for a copywriter job.
Step 4: Apply for Entry-level Copywriting Roles
Once you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree and built your portfolio, you’re ready to apply for entry-level positions. These roles allow you to gain industry experience and enhance your portfolio for future roles.
Step 5: Earn a Master’s Degree
A master’s degree in digital marketing can elevate your skills in social media, email, and content marketing. When combined with talent and years of experience, it can position you for more advanced roles like creative director of copy, content manager, and chief content officer.
Best Degrees for a Copywriter
Business
Communications – B.S.
An online communications program designed for students who want real-world...
An online communications program designed for students who want real-world skills for a variety of industries.
- Time: 60% of students finish similar programs in 19 months.
- Tuition: $3,830 per 6-month term
- Courses: 38 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Strategic Communications
- Crisis Communication
- Content Creation
- Value-Based Leadership
- Project Management
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
Business
Marketing – M.S.
Two online marketing master's degree options with a focus on either...
Two online marketing master's degree options with a focus on either digital marketing or marketing analytics.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish WGU master's programs in 18 months
- Tuition: $4,805 per 6-month term
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program
- Specialization: Students choose from two specializations to focus their marketing studies on digital marketing or marketing analytics
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Management
- Strategic Planning
- Digital Marketing Analytics
- Presentations
- Market Research
- Communications
A marketing master's degree will help you prepare for a wide range of exciting marketing careers.
Business
Marketing – B.S.
For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:...
For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 19 months.
- Tuition: $3,830 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Communication
- Marketing
- Sales
- Management
- Project Management
- Product Management
Marketing is a creative and exciting field—and one where an undergraduate degree will open better opportunities.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Copywriter Need?
A successful copywriter blends creativity with strategy and digital expertise. While specific requirements vary by role and industry, most copywriting positions require skill such as:
- Ability to write clear, concise, audience-focused copy
- Command of grammar, tone, style, and voice
- Knowledge of online content creation and digital marketing strategies
- Experience with SEO and keyword integration
- Familiarity with AI tools for research, brainstorming, outlining, and content optimization
- Ability to adapt content format to meet current search trends
- Writing, reading, editing, and proofreading
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Organization
How Much Does a Copywriter Make?
$72,270
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for writers in the U.S. is $72,270* per year. The range for a copywriter salary is around $41,080 for the bottom 10% and $133,680 for the top 10%. How much copywriters make is largely influenced by education, skills, experience, type of role, company, industry, and other factors.
*As of May 2024
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
4%
The field of professional writing is expected to grow by 4% from 2024 to 2034.** This steady growth reflects the ongoing need for skilled communicators across industries. While AI has influenced how content is produced and discovered in search, writers who can bring human insight and a nuanced understanding of audiences remain in demand.
**According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of November 2025
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