A copywriter is someone who writes content for advertising or marketing. A copywriter is responsible for writing commercials, websites, emails, advertisement catalogs with a call to action. Copy Writers are majorly responsible for writing text of advertisements or articles majorly for publicity or promotion.
In order to become a Copywriter, aspiring candidates can pursue Undergraduate or Postgraduate Journalism Courses in any subject. However Master of Arts in English is generally preferred by a lot of hiring companies. There are a number of top MA Colleges and Journalism Colleges in India, who enroll students on the basis of Entrance Exams.
Read More: How to Become a Content Writer
Even though there is no fixed salary range in this industry, a fresher can earn a minimum of 2-2.5 lakh per annum. The salary mainly depends on one’s experience and skills as a copywriter. Some are self-employed as freelance copywriters. With experience, high skills, and further training, copywriters may become creative directors in different advertisement agencies or advertising managers in Product based firms.
- Copywriter: Quick Facts
- Career as a Copywriter
- Steps to Become a Copywriter
- Types of Copywriters
- How to Become a Copywriter in India
5.1 Top Online Copywriting Courses
- Copywriting Certifications
- How to Become a Copywriter Abroad
- Benefits of a Career as a Copywriter
- Top Recruiters
- Salary of a Copywriter in India
10.1 Experience Wise
10.2 Job Role Wise
Copywriter: Quick Facts
Industry | Media And Advertising |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any field |
Average Starting Salary | 2.5 lakhs per annum |
Job Opportunity | Marketing Copywriter, Creative Copywriter, Digital Copywriter, SEO Copywriter, Technical Copywriter |
Career as a Copywriter
- Copywriting is a major part of the Media Industry. It has a very high demand, every company whether it is service-oriented or product-oriented requires someone to write catchy and crisp content for Marketing and to increase their brand awareness and convert users into customers.
- The copywriter has various roles like: Studying and Understanding the main features of products or services to create content accordingly.
- Planning and writing promotional content that will engage people and increase sales.
- Assisting creative directors in crafting ideas for advertising and promotion of a brand or its products.
- Writing advertisements for various platforms like newspapers, magazines, radio, television, billboards, websites, blogs and social media, etc.
- Writing brochures, annual reports, sales & promotional material, etc.
- For pursuing a career in copywriting the aspirant must have a knack for writing. One must have an English background from school level.
Steps to Become a Copywriter
Some of the key steps that should be followed in order to be become a Copywriter are listed below for your reference,
- Subject Combination: A student can choose any of the subjects in his class 12. Studying english as a core subject will help you sharpen your grammar and vocabulary, and writing skills that will help you with copywriting.
- Eligibility Criteria: Preferably have a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Journalism, mass communication, or Literature, a degree holders in other specializations are also eligible, should have good English proficiency and writing skills and finally should have basic knowledge of SEO and preferably some knowledge about digital marketing techniques.
- Entrance Exam: There are some entrance exams that you can prepare for after completion of 10+2 to get admission in courses related to copywriting. Some of the popular entrance exams are TISSNET, Delhi University M.A Entrance Exam, JNU M.A. Entrance Exam, Christ University M.A Entrance Exam, Azim Premji University M.A. Entrance Exam
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Types of Copywriters
There are different sectors where copywriters play a role, like Internet, advertisements, Radio advertisements, Taglines and headlines, Web page, content, Catalogs and pamphlets, Billboards, Brochures, Sales letters, Television or radio commercial scripts, etc. According to these sectors, different types of Copywriters focus on a specific department. Few different types of copywriters are:
- Brand Copywriter: Brand copywriter needs to consistently embody brand strategy for the organization they are working for. They need to ensure they write audience-centric copy.
- Digital Copywriter: A digital copywriter may specialize in one or several different forms of copywriting. They need to create content to sell a product or a service.
- SEO Copywriter: SEO copywriter creates a sales copy by stimulating the search engines and using proper keywords to index a website to attract quality traffic which in turn increases sales.
- Social Media Copywriter: Social media copywriters craft the messages, social media posts, and other things related to social media platforms for the company they work for.
- Marketing Copywriter: A Marketing copywriter works to prepare creative and persuasive copy to convince the consumers to purchase goods or services.
- Technical Copywriter: A Technical copywriter is supposed to write persuasive and explanatory copies to promote as well as compel consumers to purchase or avail technical products and services.
- Public Relation Copywriter: Public Relations Copywriter needs to understand what the press wants and create audience centric content to provide them with.
- Direct Response Copywriter: Direct response copywriter is required to write a sales copy to get an immediate response from the customers.
How to become a copywriter in India
- Students are required to complete 10+2 in any subject with an aggregate of 50 percent of marks or equivalent to it from a recognized board.
- After 10+2 one can prepare for copywriting courses in universities or colleges. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in any specialization can opt for a content writer career.
- A Bachelor’s in journalism or English is ideally preferred by recruiters.
- Popular Bachelor’s degrees courses include B.A. in Linguistics ( English, Hindi, French, German, Chinese, Spanish, or any other language), B.A. in Journalism, B.A. in Mass Communication, B.A. in Social Science, B.A. in Anthropology.
- After graduation, candidates can further apply for a masters course in related fields. A Master’s in journalism or English is ideally preferred by recruiters.
- Some of the popular entrance exams are: TISSNET, Delhi University M.A Entrance Exam, JNU M.A. Entrance Exam, Christ University M.A Entrance Exam, Azim Premji University M.A. Entrance Exam
- Popular Master’s degree courses include M.A. in Linguistics ( English, Hindi, French, German, Chinese, Spanish, or any other language), M.A. in Journalism, M.A. in Mass Communication, M.A. in Social Science, M.A. in Anthropology
- There are many certification courses available online in the sectors of marketing and advertisement that one can pursue for enhancing their skills and knowledge in copywriting. For Example, UpGrad copywriting courses, MICA digital marketing & communication course.
- Different Entrance Exams are conducted for admissions, mainly for post-graduate courses. Admissions are after the evaluation of a student's performance exam.
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Admissions are also provided based on a 10+2 passing percentage or Bachelors' degree passing percentage for B.A. courses and M.A. courses respectively.
Top Online Copywriting Courses
Learning skills as a copywriter can seem tough, as there is no professional course dedicated to copywriting in India. Pursuing BA, MA or Journalism courses can make you eligible to make a career in copywriting, but the actual skills, current trends and updates in the copywriting sector can be learned via online copywriting courses, dedicated solely to teaching tools and tricks you need to nail your copywriting career.
Course Name | Provider | Cost |
---|---|---|
SEO Copywriting Certification Program | SuccessWorks | INR 74087.55 |
Copywriting Kickstarter Course | The Creative Copywriter Academy | INR 21593.36 |
IDM Award in Digital Copywriting | IDM | INR 116631.68 |
Copywriting Masterclass | CIM | INR 136288.31 |
Writing for the Web Course | eMarketeers.com | INR 51719.59 |
Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting Course | AWAI | INR 36857.63 |
Copywriting course | The Blackford Centre | INR 51823.24 |
Sell Like Hell Copywriting Course | Carmine MasterPierro | INR 26060.95 |
Professional Copywriting course | Transmedia | INR 35758.04 |
Copywriting Certifications
Gaining certifications in the field of copywriting by qualifying some globally recognised exams to become a certified copywriter in a specific niche, can lead you to find best job offers, and increase your credibility as a copywriter. The top certifications available worldwide to become a certified copywriter are:
Certified Medical Writer Certification
- Medical Writing Certification Commission (MWCC) with American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) developed a certified medical writer certification.
- It is a certification available via a rigorous, online exam called MWC exam.
- MWC exam is an online, CBT based exam that consists of 125 MCQs in english, that can be attempted in 2.5 hours duration.
- Medical writers who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, and have a work experience of 2 years in medical writing are eligible for MWA exam.
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By earning a Medical writing certification, you increase your credibility as a medical writer and expand career opportunities in the field of copywriting.
Certified Professional Technical Communicator
- Society for Technical Communication (STC) offers a certification to become a certified technical writer.
- It has three levels of certification courses: Foundation, Practitioner, and Expert.
- The Foundation Certification focuses on basic knowledge of technical writing. To achieve the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) of Foundational level, candidates should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of technical communication by passing a test.
- The Practitioner level Certification will demonstrate mastery of applying best practices of technical writing. Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) of Practitioner level will be achieved by passing a test.
- The candidates must have Foundation Certification.
- Finally, to achieve the Expert Certification, a sample of work and expert interviews are conducted.
Certified Grant Writer
- Certified Grant Writer certification is awarded by American Grant Writers Association.
- It is an industry standard for giant writer professionals in America, every now and then giant writers give the exam to become a certified grant writer.
- Candidates are supposed to pass a 7 hour exam to earn a certification in giant writing. It is valid for a period of 5 years and may be renewed upon satisfactory completion of 30 CGW Renewal Credits.
Nationally Certified Resume Writer
- National Résumé Writers' Association (NRWA) offers Nationally Certified Resume Writer certification.
- NCRW has a set of guidelines and processes to be followed to earn a certification in resume writing.
- The candidate needs to first pass the NCRW Study Guide review quiz, and then submit a sample resume and cover letter for review by an NCRW Commission grader.
- In addition, he needs to cover continuing education units (CEUs) earned through attending various webinars and training.
- Although not the set standard, those who have at least 2 years of experience in writing resumes and cover letters are known to pass NRWA exams faster.
How to Become a Copywriter Abroad?
You can pursue a career in copywriting abroad as it has a greater scope and better job opportunities with a chance to travel and settle abroad.
- There are few courses that specifically focus on copywriting abroad, but you have the option to choose either a certificate course, bachelors or a masters degree in copywriting.
- There is no fixed eligibility to pursue copywriting courses abroad, the eligibility criteria is set by respective colleges.
- However, a good score in language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTA along with a statement of purpose and resume is a general prerequisite asked by every college abroad.
Top Copywriting Courses Abroad
Course | College Offering the Course |
---|---|
Ontario Graduate Certificate in Advertising Copywriting | Humber College, Canada |
Professional Development Diploma In Art Direction and Copywriting | West Herts College, UK |
Business, Master of Science (M.S.) with a concentration in branding/copywriting | Virginia Commonwealth University, USA |
Bachelor of Arts in Advertising: Copywriting Concentration | Temple University, USA |
Benefits of a Career as a Copywriter
There are various benefits of working as a copywriter:
- Flexible Working Hours: Copywriting can be often done as freelancing which provides flexible working hours.
- Opportunity to Work from Home: Copywriting often can be done remotely or from home, even when you work for a company. This provides you the freedom of working at your convenience and helps you to increase your potential and productivity.
- Freedom to be Creative: Copywriting is a form of writing so you have the freedom to explore and express your creative side. As the job also requires research, it allows you to learn new things and improve your potential.
- Decent Salary: A copywriter’s job is one of the highest paying jobs in the advertising sector. Even beginners can earn an average of 2.5LPA. Some companies can even pay as high as 20LPA to the employees who have around 10 years of work experience.
Skills Required for Copywriting
Some of the skill sets essential to become a Copywriter are tabulated below for your reference,
Passion for Writing | Creative Thinking | Researching and Analytical Skills |
Critical Thinking | Craft Catchy Headlines and Content | Ability to Learn and Grow |
Career as a Copywriter: Top Recruiters
The top recruiters belong to the advertisement agencies to publishing houses to pr firms and radio. Top recruiters for copywriters in India are as follows:
P&G | Times of India |
The Indian Express | Splendid Digital Solutions |
Zee Telefilms | O & M |
MBL-CRG | Lowe Lintas |
Rediffusion | - |
Salary of a copywriter in India
Copywriting is one of the highest paying jobs in the advertisement industry.
One may start with a low salary of INR 2.5 LPA but with the right skills and experience in the field, the salary can increase upto INR 4 LPA in less than 2-3 years. Some companies pay as high as 20LPA.
Salary Based on Experience
Salary | Beginner | Experienced Professionals |
---|---|---|
Average Salary | INR 2.5 lakh | INR 4 lakh |
Annual Salary | INR 1.2 lakh to 4 lakh | INR 2 lakh to 7 lakh |
Monthly Salary | INR 10K to 34.5K | INR 17K to 58.3K |
Salary Based on Types of Copywriters
Type of Copywriter | Salary |
---|---|
A Staff Copywriter in an Agency | $47k-$88k |
Copywriter for an in-house Marketing Firm | $48k-$84k |
Freelance Copywriters | $100k |
Copywriter: FAQs
Ques: Are content writing and copywriting the same?
Ques: What is the main role of a copywriter?
Ques: What is the academic qualification required to be hired as a copywriter?
Ques: Can one become a copywriter without any certification in a related field?
Ques: Is copywriting a good career option?
So if you are someone who enjoys writing and is eager to learn and grow, copywriting could be one of the best career options.
Ques: Which companies hire copywriters?
Ques: Is there any long-term employment option for copywriters?
Ques: Can one start a business as a copywriter?
Also, Many copywriters after gaining some experience and a good idea about the profession turn into self-employed freelance copywriters.
Ques: Are there any copywriting courses available online?
Ques: What are the perks of being a copywriter?