Advertising copywriter

Advertising copywriters create engaging written content for ad campaigns, websites, social media, TV, print and radio.

Also known as: Copywriter, creative, advertiser

• Starter salary£24,000 a year
• Experienced£45,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 40 a week

What you'll do

As an advertising copywriter, you could:

• work closely with the creative team to understand the client brief
• develop campaign ideas with an art director
• write clear and persuasive content to appeal to the target audience
• refine content based on feedback ready for final approval
• present your ideas to the agency's creative director, account team and the client
• make sure your work meets advertising practice standards
• manage tight deadlines

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• excellent written communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of media production and communication
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a advertising copywriter

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in a subject like:

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

Postgraduate courses in advertising are also widely available.

You might be able to get into this job with a degree in an unrelated subject. For example, if you have a degree in biochemistry or law, you may be able to find work in the marketing department of a larger scientific research company or law firm.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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

Volunteering

Work experience could give you a better understanding of the role. You would also make contacts who might be of help when you look for paid work in advertising.

You could try:

• volunteering
• internships
• temporary jobs

Social media sites like LinkedIn can be a useful way to make contact with companies about potential opportunities.

Direct application

You can apply to agencies directly if you have the skills and knowledge needed for this job, such as:

• creativity
• writing skills
• business sense

Other routes

If you have a degree, you can apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with an advertising agency.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior copywriter or creative director.

You could also work freelance for different clients, or set up your own copywriting agency.

Career tips

You could showcase your skills by creating your own online 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 promote your work.

Guides for this industry

• Creative & Media: pay, interviews and getting started →

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