The Job Of A Freelance Copy Writer

| Tuesday, June 4, 2013
By Michelle Howe


The writing of text for the primary purpose of marketing or advertising a certain opinion, product, business, idea or person is known as copy writing. The goal of this work is to persuade readers to follow a specific viewpoint or purchase an item that is advertised. Copy writers are the professionals who do this line of work. A person who is not employed by a specific business but does this work independently is called a freelance copy writer.

These writers have a range of tasks to complete as part of their jobs. Typically they are assigned to projects related to tagline creation, jingle lyrics, online advertisements, web page content, direct mail pieces, radio or television scripts, brochures, catalogs, white papers, social media, press releases, billboards, sales letters and more. Essentially, these workers are largely involved with marketing communication.

Content written specifically for websites is done with the purpose of increasing ranking on results pages for search engines. This is referred to as organic SEO, also called search engine optimization. This process involves the strategic repeating of certain key phrases or words throughout a site. This is done in a manner that the text reads normal and casual to viewers.

In general, professionals in this field work for organizations, including broadcast and cable providers, magazines, ad agencies, PR firms, newspapers, large stores, book publishers, and ad departments of companies. There is also the freelancer who acts as an independent contractor for work. These people do jobs for a range of clients and may take on some projects from special copy writing agencies that provide layout, proof reading, fact checking, SEO, social media, design, development editing, writing and other similar services.

Freelance or not, these professionals often work as a creative group. Many times they are paired up with art directors. The writer handles the verbal and textual content. They are expected to tell stories that will resonate with potential viewers and illicit a specific response emotionally. The art director would be more focused on visual communication and may do production oversight.

This position is very similar to that held by technical writers. In fact, it is common for these two jobs to overlap in their duties. Technical writing, in broad terms, is centered on giving readers information and not persuading. So, while copy writers are given the assignment of writing an advertisement to sell a vehicle, technical writers are drafting the operating manual for said vehicle.

The Internet has played a major role in this industry. Web content, emails and a lot of other online media requires these services. The web has made learning the skill, viewing work by others and conducting research easier to do. Likewise, it has become a venue for employed and potential employees to connect. Technology has also raised the amount of freelancing jobs available, thus making the field more competitive.

Copy writing is used primarily as a tool for marketing. The professionals who do this job must write text for advertising and marketing purposes. Individuals may work for an agency or company. There is also a freelance copy writer who works independently, contracting out his or her own jobs. The popularity of the web has increased the number of opportunities in this industry and also made the field competitive.




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