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Advertising copywriter

Alternative titles for this job include Copywriter, creative, advertiser

Advertising copywriters produce words for print, TV, radio and online adverts.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£80,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become an advertising copywriter

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a related subject like:

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

It may be possible to enter this job with a degree in an unrelated subject such like aw or biochemistry.

Entry requirements

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by starting with an advanced apprenticeship as a junior advertising creative or a junior content producer.

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

More Information

Volunteering

The key to finding work is to get as much work experience as possible. It will help you get a better understanding of the role, and make contacts who may help you to find paid work in advertising. You could try:

  • work experience
  • internships
  • temporary employment

Social networking sites like Twitter or LinkedIn can be useful for finding and contacting companies and agencies.

Direct Application

You can apply to companies directly if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge required for this role.

Some advertising agencies may also consider your application if you don't have a degree. You'll need to show off your creativity, writing skills and business sense.

Other Routes

You may be able to start on a graduate training scheme with an advertising agency, if you have a degree qualification.

More Information

Career tips

You could showcase your creative and communication skills through your own blog, website or social networking sites. You'll also need to develop a portfolio of your work to show potential employers.

You could also enter the D&AD New Blood competition, which is aimed at students and recent graduates not already employed in a creative role. It gives you the opportunity to work on real client briefs and showcase your work.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an advertising copywriter from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of English language
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to read English
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You'll work as a team with an art director, who will provide the images to go with your words.

You'll work from a brief which will tell you about the client, their product, the target audience and the advertising message they want to get across.

You'll then:

  • write clear and persuasive words
  • present your ideas to the agency's creative director and account team, and later, the client
  • make sure your work meets the codes of advertising practice
  • proofread copy to check spelling, grammar and facts

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to senior copywriter and creative director. 

You could also work freelance or set up your own agency.

Current opportunities

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