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Advertising copywriter

Alternative titles for this job include Copywriter, creative, advertiser

Advertising copywriters create the words used 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

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 subject like:

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

You might be able to get into this job with a degree in an unrelated subject. For example, if you want to be a copywriter for a science company or a law company, you might be able to get a job with a degree in law 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 doing a junior advertising creative or junior content producer advanced apprenticeship.

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

Work experience will help you get a better understanding of the role. You'll also get to make contacts who may help you to find paid work in advertising. You could try volunteering, internships or temporary jobs.

Social networking sites like Twitter or LinkedIn can be useful to make contact with companies.

Direct Application

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

Some advertising agencies might consider your application if you do not have a degree. In this case, you'll need to show off your creativity, writing skills and business sense.

Other Routes

If you have a degree, you can apply for graduate training scheme with advertising agencies.

More Information

Career tips

You could showcase your skills by creating your own 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 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

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You'll work as a team with an art director who will provide 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, account team and the client
  • make sure your work meets the codes of advertising practice
  • proofread adverts to check spelling, grammar and facts

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

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