A Filipino Copywriter Answers Ten Frequently-Asked Questions about Copywriting
Want to become (or hire) a copywriter? Here's what you need to know!
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This week, we’ll do a bit of zooming out. We’ll answer the top 10 frequently asked questions about copywriting and copywriters, as seen on Google via Answer the Public, and SEMrush. I hope this article helps you learn more about the craft and gets you excited to work as (or work with) a copywriter.
What is copywriting?
Copywriting is the art and science of crafting compelling content to sell products or services. Copywriting can involve writing social media captions, blog posts, video scripts, posters, and taglines.
What does an advertising copywriter do?
An advertising copywriter works at an ad agency and takes charge of various brands’ copy-related needs. If you’re working as a freelance copywriter, you might be doing the same, just that you’re getting clients directly instead of through an ad agency.
What are some copywriting examples?
Copywriting can range from audio ads, video scripts, social media posts, to billboards and Google Search ads. Here are some great copywriting examples from my Pinterest:
Source: Nelken Creative
Google Search ads, blogs, websites, and sales pages can also be written by copywriters. Some would argue, though, that blogs and websites are “content writing” - but I believe a good copywriter can learn to write those, too!
Which type of copywriting pays the most?
It depends on who you ask, really. Maku Copywriter mentions technical writing, direct response copywriting, and SEO content writing as some of the more profitable niches. But it also mentions specific verticals like fashion and health. I would argue that this depends on the brand you’re working with and if you’re writing for them in-house, as a freelancer, or through an ad agency. The American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI) writes that it’s important to get into a niche first, then make yourself the go-to copywriter for that vertical.
Personally, I’ve found that writing for foreign brands (whether in-house or as a freelancer) is a great way for Filipino copywriters to maximize their earning potential. This can apply to a service outsourcing brand or even e-commerce, so really, it’s up to you to discover what is in-demand out there! Here are some tips to help you get started if you want to try copywriting for overseas clients.
Which type of copywriting is the easiest?
“Easy” is relative to the person doing it. But as someone who started my career during the social media age, I would say that constant social media exposure made it quite easy for me to learn copywriting for this format/medium. For years, my bread and butter were social media retainers (specifically Facebook and Instagram), with occasional video projects.
If you’re a Gen Z fresh grad, copywriting for social media might be easy for you to learn, too. If you’re a career shifter from an older generation, you might find other formats like blogs or email marketing campaigns easier to learn. But this would depend as well on your capacity, the clients/brands on hand, and your mentor.
Will copywriting be replaced by AI or ChatGPT?
No, not really - not even with all the tools that can accelerate or supplement the research or crafting process! I believe that it takes human insights from human copywriters to copy that will resonate with humans.
That said, it doesn’t hurt to learn about AI and how you can use it to improve your craft.
Who needs a copywriter, and how can I find copywriting jobs?
Marketing departments and ad agencies need good copywriters on their team! If you’re interested in pursuing a career in copywriting, you can check out LinkedIn, Jobstreet, Kalibrr, or other job sites to find openings for copywriters. You might also find similar job descriptions listed under titles like “content strategist” and “content writer”, so keep an eye out for those as well.
How do I become a copywriter?
To start, figure out if you love writing enough to learn the ropes. And if you love it enough to fight for your ideas, tackle revisions, and deal with all sorts of clients.
Next, put together a copywriting portfolio. More about that here.
Then, look for entry-level copywriting jobs. These can be in-house with a brand’s marketing team, as part of an ad agency, or even freelance through outsourcing sites and [reputable] Facebook groups. I wrote more about the job application process here.
While you’re gaining experience, try to find mentors who can help you elevate your craft. You can also subscribe to newsletters (like this one!) and podcasts that will help you learn more about copywriting, marketing, advertising, and creativity.
How much are copywriters paid?
Your paycheck will depend on where you’re from and where your employer is based, how profitable your employer is, and the typical rate for copywriters in your niche. If you’re from the Philippines, you might get around P28,000 per month working as a copywriter in a typical ad agency setting (based on 2024 information).
Can I become a copywriter with no experience?
Sure you can! Everyone has to start somewhere with their craft, and that includes us writers. Fresh grads can become junior copywriters even if their degree didn’t deal with advertising. I have a degree in Broadcast Communication and didn’t get an internship as a copywriter - and my first job was a community manager post. One of my colleagues shifted from journalism to content strategy in her late 20s. My first creative director was a business school graduate - his only “experience” was reading a lot of advertising books! If you’re passionate about it, you can fight to get that experience and call yourself a copywriter 🥳
And that wraps up the 10 FAQs online about copywriters and copywriting! Got any other questions about copywriting? Send them in the comments!
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