So You’re a Copywriter, Uh-huh

Defining the job of a freelance copywriter to someone in marketing is like explaining water to a fish. (Unnecessary.)

Defining what a copywriter is to the general masses is like explaining the plot of the DaVinci Code, well to…anybody. (Confusing…unless that’s just me.)

When I begin to explain what I do, I feel like people are just acting like they get it.

Super happy for me… but not a clue.

I totally get that.

I, too, had absolutely no idea what a copywriter was until I became one. So, trying to describe a job that so many people don’t even know exists has been interesting…to say the least.

Round-one of my attempts at a definition (the easy-breezy 10-second one), usually doesn’t land.

So, I immediately move to my level two definition (implemented to combat the dead-eye stare that I must fix) where I begin my clunky interpretation.

This part comes with dictionary definitions, the difference between right and write, and a whole lot of other mumbo jumbo.

I can quite put my finger on my major malfunction when it comes to explaining my own career choice! I feel like I make it simple.

Here’s a little example…

Person: “So what are you doing now that you quit teaching?”

Me: “I’m a copywriter.”

Person: (Dead eyes…)

Me launching into my explanation:

It’s digital marketing, so basically, it’s writing that involves selling but not immediately.

I write articles, ads, and website pages for companies...and other stuff.

I, um, write the words on people’s websites.

Person: “So you’re a copywriter…uh-huh.”

I may see my problem…

At some point during this awkward (non-exchange), I typically decide to abort mission explanation before it turns into a complete s**t show and change the subject altogether (possibly leaving them wondering if they just smelled burnt toast.)

Since writing is the skill the good Lord chose for me in the will do loads better than talking to people department when he was making me, I’ll just write a little diddy for ya.

What Copywriters ARE NOT

1. Copywriters don’t copyright things. (Notice the spelling-totally different.)

2. Copywriters aren’t editors. (They do edit their work, however.)

3. Copywriters don’t work in libraries. (Unless they bring their laptop to work there for the day instead of Starbucks.)

Ok, now with that being said, let’s get into what I really do for my job.

What Copywriters ARE

I grabbed this sweet little copywriting definition from AWAI.

Copywriting is the process of writing persuasive marketing and promotional materials that motivate people to take some form of action, such as make a purchase, click on a link, donate to a cause, or schedule a consultation.

Great definition.

For some reason, however, hard to say in a normal conversation. (I hear I’m not alone.)

So, yes, I write persuasive content for websites that can include so many different things from Facebook Ads to articles and interviews — even things you might not think of like a YouTube or podcast script or chatbot script. I could be asked to write newsletters, case studies, or E-books.

Copywriters do all of that. (and much more :))

When it comes to marketing, copywriters are in high demand.

This last year and a half dealing with Covid has pushed us five years ahead digitally, and companies need more and more content on their websites to keep up with this online information surge.

Copywriters are trained on the fundamentals of persuasion, but copywriting is not just about selling a product.

It’s so much more.

Copywriters write engaging content that connects with a company’s ideal customer. They solve problems, answer questions, inform, and ultimately add value. (It’s more fun than it sounds.)

This is my dream job because I actually LOVE to write. So, my lack of explaining skills: is really jackin’ up my “lucky me” vibe.

So, calling all copywriters…do you have an easy-breezy way to explain what you do?

If so, give me a shout-out below.

(It really shouldn’t be this hard.)

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