The Job Of A Freelance Copy Writer

| Sunday, June 2, 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.

Writers of this sort are assigned a range of duties. Typically they handle web page content, social media, direct mail pieces, press releases, white papers, taglines, radio scripts, catalogs, sales letters, television scripts, billboards, brochures and more. Overall, these professionals are given work largely related to marketing communication.

Content that is written for web pages is usually done to help the page get a higher ranking in search engine results. The practice is called organic search engine optimization, or SEO. It includes strategically repeating key words and phrases on sites. This text is written to be casual and normal to most readers.

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 had much effect on this field. Online media, including emails and web content require this line of work. The web has given people the opportunity to conduct research, view work of others in the field and learn skills. Furthermore, it allows employers and possible employees to connect more easily. Technology has raised the amount of freelancing jobs available and the field has more competition than ever.

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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