What is a Copywriter?

Fellow copywriters will know the pain of being asked what they do for a living.

It’s a classic small-talk question, one to which you’ll have probably replied “copywriter” which in turn, was greeted by a blank look.

“I write things for like… Businesses and stuff.” Was perhaps your reply (if you’re me).

This will have been met with either further contortion of the face, or an awkward smile as the recipient of this knowledge pretends to know what you mean.

So, let’s break down what a copywriter is, and next time you get asked this question you can just load this blog and tell them to read on. That’s obviously much more awkward than the conversation above, so probably don’t do that.

Anyway, let’s start by identifying what copy is.

What is Copy?

Copy is just a fancy word for text AKA the written word AKA written pieces of content.

It’s really as simple as that.

NEXT.

What is Copywriting?

Since we now know copy is written words, this one is quite a simple answer – copywriting is writing words. (I promise this blog gets more interesting)

There are some copywriters who act like they’re God’s scribe sent from the heavens to bestow wisdom upon the masses, but at the end of the day, they just write stuff.

Actually, that is underplaying it a bit because if copywriting did just entail writing any old thing, pretty much anyone could be characterised as a copywriter.

From the weirdo scrawling dodgy instructions with a phone number on a toilet cubicle wall, to the disgruntled chap writing “Gibbo Is A Grass” on a fence in Thornaby, if you take that lazy definition as gospel then both of these people would be classed as copywriters.

More of a breakdown is in order, methinks.

Copywriting vs Other Writing

Copywriting, therefore, isn’t just writing anything; it’s writing with sales in mind. This means that any form of sales-based text you’ve ever read is a piece of copywriting.

Examples include websites, digital and physical brochures, leaflets, newsletters, adverts, press releases, slogans, blogs, you get the picture.

The top and bottom of it is: if it’s selling you something or convincing you to buy or do something. It’s copywriting.

What Does a Copywriter Do?

You might have guessed it already but mainly, a copywriter writes. (And tweets and drinks loads of coffee.)

Copywriters come in all shapes and sizes and carry out a range of different tasks.

Some work for themselves, others work for larger businesses as part of an in-house team.

Some work part-time, others work full-time.

Some offer copywriting as an add-on to other digital marketing services like social media, others focus solely on writing.

Some of them write long-form pieces, while others write short-form pieces.

Long-Form copywriters vs Short-Form copywriters

Don’t really fight. We’re writers not fighters.

To cover confusion up around these terms; let’s break them down.

Long-form includes anything such as blogs, website pages, articles, informational brochures and press releases.

Short-form might include slogans, newsletters, sales-oriented copy that’s punchy and to the point, and catchy straplines you might see on a billboard or website.

There are loads of examples of both, to be honest, but they’ll have to do because we don’t have all day.

Should I Use a Copywriter?

Yes. Because it’s what I do to keep a roof over my head.

No, but really, let’s be serious for a minute… Yeah, it’s still a yes.

If you want something that’s going to be purposefully written, effective, and catch people’s attention, use a copywriter.

It might be tempting to save some money and hit up Fiverr or PeoplePerHour, but more often than not, the results aren’t going to be as fruitful as using a proper copywriter who knows what they’re doing.

Copywriters might cost a little more but ultimately, it’s worth it and their work for you will lead to actual sales and enquiries, rather than leading to a big bag of nothing.

Get in Touch with Me

Some copywriters are really expensive but I’m affordable as.

Let me know if you need anything writing, whether it’s short-form pieces with punchiness, sales-based copy to attract eyes and keep them there, or long-form, SEO content such as blogs, articles, or website pages.

I love a bit of social media too, and a major service I provide is based around social media management or social media content creation for businesses.

I have no-obligation monthly packages available to suit every size of business and won’t overcharge or exaggerate how much social media you should be using. If you should only use one social media platform, I’ll tell you. If you should be using a few platforms, I’ll tell you.

If you should be using none at all, I’ll tell you that too, because I’m just a great guy.

I do loads of stuff, to be honest, so get in touch at james@writeocreative.co.uk for a free quote on whatever it is you need.