Imagine being the voice behind your favorite brands.
Shaping their identity with every word you write.
As a brand copywriter, you have the opportunity to make a real impact, influence consumer behavior, and leave a lasting impression.
If you're ready to unleash your creativity, join the ranks of successful brand copywriters, and enjoy the perks of a passionate career in the world of marketing and advertising, this guide will show you how.
In this post…
You’ll discover what a brand copywriter is, the difference between branding and copywriting, the day-to-day activities of a brand copywriter, the main skills you must have to succeed, brand copywriter salary averages and a simple 5-step gameplan to quickly break into this field and start making some serious dough.
What is a Brand Copywriter?
Think of brand copywriters as the persuasive storytellers of the marketing world.
Their job is to craft compelling messages that resonate with a target audience and bring a brand's story to life.
Every tagline, website headline, social media post, and product description you come across – chances are, a brand copywriter had a hand in creating it.
They're the wizards behind the words that make you laugh, cry, or click that "buy now" button.
Brand copywriters understand a brand's voice and tone, know how to grab attention and drive action through their words.
So, if you have a knack for storytelling, a way with words, and a passion for persuasion, then brand copywriting might just be your calling.
What is the Difference Between Branding and Copywriting?
So, you've heard the terms "branding" and "copywriting" thrown around, but what sets them apart?
It’s simple…
Branding is about who the brand is, while copywriting is about how the brand communicates that identity to the world.
Branding is all about shaping a brand's identity – its personality, values, and overall perception in the minds of consumers. It's the big picture stuff… the logo, color palette, brand story, and messaging strategy.
On the other hand:
Copywriting is more focused on the nitty-gritty of communication & persuasion. It's about crafting specific messages – headlines, taglines, ad copy, and more – that convey the brand's essence and drive action.
Think of branding as the foundation, setting the tone and direction for the brand.
While copywriting is the tool used to build upon that foundation, creating meaningful connections with the audience.
What Does a Brand Copywriter Do?
Ever wondered what goes on in the day-to-day life of a brand copywriter? Let's peel back the curtain and take a peek.
Craft Compelling Messages
At the heart of it, a brand copywriter is a wordsmith magician. They're responsible for creating compelling messages that grab attention, evoke emotion, and inspire action. Whether it's a catchy tagline, a persuasive product description, or a captivating social media post, brand copywriters know how to make words work wonders.
Capture Brand Voice and Tone
Every brand has its own unique personality – its voice and tone.
A brand copywriter's job is to capture that essence and infuse it into every piece of copy they create.
Whether the brand is playful and quirky or sophisticated and professional, the copywriter ensures that every word reflects the brand's identity.
Collaborate with Creatives
Brand copywriters often collaborate closely with designers, art directors, and other creatives to bring their ideas to life.
They work hand in hand to ensure that the visual and verbal elements of a campaign are aligned and consistent, creating a seamless brand experience for the audience.
Stay Updated on Trends
In the fast-paced world of marketing, trends come and go at the blink of an eye.
Brand copywriters stay on top of the latest industry trends, consumer behavior patterns, and emerging technologies to ensure that their copy remains relevant and impactful.
Iterate and Improve
The work of a brand copywriter doesn't stop once the copy is written.
They constantly iterate and refine their work based on feedback, analytics, and results.
Whether it's A/B testing headlines, tweaking messaging for different audience segments, or optimizing copy for SEO, brand copywriters are always striving to improve and innovate.
The Main Brand Copywriting Services to Offer Clients
As a brand copywriter, you'll have a diverse array of services to offer your clients.
Let's break down some of the main ones:
Taglines and Slogans
Writing memorable taglines and slogans is a core service provided by brand copywriters. These short phrases encapsulate the essence of a brand and stick in the minds of consumers, helping to differentiate the brand from competitors and reinforce its positioning.
Website Copy
Your client's website is often their digital storefront – the first point of contact for potential customers. As a brand copywriter, you'll be responsible for creating engaging and persuasive website copy that not only informs visitors about the brand and its offerings but also compels them to take action, whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting the company.
Advertising Copy
From print ads to digital banners to social media ads, brand copywriters play a crucial role in creating advertising copy that grabs attention and drives conversions. Whether it's crafting compelling headlines, persuasive body copy, or irresistible calls to action, your words have the power to make or break an ad campaign.
Product Descriptions
E-commerce has exploded in recent years, and with it, the demand for enticing product descriptions. As a brand copywriter, you'll be tasked with creating product descriptions that not only highlight the features and benefits of the product but also tap into the emotions of potential buyers, making them eager to hit that "add to cart" button.
Email Campaigns
Email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for reaching and engaging customers. Brand copywriters play a key role in crafting email campaigns that stand out in crowded inboxes and drive sales.
Social Media Content
In today's digital age, social media is a key component of any brand's marketing strategy. Brand copywriters are responsible for creating engaging social media content that resonates with the target audience, builds brand awareness, and drives engagement. Whether it's writing witty tweets, captivating Instagram captions, or informative LinkedIn posts, your ability to craft engaging copy for various social media platforms will be invaluable to your clients.
Top 5 Skills to Have as a Brand Copywriter
So, you're interested in becoming a brand copywriter? Great choice! But what skills do you need to succeed in this dynamic and competitive field? Let's break it down:
Creativity
At the core of brand copywriting is creativity. You need to be able to think outside the box, come up with fresh ideas, and craft compelling messages that resonate with your audience.
Writing Skills
This one might seem obvious, but it's worth emphasizing – as a brand copywriter, your writing skills are your most valuable asset. You need to be able to write clear, concise, and persuasive copy that grabs attention and drives action.
Understanding of Branding
To be a successful brand copywriter, you need to have a deep understanding of branding principles. You need to be able to capture the essence of a brand – its personality, values, and unique selling points – and convey that effectively through your copy.
Attention to Detail
In the world of brand copywriting, every word counts.
That's why attention to detail is paramount. You need to be able to spot typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies in your copy, ensuring that it's polished and professional before it goes out into the world.
Adaptability
The world of marketing is constantly evolving, and as a brand copywriter, you need to be able to adapt to changing trends, technologies, and consumer preferences. Whether it's mastering new social media platforms, staying updated on the latest SEO techniques, or learning how to write for emerging formats like voice search or augmented reality, your ability to adapt and learn new skills will set you apart in the field.
By honing these essential skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful brand copywriter in 2024 and beyond.
Brand Copywriter Salary 2024
Wondering what kind of salary you can expect as a brand copywriter in 2024?
Let's break it down by different levels of experience:
Entry Level
For those just starting out in the field, entry-level brand copywriters can expect to earn an average salary ranging from $45,000 to $55,000 per year. At this level, you'll likely be working under the guidance of more experienced copywriters, honing your skills, and building your portfolio.
Mid Level
As you gain more experience and expertise in brand copywriting, your earning potential increases.
Mid-level brand copywriters with a few years of experience under their belt can expect to earn an average salary ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 per year.
At this stage, you'll likely have more autonomy in your work, taking on larger projects and contributing to strategic decision-making.
Senior Level
Senior brand copywriters, with significant experience and a proven track record of success, can command higher salaries. Senior-level copywriters can expect to earn an average salary ranging from $80,000 to $95,000 per year.
At this level, you'll often take on leadership roles, mentoring junior copywriters, and playing a key role in shaping the brand's messaging and voice.
Freelance
For those who prefer the flexibility and independence of freelancing, brand copywriting can be a lucrative option. Freelance brand copywriters typically charge on a project basis or hourly rate, with earnings varying based on the volume and complexity of projects. On average, freelance brand copywriters can earn anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on their level of experience and the demands of the project.
4 Reasons Why YOU Should Become a Brand Copywriter in 2024
Still on the fence about whether to pursue a career as a brand copywriter?
Here are four compelling reasons why you should take the leap in 2024:
1. Creative Freedom
As a brand copywriter, you'll have the opportunity to unleash your creativity on a daily basis. From crafting catchy taglines to writing engaging social media posts, every project offers a chance to flex your creative muscles and make a real impact with your words. If you're passionate about storytelling and love the idea of bringing brands to life through your writing, then brand copywriting is the perfect career for you.
2. High Demand
It’s no secret. Every brand is fighting for attention online. Because of this, the demand for talented brand copywriters has never been higher. From startups to Fortune 500 companies, businesses of all sizes and industries rely on skilled copywriters to help them stand out from the competition, connect with their target audience, and drive sales. With the right skills and expertise, you'll never be short of opportunities in this field.
3. Flexibility
One of the great perks of being a brand copywriter is the flexibility it offers. Whether you prefer the stability of a full-time job or the freedom of freelancing, there are plenty of options to suit your lifestyle and preferences. You can work in-house for a single company, join a creative agency, or strike out on your own as a freelancer – the choice is yours. Plus, with remote work becoming increasingly common, you can work from anywhere in the world and set your own schedule.
4. Impactful Work
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being a brand copywriter is the opportunity to make a real impact with your work. Your words have the power to shape how people perceive a brand, influence their purchasing decisions, and even inspire them to take action. Whether you're writing a compelling ad campaign, crafting a heartfelt brand story, or penning an inspiring social media post, you have the ability to leave a lasting impression on your audience and drive meaningful results for your clients.
How to Become a Brand Copywriter with NO Experience (Simple 5-Step Guide)
Step 1: Master the Fundamentals of Copywriting
The journey to success as a brand copywriter begins with a solid grasp of the fundamentals of copywriting.
Before diving into client projects and making strides in the industry, it's crucial to ensure you've mastered the essentials of copywriting.
These 10 recommended resources will help you understand how to craft persuasive and engaging brand messages:
- "The Boron Letters" by Gary Halbert
- "The Adweek Copywriting Handbook" by Joseph Sugarman
- "How to Write a Good Advertisement" by Victor O. Schwab
- "Scientific Advertising" by Claude Hopkins
- "The Ultimate Sales Letter" by Dan Kennedy
- "Ogilvy on Advertising" by David Ogilvy
- "Tested Advertising Methods" by John Caples
- "Cashvertising" by Drew Eric Whitman
- "The Copywriter’s Handbook" by Bob Bly
- "Kick-Ass Copywriting Secrets of a Marketing Rebel" by John Carlton
In addition to passive learning, it's essential to actively practice writing copy.
Check out this detailed blog post on how to effectively practice your brand copywriting skills.
This foundational phase, involving thorough learning of copywriting principles and practical application, will equip you with the essential skills needed for your exciting journey ahead as a brand copywriter.
Step 2: Gain Brand Copywriting Clients
Now that you've honed your brand copywriting skills, it's time to put them into action and start securing paying clients in the brand industry.
I've compiled a detailed blog post outlining 10 bullet-proof techniques for finding freelance brand copywriting clients – check it out here.
The objective at this stage is to gain valuable experience quickly.
You want to write for a variety of clients across different industries and platforms (such as social media, website content, product descriptions, emails, ads, etc.).
Accept any brand copywriting work you can get your hands on.
Avoid pigeonholing yourself into a specific niche initially.
After you've amassed a portfolio of writing samples, glowing testimonials, and valuable experience, you'll be ready for the next step in your brand copywriting journey.
Step 3: Choose Your Brand Copywriting Niche
After gaining diverse writing experiences, it's time to strategically choose a niche in the brand copywriting industry.
This decision is pivotal for unlocking your earning potential and positioning yourself as an authority in the field.
Refer to this comprehensive guide for a step-by-step approach to selecting a brand copywriting niche.
Step 4: Create Your Brand Copywriting Portfolio
Now that you've racked up a collection of writing samples and positive reviews, it's time to showcase your expertise through an impressive brand copywriting portfolio.
Believe it or not, creating an impressive portfolio can be a quick and straightforward process.
Follow this step-by-step guide for creating an attention-grabbing brand copywriting portfolio in 10 minutes or less.
This approach is ideal for beginner brand copywriters and is 100% free.
Once your portfolio is ready, you'll be able to use it as a magnet to attract and impress higher-quality clients and secure higher-paying jobs.
Step 5: Grow Your Brand Copywriting Career
This ultimate guide provides valuable insights and strategies to help you take your brand copywriting career to the next level. From networking tips to advanced techniques for landing high-paying clients, this resource covers everything you need to know to grow and thrive in the industry.
Whether you're looking to increase your income, land more prestigious projects, or establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to achieve your goals.
Conclusion
You now have a foolproof plan to start your career as a brand copywriter.
Follow the steps listed above and kick major bootay.
Want daily copywriting tips to help you maximize your income? Enter your email below: