How often has a written Ad compelled you to buy a product? Or at least click and view the website? Probably once or twice a day. These persuasive written texts might inform you about a brand or product, or persuade you to share the information with others.
This kind of writing is done by Copywriters. They grab your attention and make you take action that will be profitable for the business. Interesting, right? If you want to become a Copywriter, we’ve got you covered.
The article will explain about how to become a Copywriter; the educational qualifications, courses, and colleges in India and abroad. And finally, an insight into the job preparation, income, and recruiters in India and abroad.
Who is a Copywriter?
A copywriter writes or creates copies for advertising or marketing a product or service to encourage the reader to take a specific action. (For instance: Purchase the item.) They research, plan and write online content depending on their chosen niche or topic.
Learn more: How to become a Screenwriter- A Complete Educational Guide
How to Become a Copywriter
A key term to remember when learning how to become a Copywriter is “persuasive writing.” Therefore, excellent writing and communication skills are a must for this profession.
Though the field doesn’t demand high educational qualifications, it prefers an undergraduate degree, writing experience, and certifications in potential candidates.
Step 1: Stream to select
As mentioned before, the field demands a person who has excellent writing skills and communication skills. Since one has to write for brands and businesses, an undergraduate degree in arts, literature, marketing, business, or related fields would be beneficial.
Step 2: Certification Courses & Project Courses
Copywriting is one of the career options that provide extensive freelance opportunities. Therefore, there is a range of online certificate courses available online.
Here are a few certificates courses one can try:
Name of the course | Duration |
Copywriting Masterclass by CIM | 48 hours |
SEO Copywriting Certification Program by SuccessWorks | 1- 2 months |
Professional Copywriting course by Transmedia | 1 day |
Blackford Centre for Copywriting | 90 days |
‘Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting’ course. | 3- 4 months |
Complete Copywriter course by The Writers Bureau | Not specified |
SEO Copywriting Certification program by Success Works | 3 months |
Copywriting and Training by Henry Harvin | 16 hours |
These courses also provide exposure to working on projects or encourage individual projects.
Step 3: Educational Qualifications
Though one can get an entry-level job as a copywriter with a two-year course, it would be beneficial to complete an undergraduate degree to get an upper hand while recruiting.
How to become a Copywriter after 10th
There are no restrictions on which stream one can choose after the completion of Grade 10. Advisably, enrol in a certificate or short-term courses related to writing, advertising, etc. to develop the required skill.
Check out the Clever Harvey Junior MBA course on Advertising to learn the problem-solving and communication skills required for the field.
How to become a Copywriter after 12th
An undergraduate degree in literature, arts, marketing, advertising, psychology, etc. will provide you with good exposure to the advertising business while enhancing your written communication skills. Understanding consumer psychology is a valuable asset in encouraging user activity.
- To become a copywriter in India
To apply for any diploma or undergraduate course, a minimum of 50% in Grade 10 + 2 is required from a recognized board and university. There are few universities that have their own common or subject-specific entrance exam.
- UG courses In India
Here are a few courses one can try:
Name of the course | Duration |
Bachelors in Arts with specialization in Literature | 3 years |
Bachelors in Mass Media | 3 years |
Bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication | 3 years |
Bachelors in Social Sciences | 3 years |
Bachelors in Advertising | 3 years |
- Top colleges in India to become a copywriter
Here are a few top colleges for the above-mentioned courses:
Name of the University | Location |
Indian Institute of Mass Communication | New Delhi |
Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media | Bangalore |
Sophia College for Women | Mumbai |
Xavier’s College | Mumbai |
Christ University | Delhi |
Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communications | Pune |
Jawaharlal National University | Delhi |
Madras Christian College | Chennai |
Presidency College | Banglore |
Lady Shriram College | Delhi |
- To become a copywriter Abroad
In order to apply for an undergraduate program abroad, a candidate will need to have the following documents,
- A minimum of 60% in 10 + 2 from a recognized board and institution.
- Statement of Purpose with two references.
- A filled application and Supplementary Application questionnaire (SAQ)
- IELTS score of 5.5 and above.
- TOEFL score of 90 and above
- Diploma courses Abroad
Here are a few courses one can try:
Name of the course | Duration |
Art direction and Copywriting by POLI.design | 13 months |
Confident Copywriting Online Short Course by University of Arts, London | 6 weeks |
Creative Advertising by Seneca College | 2 years |
Professional Development Diploma In Art Direction and Copywriting | 1 year |
- UG Courses Abroad
Here are a few courses one can try:
Name of the course | Duration |
Bachelor of Arts in Advertising: Copywriting Concentration | 3 years |
Graduate Certificate in Advertising Copywriting | 3 years |
BA Advertising: Creative Advertising | 3 years |
Bachelor in Communication and Media | 3 years |
Bachelor of Communication: Advertising | 3 years |
- Top colleges abroad
The above-mentioned courses are offered in the following colleges/universities.
Name of the University | Location |
Temple University | USA |
Humber College | Canada |
University of Wales Trinity Saint David | Swansea Wales |
University of Southern Queensland | Australia |
Deakin University | Australia |
Virginia Commonwealth University | USA |
Centennial College | Canada |
Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology | Canada |
Griffith College | Ireland |
University of Illinois | USA |
Step 4: Job Preparation for a Copywriter
- Internships:
Internships are integral to becoming a Copywriter. Ensure to apply for internships during and after your undergraduate program. This will help you write copies on different topics and create samples of work for a portfolio or future reference.
Entry-level internships or positions are a great way to understand the industry. They might not pay you well but will help with brushing up your writing and communication skills.
- Portfolio creation:
After you have written a decent number of copies, collate them as writing samples for recruiters to go through. Support them with evidence of internships, certificates, and projects you have worked on.
Try out your hand at copywriting by creating a Youtube ad for Domino’s with Clever Harvey’s JuniorMBA in Advertising program and add a real industry project to your portfolio!
- Freelance
After gaining 2-3 years of experience in Copywriting, one can transition to becoming a full-time freelance copywriter. You can work on multiple projects and enhance your skill in the chosen niche.
Set up your own website or share portfolio to create connections and attract new recruiters.
Skills to become a Copywriter
- Written Communication skills
- Creative writing
- Research and Analytical skills
- Digital Marketing
- Critical thinking
- SEO analytics
- Proofreading
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
Also read: How To Become An Education Counselor – Detailed Guide
Salary for a Copywriter
Entry-level jobs in Copywriting pay a decent amount and are to be looked at more from an upskilling perspective. According to websites like glassdoor, ambition box, etc. the average annual salary of a copywriter in India is estimated to be around 3.5 lakhs.
Salary in India for a Copywriter
Salary of Copywriters based on their role:
Role | SEO copywriter | Product Copywriter | Creative copywriter | B2C Copywriter | Ad Copywriter |
Avg. salary p.a | 3.1 LPA | 4.5 LPA | 3.7 LPA | 3.5 LPA | 4.8 LPA |
Salary abroad for a Copywriter
Following are the average annual salary of copywriters abroad:
Country | US(in dollars) | UK(in pounds) | New Zealand(in NZ Dollars) | Australia(in Australian dollars) | Canada(in Canadian dollars) |
Avg. salary p.a | $68,980 | 48,300 GBP | 65,400 NZD | $85,000 | $50,000 |
Top recruiters in India for Copywriters
- Write Right
- Taletel
- Texttaur Communication
- Flowink pictures
- Webs Utility Global
- SEO Content India
- The Best Copywriter
- Freelancer
- TCS
- LeoBurnett
Top agencies abroad for Copywriters
- Stratton Craig
- Copify
- The Creative copywriter
- Rightlywritten
- Tanda Copywriting. …
- ABC Copywriting. …
- The Quick word Company
- JLT Creative
- The Write Stuff
- Fluid Copy.
Owing to the pandemic and normalizing the remote work option, freelance copywriting has thrived in recent years. The job also requires the adaptability skill to maintain projects and meet recruiter demands. Overall it is a career option that has the potential to generate a steady income.
FAQs about how to become a Copywriter
Who is a copywriter?
A copywriter writes or creates copies for advertising or marketing a product or service to encourage the reader to take a specific action. (For instance: Purchase the item.)
What are the qualifications required to become a copywriter?
Since one has to write for brands and businesses, an undergraduate degree in arts, literature, marketing, business, or related field would be beneficial.
How much does a copywriter earn in India?
According to websites like glassdoor, ambition box, etc. the average annual salary of a copywriter in India is estimated to be around 3.5 lakhs.
Can I become a freelance copywriter?
After gaining 2-3 years of experience in Copywriting, one can transition to becoming a full-time freelance copywriter.
What are the skills required to become a copywriter?
Written Communication skills, Creative writing, Research and Analytical skills, Digital Marketing, Critical thinking, SEO analytics, Proofreading, Adaptability, etc.
Should I apply for internships to become a copywriter?
Internships are integral to becoming a Copywriter. Ensure to apply for internships during and after your undergraduate program.