Copywriter Careers: What Genre Are You Looking For?

Copywriter careers are far more varied than most people ever realize. Copywriters usually specialize in just a few areas of copywriting, whether that's direct mail marketing or Internet content generation. Because the field of copywriting is so incredibly broad, it helps to know the differences whether you're looking for a copywriter or wanting to become one.

Of course, copywriting can be defined as any writing meant to persuade. Therefore, marketing and copywriting almost always coincide, so it's important for any copywriter to have a sound basis in marketing no matter what sub-field they're in. In addition, get to know the normal rates and contract terms that should apply to any copywriting job before contracting a specialized copywriter.

Direct Marketing Copywriter

One of the oldest subfields of copywriter is the direct marketing copywriter. This specialization allows a copywriter to craft a catchy advertising message in fifty words or less to get people interested in a product. You can find extensive examples of this sort of copywriting in the classified section of any newspaper, although classified ads are frequently not professional quality. This ability is important for any copywriter, but some rare few take it to an art form and can pull in huge conversion rates for their clients. This field also covers billboard ads, banner ads, and any other advertising medium featuring a small area to sell a big idea.

Lead Generation Package Copywriter

Lead generation package copy is a closely related field to direct marketing. These copywriters can do the tiny ads, but they can also put together a complete package that includes a long sales letter, multiple ads of varying length, and a variety of upsell and cross sell options. This breed of copywriter works best for creating a marketing system that maximizes leads in a direct mail or Internet marketing campaign.

B2B Copywriter

Business to business copywriters are well versed in creating sales packages outlining financial and operational features and benefits. Unlike retail consumers, successful businesses never buy on impulse and are largely immune to emotional appeals, so a business to business copywriter must write well enough to convey the concrete details and projected benefits of a B2B product.

Press Release/Resume Copywriter

Press releases and resumes are different copywriting fields, but there are enough similarities to justify putting them in the same paragraph. The important feature about both of these genres is that they must persuade while keeping a somewhat formal, professional tone.

Internet Content Copywriter

The rise of the Internet has led to the explosion of the content copywriter population. These copywriters specialize in producing SEO friendly copy for blogs, articles, and websites. While you can find them for a dime a dozen on various "freelancer" sites, it's vital to hire a good one. Yes, you'll pay more for a trained SEO copywriter, but you'll only have to pay it once because your content will still be readable, relevant, and appealing when your competitors have dropped off the map.

Grant Copywriting

Grantwriters are a breed apart. They write letters that beg for money without sounding stupid, which is a lot harder than most people appreciate. Ever tried writing a letter home to Mom and Dad asking for money? Grantwriting is about a hundred times harder.

They also know the foundations you need to appeal to. There are thousands of foundations and grant providers out there, and most people don't have the time or skill to find the right ones. Grantwriters, already familiar with the field, can identify the organizations most likely to give grants to a particular project. The time and money saved is incalculable.

Speech/Script Copywriters

The copywriters who can put together speeches and scripts that sound good over TV or radio are specialists of high caliber. Try this. Write out what you think is a good speech. Now, record yourself reading it. Play it back. If you don't sound like a complete dork, you may be able to write speeches and scripts.

Speech and script writers have to be intimately aware of the rhythm of spoken language. They have to translate that rhythm into written language well enough that others can feel it. They use every copy trick in the book and then some in order to compete in the vicious radio/TV/phone script fields.

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I'll be adding more categories of copywriter as I research them, but if you have any immediate questions please don't hesitate to contact me with your questions, they recieve top priority and will usually be answered within one business day.