Hiring a skilled copywriter is crucial, yet many struggle to clearly define the role.
This article provides an exact copywriter job description template, outlining duties, requirements, and qualifications to allow you to efficiently hire for the position.
You’ll discover the key responsibilities of a copywriter, the top skills needed, and actionable resources to simplify drafting an accurate job post to find strong candidates.
Key Takeaways
- Strong writing skills, creativity, attention to detail, and knowledge of SEO are essential qualifications for a copywriter role.
- A copywriter’s responsibilities include writing for various mediums, conducting research, collaborating with teams, and revising content based on feedback.
- A good copywriter must be able use both his analytical and creative thinking to craft compelling narratives while also relying on data and testing to refine approaches.
Understanding the Role of a Copywriter
A copywriter is responsible for creating persuasive, compelling content to promote a company’s products, services, or brand.
Their work includes writing content for websites, blogs, social media, advertisements, marketing materials, and more.
Copywriters focus on engaging an audience and driving them to take action, whether to make a purchase, subscribe to a newsletter, or engage further with a brand.
To accomplish this, they employ storytelling techniques and psychological messaging tailored to the target demographic.
Essential Elements of a Copywriter Job Description
An effective copywriter job description should include:
- A concise overview of the position and its core objectives
- A list of main responsibilities like writing website content, blogs, emails, ad copy, etc.
- The types of materials the copywriter will produce (e.g. whitepapers, case studies, video scripts, etc.)
- Key skills and proficiencies required, including exceptional writing ability, creativity, analytical skills, SEO knowledge, etc.
- Software and tools copywriters need to be adept in using
- Any education, experience, certifications or portfolio samples required
Including these components helps set clear expectations for applicants, allowing you to identify the most qualified candidates for the role.
How do you write a job description for a copywriter?
Here is an effective job description template for a copywriter role:
Responsibilities
- Write clear, compelling copy for various mediums like ads, blog posts, emails, landing pages, etc.
- Conduct thorough research on products, services, customers, and market trends
- Interview subject matter experts to gather insights
- Collaborate with designers, developers, and managers to produce marketing campaigns
- Proofread copy and provide quality checks before publication
- Revise published copy based on real-time analytics and feedback
Requirements
- Proven work experience as a copywriter
- Portfolio demonstrating exceptional writing skills
- Excellent communication and research skills
- Creative mindset with strong attention to detail
- Ability to work well under deadlines
- Knowledge of AP style guidelines
- Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications or related field
- Background in journalism, creative writing or content marketing
- SEO writing experience
The job description should highlight the core copywriting duties such as writing compelling copy, conducting research, collaborating with teams, and revising published content.
It should also list the key requirements and qualifications like writing skills, creativity, project management abilities, and knowledge of AP style and SEO best practices.
Including specific responsibilities, requirements, and qualifications will attract qualified candidates and set clear expectations for the copywriter role.
What exactly does a copywriter do?
A copywriter is responsible for creating compelling written content to promote products, services, brands, causes, or organizations.
Their core duty is to craft persuasive messaging that resonates with target audiences and spurs them to take action, whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, donating to a cause, etc.
Specifically, a copywriter may create materials such as:
- Website content – Write product descriptions, blog posts, landing pages, FAQs, etc. to inform and engage site visitors.
- Advertising copy – Craft taglines, headlines, body copy for ads in various mediums (print, TV, radio, online).
- Sales letters/emails – Write compelling openings, dynamic body text, and motivating calls-to-action.
- Social media posts – Develop engaging social content across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn.
- Direct mail – Create direct mail letters, postcards, brochures to acquire and retain customers.
- Brand messaging – Define messaging frameworks that convey a company’s vision, personality, and value proposition.
- PR materials – Press releases, talking points, speeches, presentations, etc.
- Marketing collateral – Catalogs, flyers, newsletters, case studies, whitepapers, guides.
The goal is to produce copy that speaks directly to the ideal customer, highlighting the most persuasive benefits and features of a product or service.
A good copywriter must be able use both his analytical and creative thinking to craft compelling narratives while also relying on data and testing to refine approaches.
An effective copywriter can boost brand awareness, drive conversions, expand reach, and ultimately provide a significant ROI.
What is a digital copywriter job description?
As a digital copywriter, your primary role is to produce compelling written content for websites, digital ads, email campaigns, social media, and other online properties.
Your goal is to engage readers and motivate desired actions, like making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting the company.
Some key responsibilities in a digital copywriter job typically include:
- Writing product descriptions, website content, blog posts, newsletters, digital ads, social media posts, email campaigns, and other marketing collateral
- Conducting keyword research to optimize content for search engines
- Collaborating with designers, developers, marketing specialists, and clients
- Proofreading and editing written content before publication
- Testing content performance and making data-driven optimizations
- Keeping up with trends in digital marketing and optimization best practices
To succeed as a digital copywriter, you’ll need strong writing skills, creativity, attention to detail, analytical abilities, communication skills, and knowledge of SEO, marketing, and popular digital channels.
Most copywriting roles require a bachelor’s degree, portfolio of writing samples, and 1-3 years of professional writing experience.
The digital copywriter role is critical for engaging online audiences and driving business results through high-performing website content and digital campaigns. It involves a diverse mix of creative, analytical, and technical skills.
Copywriter Job Description Qualifications and Skills
Writing & Editing Prowess
Copywriters need excellent writing and editing skills to craft compelling content.
Key abilities include:
- Attention to detail – Copywriters must carefully proofread their work to catch any errors in spelling, grammar, or inconsistencies.
- Creative thinking – Coming up with fresh ideas and angles requires imagination and innovation.
- Writing versatility – Copywriters need to adapt their style for different mediums like websites, ads, social media, etc.
- Editing skills – While copy editors handle the final edits, copywriters must still critically review and refine their writing.
These writing and editing capabilities allow copywriters to produce high-quality content.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Copywriters must collaborate with team members like:
- Communications coordinators – Copywriters work with them to align content with overall communications strategy.
- Communications managers – Copywriters take guidance from managers to shape content that fits brand voice and goals.
- Clients – Copywriters may interface directly with clients to understand their needs.
Strong verbal and written communication skills are vital for this cross-team interaction.
Marketing & Branding Acumen
Copywriters should grasp core marketing ideas like:
- Brand identity – Understand a company’s brand voice, personality and style preferences.
- Target audience – Create content tailored to customer interests and pain points.
- Campaign strategy – Align writing with broader marketing campaign goals and messaging.
This knowledge allows copywriters to craft content that bolsters branding and achieves marketing objectives.
Copywriter vs Content Writer: Identifying the Distinctions
Specific Duties of a Copywriter
Copywriters focus on crafting persuasive messaging to promote products, services, or brands.
Their primary duties include:
- Writing compelling copy for advertisements, websites, brochures, etc. to capture attention and drive conversions
- Conducting research on products, buyers, and market trends to inform copy strategy
- Collaborating with creative teams to align copy with designs and campaign goals
By optimizing copy to speak directly to the target audience, copywriters play a crucial role in influencing customer behavior and purchases.
Content Writing Responsibilities
Content writers create informative, educational, or entertaining content.
Their main responsibilities include:
- Producing blogs, articles, ebooks, whitepapers, case studies, and other formats
- Conducting topic research to expand knowledge and source quality information
- Formatting content for publication across company websites, social media, and external platforms
Content serves purposes like thought leadership, audience engagement, and lead generation rather than hard sales.
Common Ground Between Copywriting and Content Writing
Though their end goals differ, copywriters and content writers share a few core duties:
- Writing clear, compelling, and grammatically sound content
- Understanding audience needs, interests, and pain points
- Adapting tone and style for different mediums and contexts
Both roles make valuable contributions to attracting, educating, and nurturing target audiences.
Their work combines to form a complete content strategy.
Crafting an Effective Copywriter Job Description
Job Title & Summary Craftsmanship
The job title should clearly convey the role and expectations to potential candidates. “Copywriter” is commonly used and understood. You may consider adding a descriptor like “Digital Copywriter” or “Creative Copywriter” for additional context.
The summary section should concisely overview the position’s core objectives and responsibilities in 2-4 sentences. Emphasize appealing aspects of the role like creativity, work-life balance, remote opportunities, etc.
Detailing Responsibilities and Expectations
Outline 4-8 major duties and expectations in bullet points.
These may include:
- Writing, editing, and proofreading marketing copy for various mediums
- Conducting keyword research to optimize content
- Collaborating with creative teams
- Maintaining brand voice and tone
- Adhering to deadlines
Use action verbs to describe responsibilities vividly. Quantify expectations around required copy volume, quality standards, etc. where possible.
Listing Requirements and Qualifications
Separate essential hard skills from nice-to-have experience.
Essentials may require:
- Proven copywriting experience
- Portfolio demonstrating adaptable writing styles
- Strong grasp of AP style and grammar conventions
Preferred qualifications can set apart top-tier candidates, like:
- Digital marketing familiarity
- HTML/CSS knowledge
- Video production skills
Keep the list concise but detailed enough to filter applicants effectively. Focus on must-haves for success in the role.
Conclusion: Summarizing the Copywriter Job Description Essentials
A well-crafted copywriter job description is essential for attracting qualified candidates and streamlining the hiring process.
By clearly outlining the responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications in a thoughtful job description, companies can target the best copywriting talent for their needs.
Recap of Key Takeaways for a Copywriter Role
- Copywriters are responsible for creating persuasive, engaging content to promote products, services, brands.
- Strong writing, editing, and analytical skills are required, along with creativity and attention to detail.
- The role differs from content writers and editors in its focus on sales and marketing copy aimed at conversion and action.
Final Thoughts on Utilizing the Job Description Template
Using a customizable copywriter job description template can save time while allowing companies to specify the precise abilities needed.
The template provided here offers a framework highlighting key areas to address. Tweaking it to match a company’s specific needs and voice can aid tremendously in sourcing and screening viable candidates.
An accurate, well-crafted job description is invaluable for companies seeking to boost their content marketing through selective copywriter hiring.
