According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, a copywriter is “someone whose job is to write the words for advertisements.” But we don’t just write advertisements – we also draft press releases, corporate communications, reports, speeches, video scripts, websites and copy for content marketing.
Whatever you do, please don’t confuse us with copyrighters – the legal types who charge princely fees to help you stamp © on everything. It’s a common mistake that even our closest friends and family make. So we thought it best to clear up a couple of misconceptions...
Misconception number 1: “Copywriters should be called writers; they’re basically the same thing.”
No, no, no, no... NO. Both professions may be consumed with finding the right words, but we work at different ends of the spectrum. A copywriter turns big ideas, articles or research into words that sell. Copywriters’ words need to entertain, inform, inspire and call readers to action. We’re here to put our clients’ products and services in the best possible light, reinforce their brands through carefully crafted words, and sell the heck out of their company, service or products.
Misconception number 2: “Copywriters are just like the people in Madmen.”
Even though most copywriters will be secretly flattered by any suggested similarities between themselves and John Hamm, the reality isn’t a Hollywood fantasy. We’ve swapped that stiff martini for a hard espresso, that notepad for a macbook and Don Draper’s caviler attitude for market research … but we love it just the same.
Misconception number 3: “Copywriters just copy other people’s writing.”
Pablo Picasso once said, “Good artists copy, great artists steal.” But copywriters who are serious about the craft would never even fathom plagiarizing someone else’s copy. The joy in writing comes from putting together just the right words to convey each client’s unique messages and brand personality. Somebody else’s words would never do justice to our work (or our egos).
Misconception number 4: “Copywriters are creative literary wizards.”
Oh wait, this one’s true.
Misconception number 5: “Copywriting is less important than design.”
We’re not saying one is more important than each other, but when it comes to websites, brochures and high-value purchases, how many consumers make the decision to buy based on your pretty floral design? It’s the copy that sells! As copywriters, our job is to build a relationship between readers and your company, sharing your story the best way we know how. A picture may be worth a thousand words - but great copy can get the message across with far less verbiage.
-Picture from Adept Media