What Do Copywriters Even Do?

Ever wondered what a copywriter actually does — and why anyone would need one?

Or maybe you want to flex your creative muscles and the idea of becoming one appeals to you.

In a world full of digital noise, words matter more than ever. Copywriting is what turns browsers into buyers, readers into clients, and content into results.

I’m a freelance copywriter in Sydney, specialising in crafting copy that connects, converts, and builds brands.

Read on to find out exactly what we do, why — and how to get into it yourself.

What Is Copywriting?

Copywriting is the art of researching, planning, and creating written content with the goal of selling something — hopefully without the reader clocking on!

Unlike copywriters, content creators produce anything from an Instagram reel to a blog post to inform, educate, entertain, or sometimes just for fun. Copywriters, however, write with the clear purpose of persuading and selling.

Consumers in the digital age are clever — annoyingly so. This means we have to be strategic and creative to get into their heads (that probably sounded creepier than intended).

The difference between a good ad and one that stays with you for life often comes down to hundreds of thousands of customers — and a fair bit of revenue. So, choose your copywriter wisely.

What Can Copywriters Do?

Copywriters are a mixed bag of tricks, but typically we produce, edit, or optimise written content. Personally, I focus on:

• Website copywriting

• Blog writing

• SEO copywriting

• Ad copy

• Content strategy

• Marketing campaigns

A lot of work also goes into researching, planning, optimising, and goal-setting before the writing even begins.

I take into consideration the specific audience, the values of the brand, search engine optimisation (SEO), brand guidelines, and a host of other details that I won’t bore you with.

The bottom line is: we’re magicians (or witches?)!

How Do You Become A Copywriter?

This isn't a black-and-white answer, because everyone does things differently, and that's perfectly ok — but there are definitely tips that will help speed things along!

One way is to choose a degree or online course in something related — like marketing and communications, journalism, or creative writing.

You absolutely don't need to go to university to be a copywriter — but having a formal qualification in a relevant field does give your resume some 'oomph' and credibility.

The next, and most important thing in my opinion, is to gather a portfolio and create a website (lots of free ones out there) showcasing work you've done — free or otherwise.

From there you can start applying to freelance copywriting jobs, and the more experience you have the more you learn, grow and improve your confidence.

Remember folks: sometimes it's who you know, not what you know! Make use of any industry contacts you have, and if you don't have any, start going to online or in-person events or join Facebook pages for creatives.

You'll be surprised at how many people need copywriting services and give beginners a shot.