Fresh Profile: Copywriting Jobs

Published on 2008-04-28

With consumers migrating to the World Wide Web, it has become essential for top businesses to develop a presence on one of the most far-reaching mediums of our time. Businesses have found that it pays to invest in top-notch writers who can provide content that stops traffic - more specifically, content that transforms mere browsers into online buyers. The ability to convey a concise message in keeping with the overall tone of a website while mixing the right amount of information with professionalism and humor is a marketable asset in today's Web-driven job market. Voiceless content with no direction on the home page leaves users floundering and less likely to browse the rest of the site. Even more disastrously, it's unlikely they will remember the website at all when making their purchases. Writers who possess the ability to produce "conversion" - an online marketing term that refers to the conversion of search engine hits into sales - will have a direct impact on a company's bottom line. Online writing jobs are thus one of the fastest growing sectors in the writing market today.

With as broad a reach as the Internet has developed, it is only natural that specializations have evolved within the content writing community. Copywriting jobs require writers to produce content meant for short-term, advertising-geared media, while grant writers develop proposals meant to solicit funds from government organizations and charities. Some writing jobs require more than just a way with words; they require an absolute passion for the subject. Sports writing and technical writing jobs are most often offered to individuals who can display a background informed with a life-long passion for the desired theme.

Applicants interested in becoming content writers are often helped by a 4-year degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or one of the other humanities, although a passion for the subject can sometimes be your best selling point. Some jobs that might lead into a steady career as a content writer are proofreading work and a history of freelance writing jobs. Many content writers go on to more responsible editing jobs or pursue other writing-associated professions such as journalism, blogging and publishing. Unfortunately, high competition and low starting pay can sometimes discourage potential writers from pursuing a profession in this field. Although writing about favorite subjects can offer genuine satisfaction from one's job, content writers are sometimes challenged by less-than-stimulating topics, tight deadlines, long hours and lack of stability.

Content writing jobs are expected to grow in synch with the expanding Internet economy. The median annual salary for copywriters is between $45,000 and $50,000, although this varies greatly depending on location, specialization, education, contacts and especially experience. The field continues to be highly competitive due to the heightened attraction it offers to those with writing aspirations. All misgivings aside, if you possess the ability to craft a clear and concise message with wit and personality and you have the chops to weather the ups and downs that can sometimes plague the field, then you have as good a shot as anybody to become a top-notch content writer. Fresho.com is the career search website that will work hard to get you the best writing gigs available in your area, allowing you to build your resume and expand your network, moving you onto the next higher paying step in your writing career.