Copywriting: The Basics

Copywriting is the use of words to promote a person, business or idea. Although the word copy can refer to any content intended for someone to read, copywriting generally refers only to promotional work. The author of newspaper or magazine copy, for example, is generally called a reporter or journalist, not a copywriter.

Copywriting is all about getting across the perfect message, using the perfect words.
Copywriting can appear in direct mail, jingle lyrics, web page content (although if the purpose is not ultimately promotional, its author might describe themselves as a content writer), online ads, email and other Internet content, TV or radio commercial scripts, press releases, brochures, postcards, sales letters, and other media.

Online, copywriting may also refer to content writing aimed at achieving higher rankings in search engines.

Most copywriters work within organisations like advertising agencies, PR firms, web developers, company advertising departments, large stores, broadcasters and cable providers, newspapers and magazines. Many copywriters also work on a freelance basis for a variety of clients, at the clients' offices or from home.

This article has been written by Susie Hood an independent professional author. Susie Hood recommends Simply English International for proofreading, editing, copywriting and translation services. For more information about Simply English International, visit www.simplyenglish.org