If you love to write, and enjoy the world of advertising and promotion, then you might want to consider a career as a copywriter. You will be able to seek jobs in every form of media, whether you prefer to focus on online work or create catchy phrases for magazines. This guide will get you started by providing you with information on how to become a copywriter.

• When you flip through a magazine, are you drawn to the advertisements? Do you find yourself distracted by billboards, the words leaping out at you? When you are surfing the internet, do certain phrases capture your attention? If so, and if you have a gift for stringing together words, then this how to is for you. Continue reading this guide for information and tips on how to become a copywriter.

'H&M advertising copy (Creative Commons photo by mukund76)

• Copywriters create promotional copy for companies. This may include the words used in print ads and on billboards, as well as the spoken dialogue on television and in radio ads. Copywriters also put together informational text like that found in brochures, or write online copy meant to inform and dazzle people on various websites.

• There are very few educational requirements for an aspiring copywriter, as most of their hiring potential has to do with their portfolio. However, if you want to be hired at an actual advertising or public relations agency, it is a good idea to have an undergraduate degree. You may want to consider seeking a degree in:

1. Advertising
2. Public relations
3. Journalism
4. English
5. Creative writing

• There are many types of companies that hire copywriters as full-time employees or as freelancers, giving them assignments that are either web based, broadcast related or for hard copy publications. Those employing copywriters may include:

1. Advertising companies
2. Newspapers and magazines
3. Public relations firms
4. Web developers
5. Large stores
6. Radio stations
7. Television stations

• Portfolios, also called books, are essential for those seeking a copywriting job. You will want a portfolio that reflects the type of copy you want to write and also targets the specific medium you are interested in working in. If you want to work for an advertising company, for example, you will want to make sure your portfolio has a collection of ads you have worked on.

• Interning is a great way to gain experience as a copywriter. It is also the perfect opportunity to work on building your portfolio. Talk to your college adviser about available internships. Some college programs require an internship, so advertising firms have programs set up through the school. Otherwise, look on the internet for ad agencies and contact the creative directors about possible internship opportunities.

• Now it is time to seek employment! Remember, your portfolio is the key to getting hired. If you want to work on print copy for a brochure, for example, make sure you have created a few sample brochures. You do not necessarily have to intern for a company that does this type of work, but rather you need to make sure you have samples that reflect the same type of projects such a company would be hired for. Once you have your portfolio in tact, you can start contacting companies and sending them your resume. You may want to:

1. Find companies that are hiring by searching online
2. Look for job postings via your college job boards or related employment centers
3. Make cold calls

If you love writing and have a knack for creating catchy phrases, then why not explore a career in copywriting? You will have the option of working in an office, or as a freelance writer at home, so why not start preparing today? The above guide will provide you with all the necessary information to get started as a copywriter.

• Introduction
• Step 1: What Does a Copywriter Do?
• Step 2: Obtain an Undergraduate Degree
• Step 3: Decide What Type of Copywriting to Pursue
• Step 4: Build a Portfolio
• Step 5: Intern
• Step 6: Get a Job
• Conclusion