If you have a basic understanding of how the web world works, enjoy learning of the latest trends in digital marketing and writing, a career as a Digital Copywriter could be for you.
Career Overview
A Digital Copywriter will create the written content for various digital platforms such as websites, blogs, social media and the list goes on. Your main aim is to understand various digital target audiences and then write content that will convince them of the credibility of your client brands.
Required School Subjects
You will need to have taken the following subjects at high school:
- English (language, writing, creative writing etc.)
- Pure Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Recommended subjects:
- History
- Art or Design
Institution and APS
In general, you will need an APS of 34+, in order to get in at one of these recommended institutions.
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – APS of 32
- University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) – APS of 28 – 48
- University of Witwatersrand (WITS) – APS of 34+
- University of Free State (UFS) – APS of 30
- City Varsity
Required Qualification/s
A degree in Media, English, Linguistics or anything relating to writing and communications would be ideal if you want to become a Digital Copywriter. You could also look at courses in IT, Marketing and Advertising. Apply for a general Bachelor of Arts at any of the recommended institutions in South Africa, or you can complete an accredited short course or postgraduate degree if you’d like to hone in on your digital marketing and content creation skills.
Required Skills
You will need to have the following skills to succeed as a Digital Copywriter:
- knowledge in SEO and digital marketing strategies
- an ability to work with people and listen well
- technical developmental and communication skills
- IT proficiency
- research and analytical skills
- editing & proofreading
- attention to detail and accuracy
- an ability to turn concepts and vision into digital communications
- time management
- management of various accounts, projects and portfolios (discipline)
Where you can work
You will be able to work in the following environments as a Digital Copywriter:
- Various big or smaller organisations with a marketing or communications department
- Media agencies (publications, digital firms, big organisations)
- Freelance
Working Hours
Regular working hours for Digital Copywriters can be totally dependent on deadlines but generally the job would require between 40 – 45 hours per week. If you decide to become a freelancer then your work would potentially also revolve around deadlines and according to your client’s needs, and how much of your time you’re setting aside for work.
Expected Salary
The average salary per year as a Digital Copywriter, in South Africa, is around R174 401 with an hourly rate of about R200 per hour. This is dependant on your experience in the field and the type of position you are able to get. If you’re more experienced and senior, your pay will increase. If you’re a freelancer, then you’ll work according to an hourly rate or depending on the packages you offer.
What to expect
Here are a few things you can expect from a career as a Digital Copywriter:
- You will be working with various brands, visions, people and ideas. Researching target audiences, and gaining knowledge and understanding in the different fields is essential.
- Expect to write for multiple clients, portfolios and projects at once, this may include some tight deadlines, depending on the agreement.
- Be ready to work together with your clients, and other team members to achieve the best possible outcomes for your clients. You are there to serve them, and to ensure their vision is interpreted well and executed even better!
- Keep your personal input flowing so that you will have lots to give. Attending workshops, PR conferences and the like can really help you network and gain more experience and understanding.
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