Digital copywriters are responsible for writing engaging and persuasive content for a target reader.

The aim of writing this copy is to get the reader to perform an action after reading your content such as buying a product or service. However, it may also be for informative reasons, such as to position a company spokesperson as a thought leader on a current industry trend or issue. You will mostly be writing content for company websites and will either be employed by that company or will be hired as a freelancer. 

This is usually a graduate position - but specific qualifications are not necessary. 

Having a qualification in marketing, journalism or creative writing can be helpful, but isn't necessary. An essay-based degree, such as history or English, will show that you have the skills to make a case with words effectively. If you have another specialism it may help you break into writing for technical, scientific, financial or other specialist industries.

You can gain an introduction to digital copywriting through one of the online courses available, including those run by established copywriters and those offered by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). You can also search online for free resources such as e-books and blogs that will give you tips on getting started.

The three main types of employers are

•  in-house

•  agency 

• freelance. 

Many large and medium-sized companies have an in-house marketing and communications department, which will include digital copy and content writers within their team.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and solopreneurs are more likely to outsource their writing to agencies or freelancers.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Campaign Jobs

• Simply Marketing Jobs

• The Drum

Some freelance job boards include:

• Freelance UK

• People Per Hour

As a freelancer, you can bid for and accept work from anywhere in the world. If you are able to research and adapt your writing style to suit a foreign client, there is no barrier to you gaining work.