Working in the Digital Age means you always have to be on top of the latest trends. Every day it seems like there is some sort of advancement in AI, information technology, or digital marketing. Copywriting jobs keep up with these advancements and have expanded beyond traditional forms of advertising and marketing. While the classic role of a copywriter still exists, there are now numerous non-traditional copywriter jobs that offer exciting opportunities for writers with diverse skill sets.
Maybe you’re just starting to navigate the market, or maybe you’re an experienced writer and are trying to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. Take a step outside of your comfort zone and consider what non-traditional copywriting jobs have to offer. They can give you the chance to shape narratives, influence industries, and make a meaningful impact on a global scale.
Venturing into non-traditional copywriter jobs allows you to reach audiences in unconventional ways. From interactive copywriter jobs to ghostwriting, the possibilities are vast. Let’s take a deeper look at some of these non-traditional copywriter roles and the unique challenges and rewards they offer.
Interactive Copywriting
We all use our phones every day. Phones and laptops are practically a part of the human anatomy at this point. It’s common for children and adolescents to play video games, and somewhat strange when you meet one that doesn’t. Almost everyone has played a game or taken a quiz online. Who are the people behind the screen you’re facing? Think about how a quiz you took or a game you played caught and held your attention. There is a dedicated team of people that research and develop the user experience (UX) for any virtual journey.
An interactive copywriter will work with a (UX) team to aid the development of a user’s experience. Copywriters play a crucial role by writing entertaining content that will fascinate potential users and keep them interested. Interactive copywriter jobs include writing for games, quizzes, and virtual reality (VR). Interactive copywriting also requires a knack for storytelling combined with an understanding of the interactive medium.
This niche can be really fun and creative. By crafting compelling narratives and dialogue, copywriters immerse players or users in captivating virtual worlds. Whether it’s developing characters, writing branching storylines, or creating captivating dialogues, interactive copywriting brings stories to life in a whole new way.
Technical Writing
While technical writing may not be new, its importance in the digital era cannot be overstated. Technical writers specialize in creating manuals, product descriptions, and documentation that effectively communicate complex concepts to users or consumers. These writers bridge the gap between technical jargon and everyday language. They ensure that end-users can efficiently understand and utilize products or services. Their work is vital in fields such as software development, electronics, and healthcare, where clear and concise instructions are paramount.
Technical writing applies to a broad range of products and services. It’s important not to spread yourself too thin by seeking work in multiple niches. Many employers or clients want their technical writers to have a deep understanding of their particular field. For example, if you specialize in finance but have little knowledge of IT, then a cyber-security technical copywriting job may not be a good fit for you. Think of a doctor and their specialty. You wouldn’t go to a cardiologist for stomach problems, right? Likewise, a finance professional will prefer to work with a writer who has experience primarily in finance.
eCommerce Writing
Let’s set the scene: it’s the holiday season, and you refuse to fight the crowds and buy gifts from the store. You’re looking all over the internet for the perfect gift for your spouse, mom, or best friend. You click on a product that interests you, read the description, and are immediately turned off by generic details that tell you little about the product.
Buying products online often forces the customer to rely on descriptions. If the description does not interest you, grab your attention, or offer you multiple benefits, then you are most likely going to move on to the next product or idea. Who is responsible for writing these descriptions anyways? You guessed it; a copywriter.
As an eCommerce copywriter, you get the opportunity to drive sales, directly influence brand loyalty, and create narratives that resonate with consumers. You will employ persuasive language, strategic placement of call-to-action buttons, and engaging storytelling techniques to guide visitors through the buyer’s journey and encourage them to make a purchase.
If you are someone who wants to combine your writing skills with strategy, then an eCommerce copywriting job might be a great fit for you. Search engine optimization (SEO) is becoming standard in writing for eCommerce. By using tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, and Yoast SEO, eCommerce copywriters use research and best practices to develop high-quality, user-focused content that ranks well in search engine results.
The rise of e-commerce has led to a surge in demand for persuasive and descriptive product copy. eCommerce writers work diligently at crafting engaging descriptions that highlight the features and benefits of products, evoking emotions and persuading customers to make a purchase. Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential to copywriter jobs in general, but especially for eCommerce writing. With their ability to create captivating copy, eCommerce writers play a vital role in increasing conversion rates and driving sales in the competitive online marketplace.
Video Script/Voiceover Writing
As video advertising continues to dominate the digital landscape, the need for skilled video script and voiceover writers has soared. This copywriter job allows for a lot of artistry. This specialty is a great choice for those who enjoy writing creatively.
In video script copywriting, being clear and concise is vital. These copywriters distill complex concepts, ideas, or product information into impactful scripts. They carefully choose words and phrases to convey the intended message effectively, considering the tone, style, and target audience. Video script copywriters are essential for the seamless integration of the script with the visual elements. They ensure a cohesive and engaging final product.
Voiceover copywriting, on the other hand, focuses on creating compelling narratives that are meant to be spoken and recorded. Voiceover copywriters craft scripts that not only convey information but also evoke emotions and engage the audience through the power of the spoken word. They consider pace, tone, and emphasis to deliver the desired impact.
Video advertising and voiceover copywriters collaborate closely with video producers and directors to develop compelling scripts that allure viewers. They carefully craft persuasive narratives and dialogues that effectively convey the brand’s message, ensuring that the video content leaves a lasting impact on the audience. Additionally, voiceover writers create engaging and persuasive scripts specifically tailored for audio messages, radio ads, and podcasts.
Subtitle Writing
In an increasingly globalized world, subtitles are essential for making video content accessible to diverse audiences. Subtitle writers possess a unique talent for condensing dialogue while retaining its essence. They will meticulously synchronize the subtitles with the on-screen action and dialogue, ensuring that the translation accurately reflects the original intent.
When writing subtitles for the hearing impaired, writers are especially mindful of readability and accessibility. They use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or complex sentence structures. They also consider factors such as reading speed, line breaks, and the number of characters per line. The goal is to ensure that subtitles are legible and easily digestible for viewers with varying reading abilities. Subtitle writing for people who are hearing impaired is different than other types of subtitle writing. They often include descriptions of sounds, while translated subtitles do not.
Take anime, for example; if you’re a fan, then you know that there is a lasting debate between sub and dub. The sub-version of a show retains the original Japanese dialogue translated into English subtitles, and the dub version is translated into English dialogue. Anime fans often deliberate which of the transcreated works is more appealing. The source behind these debates is the mind of a subtitle writer. With their linguistic and storytelling skills, subtitle writing enables people worldwide to enjoy various audiovisual content in their preferred languages.
Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting is a field that requires versatility and adaptability. Ghostwriters collaborate with authors, celebrities, and thought leaders to bring their ideas to life in written form. They specialize in genre-specific, creative, academic, and non-fiction writing, providing the necessary expertise and skill to match the client’s vision.
One of the unique challenges faced by ghostwriters is the absence of personal recognition. While their work may reach a wide audience and achieve success, the credit and accolades go to the client. Ghostwriters find fulfillment in the knowledge that their words and ideas have made a meaningful impact, even if their name remains unknown. This requires a strong sense of professionalism, humility, and satisfaction derived from the creative process itself.
Despite the anonymity, being a ghostwriter can be incredibly rewarding. It is an opportunity to collaborate with fascinating individuals, work with a wide range of subject matters, and contribute to influential content. One notable example of ghostwriting is the book “Spare” authored by Prince Harry, where a skilled writer worked behind the scenes to capture his voice and experiences. Ultimately, as a ghostwriter, you will see your work resonate with readers and help clients bring their visions to fruition.
Academic Copy Editing
Academic copy editing plays a crucial role in academia, ensuring that scholarly works meet the highest standards of clarity, coherence, and grammar. Copy editors in this field meticulously review and refine academic papers, theses, dissertations, and research articles, enhancing their overall quality and ensuring adherence to established literary conventions. By providing extensive edits and suggestions, academic copy editors play a significant role in shaping the future of research and knowledge dissemination.
Getting Started with Your Non-Traditional Copywriter Jobs
As a copywriter, you are required to combine research, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the target audience. Sometimes this means the words you see on the page, but it also can mean the pages and words that are connected to the content you are writing. Using backlinks and internal links is an essential part of SEO. Use pillar and landing pages to effectively communicate a brand’s message, engage the audience, and drive desired actions. Pillar pages and landing pages serve distinct purposes within the realm of digital marketing, but both play crucial roles in attracting and converting potential customers.
To maximize your impact and enhance the quality of your work, it’s a good idea to partner with other creative professionals such as graphic designers, videographers, or reputable freelancers. By joining forces with these experts, you can create a synergy that elevates your projects to new heights. Whether it’s collaborating on visual elements, video production, or multimedia content, having a strong team can significantly increase the value you bring to clients and enhance the overall effectiveness of your copywriting.
You can also consider learning skills like graphic design yourself to potentially increase the value of your non-traditional copywriter jobs. Copywriter Exchange offers resources to help you learn how to access a wider range of skills, such as graphic design.
The more experience you have in a particular niche, the stronger a candidate you will be for a client and for particular copywriter jobs. Don’t be afraid to try something new, and if you like it—own it.
Author Bio
Emily Limpert is a technical writer and creative copywriter. She has experience writing marketing literature for manufacturing companies that produce HVAC technology as well as electronic components. Some of her work has been published by Carrier Commercial HVAC, ICM Controls, and Tractor Supply Co.
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