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Is a Copywriter on the Same Level as an Ad Writer?

by hhhusted
16 replies
I was just wondering if a copywriter is on the same level as an ad writer, regarding skill level? Are they educated the same way? Does a copywriter have more experience?

I was asking because I saw some ads for copywriters recently and the ads specified needing so many years of ad writing experience. Yet, in the same ad, the word "copywriter" was used a couple of times.

I've worked as a copywriter for a while, creating landing pages and sales copy. Every client that contacted me, always referred to me as a copywriter. Yet, the ads specify the need for an ad writer. So I just wanted to know what the difference was, if any.

Thanks.
#ad writer #copywriter #level #writer
  • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
    Is there a reason why the advertiser used both terms? Maybe he/she is not educated as to what copywriters do? Thanks for the info.
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    • Profile picture of the author Biz Max
      Originally Posted by hhhusted View Post

      Is there a reason why the advertiser used both terms? Maybe he/she is not educated as to what copywriters do? Thanks for the info.
      Aren't you a copywriter? I am not and I would say they are one of the same :confused:
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      • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
        Originally Posted by OfflineGold View Post

        Aren't you a copywriter? I am not and I would say they are one of the same :confused:
        I am a landing page sales copy writer only. I don't do print form. My copy is strictly direct response but for the web.

        During my many years writing such copy, I have been approached by clients, asking me to write copy. I was also approached by clients, asking me to write ads. Each client wanted something different. Not one client wanted or asked for me to do both. That is why I asked the question.
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        • Profile picture of the author bkbiloxi
          Let me put it this way...

          I'm only going to feel confident hiring an "ad writer" if he/she is a copywriter.

          Period. End of story.
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          • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
            Originally Posted by bkbiloxi View Post

            Let me put it this way...

            I'm only going to feel confident hiring an "ad writer" if he/she is a copywriter.

            Period. End of story.
            I agree. I would assume that most copywriters know how to create ads, besides sales copy. I know I do.

            Thanks for the comments everyone. I go my answer.
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  • Profile picture of the author jimp74
    When I hire someone to write, I look for someone that specializes in one of 3 categories, 1. for Blog Posts and Articles - 2. Sales Page Copy (sales letters, or banner copy) - 3. Ad copy for PPC. This means I hire 3 different people, now you might find someone that can do it all, but not always the case It is like if you were to get a surgery, your family doctor maybe could do it, but would you rather not want a surgeon that has done hundreds or thousands of operations that specializes in that particular surgery or vs. maybe 1 or 2 operations your family doctor has done under an emergency situation? I hope this helps, feel free to contact me...
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    • Profile picture of the author The Marketeer
      Originally Posted by jimp74 View Post

      When I hire someone to write, I look for someone that specializes in one of 3 categories, 1. for Blog Posts and Articles - 2. Sales Page Copy (sales letters, or banner copy) - 3. Ad copy for PPC. This means I hire 3 different people, now you might find someone that can do it all, but not always the case It is like if you were to get a surgery, your family doctor maybe could do it, but would you rather not want a surgeon that has done hundreds or thousands of operations that specializes in that particular surgery or vs. maybe 1 or 2 operations your family doctor has done under an emergency situation? I hope this helps, feel free to contact me...
      You're on the right track.

      It's best to hire someone who specializes in a certain type of ad writing.

      Different types of ads have different formats and rules which must be adhered to.
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      • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
        Originally Posted by The Marketeer View Post

        You're on the right track.

        It's best to hire someone who specializes in a certain type of ad writing.

        Different types of ads have different formats and rules which must be adhered to.
        That's probably why the client listed both terms. She wanted one person to do more than copy.
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    • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
      Originally Posted by jimp74 View Post

      When I hire someone to write, I look for someone that specializes in one of 3 categories, 1. for Blog Posts and Articles - 2. Sales Page Copy (sales letters, or banner copy) - 3. Ad copy for PPC. This means I hire 3 different people, now you might find someone that can do it all, but not always the case It is like if you were to get a surgery, your family doctor maybe could do it, but would you rather not want a surgeon that has done hundreds or thousands of operations that specializes in that particular surgery or vs. maybe 1 or 2 operations your family doctor has done under an emergency situation? I hope this helps, feel free to contact me...
      I agree with being a specialist. I also understand what you are saying. Your words make sense. That's probably why the ad was written in such a way. The client was probably looking for a copywriter to do more than one type of job.

      Thanks for sharing.
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  • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
    Sometimes, a copywriter just writes the words for an ad.

    Sometimes, an ad writer writes the words and designs the ad, inserting graphics, doing layout and being the sole creative... Mr. Subtle comes to mind for this type of promotion.

    So, a client could be uninformed or is very informed...the copywriters with design and layout skills are much harder to find than just the lady who writes the words. Mostly depends on where the ad is going to be run.

    gjabiz


    Originally Posted by hhhusted View Post

    I was just wondering if a copywriter is on the same level as an ad writer, regarding skill level? Are they educated the same way? Does a copywriter have more experience?

    I was asking because I saw some ads for copywriters recently and the ads specified needing so many years of ad writing experience. Yet, in the same ad, the word "copywriter" was used a couple of times.

    I've worked as a copywriter for a while, creating landing pages and sales copy. Every client that contacted me, always referred to me as a copywriter. Yet, the ads specify the need for an ad writer. So I just wanted to know what the difference was, if any.

    Thanks.
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    • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
      Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post

      Sometimes, a copywriter just writes the words for an ad.

      Sometimes, an ad writer writes the words and designs the ad, inserting graphics, doing layout and being the sole creative... Mr. Subtle comes to mind for this type of promotion.

      So, a client could be uninformed or is very informed...the copywriters with design and layout skills are much harder to find than just the lady who writes the words. Mostly depends on where the ad is going to be run.

      gjabiz
      I guess the client was either uninformed or was looking for someone to do two types of work.
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      Harry Husted
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  • Profile picture of the author aduttonater
    I would imagine that copywriters know how to duplicate something in their own words. An ad writer just writes the ads that come to mind or in their own style. There is a difference between the both. I'm sure there are lot's of people who know how to do both.
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    • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
      Originally Posted by aduttonater View Post

      I would imagine that copywriters know how to duplicate something in their own words. An ad writer just writes the ads that come to mind or in their own style. There is a difference between the both. I'm sure there are lot's of people who know how to do both.
      I think you're being a bit too literal with your definition of copywriter.
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      • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
        Originally Posted by angiecolee View Post

        I think you're being a bit too literal with your definition of copywriter.
        He may be too literal, but is he right? If he is, it doesn't matter how literal his definition is, as long as the answer is correct. Being too literal is a choice of word usage. The main thing is getting his point across.
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