Copywriting seems to be a very misunderstood term and job. Most people might confuse "copywriting" with "copyright" and it certainly does sound the same. It is not the same though. Copywriting is used by companies and individuals to promote or entice people. It can be on the web, on television or in print.

Web copywriting has increased in the past few years as the popularity in search engines rises. Web copywriting is most often in regards to articles written in a specific manner. The articles are called SEO (search engine optimized) and are specifically written around certain key words. The key words are recognized by the search engine used and then cause the article or product to be displayed in the results. An example would be the words: dog clown suits. Any articles or promotional writing that is on an internet webpage that have those specific words written in sequence would come up as a result.

The use of copywriting does not stop at the internet. Advertising copywriting is a huge industry. Companies rely on copywriters to bring in more customers. An ad that does not make sense is one that consumers will ignore and thus the product or service is ignored. Ads can also be used to sway an audience against an idea. An example is the anti-smoking ads issued by government agencies and private groups to help show the affects of cigarette smoking on the body. The idea of a negative image is used to help keep young people away from smoking.

Freelance copywriter positions are springing up everywhere. Companies are beginning to outsource much of their work in order to keep their overhead low. The requirements differ according to company and exactly what is going to be written. Having job experience is very important but needing a degree may not be required if the quality of the articles is good.

Copywriting is around us each and every day. It is something that most of us do not take into consideration as we flip through a magazine or surf the internet. The next time you use Google to search for something, pay attention to what the results bring up or look at how an article is either for or against something. That is copywriting in action.