Within the field of marketing, some professionals are solely responsible for drafting, editing, proofreading and designing marketing literature and materials. Marketing writers specialize in producing brochures, invitations, press releases, technical manuals, online web pages and a variety of other marketing content. Companies use this material to sell products, educate customers and promote their brand to new prospects.

Function

Marketing writers are responsible for the creation and production of their company’s promotional materials and marketing publications. From product launches to sales campaigns, marketing writers develop sales tools such as data sheets, customer case studies, white papers and sales presentations for attracting prospects and increasing sales. Marketing writers also write internal and customer newsletters, surveys, webinar scripts, corporate brochures and training manuals. These professionals also put together editorial calendars and content for company blogs, and post content on social networking sites.

Education

Employers look for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, English or a similar major. To prepare for a marketing writing career, students can take courses in marketing principles, advertising, creative writing, magazine writing, media studies and editing. Some employers prefer applicants with a master’s degree or MBA, depending on the level of the position. It is helpful for students to work as an intern during college or take up writing positions with campus magazines and newspapers in order to build their work experience for full-time positions.

Skills

Professionals in this position must have superior writing, editing and proofreading skills, as they are responsible for writing their department’s marketing publications and promotional materials. Marketing writers should also be effective presenters and work well with different personalities and across functional departments. In addition, employers expect candidates to be able to write marketing content for various media, including magazines, websites, blogs and social networking websites. Marketing writing professionals should be excellent listeners, energetic, flexible and highly organized.

Salary

According to a June 2010 Indeed.com report, the average salary for U.S. marketing writers was $64,000 per year. SimplyHired states that the average salary for marketing writers was $63,000 as of June 2010. Annual wages for the role fluctuate based on factors such as geographic region, experience and education level, employer size and industry. For example, marketing writers in New York earned an average salary of $74,000 according to SimplyHired.

Potential

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states in its report, Occupational Outlook Handbook that marketing professionals with a college degree, strong communication, creative and computer skills, and significant work experience will have the best job opportunities through the year 2028. Jobs within the field are expected to rise by 7 percent, although the number of job seekers is expected to surpass the number of available openings. In addition, the BLS predicts that economic expansion and an increase in business activity in the marketplace will drive demand for marketing professionals who are knowledgeable about the latest marketing trends and methodologies.

Sales Managers salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $208,000 ($100/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $132,290 ($63.60/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $63,170 ($30.37/hour)