Top Copywriter Jobs In Malaysia 2024
Explore creative opportunities for every stage—from fresh graduates and interns to experienced professionals, only at Hiredly.
By Kimberly Chang on 2024-07-11 at 6:07 AM
Updated on 2024-09-09 at 9:02 AM
Are you a creative wordsmith who enjoys using research and branding to create targeted marketing content? Do you find yourself effortlessly persuading others through your compelling narratives? If so, a career in copywriting might be your true calling.
Writers wield words like artists wield brushes. With every stroke of the pen, they turn fleeting thoughts into captivating stories. As a copywriter in Malaysia, your talent for storytelling becomes a strategic asset in your professional arsenal. Your words have the power to shape perceptions, influence decisions, and drive long-term business engagement.
Whether it be for websites, blogs, landing pages, email campaigns, or social media platforms, your writing will be instrumental in shaping a brand's success. Learn how your passion for writing can open doors to exciting copywriting careers and meaningful connections with readers in the vast digital realm.
What started as a profession focused primarily on print advertising has now evolved into a diverse field encompassing digital, audiovisual, and social media platforms. Creative copywriter roles now span various industries, offering numerous opportunities for creative individuals.
While copywriters typically have a background in journalism, marketing, or communications, this isn't to say the possibilities of pursuing a creative writing job in Malaysia are limited if you did not study any of these courses in university. The path to becoming a successful copywriter is open to anyone with a passion for words and a knack for storytelling.
The key is to keep a notepad and a pen with you at all times. Start a blog. Build a digital presence where people can see your work and connect with you. LinkedIn, for example, is a great platform favored by Malaysians to share your content and connect with the right community. Internships and freelance projects are excellent ways to gain hands-on experience and build a robust portfolio that showcases your ability to create impactful content. Check out foreign sites like Upwork.com and Freelancer.com for amazing opportunities for freelance and part-time writers.
If you need inspiration, look up the Content Marketing Institute as one of the sources of reading written by renowned copywriters and content writers in the industry.
In all things you do, make sure you see yourself in the work you deliver. Having a distinctive style involves understanding your unique strengths and tone of voice as a writer. If you're unsure where to start, block an hour or two on your calendar to put all things aside and focus on writing a short story. It could be about a random incident that happened to you recently or a pulse-pounding, adrenaline-pumping adventure you made up in your mind. One good thing about creative writing is that you are allowed to write freely when it comes to characterisation and world-building, which makes for a perfect place to practice your copywriting skills and identify the type of writing you are most comfortable with. The career path of a copywriter often starts with finding this unique voice.
Experiment with short-form, long-form, creative, persuasive, and technical styles of writing to discover what resonates most with you and your target audience. Each style has its naunces, and finding the right fit can help you identify your unique writing style as a copywriter. Don't be afraid to deconstruct everything you've ever known and try new approaches if a certain style didn't work out for you. Trial and error is the stepping stone you need to take so you can build the foundation and get your name out there someday, especially in the field of copywriting careers in Malaysia.
Regularly seek feedback from your peers and mentors. Constructive criticism is invaluable when you are trying to tap into a niche market. Pay attention to what works well and where improvements can be made. Some writers are naturally more gifted in conveying fictional stories, while others find themselves more in tune with crafting factual content. This iterative process of writing, receiving feedback, and then revisiting the creative process with a fresh perspective helps you hone your skills and cultivate a unique voice that makes you, you. This approach is essential for anyone looking to excel in content writing jobs in Malaysia and beyond.
Copywriting is the art of creating persuasive written material aimed to convince a reader to take a desired action, such as selling a product or service, subscribing to a website, or signing up for an email list. Strong written communication skills are essential, as copywriters need to influence the thoughts and buying behavior of their target audience.
Copywriters generally craft copy for marketing campaigns, website content, and advertisements for print and digital media, and everything else which would require some form of persuasive copy to trigger action on the receiving end. Understanding the nuances of creative copywriting roles in Malaysia is crucial for crafting messages that resonate with local audiences.
A copywriter's work should always reflect the audience's needs, wants, and values—which is why it's usually short, succinct, and has a strong message intended for a specific campaign or goal.
The role of a content writer, on the other hand, is all about building relationships through long-form content most of the time. Content writers inform and educate the reader through engaging written material without specifically promoting a product or service—generating organic search traffic and implementing search engine optimisation (SEO) in the process.
Copywriters and content writers write with different intents in mind—the former persuades, the latter builds brand loyalty and provides value. Understanding the difference between these roles can help businesses in Malaysia effectively leverage their content marketing strategies to achieve diverse goals.
How can you be sure if a career in copywriting is something you should pursue professionally? Start by asking yourself these questions:
If your answer is yes to all of the above, you likely already have what is needed to build a successful copywriting career in Malaysia. Trust your instincts and take it from there.
Curious about your earning potential as a copywriter? Discover how your salary can grow from a fresh graduate to a seasoned professional in Malaysia—whether you’re just starting out or aiming for a senior role.
Source: Payscale
An entry-level Copywriter can expect to make RM32,000 with less than 1 year experience. The salaries increase gradually to RM37,000 for those who have worked between 1 to 4 years. Copywriters can look forward to earning as much as RM53,000 annually with 5 to 19 years of experience under their belts.
Source: Payscale
A Senior Copywriter with 1 to 4 years of experience will typically make RM58,000 a year, and RM65,000 with experience between 5 to 9 years. Senior Copywriters can expect to make as much as RM101,000 annually with 10 to 19 years of work experience in the field.
While a degree in communications, journalism, or marketing can be beneficial, practical experience and a strong portfolio of writing samples are often more important. Specialised courses in copywriting or digital marketing can also enhance your credentials.
Starting out in the copywriting field typically involves entry-level roles such as Junior Copywriter or Copywriting Intern, where you'll gain hands-on experience and a chance to develop your writing skills. As you move into mid-level roles like Senior Copywriter or Creative Director, you'll be responsible for leading copywriting training for junior staff and managing a team of copywriters.
Good copywriters have got a way with words that turns heads, a deep understanding of grammar and style, and the versatility to match any brand's voice. Mastery of SEO, a knack for persuasive storytelling, and a flair for research round out their toolkit. With these skills, they don’t just write—they captivate and convert.
By Kimberly Chang on 2024-07-11 at 6:07 AM