We in the industry, know exactly what a direct response ad copywriter does.

When I tell a layman that I am a "direct response ad copywriter," I receive a blank stare with glazed eyes.

The average guy (even a businessman)doesn't always know what direct response ad is and may think that a copywriter is someone who is involved of (legal) copyrighting with the patent office.

I am considering telling lay-people that I am an "advertising writer" or I "write sales ads". I tested that description on my buddy's 11 year old son and he understood what I do. He did not understand what a copywriter is.

If we strive to write our ad copy so that a 10 year old will understand it, shouldn't we describe ourselves in a way that a kid would comprehend as well?

What are your thoughts about that description? How do you describe yourself to the public
1. verbally &
2. on a business card?

Thanks.

Rob

There was another thread on this topic not long ago.

When dealing with agencies, I call myself a copywriter. With would-be clients, I usually say something like, "Marketing and Communications Writer."

- AZ

Ask them if they've ever read a letter or seen an infomercial that has gotten them so excited about a product or service that they can hardly wait to buy it. People usually respond well when I tell them that. I think we all get that glazed-over look or polite head-nod when we tell people what we do. I simply tell them that I write copy that makes the reader want to buy a product. "Have you ever seen a website or received a letter in the mail that describes a product so well that you MUST buy it?" When I say that, people understand.