[If you’re not up-to-speed you can read the initial blog post about the Copywriter Code here]

Thank you to all of the 64 people who completed our recent survey about the need (or not) for a professional code of conduct, as well as the people discussing the concept in our Discord community.

The survey shows that copywriters are broadly supportive of the idea, and broadly agree on what the code should cover.

We also received plenty of questions, which I’ll try to answer below.

But first, the results of the survey.

We asked, “do you think a code of conduct for copywriters should cover…”

• Expertise and experience: 70% said yes [all questions were Yes/No]
• Professional development: 58% said yes
• AI transparency: 92% said yes
• Professionalism: 98% said yes
• Clarity and communication: 57% said yes
• Confidentiality: 93% said yes

Additional suggestions from respondents

We asked what else the code should cover. Responses included:

• plagiarism
• discrimination
• accuracy of spelling and grammar
• professional insurances
• non-disclosure agreements
• competence
• integrity
• intellectual property rights
• adherence to advertising standards rules / trades description act
• ethics
• clients’ obligations
• client revisions / amends

Negative responses

A few respondents stated that a code is an unnecessary artefact, something with limited or no value, and likely only to make life harder or more expensive for copywriters.

Some copywriters seemed concerned that a code might exclude them, or incur an additional cost to doing business, or even limit the kind of copy they write.

We will endeavour to counter these concerns and find ways to mitigate them.

The negative responses were greatly outweighed by the positive response to the concept of a code.

Many respondents had questions…

Questions raised by our respondents

What problem does this code solve?

Creating a code of conduct is a possible first step in the formalisation of copywriting as a profession. It’s a way to begin conversations about good and bad behaviours. A code helps copywriters and anyone hiring a copywriter to have the same expectations of behaviour. A code can also help us navigate the use of AI tools and set boundaries between humans and machines. A code may also help to prevent people from declaring themselves to be copywriters without any experience or training.

The code may evolve into, or form part of, a future accreditation scheme. An accreditation scheme would be a more involved process of examining an individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills and aptitude, and then ensuring that those skills and capabilities remain up-to-date.

Do we need a code of conduct?

A code of conduct may help employers and clients to know what to expect from copywriters. And for copywriters who subscribe to the code, it may help to reassure your clients and employers that you know what you’re doing.

How will the code be enforced?

The code will be, at least to begin with, an entirely voluntary code. It is designed to support copywriters and anyone who works with them, rather than act as a framework for legal action or disciplinary action.

Will the code apply to all copywriters?

The code is intended to be a simple guide that can apply to all commercial writers. This includes in-house, agency and freelance writers. And the guidelines should be equally applicable to copywriters and content writers in all niches and industries.

Will the code stipulate any demands of clients/employers?

At this stage, probably not. The code is intended as a declaration of intent, coming from commercial writers, rather than a two-way agreement. Client or employer obligations should probably remain within contracts, proposals and terms of service.

Is the copywriter code voluntary?

Yes. It’s here if you want it. Anyone interested in signing up can do so for free, and display the badge as much or as little as they like. Anyone not interested can ignore it. It’s an additional asset for our community that should only support and not detract from anyone’s work.

Will it cost money to subscribe to the copywriter code?

No. The code will be free for all. You will not need a ProCopywriters membership to sign up to the code, or to display the badge.

Will the code accommodate copywriters who don’t have formal training?

Yes. Our survey of copywriters is proof that most copywriters do not have formal qualifications. Most of us learn by doing the work, reading books, attending workshops and learning from peers.

Should insurance be a requirement under the code?

Professional indemnity is certainly a wise choice for independent professionals – particularly those who advise clients. The Copywriter Code is not specifically a policy for self-employed copywriters, so such a stipulation could alienate all those writers working in-house or agency side.

Next steps

After publishing this update, we’ll allow a little time for feedback and comments, and will then publish an initial rough outline of a code. This will be an opportunity for the community to comment and ask questions before we create first draft. We’ll then seek feedback and comment before moving ahead.

Alongside this activity, we’ll be working on a simple system for signing up to the code.

Comment below…

Got some thoughts on the Copywriter Code project?

Please share in the comments section below.