The Copywriter Code
A code of conduct for copywriters – and a promise of quality for clients
Master the craft.
Writing impactful copy requires specific training and experience. Before taking on copywriting projects, we learn the craft through training and on-the-job experience.
Raise standards.
We write, act and speak with honesty and integrity so that we enhance the reputation of copywriting as a profession.
Stay curious.
Marketing and advertising are continually moving sectors impacted by changing trends and technologies. To keep pace, we constantly adapt our skills and knowledge.
Protect clients.
Copywriters carefully manage and protect clients’ brands, reputations, assets and information.
Be real.
People buy from people. Copywriters bring their humanity, creativity and originality to client work. If we use generative AI to create copy, we’ll explain how and when it is used.
Create lawfully.
Copywriters take time to understand the legal obligations affecting advertising and marketing, so we can create concepts, campaigns and content within the bounds of the law.
Download the poster
Sign-up to the code
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Potential criticisms
It’s unenforceable
Writing impactful copy requires specific training and experience. Before taking on copywriting projects, we learn the craft through training and on-the-job experience.It’s too vague
True! The code needs to be applicable to a wide variety of copywriters in many different industries. The details and specifics probably belong in copywriting contracts and proposals.
It’s open to abuse
True! Unqualified / non-compliant copywriters can also display the badge and claim adherence to the code. We can’t stop them but at least there is now a shared code that we understand to be the baseline of acceptable conduct. At the moment there is nothing at all.
Something not look right?
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How will the code work?
The Copywriter Code will be a voluntary code. It’s designed to support copywriters by giving us another signifier of quality and capability – rather than to penalise copywriters for being different, or by creating a barrier to entry.
- Anyone can sign up to the code
- Anyone can display the badge
- It will be free for everyone to use
Deliberate omissions
A few copywriters have suggested points for inclusion in this code, which we have decided to omit for various reasons…
Insurance requirements – insurance isn’t a legal requirement, nor is it relevant to in-house or agency copywriters.
Client obligations – this is a deliberately one-way code. It applies to copywriters. A ‘client code’ of some kind would be wonderful but it’s a whole other thing.
Intellectual property – most copywriters operate on a ‘work for hire’ basis (i.e. the client is buying your time so they own your output) so I don’t think this is relevant. Any copywriter who sells the rights to their work really needs that in a contract, not an industry code.
NDAs – some copywriters wanted to include the right to mention projects in portfolios – but I think that’s tricky given how some brands protect their rights. Better for copywriters to check with their own clients.
Revisions or amendments – another detail which should be navigated by copywriters and clients.