From Crafting Words to Shaping Brands

Have you ever felt like you were stuck in your career? That was me, a few years ago. I had been a copywriter for a while, and while I loved the art of crafting words and the rush of getting my work accepted by clients, I knew deep down that I wanted to do more. I wanted to be a part of the bigger picture, to have a say in the overall marketing strategy, and to see the impact of my work on the business as a whole.

I can still vividly remember the day I stumbled upon a quote from Sheryl Sandberg’s book ''Lean In"; that shook me to my core. It was like a wake-up call that made me realize that my career was not a one-way ladder that I had to climb. Sandberg wrote, “Your career is a jungle gym, not a ladder.” Those words struck a chord with me, and I felt like she was speaking directly to me.

I remember questioning myself, “Why stick to the treadmill when you can try out other machines at the gym to achieve your desired body?” That thought triggered my realization that I was also limiting my career growth by not exploring all the opportunities available to me.

Her advice to seek out new opportunities, strive for growth and impact, and pursue a mission rather than just building a polished resume really hit home. It made me realize that I didn’t have to be stuck in the same role or feel like I had to conform to a rigid career path.

Instead, I could embrace the twists and turns that came my way and build on my existing skills to take on new challenges. That realization gave me the courage to leave my comfortable copywriting job and pursue a career in marketing.

And looking back, I’m so glad that I did. Making that transition wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. And I owe it all to that one quote that reminded me that my career is a journey, not just a destination

If you’re considering making the transition from copywriting to marketing, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

Embrace the big picture

As a copywriter, it’s natural to become laser-focused on the campaign’s message and crafting the perfect words. However, in marketing, it’s important to see the forest and not just the trees. This means understanding the overall business objectives, and the strategies to achieve them. Take the time to learn about marketing strategy and how your work fits into the larger plan.

Skill is not overrated.

Broaden your skillset beyond just writing. You’ll need to have a grasp of digital marketing, marketing plan, social media, etc, and your creativity will be a valuable asset. It may feel daunting to step outside your comfort zone, but don’t be afraid to do so. Keep yourself informed by reading relevant articles and taking online courses (platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy are great places to start). Staying up-to-date is key to success in this ever-evolving field.

Network and collaborate.

If you’re struggling with the transition, reach out and network with other marketing professionals. Connecting with experienced professionals on LinkedIn can be a great way to gain insights and advice (I’ve found sliding into DMs to be quite effective). Keep in mind that marketing is a team effort, so it’s important to build relationships with designers, developers, and stakeholders once you land the job. Your success is tied to theirs, so work together and thrive together.

Be open to feedback.

While you may have dealt with some tough creative directors in the past, being on the client’s side can be a whole different ballgame. It’s important to stay open to feedback, both good and bad (you’ll get a lot of back and forth, so brace yourself), and use it to enhance your skills and the quality of your work.

Result over creativity

In marketing, your work will be judged based on how much it contributes to the success of the business. Even if your work is creative, you will still need to demonstrate how it is helping to generate leads and increase conversions.

Your creativity is your superpower.

Your creativity is your superpower, so don’t underestimate the value of what you bring to the table as a creative. Use your creativity to your advantage and tap into your ability to find insights. Many marketing professionals don’t have the same level of hands-on creative experience as you do, so whenever you have a chance to add your creative touch to something, go for it and enjoy the process.

Making the transition to a new career can be a difficult feat, but it can also lead to great rewards. If you’re contemplating making the move, don’t let fear hold you back. As Sheryl Sandberg advises, focus on what you can do, rather than the title they may give you.

Love

Christiana Aileru