1

Direct Response Copywriting Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Advertising, Communication, Journalism, Marketing, or allied degree with heavy concentration in writing advertising copy. * 5-6 years' copywriting experience; direct response ...

The foundation under all of it is direct-response copywriting. If the message isn't dialed in, nothing else lands, no format, no targeting, no spend saves a weak message. You write the message that ...

Media Buyer

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$120K/yr

The foundation under all of it is direct-response copywriting. If the message isn't dialed in, nothing else lands, no format, no targeting, no spend saves a weak message. You write the message that ...

The foundation under all of it is direct-response copywriting. If the message isn't dialed in, nothing else lands, no format, no targeting, no spend saves a weak message. You write the message that ...

The foundation under all of it is direct-response copywriting. If the message isn't dialed in, nothing else lands, no format, no targeting, no spend saves a weak message. You write the message that ...

The foundation under all of it is direct-response copywriting. If the message isn't dialed in, nothing else lands, no format, no targeting, no spend saves a weak message. You write the message that ...

The foundation under all of it is direct-response copywriting. If the message isn't dialed in, nothing else lands, no format, no targeting, no spend saves a weak message. You write the message that ...

Social Media Manager

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$80K - $110K/yr

About the Role Reporting to the Director of Social, this role leads social strategy and execution ... adaptable copywriting across formats: announcements, threads, explainers, reactions, long-form ...

Social Media Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

About the Role Reporting to the Director of Social, this role leads social strategy and execution ... adaptable copywriting across formats: announcements, threads, explainers, reactions, long-form ...

Direct Response Copywriting information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$37

$69

How much do direct response copywriting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct response copywriting in Chicago, IL is $37.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.70 and $42.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is direct response copywriting?

Direct response copywriting is a form of writing specifically designed to prompt an immediate action from the reader, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or requesting more information. Unlike general advertising, direct response copy focuses on measurable results and often includes a clear call to action. This type of copywriting is commonly used in emails, landing pages, sales letters, and advertisements where tracking conversions is crucial. Successful direct response copywriters use persuasive language and techniques to engage the target audience and encourage quick responses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct response copywriter?

To thrive as a Direct Response Copywriter, you need strong persuasive writing skills, a solid understanding of marketing principles, and experience with A/B testing or campaign optimization, often supported by a portfolio of results-driven work. Familiarity with email marketing platforms, analytics tools like Google Analytics, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and adaptability are key soft skills that set exceptional copywriters apart. These skills and qualities are essential for crafting compelling messages that drive measurable actions and achieve marketing objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by direct response copywriters, and how can they overcome them?

Direct response copywriters often face the challenge of crafting persuasive messages that drive immediate action while adhering to strict deadlines and client guidelines. Balancing creativity with proven conversion tactics and frequent testing can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay updated on industry trends, use data-driven insights to refine copy, and collaborate closely with marketing teams for feedback. Regularly reviewing campaign analytics helps identify what resonates with target audiences, allowing writers to continually optimize their approach.

What is the difference between Direct Response Copywriting vs Content Writer?

AspectDirect Response CopywritingContent Writer
Primary GoalDrive immediate action (sales, sign-ups)Inform, entertain, or educate
Work EnvironmentMarketing campaigns, sales pages, emailsBlogs, articles, website content
Skills & CredentialsPersuasive writing, marketing knowledgeResearch, storytelling, SEO basics
Usage in IndustryAdvertising, direct marketingContent marketing, publishing

While both roles involve writing, Direct Response Copywriting focuses on creating persuasive content that prompts immediate action, often within marketing campaigns. Content Writers produce informative or engaging content aimed at building brand awareness or educating audiences. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right skills and expectations.

How much do direct response copywriters make?

Direct response copywriters' salaries vary based on experience, industry, and whether they work freelance or for a company. Entry-level copywriters typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, while experienced professionals can make $80,000 or more, with top earners exceeding six figures. Many copywriters also supplement income through commissions, bonuses, or retainer agreements.

What does a direct response copywriter do?

A direct response copywriter creates persuasive written content designed to elicit an immediate action from the reader, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service. They focus on clear, compelling messaging often used in sales letters, emails, and advertisements, and typically work with marketing strategies and analytics to optimize results.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Response Copywriting jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Direct Response Copywriting jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Response Copywriting jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Response Copywriting jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Direct Response Copywriting job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 33% In-person, 34% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,716 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Senior Copywriter

Niles, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Impassioned…Emboldened…Infinitely Curious: The Bradford Group family of brands is a world leader in new product development. We have been selling joy for over 50 years! Our global organization consists of several business divisions ranging from jewelry, apparel, to collectible coins and so much more. We concept, create, design and market our creative products directly to our customers, and leverage licenses with the biggest names in entertainment and sports to bring unique and curated products to our customers across the globe.

We are seeking a Senior Copywriter that will be responsible for writing direct response print advertising campaigns and social media post copy for collectible products such as: tabletop decorative, clocks, calendars, sports memorabilia, popular culture and licensed products that vary by product form and division. The Senior Copywriter should be able to pivot to covering ad copy for coins, holiday products, dolls, checks, trains, villages and other divisions/teams/product forms as needed.

How you will contribute:

  • Write new and revise existing program copy for direct response house file print and social media and web promotions
  • New client acquisition print ads, product inserts, collateral material, and cross-corporate mini-catalogs and magalogs according to scheduled deadlines.
  • Maintain schedule, coordinate, and track jobs to completion
  • Submit and obtain advertising approvals from licensing team
  • Create Adobe routing PDFs for internal routing and approvals
  • Collaborate with marketing and product development teams in product kickoffs
  • Contribute to advertising brainstorming sessions with internal teams
  • AI-conversant with Microsoft Co-Pilot for copywriting development and brainstorming
  • Find ways to incorporate and develop Co-Pilot AI agents to improve daily efficiencies in our advertising processes.
  • Plan strategies and tactics for individual promotions and creative tests in concert with colleagues and managers
  • Proof copy for accuracy
  • Gain familiarity with Bradford’s Advertising Principles
  • Maintain partnerships with marketing and product development teams to ensure cooperation and support of the Company’s advertising efforts and goals.

What you will bring and skills that excite us:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Communication, Journalism, Marketing, or allied degree with heavy concentration in writing advertising copy.
  • 5-6 years’ copywriting experience; direct response copywriting a big plus
  • Acquaintance with collectibles, gift industry and/or collectible coins, preferred. 
  • Professional-level proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Co-Pilot, Outlook, FileMaker Pro and Google Sheets
  • Strong proofreading and grammar skills. 
  • Copywriter should expect some compressed time frames for completing jobs to better serve the business and maintain Print Production due-date schedules.

Bradford at a glance: 

  • Our scale: We have over 250 employees based out of our global headquarters right outside of Chicago, we have marketing operations in over 10 countries worldwide, and have over 32 million customers served.
  • Compensation and benefits: We offer a competitive compensation plan and great benefits, with some benefits starting from day 1!
  • We own the company: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) which allows you to not only derive the benefits of working as an employee at The Bradford Group, but also gain the benefits of being an owner.
  • Professional Development: There is always room to learn! We offer a Professional Development Program, a Mentor Program, and LinkedIn Learning to our teams as well as additional hands-on training and development. Our teams utilize a continuous performance management and development structure for feedback. We meet quarterly to focus on the future!
  • Our values: Honesty. Innovation. Respect. Teamwork. Giving back. These are just some of the core values that drive our team members. Our team strives to build a culture of continuous feedback where anyone can share and create our “next big idea,” among diverse and inclusive teams.
  • Flexibility and wellness: Whether it’s offering hybrid environment (onsite/remote) for our corporate staff, to a generous, front-loaded PTO and holiday package to all staff and corporate wellness initiatives such as an annual health fair and an onsite fitness center, we are committed to our team members well-being. New hires start with 16 days of PTO and 8 paid holidays per year.
  • Perks and more: We have a Business Casual Work Environment, Health and Dental Insurance, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), Direct Deposit, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Referral Bonus Program, 401(k), Profit Sharing, Tuition Reimbursement, and Toastmaster’s memberships, a Peer Recognition Program, Product Discounts and more!

The Bradford Exchange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.