Want to get into copywriting? The reasons can range from wanting a career change to wanting to make some extra money on the side, right thru to wanting to be where your creativity will be stretched and rewarded.
It’s all about words, persuasion, and connection with your audience.
So here we give you a simple, pragmatic approach to how to get started as a copywriter, chock full of helpful tips and advice.
Understand What Copywriting Is
First things first, let's define what copywriting is!
In its most basic definition, copywriting is an
act of writing text, otherwise known as "copy", for advertising or marketing purposes. That could mean writing creative product descriptions, engaging website content, tantalizing email campaigns, or even video scripts.
The goal? To get the reader to take action: sometimes this is in the form of a purchase, sometimes through signing up for a newsletter, and at other times by simply clicking on a link.
Sharpen Your Writing Skills
Fundamentally, copywriting is great writing. So to become an effective copywriter, you’ll need to hone your skills. Here are some actionable steps that will help you.
- Read widely: the more you read, the better you write! Explore different writing styles and genres. Observe how other writers convince and hold the interest of their audience.
- Learn the basics of persuasion: learn the mechanics behind persuasive writing. Concepts like “appeal to emotion”, “social proof”, and clear “calls to action” are essential in copywriting.
- Practice often: assign some time each day to writing. Try different styles, tones, and formats; the more you do it, the more confident you’ll become.
Bonus tip: Think about incorporating handwriting into your writing practice. This isn’t outdated at all: research shows that
significant processes occur during the process of writing by hand.
Build A Portfolio
A good portfolio is crucial for any would-be copywriter. It shows your skill level and gives a prospective client a taste of your broader capabilities.
So here's how to build one:
- Start with personal projects: if you're new to the field, create spec pieces that will showcase your skills. Whether it's writing blog posts, product descriptions, or even “pretend” ad campaigns.
- Offer your services free or at a discount: reach out to local businesses or nonprofits and offer to write copy for them at a significant discount … or even for free. This not only helps you gain valuable experience but also provides real-world examples for your portfolio. After completing each successful project, try to get positive (quotable) feedback from your clients.
This doesn’t need to be for ever – just while you’re building up. When that’s done, you can raise your prices and charge what you’re worth!
- Highlight a variety of writing styles: incorporate a variety of writing in your portfolio. Examples can be everything from social media posts to long-form articles. The more versatile you are, the more attractive you’ll be to any potential client.
Learn The Basics Of SEO
SEO is something a copywriter should know about! The whole concept of SEO revolves around creating content that would rank on top of search engine results. A few key points to consider are:
- Keyword research: know how to find and use keywords. These terms are what your potential customers are searching for, which could help get the traffic flowing into your content when included in your copy.
- Meta tags and descriptions: these are the little snippets that appear in search results. The better your meta tags can be written, the higher your rankings – and your click-through rate – will be.
- Readability: make sure your copy is clear and concise, easy to read. Headings, bullet points, short paragraphs … these are writing devices that break up text and make the page more visually appealing too.
Network And Market Yourself
Networking plays a very big role in the world of copywriting. So join online forums, attend writing workshops, and connect with other writers. Experiment with LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram and target (and connect with) potential clients and fellow writers. Share your work, interact with others, and join relevant groups.
A good example could be a
freelance copywriting marketplace that will let you sell your services to an extended audience. These kind of platforms work for getting clients and building up your reputation. As you get more experience, you’ll have great reviews popping up, the offers will start...
Keep Learning!
The world of copywriting keeps on evolving, and so should you! Stay updated about trends, tools, and practices used in the industry. Here are a few ways you may want to keep the saw sharp:
- Take online courses: there is a wide variety of courses on how to improve your communication skills and how to teach yourself to be a better storyteller. This is a great way to learn from experts and pick up new ideas.
- Follow industry blogs and podcasts: actually, there’s a plethora of blogs and podcasts on current trends, tips, and success stories in copywriting. So make sure you create a habit of devouring this kind of information on a regular basis.
- Get feedback: never be afraid to ask for constructive criticism!. Find yourself a writing group or an online forum where you can post your copy and get valuable feedback. You’ll often be surprised at how perceptive other people can be – and a steady flow of opinions will give you a source of new ideas.
What Do You Think?
As you can see, starting a career as a copywriter can be filled with creative expression and continuous opportunities for growth. Perfecting your art, building a substantial portfolio, networking, and being committed to lifelong learning will put you on the path to success.
And whether you work freelance, with an agency, or on a project basis remember to stay flexible and passionate about your craft.
The world of copywriting can be incredibly rewarding with persistence and creativity, so why not start the process now?
