Copywriting is, in a nutshell, writing for other people. But, as with most things in life, the practice is a lot more complex than that. Let’s take a look at how you can become a great copywriter, in no particular order.
1. Become An Expert At Research
Copywriting is a lot like journalism, in that you will often need to do extensive research on your topics. But, while you are certainly going to have to write about things that interest you, you will also have to focus on what interests your audience. As a copywriter, this means that you will need to do extensive research into what your audience needs and wants, as well as what would make them interested in your product or service.
Just like with journalism, you will be called on to report and explain complex subjects to non-experts. However, you will be doing this for very intelligent and motivated consumers who have a good understanding of the subject matter. The rewards for copywriting, therefore, can be great. This area of expertise will make you valuable to any company that you encounter. You’ll be able to pitch in and pitch out assignments quickly and accurately, and you’ll be able to show off your knowledge convincingly.
2. Develop Your Voice
While you are certainly going to have to write about things that interest you for a living, it is also necessary that you develop your own voice. Your voice is what makes you unique; it is the combination of your words and the way you say them. When you write for other people, you will, in a sense, be cheating them by not giving them something that they didn’t know they wanted or needed. This is why it is important to develop your voice.
The way in which you tell a story is largely dictated by your voice. In the same way that you have a visual voice, so too do you have an audio voice. However, your visual voice varies across different platforms. For example, if you are doing a lot of video content, you will need to find a way to match your written word to the image you are creating. Think of a specific video piece you have done and re-watch it. Does your written word match your spoken word? Is the language appropriate for the content? Are these questions being answered convincingly?
Often, the most effective place to find the answers to these questions is in the context of a recording. This is because, in the same way you edit video and sound for different platforms, you will be editing your written content for specific platforms as well. So, if you need further inspiration, visit some of the best blogging platforms out there and see how others are using language and content to grab your reader’s attention. You’ll be able to take away a lot from this. Then, when you are ready to throw your hat in the ring and begin your copywriting journey, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any assignment that comes your way.
3. Learn From The Best
If you want to become a great copywriter, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn from the best. The best copywriters out there will have developed their skills through years of trial and error, as well as through a close interaction with their editors. Sometimes, the best way to learn is by doing. This is where you need to start.
By applying what you’ve learned and by using your ears to analyze copy, you will improve your talents quickly. However, one of the things that makes this so valuable is that you are not simply mimicking what you’ve heard. Instead, you are adding your own spin to it. When you are done, you will have a piece that is completely unique to you.
The best thing about this approach is that it is very flexible. You are not tied to one subject area and, as a result, you will be able to pitch in on a range of topics. Sometimes, this can even mean earning you freelance work even when you are not specifically looking for a job. It is, therefore, essential to keep your contact details close to hand, so that you can be quickly found if and when needed.
4. Be Confident
Great copywriters are highly confident individuals. When you are writing for a living, having confidence is invaluable. Sometimes, this means being able to speak your mind, even when you disagree with what your editor has put in front of you. Sometimes, this means being able to express yourself plainly. Sometimes, it even means being able to laugh at yourself and your mistakes (and let’s be honest, as a copywriter, you’re going to make plenty of mistakes).
Sometimes, confidence can even mean being able to give a negative assessment of a piece you’ve just worked on and saying, “This is definitely not good enough. We’ve got to start again from scratch.” At other times, it can mean expressing an opinion on a topic you’re not fully caught up in, yet. Confidence is a valuable asset. Developing this trait will make you very attractive to any company, no matter what stage they are in.
5. Have A Vision
A great copywriter has a clear vision of what they are trying to achieve. Sometimes, this is simply making sure the language is correct, within the context of the piece. Sometimes, this can mean laying down a certain number of articles per week, so as to hit a certain word count. Sometimes, this can mean structuring the copy in a way that will make the reader take certain actions or make a certain impression.
Sometimes, this can even mean creating a sales funnel, so as to maximize the number of people who will convert into paying customers. Having a clear vision is essential. To quote the great American author William Faulkner, “A writer cannot make it as a writer, cannot become a good writer, without first learning to be a writer.” You cannot become a copywriter without first learning to be a writer. With this in mind, take some time to read some of the best blogs and forums in the industry. This will help you develop your voice, learn from the best and give you a clear vision of the kind of copy you want to be creating.