Getting into copywriting can seem quite challenging, especially considering how competitive the field is. There is a lot of speculation and stereotyping about what being a copywriter means, so maybe it’s a good idea to address these preconceptions and establish what your role actually is.
What Is Copywriting?
Often times, we think of copywriters in simplistic terms: they are the people who write the headlines and the ads for online magazines and newspapers. This type of copywriting is often called “buzzwords spamming”, because it is often focused on using large numbers of trendy buzzwords without regard for the content.
However, being a copywriter is a lot more than just writing for web content. A copywriter’s responsibilities include creating content for all kinds of media, ranging from email marketing campaigns to web pages and advertisements.
According to the Copyblogger website, a copywriter “is responsible for crafting compelling content that will engage and inspire people to action. [They are] a jack of all trades – skilled in writing, editing, and designing. Plus, [they are] usually responsible for coming up with the ideas and shaping the overall message. This content can be featured across all forms of media, including web sites, emails, social media, and more.”
The above description makes it sound like a mundane task, but being a copywriter is a lot of work. You will be responsible for coming up with ideas and creating compelling content that will engage and inspire people to action. This is a broad responsibility, but it also means you will have a lot of freedom in what you write about.
The Differences Between Copywriting and Other Forms Of Writing
It is important to note that copywriting is not the same thing as magazine or newspaper writing. A good copywriter will have a firm grasp of grammar and spelling, but they will also be adept at using complex narrative skills to engage an audience and keep their attention through a piece of content.
Even more importantly, a good copywriter will have developed a skill set that enables them to consistently compose compelling pieces on demand. Consider the following:
- A good copywriter is able to take a rather dry subject and weave it into a compelling narrative that keeps the reader interested.
- They can take complex information and present it in a way that is both readable and interesting.
- They are usually skilled at coming up with ideas and shaping messages for different audiences and media.
- A good copywriter is versatile enough to tackle a variety of assignments and able to demonstrate versatility and adaptability in their work. This is valued in today’s marketplace.
If you are interested in getting into copywriting, make sure you develop your skills in a variety of areas. Start by taking some English literature classes in college. This will help you understand the value of a well-crafted narrative and give you the background you need to tackle any kind of writing assignment.
Where Do I Start?
Before you begin your career as a copywriter, you will need to decide what kind of writer you want to be. Do you want to specialize in short-form content for social media? Do you want to focus on creating compelling guides for online businesses? Or do you want to specialize in longer-form non-fiction such as business books or autobiography?
Once you have decided what kind of content you want to create, you can begin to develop your skills. For example, if you are interested in creating content for business owners, consider starting a blog for small businesses. Or if you want to focus on creating compelling fiction, consider starting a creative writing Twitter account.
By consistently creating high-quality content, you will be demonstrating to potential employers that you are a professional who can produce content on demand and who is capable of taking direction.
How Do I Get Noticed?
It is important to get noticed in today’s crowded freelancing environment. To do this, you will need to develop a brand for yourself. On top of this, you will need to find ways to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is by consistently creating high-quality content. Another way is to join professional societies related to your field.
Joining a professional society will also get you noticed by potential employers. In fact, the society’s website may feature your work, further increasing your reach to possible employers.
What Will My Career Path Be?
It is important to understand how valuable your role will be in the grand scheme of things. Only you can answer this question, but a good place to start is by looking at the jobs of those who came before you. If you look at the fields populated by the largest number of people, you will most likely find that your role is undervalued and underappreciated. There is plenty of room for you to go into copywriting, and if you want to get paid what you are worth, you should consider seeking out high-profile clients.
Your role will go completely unrecognized and underappreciated if you go through your entire career without ever establishing yourself as a go-to person for content creation. If this happens to you, your career will be seriously stunted. Instead, strive for becoming indispensable to your clients. When they realize how much benefit they get from having you on their team, you will not only earn a good living, but you will also be able to look back at your career and feel that your contributions were worthy of recognition.
This piece wasn’t meant to be a detailed how-to guide on getting into copywriting. However, establishing what being a copywriter means and identifying some of the most essential skills you will need can assist you in developing as a writer. If you want to get into the field and be paid what you are worth, start by gaining some practical experience by freelancing. Then, consider joining a professional society. Finally, be sure to develop your skills by consistently producing high-quality content.