Have you ever considered becoming a copywriter?
This role does not exist in a vacuum. A copywriter is usually involved in some kind of marketing or advertising activity. However, this does not mean that you have to stick with one-off campaigns. There is a lot of flexibility in terms of the work you can do. Here are some of the things you can do to develop your copywriting skills and become an in-demand writer.
Attend Seminars And Conferences
There are a number of top-notch events that you can attend in order to enhance your copywriting skills. Conferences and seminars offer you a chance to speak with other members of the industry and gain inspiration from expert speakers. Attending these events will also help you get a feel for what is required to become a successful copywriter.
Join A Society
One of the things that can help you build your career is joining a writing society. There are a number of professional organizations that you can join that will benefit your career in some way. For example, the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) promotes excellence in marketing communications and holds a biennial juried writing competition.
Some of the benefits of joining a writing society include:
- A platform to showcase your work
- Opportunities to connect with leading figures in the industry
- Access to top-notch events
- A chance to build your network
- Potential to pitch for work
- And much, much more
Develop A Portfolio
If you have been writing for some time and feel you have something to show for it, create a portfolio. This is a collection of your work that you can review and update as needed. A good portfolio will contain not only your articles, but also any videos you have made, any speeches you have given, and anything else that can be represented in writing. Think of your portfolio like an editorial calendar. Having a solid chunk of content planned will give you the confidence to pitch for work and will make your job search much easier. Furthermore, having a place to store all your work can make it much easier to keep track of your projects and keep the work organized. You can use a tool like Portfolio to easily create a portfolio for you. With a tool like this, creating and maintaining a portfolio does not have to be difficult. Just remember to add content regularly!
Get Training
If you are looking to develop your writing skills, one of the best routes available is getting some formal training. There are a number of prestigious institutions that you can attend in order to obtain a writing degree. If you are looking for a legitimate way to gain experience, getting a degree may be the best option available. Many reputable institutions offer online Masters in creative writing. You can become a full-time writer with a side career in marketing, advertising, or content creation. Get some training, develop your portfolio, and become an in-demand copywriter.
Start A Blog
One of the things that has become incredibly popular in recent years is the creation of a personal or business blog. A blog can be used to build a following, gain credibility, and even make money online. If you have a knack for writing, starting your own blog is one of the best ways to develop your skills. Just remember to pick your niche, build your blog, and start engaging with your audience. You can use a tool like JotSpot to easily create a blog for you. You should also look into purchasing a guest blogging platform like Blogger, WordPress, or HubSpot in order to expand the potential of your blog.
Join A Conferences And Meetups
If you have a specific topic that you feel you can contribute to, consider joining a conference or meetup group. These are usually forums where like-minded individuals get together to discuss a range of topics. You can contribute by sharing your knowledge or expertise on a particular subject matter. For example, if you are an expert in digital marketing, you could join a group of marketers and contribute by sharing your knowledge on digital marketing strategies. If you are a specialist in SEO, you could join a search marketing group and contribute by sharing your expertise in this area. Joining such groups enables you to build your network, get inspiration, and learn new skills.
Pitch For Work
If you have a project in mind but do not know how to get started, consider pitching for work. Just remember to follow the golden rule of pitching, which is to only approach businesses that are a perfect fit for your services. The most effective method of pitching is by email. However, if you are lucky enough to get a response, you can follow up with a phone call. Remember to always be pitching, and never, ever, simply requesting a service (unless you are responding to a consumer request). Always be pitching, and eventually, you will find work that matches your experience.
Developing your copywriting skills will not happen overnight. It takes time, and a lot of practice. While it is never easy to develop new skills, especially when you are not entirely satisfied with your current knowledge base, remember to keep your chin up, work hard, and put in the time necessary to achieve your desired results.