If you’re looking to build your career as a copywriter, you’ve probably wondered how to get the experience you need to succeed in this competitive field. Thanks to the internet, there are now countless possibilities for gaining real-world experience, without having to worry about finding a traditional, full-time position. Below, we’ll discuss several ways you can build your experience as a copywriter and eventually start your own agency.
Get a Part-Time Job
One way to gain experience is to get a part-time job as a copywriter. Depending on your available skills, you may be able to pick and choose which projects to take on. However, if you want to really build your experience, it’s best to look for opportunities that offer a diverse range of tasks. This will help you gain valuable learning experiences that can boost your future career. Below, we’ve compiled a list of top tips for getting a part-time job as a copywriter.
Decide Which Type Of Project Is Suitable For You
As a copywriter, you’ll inevitably be asked to write different types of pitches. Some may require a lot of research while others may not. Before you get started, it’s important to know which type of pitch you’re suited for. Since copywriting is a relatively new profession, there aren’t many formal guidelines to follow. However, as a general rule, if you’re ever asked to write a persuasive pitch, you can probably assume you’re in the right place. Your role will be to convince the reader to take a specific action or make a specific decision. When it comes to creating compelling copy for marketing campaigns, web content, and emails, it’s important to have a clear idea of what the readership is like and what they’re looking for. In other words, do some research!
Consider Your Audience
When you’re starting out as a copywriter, it can be easy to just create persuasive copy for any available niche. However, as you get more experience, you’ll learn to tailor your pitch to a specific audience. Consider what your target audience is looking for, what they value, what makes them tick, and what will motivate them to action. It’s easy to fall into the trap of writing for the sake of writing. However, a well-written pitch that is relevant to the right audience can be the key to securing a sale. When you have a clear understanding of your audience and their needs, it becomes much easier to craft compelling letters, brochures, and websites. In creating these pieces of content, it’s also important to bear in mind that your readership is diverse. Some may prefer writing in English, while others may prefer using language that’s more suitable to their native tongue. Knowing how to write in both English and the native language of your intended readership will make you stand out as an expert in your industry.
Learn From The Pros
If you’re serious about becoming a prolific copywriter, it’s important to learn from the best. Luckily, the internet makes it possible to access countless blogs, magazines, and websites that can provide you with a wealth of information and education. Through articles, videos, and interviews, you’ll be able to access the experience and insight of other successful professionals. Additionally, you can reach out to the bloggers, journalists, and subject matter experts that write for these resources. Through them, you’ll be able to learn from highly trained professionals and gain the knowledge and experience necessary to become a standout copywriter.
Along with formal education, you’ll also need to earn professional credentials that can put you ahead of the competition. After all, no one wants to work with or hire someone who isn’t qualified. In case you’re curious, below we’ve compiled a list of the credentials you may need to become a successful copywriter.
Start A Blog
Blogs aren’t just for fun these days. They can be quite the useful tool for gaining experience and eventually securing a full-time position. If you’re looking to hone your skills as a copywriter, start a blog. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a place where you can write about your experiences and what you’ve learned as a copywriter. By doing this, you’ll be able to show potential employers that you’re an ambitious and qualified professional who’s dedicated to growing their career.
The most important thing to keep in mind when starting a blog is to keep it professional. It’s never easy to find the right balance between being helpful and being candid. If you can master this skill, you’ll be able to build a following and eventually establish yourself as an authority in your industry. Additionally, starting a blog can be a great way to network and meet potential employers. If you’ve been blogging for a while and want to beef up your portfolio, consider creating a web site for free that you can use to showcase your work. Many big-name publications have cut-off dates for submissions, so be sure to submit your work before then to be considered for publication. Additionally, don’t be afraid to network locally. Many industries and communities still value face-to-face communication, so make sure to put yourself out there and meet with as many potential employers and industry insiders as possible. By doing this, you’ll be making yourself look extremely attractive to potential employers, increasing your chances of landing that full-time position.
Take On As Much Responsibility As Possible
As a copywriter, you’ll be expected to take on as much responsibility as possible. This could mean pitching in to help with a marketing campaign, designing a website, or editing and proofreading an already written piece. Since this is a fairly new profession, there aren’t many established guidelines to follow. However, as a general rule, you should be ready and willing to take on any assignments that come your way.
Even when you’re experienced, it’s still an industry that’s evolving and changing. Thanks to technology making it possible for writers to work remotely, there are now countless opportunities for experienced copywriters to pick and choose the projects they take on. If you’re looking to add more responsibilities to your portfolio, consider looking for an agency that offers a myriad of services. By doing this, you’ll be able to pick and choose the type of work that interests you and helps you grow your career. Additionally, you’ll be able to show that you can be responsible for multiple tasks, working collaboratively with various teams to ensure that each project is completed on time and to the highest quality. If you want to make sure that your work is up to par, don’t be afraid to ask for as many edits as necessary. While it’s not always the case, many highly qualified professionals end up working as independent contractors, taking on various projects as and when they come along. If this sounds like something that would be of interest to you, keep your eyes open for freelance opportunities.
Get A Mentor
If you’re looking to succeed as a copywriter, it’s important to get a mentor. A mentor can be someone who’s been where you are now and is willing to help you navigate this unfamiliar territory. Thanks to the internet, it’s now easy to find mentors within your own network. However, even if you can’t find someone locally, there are countless virtual mentoring platforms, like Skillshare, that can provide you with the knowledge and experience you need to succeed.
A mentor can be someone who’s been through the same things you’re going through now. They can guide you in the right direction and help you find your feet. Additionally, having a mentor can enhance your chances of landing that full-time position. Since this is a fairly new profession, many employers may not know exactly what to look for. However, having a mentor can prove to them that you’re the right fit for the role. Additionally, a mentor can be someone who you can rely on to provide unbiased advice and guidance, no matter what.
Be Prepared To Work Under Pressure
As a copywriter, you’ll inevitably be asked to produce pieces of content under pressure. Whether it’s pitching in to help with a marketing campaign or getting a brief from a demanding client, you’ll need to be ready to work under pressure. Since this is a fairly new industry, many agencies and freelancers operate on a contingent fee basis. In other words, the more work you produce, the more you’ll be paid. Naturally, this can make you anxious, as you don’t want to let the client down by producing subpar content. As someone who’s worked in a similar capacity, I know how this attitude can affect your performance, even when you’re working on a project you feel is simple and straightforward.