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Home » How to Get Into Copywriting in the UK

How to Get Into Copywriting in the UK

So you are a skilled writer with a good ear for words and a fondness for
clichés. You’ve been writing for your local paper, and now you’re itching for
a change of scene. You want to get into the world of professional copywriting,
but you’re not sure where to start. What’s the next step?

The UK publishing industry is a thriving one, and there is plenty of work
for motivated writers. Whether you want to become a freelance copywriter,
content creator, or perhaps you’d like to try your hand at fiction, you can set
up shop in no time at all.

If you’re looking to get into copywriting in the UK, continue reading.

The Basics

Before you start applying for jobs, it’s important to understand the
basics. What is copywriting, and what do I need to know?

Writing compelling copy is about understanding your audience’s needs and
wants, matching them with relevant information, and persuading them to take
action. For example, if your assignment is to write a sales pitch for a car
dealership, your first port of call should be the Automobile Association (AA)
as they are the biggest and most trusted source of information on cars. Your
second port of call should be the local newspaper library to see what recent
trends and events the dealership might be able to piggyback on. From there, you
can decide whether you want to pitch them on car insurance or vehicles in
general.

While some employers might only require you to write sales pitches,
copywriting is a broad discipline that could involve anything from creating
news articles to pitch decks for startups to designing online stores and blogs. As
a copywriter, you’ll need to be able to take a fresh eye to each project,
learning from experience and constantly improving.

What Does It Entail?

Even if you’re excited about the potential of a career in copywriting, you
need to be realistic. It’s not all glamour and fame. True, you’ll need to
attend plenty of writing workshops and take online courses to keep up with the
times. But beyond that, you’ll need to put in the slogging miles to prove
yourself. It’s no secret that the competition for copywriting jobs is keen
and rising, especially as automated tools make content output faster and
more affordable. To stand out from the crowd, you’ll need to commit and put in
the work.

If you’re looking for a low-stress, self-sufficient, and financially
secure lifestyle, consider a career in copywriting. You’ll be surprised at how
much you can get done while still enjoying your life.

Where Do I Start?

Now that you understand the basics of copywriting, it’s time to start
looking for jobs. The first place you should check is the job listings
usually featured in the weekly news magazines. Take your time to look at the
job adverts, and make a note of any that seem interesting. There will be many
opportunities out there, and with some searching, you’re sure to find
something that suits you. Keep your ear to the ground, and you’ll soon be
hearing from potential employers.

Getting To The Point

So you’ve got an idea of what copywriting is and how it can potentially
suite you. Now it’s time to get into the nuts and bolts. What exactly do I
need to know to get started?

Although the exact education required to become a competent copywriter is
subject to debate, most agree that a good grasp of English grammar and
composition is a definite must. If you are fortunate enough to land a
junior position, you will be tasked with creating sales pitches, press releases,
and other such content for clients. At this stage, your trainer will be
watching your every move to ensure you produce engaging material and to help you
understand the logic behind various copywriting scenarios. As a beginner, take
it easy, and start by writing short emails to potential clients to gain
experience. You don’t want to overdo it and put yourself in a situation where
you’re over-extending yourself and struggling to meet deadlines. Before you
know it, you’ll be needing a mentor to help navigate your way through this
new world. At the very least, you’ll need someone to proofread and critique
your work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, as there are plenty of people out
there who are more than happy to help a freelance copywriter get started. After
all, there’s still plenty of work available, and if you’re looking for a
career, the opportunity to learn from the best cannot be passed up.

Ultimately, it’s all about attitude. If you approach your new career
with a positive mind and a willingness to learn, you’re sure to succeed. Copy
is a constantly evolving field, and with some dedication, you’re certain to
improve your already solid writing skills.