A few years ago, I was completely unaware of what a copywriter was. I knew what a copy editor was, and that they were different. A copy editor corrects grammar and spelling errors in written material; a copywriter comes up with ideas for content, and pitches these ideas to the client.
I worked for a company that did a lot of web design and SEO for various industries. When a new client came in, we’d have a brief conversation about what they wanted, and then I’d head off to the computer to start building some content. This content would be used to populate their blog, or their website in general.
Around this time, I became interested in writing. I’d always been a good speaker, and had done some public speaking here and there, but I found I had more success when I wrote something down. One of my first pieces of writing was an e-book I named, Getting to Yes. This is a classic book about negotiation, and I eventually sold it for quite a bit of money.
After I wrote that book, I was introduced to the concept of a ‘copywriter’. This is someone who takes our spoken words and transforms them into written words – ideally, words that will keep our reader engaged, and encourage them to continue reading.
If you’re starting a new business, or you’re looking for a new challenge, copywriting might be the career for you.
Why Should You Become a Copywriter?
Let’s start with the good news. If you have a good idea for content, or you think a certain topic might be of interest to your audience, there are plenty of opportunities out there for you to write and pitch these ideas to clients. From concept to finished product, the process can be as quick as a few weeks, or as long as a few months.
The bad news. Not all clients will value your time the same way you do. Some will value it highly, and some will value it less. The more you bill, the more you should expect to be paid. If this sounds like a nightmare, it’s probably not the kind of challenge you want to pursue. Keep your eyes open for opportunities, but be prepared to walk away if you don’t feel valued and compensated fairly.
Where Do I Start?
When you’re starting out, it’s a good idea to join a copywriting group or community. There are plenty of places where you can find like-minded individuals who are willing to help guide you through the process. Even experienced copywriters can sometimes benefit from someone showing them the ropes.
If you’re starting out alone, it’s important to establish some good habits. First, get the name of a good attorney. Even if you’re not planning on taking legal action, knowing you have someone on your side if things go wrong is invaluable. Next, get a reliable accountant. No one wants to mess with complicated tax laws and accounting rules, especially not when you’re just starting out. Last, but not least, get a good bookkeeper. Having an organized bookkeeper can make doing your books much easier. It also makes tax time much less stressful.
The Difference Between a Copy editor and a Copywriter
To tell you the truth, I think of a copy editor as someone who goes through my work and makes sure it’s error-free. A copy editor will also generally give it a 10% spellcheck. A copywriter, on the other hand, comes up with the idea for the content, presents it to the client, and then takes the responsibility of executing the idea. A good copywriter is a must for every industry. They will bring ideas to life through compelling narrative, and ensure everything is precise and of top quality.
If you’re looking for a new challenge, or you’re interested in making your existing business more effective, consider copywriting as a potential career path. It’s a good fit for self-starters and independent contractors who want to take on new responsibilities, and enjoy the creative side of things. If you’re looking for an office environment, however, make sure you’re comfortable with the pace of the job. You’re going to be spending a lot of time behind a desk, so make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared for this lifestyle. Are you looking for a new career challenge? If so, consider copywriting!