When it comes to music, everyone has their own tastes. Some like loud songs, while others prefer their music to be low-volume. The same goes for instrumentals and vocals. It would be a challenge to find a “perfect” song for everyone. But if there is one thing that unites the majority of musicians, it is that they all need good copywriting for their songs.
Who Invented Copywriting for Music?
The subject of this blog post is copywriting. Specifically, it will cover who invented copywriting for music and the different types of copywriting that are available.
The Beginnings Of Copywriting For Music
When it comes to marketing and advertising, it is well-established that companies often borrow ideas and concepts from one another. This sometimes happens even within the same industry. It is quite likely that copywriting for music was inspired by similar, if not identical pieces of copywriting that were created for other industries.
The first known use of copywriting for music was in the form of press releases. Companies would write short articles or send out emails with details on their latest releases. These were designed to be read by journalists who might one day become interested in the music industry. The hope was that by providing some compelling content, the publicity would serve as a means to generate interest in the brand or product.
But it wasn’t until the early 1900s that music businesses began to see the benefit of copywriting for more than just generating press clippings. They started to use it as a tool to help musicians and singers establish and maintain a brand identity. But more on that in a bit.
The Four Types Of Copywriting For Music
It is important to understand the different types of copywriting available. Just because a text is designed to be used in a digital context, it does not mean that it is all the same. There are various techniques, approaches, and styles of writing that can be applied to create compelling content for online audiences. Below, you will find a short description of the four types of copywriting for music.
Traditional
Traditional copywriting for music is typically short and sweet. It is used to generate interest and promote a brand or product. In general, traditional copywriting is based on one or more of these approaches:
- Product description – This is the most basic type of product description. It is used to provide detailed information on the feature set of a specific product.
- Comparison – This is the comparison of one product to another. It is often used to highlight the key differences between two similar items.
- Narrative – A narrative is a story that is designed to impart a particular set of skills or knowledge. For example, a nursing narrative might describe the experience of a nurse in providing care for a patient. This is a type of narrative that is typically short and to the point.
- Benefits – A benefits text explains why a product is suitable or needed for a specific purpose.
- Explanation – An explanation text seeks to eliminate or reduce ignorance about a particular subject. It usually focuses on providing sufficient information to allow the reader to understand the topic clearly.
- Cause & Effect – A cause & effect text explains the immediate results of an action (e.g., “X will happen after you click here”) and the broader effects that it will have on the world (e.g., “By clicking here, you will help to generate more renewable energy”).
- Tip – A tip text provides helpful advice on a specific subject matter.
- Definitions – A definition text provides one or more words or phrases that act as a stand-in for a broader concept. For example, a guitar define text might show the reader all of the different parts that make up a guitar (e.g., the neck, the head, the strings, etc.).
While a traditional product description might only contain a few paragraphs, a narrative or explanation could potentially run several pages. The key is to select the right text for the specific situation.
Viral
Viral copywriting for music can be used to describe something that is designed to be passed on from one person to another. In its most basic form, viral copywriting is a type of advertising or marketing technique where the primary audience is not a known group of consumers, but instead an interested party. As the name implies, viral copywriting is often used to advertise or promote a brand or product, but it can also be used to educate or inform the audience about a particular subject matter.
The specific subject matter of a viral write-up rarely has anything to do with the product or service that is being advertised. Instead, it focuses on presenting general information in a way that is easy to understand for a general audience. Sometimes, this means that the text is not as in-depth or descriptive as some of the other types of copywriting mentioned here. But it also means that the text might be shorter than usual. Below are the most basic rules of thumb for creating a viral marketing piece.
- Keep it short – Keep your copy short and sweet. Avoid using long sentences and paragraphs. Make sure your text is easy to understand and relevant to a general audience.
- Keep it interesting – Make sure that your text is interesting and engaging. For advertising purposes, it is often helpful to write in the third person (using “he” or “she”). This allows the reader to connect with the narrator and feel as though they are sharing their experience rather than just reading about it.
- Make it easy for the reader – Make sure that your text is easy to read. Use simple language and avoid using big words or phrases that might be difficult to understand without additional explanation. Keep paragraphs short and snappy.
- Make sure that it is entertaining – If you are trying to create interest or compel the reader to learn more about your product or service, then make sure that your text is fun to read. Above all else, make sure that everything about the text is working for the purpose that you intended it to serve.
There are many different tactics that can be used to generate a viral reaction. Some companies will simply sit back and watch as their adverts ‘go viral’. For those who would like to get involved, the key is to find a niche and become known for offering something unique and worthwhile. If you can do that, you will be able to use the power of the internet to your advantage.
Earned
Earned copywriting for music is similar to traditional copywriting, except that it is designed to build credibility and trust with the reader. It might contain some of the following components: