We are all aware of the power of copywriting. The ability to create compelling content to attract, convert and delight customers is something that all entrepreneurs and business owners struggle with. Yet, for some reason, content creation is seen as a difficult and time-consuming process, when in reality it can be a fun and creative outlet, which in turn can boost your business.
The Basics
At its most basic level, copywriting is simply taking a piece of text and making it compelling and interesting enough to hold the reader’s attention. If you are writing to convince someone to buy your product or service, you are essentially writing copy to be used for advertising and marketing. While there are many techniques and skillsets which one can learn to become a successful copywriter, at the very least, you should have a good grasp of the basics – the grammar, the headlines, the body copy, etc.
Modern-Day Copywriting
These days, copywriting is more than just about putting words in a story or on a page. Thanks to the rise of digital communications and the growing influence of social media, modern-day copywriters are responsible for creating compelling messages for brands, businesses and non-profits, across all platforms, including web, blog, social media and video content.
However, the field is changing. In addition to creating marketing and advertising copy, today’s copywriter is also responsible for crafting press releases, pitching stories to journalists, designing website content, etc.
As a copywriter, you will typically be tasked with creating compelling content for a number of platforms, targeting different groups of people. This means that you will need to be able to multitask, thinking and writing creatively while also following strict editing and production processes. To succeed as a copywriter, you must be able to think outside of the box and be willing to brainstorm new ideas and concepts. Additionally, having a firm grasp of SEO and analytics, as well as the ability to properly structure and format content, are also highly regarded.
The Demand For Copywriters
Thanks to the rise of the internet and social media, content creation is more important now than ever before. People are constantly bombarded with information and advertisements, both of which could potentially be converted into sales leads or customers.
Whether you believe that content marketingwill continue to grow and evolve, or that it will become redundant, is really up to you. What is clear is that without quality content, your business will struggle to grow and thrive.
As the world becomes more digital, content plays a bigger role in our society and business than ever before. This doesn’t mean that advertising and marketing spend will begin to decline, but rather that marketers will look for alternative ways to reach audiences and build brand awareness.
With so much content being created and published around the world every single day, the demand for high-quality copy will only continue to grow.
Where Do I Start?
There are already so many successful and innovative businesses whose products and services you might consider, but which you might not have heard of. If you are looking for a fresh start, or you are trying to grow your business, why not consider becoming a copywriter? You can take a look at some of the most successful businesses created entirely from the ground up, without any prior experience, and see how they managed to become so popular. Amazingly, these companies often manage to combine quality products with outstanding marketing strategies, which results in winning over the hearts and minds of their customers.
How Do I Become A Successful Copywriter?
In order to be a successful copywriter, you will need to prove to your clients and to yourself that you can bring unique and valuable skills to the table. Aside from being a creative individual with an eye for detail, you should also have a solid understanding of the following concepts:
- Digital Marketing
- SEO
- Content Strategy
- Analytics
- Email Marketing
- Inbound Marketing
- Marketing Automation
- Copywriting
- Social Media Marketing
- Video Production
- Web Design
- Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress
- Lead Generation
- Online Store
- E-commerce
If you can master all of these areas, you will be able to tackle any type of writing project with confidence, knowing that you have the necessary tools and skills to make it happen. Additionally, if you can show mastery in any of these areas, you can certainly specialise in one or two of them. For example, if you are an SEO expert, you might only need to specialize in SEO content for clients.
Once you have mastered the basics, you are ready to enter the freelancer world, where you will be competing for work against other experienced copywriters. Get familiar with the following platforms:
- Gumroad
- Clickworker
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Freelancer.com
- Upcoming.com
- Franchisee.com
- Yelp
These are just a few of the most popular platforms, there are literally hundreds more where you can find freelance jobs, from small business owners searching for an extra pair of hands to large enterprises that need someone to take care of their in-house communications.
The Luxurious Industry
If you are looking to work in a more traditional setting, where you will be dealing with press releases and cold calls to potential clients, you should consider entering the luxury industry, where you will be working with global brands, getting paid big bucks and having lots of fun. While it might not be the most entrepreneurial-minded industry out there, the opportunity to work on interesting projects and make a lot of money is certainly enough to draw anyone in. Even if you don’t plan on specializing in this area, it’s always good to know where your talents lie.
Last but not least, let’s not forget about the all-important topic of research. If you are looking to become a successful copywriter, you will need to be able to find your audience and speak to them. Without good research and analysis, your articles will lack credibility and might even turn off potential customers. Before you put a gun to your head and decide to become a copywriter, make sure you have all the necessary bases covered. Do your research and learn everything there is to know about your chosen industry, the competitors and the general public. This way, when you are putting your ideas down on paper, you will have something concrete to work with. The more you know, the better you will be able to shine.