Copywriting and 8 Helpful Tips To Get You Started

Copywriting and 8 Helpful Tips To Get You Started

Copywriting had gained a surge of popularity among freelancers by the turn of the decade. More and more freelancers are looking for copywriting jobs, as more and more businesses are thinking of setting up on the internet. I, myself, can tell you that, in my few months of being a freelance copywriter, there is an abundance of groups in social media sites which are constantly looking for copywriters to help them set up their new businesses, and offering a high price for their work. 

It may seem easy to think that with a few words and cliches, you’ll find yourself becoming a great copywriter, and your career will grow by each letter printed, but it certainly is not.

You may think to yourself, that with just a little knowledge in marketing, a devotion for research, persuasive voices and a creative mind with a knack for words and writing, you’ll find yourself a freelancing job that works on creativity and literature, and gives you a free time to spare, but it’s not always like that. Sometimes you’ll find yourself on a writer’s block, and sometimes lacking clients, and some days are not worth working for some because of this.

But it’s okay, you don’t need to worry. By reading this article, you’re entitled to know everything about copywriting, and the art of persuasion and its tips and tricks.

WHAT IS COPYWRITING?

This may be a question you have asked yourself, starting up. Of course, you can search for it on the internet, and you’ll get quick results, but we tell you, there’s more than just a Google search for the answer, and we start with the basics of it.

Copywriting is the process of creating persuasive marketing and promotional materials through the use of words, and helps motivate people to take some form of action. The process ranges from websites and blogs, to TV commercials and, due to popularity, podcast advertisements; in short, it’s found in almost every product you can imagine, and if you find yourself buying loads of a product by seeing them on an advertisement, then you’ll see that it’s effective.

As a copywriter, it’s your job to make that happen. You hold in your hands the responsibility of creating a persuasive statement about the product you are to endorse, and endorsing it in a fun way to the clients, all while keeping a creative and original idea so that it will not sound repetitive to others.

Are you still up for the task? Sure, you are. So, let’s continue.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A COPYWRITER?

When I started up as a beginner copywriter, I had nothing in mind when it came to copywriting. I had the idea that journalism plays a role in helping me learn copywriting, and while it did help in a few ways, I’m still stuck in solving how to become a copywriting master, and so, I researched… tremendously.

1. Always start with the basics.

With the thought of becoming a high-paying copywriter in mind, one must not forget that even the biggest freelancers started with the basics. Spend the time to research what a copywriter does, what are the key factors of copywriting, and more. Even by reading this article, you are fulfilling this tip, so you’re now one step ahead from others.

Here are some websites that can help you with that.

https://www.awai.com/what-is-copywriting/how-to-become-a-copywriter/

https://jacobmcmillen.com/how-to-become-a-copywriter/

https://copyblogger.com/become-a-freelance-writer/

2. Start small, but write big.

As a beginner copywriter, I was still no one in the community. I had no portfolio, nor even any output to show, and yet, a few months later, people looked forward to getting me as a copywriter. Why is that? Well, I started small, but I wrote big. You don’t need big companies to start up as a copywriter, nor do you need that much connections, you just need to find something small, maybe a new blooming agency or store, and start from there to build up yourself.

3. Recognize your skills and work with it…

Your skills are your sword in the world of copywriting, and you must always find time to sharpen it, and keep track of it as you journey in your career. This is one of the most important tip I can give you, as without recognizing your skills, and leaving it as it is, you’ll find yourself having a harder time in both copywriting, and freelancing, and also run the risk of losing a client. So if I were you, recognize your talent and skill ASAP. Where are you good at? Where are you comfortable? And what do I lack? These are the questions you should ask as you start something new, and believe me, it goes a long way if you answer the questions.

4. …but learn new skills as well.

Okay, just because you’re honing your innate skills doesn’t mean that you’ll not learn something new. Much like how your client will change in the future, you too, shall adapt to them, and learn something new. To give an example, I was only a copywriter when I started, and nothing is worse than when your client asks for something you don’t know, but you need the job, and you need the money, and so, you need to learn. That’s how I did it, and from that experience, I learned graphic designing, and web designing too. That’s my case, but you can do the best move, and learn something new now. It’s not that hard if you persevere, trust me.

5. Schedules and timelines are your best friend.

I once had the habit in my college days wherein I’ll only set schedules in my head, and it didn’t work, so I encourage you to always plan ahead what you are to do. Give your phone an alarm everyday to work, and a date to set for a specific client or work, so that you will balance out your work, and your free time and family time.

6. Show your worth to your client.

I’ll admit, I did not do this during my first few interviews with clients. I’ll always tell them I am “like” him or her, that I can “write like” someone, and sometimes it works, most of the times, its not. That is why I am here to tell you, to remove those likes; show them that they are worthy to become your client, and think of yourself as a strong, independent person that knows their worth, and the client will pick you right away. True story.

7. Know your client.

Now that there are many booming businesses around you, you’ll certainly find yourself with many people wanting you to work with them, whether it be for blogs, or your new skills, but keep in mind that you are responsible for picking up your clients, and by picking a client, you are entitled to give them the best you can give, all while showing them that you know they are worthy. And let me tell you, after you finish a client’s project, you not only know your client, but they know your skill too. It’s a win-win!

And lastly…

8. Hug your job.

Not literally, of course. I mean cherish the job you chose. Copywriting is a fun and creative way to showcase your talent, and it’s a relaxed way of showing your persuasive skills to others. I am a copywriter, and from the moment I became a copywriter, I had already loved the job that I am working on, and I expect that you do so too. 

So that’s it, my tips and tricks on how to become a copywriter, and how you can succeed in it too. If you want to learn more about copywriting, or even want to find a copywriting job, you can click the link below for more info.

Carl Lucas M. Empedrad, 09/08/2021