You know you’ve been thinking about how to get started in copywriting for what seems like forever. Maybe you haven’t had the courage, lacked the resources or are overwhelmed with the whole process, but I’m here to tell you that you can do it. And, I want to be the voice in your head, the angel on your shoulder that tells you exactly how to do it.
Why Listen To Me?
I am many things, but I am a copywriter at heart. I am also an entrepreneur, leader and CEO and through my efforts have started and helped grow several companies from start-up to seven and eight figure revenues. Since 2006, when I got started in copywriting, my words have helped to sell over $100 million in product sales.
My copywriting experience runs the gambit and I’ve been able to copywrite on just about everything – pet skin care, sports, technology, health, law, personal development, business, exercise, copywriting and the list goes on. You name it and chances are I’ve probably written some form of copy on the subject. And now, I’ve created Copywriterbrain.com, a master course, and a free copywriting community to help others follow their dreams. So, let’s dive in and get started as I share my 10 Step Master Plan that anyone can use to get started in copywriting.
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Step #1 – Commit To Continual Learning
Not only MUST you be a good copywriter, but you must have the drive, determination and willingness to work at it on a regular and consistent basis. If you really want to get started in copywriting, then you must commit time and invest in yourself and your copywriting skills. Read books, take online courses, study examples, stay ahead of current trends and start waking up your copywriter brain now.
There is always room to learn and grow and luckily “the human brain consists of about one billion neurons. Each neuron forms approximately 1,000 connections amounting to more than a trillion connections. These combined neurons exponentially increase the brain’s memory storage capacity to somewhere around 2.5 petabytes (a million gigabytes).
So, if your brain were like a digital video recorder it could hold over 300 million hours of TV shows and you would have to leave your TV running continuously for more than 300 years to use up all that storage.”1 In other words, you’ve got capacity and can do it!
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Step #2 – Passion, Patience And Perseverance
Another must in the master plan is that you need to have a passion and a love for writing. This is hopefully going to be your lifelong career and you will be copywriting practically every day. Even when you’ve scheduled time off, chances are a catchy piece of copy will inspire you with future ideas, so the true copywriter brain never stops. A good copywriter dreams of copywriting and wakes up with fresh ideas.
Copywriting success does not always happen overnight so you must have patience and perseverance to keep working through successes and failures. Finally, resolve and a bit of thick skin is needed because not everyone will love your work, so you need to sift through criticism of any kind. Don’t let it hurt your feelings and use those comments to make you an even better copywriter instead.
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Step #3 – Practice Makes Perfect
The more you copywrite the better and faster you become. Whether you are waiting to secure your first copywriting job or are in between copywriting jobs … practice really does make perfect. Find samples from your favorite company whether it be a print ad, web content or radio copy and practice on making it better.
Ask yourself why the copy worked, what it conveyed to the end user and how it converted words into action. Copywriting inspiration is abundant so use it to practice and enhance your copywriting skills.
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Step #4 – Promote Your Copywriting Skills
A little shameless self-promotion never hurt anyone. How else will people know what you do for a living unless you tell them. I always say tell everyone you know you are a copywriter because that is truly how you get started. Every type of business on the planet needs some type of copywriting so let people know you’re out there. Creating every type of social media account that exists is one way to get the word out and the good news is it’s free.
So, open your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok accounts to market your copywriting services even further. Starting a website is another great way to promote your skills because it allows you to highlight your talents by posting samples and a portfolio of your work.
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Step #5 – Build Your Copywriting Network
Social media accounts will allow you to make connections and grow them exponentially. They are also a way for you to post samples of your work and grow your network quickly. Joining copywriting networks filled with like-minded individuals will allow you to learn and grow together and also builds a network to help find jobs and increase client base.
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Step #6 – Find Copywriting Jobs
It just takes that first copywriting job to build a foundation for future jobs. There are several ways to do this:
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Step #7 – Manage Your Client Base
Once you have that first copywriting breakthrough, use it to build your client base. Each piece of copy creates a building block. Ask every client to give you a testimonial and ask for a referral to spread the word and help you grow your copywriting business. Word of mouth advertising is always free and generates clients.
Retaining existing clients and repeat business is another great way to expand your portfolio. “It can cost five times more to attract a new customer, than it does to retain an existing one.”2 Your existing clients are your clients for a reason and a good way to maintain your copywriting base. As business grows, you can also reassess and increase your hourly or per project rate.
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Step #8 – It’s All In The Copywriting Numbers
Once your clients start to see success either through increased sales, page views, or click-through rates track the results to help prove that your words convert. Words have meaning, but so do numbers. Using statistics and facts to support your work will help secure more copywriting jobs and grow your business.
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Step #9 – Stand Out From The Competition
Copywriting competition can be fierce so standing out is crucial. Prospective clients want to know about you and your experience, but more importantly they want to know what you can do for them. And, how you can do it better than another copywriter that may be bidding for the same job. When pitching a potential client, give them a quick tease to showcase your talents and give an idea of the copywriting quality they can expect.
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Step #10 – Time Management Is Key
Between learning, researching, prospecting and writing, make sure you manage your time so there is actually time off to rest and reenergize that copywriter brain. Setting a schedule is key or else you could literally be writing all day. There has to be a shut off switch or else it can consume you and end up being stressful. The goal is to do what you love and allow it to give you freedom so learn to manage your time wisely and everything else will fall into place.
Get Started In Copywriting Master Plan Bonus Tip – Start Today!
My name is Mike Giannulis, and I would love to be your guide through your copywriting journey. I began my journey over 15 years ago and my passion is to help fellow copywriters grow their business and multiply success. I’d love to invite you to my new Copywriter Brain community to learn more about you and connect you to other copywriters. Please join us and also check out my new online course, The Ultimate & Free Copywriting From Scratch Master Course. I’ll be here for you every step of the way so let’s start that journey today!
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