11 Must-Read Copywriting Tips

11 Must-Read Copywriting Tips 

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There is no shortage of copywriting tips out there, especially for beginners. For the most part, all tips are great. And, who doesn’t want free copywriting tips? The problem is that there can be an overwhelming and overabundance of tips out there and it can block you from ever beginning. Here are 11 must-read copywriting tips to help get started and give you some inspiration throughout the process. If you feel like you’re ready for more, then click on the link at the end and proceed at your own pace.

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Must Read Copywriting Tip #1: Always Make a Good First Impression  

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You only have a few seconds to make a good first impression so make sure your copywriting packs a punch and makes an impact from the very get go. This mindset should flow through in everything you do from pitching a potential client and into every piece that you write. It’s important to not only make a good first impression, but to make a lasting impression so clients continue to come back for more projects. Making a good first impression doesn’t always mean talking only about yourself so make sure you tell potential clients what’s in it for them and what you can help them achieve through your copywriting.    

Must Read Copywriting Tip #2: Create Awareness  

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If you don’t tell people you are a copywriter, no one will ever know. Building awareness of your skills and talents and putting yourself out there are crucial if you want to begin and grow your copywriting business. People are typically very intrigued when you tell them you are a writer so make sure you share the news with everyone you encounter because you never know who can help you spread awareness and help you grow your business.

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Must Read Copywriting Tip #3: Set Goals & Make the Commitment
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Beginning any business takes time, dedication, effort and a plan. If you can land that first big client from the start that’s wonderful. But chances are there is much work that is going to need to be done and jobs won’t magically appear overnight. Setting a path and charting a course will bring you one step closer to getting your beginning copywriting business off the ground.

Determine how much time you will devote to your copywriting plan each week in terms of networking, advertising, prospecting, researching, budgeting and finally writing. As you can see, there are many things to do besides writing so sticking to a plan will help you achieve your goals. Then, always make sure you set aside time for a break from copywriting to rest and recoup. Copywriting can be a 24/7-hour business if you let it so plan lunch times, days off and even vacation time and take a break when needed.

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Must Read Copywriting Tip #4: Stay Focused

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Sometimes just getting started is a huge hurdle especially when a blank piece of paper or a black computer screen is staring back at you. Then other times, the copywriter brain can race and take us on tangents that can derail any project. There are so many distractions all around us.

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Staying away from social media when it’s not being used for productive reasons can help tremendously. It is very easy to spend hours reading Facebook posts, watching YouTube Videos or TikToks and that’s great if we are using it for good. If we’re just trying to keep up with friends and it’s distracting us and keeping us from writing, then we need to step away from the distractions to focus on copywriting.

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Must Read Copywriting Tip #5: Find Your Techniques

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When you are feeling distracted or have a case of copywriting block, it’s important not to panic and pull a technique out of your toolbox to help get you back on track. Here are a few tricks that may help.

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Getting back on track will allow you to achieve small wins in your copywriting and sometimes that’s all it takes to achieve even greater inspiration and finish projects.

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Must Read Copywriting Tip #6: Know the Details

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Breaking down the details and understanding the ins and outs of each project is essential. Who is the target market? Is there a time limit? Is there a maximum word count? Are there certain keywords that need to be used and how many times? Or, are there certain words to stay away from entirely? The details form the foundation of anything you copywrite and should serve as a steppingstone for any project no matter how big or small.  

 

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Must Read Copywriting Tip #7: Continual Learning  

In order to be a good copywriter, there must always be a willingness to learn and grow. Writing comes easier to some rather than others, but there is a wealth of information out there for anyone who has a willingness to learn. Even experts need to take inventory of their writing to see if it is continuing to gain results, staying up-to-date and providing the best benefit to clients. There’s a ton of competition out there so it’s important to know what makes you the better copywriter. That happens through a continual commitment to learning and improving.

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Must Read Copywriting Tip #8: Showcase Your Talent

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In order to gain work, you need to produce work. Very few clients will take your word for it and hire you sight unseen without an example or samples to show. There are many steps to take when you’re a beginning copywriter, but a definite first step to make is to start building your portfolio as soon as possible.

As a beginning copywriter, you may not have professional samples yet and that’s ok. You can make your own, but the key is to just start writing. Create a fictitious company or choose your favorite brand and write as if they’re your top client. Show potential clients your skills and what you can create for them. One of the best ways to do this is to create a website to highlight your background, talent and all that you have to offer clients.

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Must Read Copywriting Tip #9: Stand Out from the Competition  

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A wise writer, Oscar Wilde to be precise, once said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and it’s true. With copywriting you need to be careful because you don’t want that flattery to be misconstrued as something else. But, researching the competition and learning what works, what is successful and learning to do it even better is the key.  

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Must Read Copywriting Tip #10: Create a Strong Network  

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Building a network is important to help a beginning copywriter, or any copywriter for that matter, grow and flourish. Finding others that you can learn from and share best practices not only helps you grow, but also helps you find clients. Your network doesn’t have to consist of only copywriters. It can include business leaders, artists, community partners – anyone that can add to your connections and help you learn and build your overall client base and potential. Each connection that you make represents an opportunity so start building a strong network as soon as possible.

Must Read Copywriting Tip #11: Sell Yourself Before, During and After  

The tip here is to always be selling. From pitching a client, to proving your copywriting skills, to showcasing how your words can increase sales and sell products, copywriting can easily be a 24/7 business. Some copywriters do a great job getting the sale and delivering the copy, but they miss the ending.

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After the project is done, be sure to ask clients for a testimonial and a referral. These are valuable tools in building your copywriting business and getting more sales. It’s also important to research how well your copywriting performed and use those numbers to continue selling yourself. What copywriting job converted the best, made the most sales, had the highest click through and open rates? Even if math is not your favorite, selling your copywriting numbers is just as important as the words you choose to create your copywriting projects.

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Must Read Copywriting Tips Bonus

It’s very easy to feel stuck and not know where to start or how to get back from what seems like a never-ending tangent. Getting off track happens to the best of us, and that is why I’m here. My name is Michael Giannulis and one of my missions in life is to help copywriters get unstuck. I’d love to invite you to our 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 to start your journey. For more inspiration and support, please check out these other helpful copywriting tips today!

Check out this article for more tips on starting copywriting as a beginner.