Get ready this article is going to tell you how to start copywriting in 7 simples steps. As a copywriter, making note of poignant copy and writing it down for future inspiration is one of my favorite things to do. Great copy is everywhere!
Most people take it for granted, especially if copywriting isn’t their thing, but if you want to get started in copywriting … all you have to do is take a look around.
Words fill up our spaces. They are in airports, doctor’s offices, retail stores, bus stations, restaurants, hotels, all over the Internet, and a host of other places. We see them while we are driving, eating, working, playing and even while we’re sleeping. Copywriting inspiration is all around us.
A phrase that I recently saw on the front door to a high school actually inspired me to write this article – see copy really is everywhere. What is the magic phrase, you ask …
“There are seven days in a week and SOMEDAY is not one of them.”
And, that my friends is the most important tip I can give you before we delve into learning more about how to start copywriting in 7 simple steps. We start today, not tomorrow or someday, so let’s get started now.
HOW TO START COPYWRITING LESSON #1: LEARN THE COPYWRITING MARKET
In school, you studied before a big test. Getting started in copywriting is no different. Now you’re studying for a life test so be prepared and do your homework. Research the market and know what to expect. Find out what copywriters do and what is in demand. Understand the many facets to copywriting, like blog articles, radio copy, newspaper ads, direct mail, web content, billboards, social media posts, etc.
Decide what interests you the most. Determine what you’re best at and how your words can convert to sales and ultimately money in your pocket. Learn the lingo and always be ready to learn more. There’s always room for improvement and growth in your copywriting so be prepared to research, take online courses, ask the experts and practice. A good copywriter is always exploring and stretching their copywriter brain.
HOW TO START COPYWRITING LESSON #2: STUDY THE COPYWRITING COMPETITION
Always remember that you are not the only copywriter out there. Copywriting is a much needed, yet popular and competitive field. If you want to start copywriting you have to stand out from the competition. Often, you will have to bid against other copywriters in the market for a job. Find creative ways to prove your copywriting skills and show potential clients how you can solve their problem better than the competition.
HOW TO START COPYWRITING LESSON #3: DETERMINE YOUR POTENTIAL FOR SUCCESS
Do you have what it takes to start copywriting? It’s time to do your copywriting homework again. Research average copywriter pay and determine if it can pay the bills, put food on the table and is a level that you can ultimately survive on.
Stepping out on your own is always scary. If you’re not working for a corporation or business, then there are other things to take into consideration, like health insurance, taxes and disability insurance. If for any reason you get hurt or sick and can’t write, then there is no income. Luckily, copywriting is something you can do from pretty much anywhere – even from a hospital bed. Voice recognition technology and laptops are valuable tools for copywriters. Of course, that is not ideal, but it’s a situation to be prepared for to help you determine your potential for success before you start copywriting.
Another important question to ask yourself is do you have the time to invest in starting your copywriting career. You will need to devote time to learning, researching, prospecting, planning and writing. Because you control your own schedule, you could spend 20 hours a week, 100 hours a week or more. It’s important to look at how much you will truly make per hour based on the number of hours you are investing in your copywriting.
HOW TO START COPYWRITING LESSON #4: FIND YOUR COPYWRITING COURAGE
In order to get started in copywriting, you need a little courage. You don’t need to be a skydiving type of risk taker. But, being willing to take a bit of a risk and a chance on yourself definitely helps. Getting started in copywriting is all new but the decision to start is yours so have confidence and be ready to tackle the challenge. And remember, not everyone is going to love your copywriting so also be prepared for negative comments and difficult clients. Take each comment seriously and use it to grow.
HOW TO START COPYWRITING LESSON #5: PROVE YOUR COPYWRITING SKILLS
The key to getting started in copywriting and staying in copywriting for the long haul is to set yourself up for success. Build a portfolio, create a website, and have samples ready to go to prove to potential clients that you have the copywriting experience that they are seeking. Ask existing clients for recommendations, referrals and testimonials to help prove that you are the best copywriter for the job. Positive feedback from existing clients is always helpful but if you have the numbers – sales, revenue, open rates, impressions, page views – to back up your writing that will help your business grow even more.
HOW TO START COPYWRITING LESSON #6: SELL YOUR COPYWRITING SKILLS
Whenever possible market yourself. You’ll find that most people find a career in writing fascinating so tell them what you do. You never know when a chance encounter may land your next copywriting job. Join groups to find others like you who can provide tips and share best practices. Plus, you never know when someone may need to unload a project because they can’t meet a deadline or have too much on their copywriting plate. Showcasing your talents on social media will not only help prove your skills but will also help you network and attract new clients. The goal is to always be selling so that you will always be writing.
HOW TO START COPYWRITING LESSON #7: DIVE INTO COPYWRITING
Just like when you were young, you need to take the training wheels off and just start riding. Or in this case, just start writing. It’s time to fire up that laptop, sharpen that pencil or crack open that brand new journal and start writing. Search for jobs through sites like Upwork, Fiverr or even Indeed. Start writing proposals, create samples, volunteer, find clients – rip off the band-aid and just start copywriting. You can’t get started in copywriting unless you actually start.
HOW TO START COPYWRITING BONUS TIP
If you only take one thing away after reading this article, then remember the phrase that inspired me …
“There are 7 days in a week and SOMEDAY is not one of them.”
So, let today be your SOMEDAY. I hope that I have inspired you and provided the tips you need to know exactly how to start copywriting. I’m Mike Giannulis and it’s my mission in life to help copywriters reach their potential, grow their business and follow their passion. 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 and break into copywriting today! And with that, I’d like to leave you with one more of my favorite phrases:
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is a gift
That’s why it’s called the PRESENT
And a good copywriter can write about all of them!
Don’t delay. Do what you’ve always wanted to do and get started today!
If you are looking for another source check out this FreshBooks article.
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