Learning Copywriting Can Actually Be Fun. Here’s How…

“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Many people have said it – Confucius, Mark Twain, Steve Jobs – even Mr. Miyagi probably.

But, it’s true!

For those of you who love to write, like me, copywriting is no exception.

 

 

I’ve been copywriting for over 15 years now and it’s become an extension of who I am, and it’s a part of my every day. It never feels like work and I love it.

Now, I try to help other aspiring copywriters earn a living by doing what they love too.

The word learning can seem daunting and off-putting. Maybe it reminds you of being back in school and doing homework and taking tests.

But I can assure you that learning copywriting can actually be fun and here’s how … Trust me!

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #1: Change Your Learning Environment

While studying and learning is definitely a requirement on this quest, it doesn’t have to be all work and no play. So, mix things up a bit. Yes, you will need to find some copywriting books to read. Here’s a list to some of my favorites that helped me. And, you will need to search the Internet for the many reliable sources and copywriting courses out there.

 

 

You don’t have to be locked in a room for hours a day to learn copywriting. Think outside the constraints of traditional learning methods and take your laptop outside. Take a trip to the beach or a park or garden. If you’re not outdoorsy, then go to your favorite coffee shop, bookstore, library or restaurant. Wherever you find inspiration is the place you need to be to learn copywriting and make it fun in the process.

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #2: Think of Non-Traditional Ways to Learn

It doesn’t have to be all books, courses and websites. Find an expert in the field and make a good old-fashioned phone call or send an email to introduce yourself and then meet for coffee if they are local. If not, then set up a zoom call. You can also look for inspiration and knowledge from other businesses. Study what is working for successful businesses and learn from them. Analyze their web page, social media pages, emails, tv and radio spots, direct mail or anything that can help you identify what makes their copywriting work.

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #3: Learn New Things

Not only are you learning about copywriting, but you’re also learning psychology, sociology, marketing, the art of persuasion, negotiation and much more. Learning is fun and copywriting will open your mind to so many other areas. You’ll also sharpen your listening skills and will learn to better understand customer and client needs. A copywriter knows a little bit about a lot of things.

 

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #4: Write Down Why You Love Writing

Write down all of the reasons you love writing, and details about the emotional journey you go through while you write. The stress or thrill you feel when you see a blank page. The anxiousness you feel when all of the thoughts bombard you at once and you don’t know how to organize them. The joy you feel when you know you’ve got good stuff and just need to harness it because it’s going to be great. The excitement you feel as the words start to flow.

And finally, that feeling of satisfaction when it all comes together and deep down you know you’ve written something great, and your client’s praises prove it. How is that not fun? It’s the reason most of us write.

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #5: Start a Collection

Create a file of inspiration and save samples, pieces, emails and anything else that calls out to you. Collecting things that will help you later is a fun way to learn copywriting. Devote at least one hour a day to studying your collection to keep things fresh and your copywriting brain active.

 

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #6: Think Abstractly

There is no wrong answer and writing is often subjective. Learn to think abstractly and don’t be afraid to just get the words out. Be free, data dump, let it flow and have fun because it’s inspiring. You can always proofread and get constructive comments later. Practice writing freely first.

A good exercise and a great way to practice is to take a simple object like a peach and challenge yourself to make it the best piece of fruit that has ever existed. Use words that can make someone who hates peaches with a passion to take a bite and love it. Or, use words to sell a pen, a band-aid, a coffee bean. Copywriting uses words to sell things. Anything can be for sale so challenge yourself daily to write headlines and leads that will sell a product to the most unsuspecting, least likely customer out there.

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #7: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Find copy from your favorite businesses or one that you hope to write for someday and rewrite their copy. There’s always room to grow and improve so practice with something that already exists. That sense of accomplishment after re-working copy and making it better is beyond fun – it’s inspiring. If you’re feeling brave enough, then get out of your comfort zone and reach out to the company and pitch your copywriting services.

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #8: There Are No Grades

There are no grades in copywriting and the strict grammar rules that you learned in school don’t exist. You need to be a good writer, but you can break the rules. You can start a sentence with the word and, and you can end a sentence with a prepositional phrase. If it’s not a complete sentence, but make’s an impact – that’s ok! Shocking, I know, but that’s downright liberating. The pressure is off, and you can just write freely until your heart is content.

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #9: Watch Movies and Read Books

Just like a good book you want your copy to be engaging and entertaining. The more you can entertain the reader of your copy the better. The best way to do this is to read books and watch movies to observe their dialogue and tone. How do the words between characters affect the story and how does it impact you?

If you were a Karate Kid fan growing up, then pay attention to the plot and story line of Cobra Kai and how they go back in time to connect the characters and bring them into current day. Ted Lasso is another great show that creates deep characters that connect with the audience. Watching television shows and movies and reading books can help you learn copywriting skills and teach you how to connect with your audience.

 

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #10: Revisit Childhood Fun

Go back in time and try to remember your elementary school self when you loved writing and drawing pictures. Where you didn’t know any better and everything seemed safe. There was very little criticism or judgement, and everyone got gold stars. So, pretend you are 8. Break out those crayons, scissors and glue sticks if you need to. Use them to inspire you to learn and grow and remember that learning is fun.

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #11: Host Copywriting Parties

Everyone loves a party so gather copywriting friends and play copywriting games. Whether it be in person or through zoom, you can create fun little games and competitions that allow you to learn in the process. Vote on the best header, best lead, most creative name for a simple object or best 30 second radio spot. The key is to make learning fun.

 

Learning Copywriting Fun Tip #12: Make New Friends

Join a copywriting community to find others to talk to, get advice from, review copywriting material or just hang out. Whether you are close and can grab a cup of coffee or hang out through zoom, a copywriting community is a fun way too meet new people, make friends and learn copywriting.

Here’s a link to my copywriting community, copywriting course and a ton of other resources. So, let’s have some fun and start copywriting today!