So, you want to learn copywriting? Perhaps you’re a new entrepreneur trying to save costs, so you’ve decided to write your own business blog. Or perhaps you’re thinking of copywriting as a side hustle. Whatever the case, mastering copywriting can open doors to numerous opportunities! But first, you’ll need to understand what copywriting is and how to learn to copywrite.
Step 1: Understanding the Fundamentals of Copywriting for Beginners
How do beginners learn copywriting? Well, you need to start with the basics. Please familiarise yourself with what copywriting entails, the different types of copy, and the objectives behind them. This foundational knowledge is crucial for beginners and sets the stage for more advanced learning. There are many different kinds of writing online. Here are some examples:
SEO Copywriting
Objective: The primary goal of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) copywriting is to rank highly in search engine results for specific keywords or phrases. This type of copywriting is designed to attract organic traffic to a website and is usually used for blogs.
Direct Response Copywriting
Objective: Direct response copywriting aims to get the reader to purchase, sign up for a newsletter, or download a resource. It is highly targeted and results-oriented. You’ll often find direct-response copywriting on landing pages for Google Ads.
Step 2: Enroll in a Copywriting Course
There’s a wealth of copywriting courses available online tailored to beginners. These courses cover everything from how to write persuasively to specific techniques for digital platforms. Look for a copywriting course with interactive assignments, instructor feedback, and real-world examples to analyse. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Copyblogger offer courses designed to help you learn copywriting.
However, you must also love writing, or writing can become tedious! Just like any job, copywriting has its ups and downs. For some people, generating creative ideas comes easily. But they struggle to put pen to paper. So, if that’s you, my best advice is to hire a copywriter. It will save you time and energy thinking of the right words to describe your business, products, and/or services.
Step 3: Practice and Apply What You Learn
Theory is essential, but practice transforms knowledge into skill. Apply the concepts you learn in your copywriting course by writing as much as possible. Start with simple projects! Create ads for fake products or rewriting existing copy to improve its effectiveness. This practice helps reinforce your learning and begins to build your portfolio.
I also recommend finding the type of copy you prefer to write. If you want to become an award-winning writer, writing advertising copy will be a real shocker. Because you’ll need to write according to what your clients want, and you also have to spend time managing their expectations. However, some industries may allow you to be more creative with your copy. Keep asking yourself if you can envision writing certain types of copy. This will determine the type of clients you want to work with as a professional copywriter.
As you work with different clients (real or hypothetical), also start to develop your distinctive voice. Every writer has their own personality, which is visible in your copy. Find a way to channel that unique sparkle, and your copy will shine!
Step 4: Seek Feedback and Refine Your Skills
Feedback is a powerful tool for improvement, especially for beginners. Share your work with peers and mentors. Look for online communities that will help you learn copywriting. Constructive criticism can help you see your work from a new perspective and identify areas for growth.
Copywriting is a dynamic field, with new techniques and trends emerging regularly. Make learning a constant part of your career to stay relevant. Advanced copywriting courses, workshops, and webinars can help you specialise in areas like SEO, email marketing, or storytelling in advertising. (Check out my free SEO guide to help you get started!)
What makes a good copywriter?
A good copywriter is constantly trying to improve. Copywriting is as much an art as a science. It requires understanding what your customers want, marketing principles, and keeping up with digital trends. With dedication and continuous learning, you can develop the skills to craft compelling copy that engages and converts.
