How to get started with copywriting in 2023(Step by Step Guide)

Would you like to acquire a skill that can generate money on demand?

In today’s day and age, the ability to write a copy that converts is one of the most effective ways to achieve this.

Grab a glass of water and sip it as I guide you through everything you need to know about copywriting.

This comprehensive guide will cover what copywriting is all about, whether you’re interested in working as a freelance copywriter, an in-house copywriter, or want to enhance your marketing skills.

To monetize your copywriting skill, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of copywriting before offering your services to business owners who require copywriting expertise.

Now, let’s address the first question:

What is Copywriting?

Copywriting is the art and science of persuasive writing that motivates people to take action.

Copy is essentially sales in written form. In the past, salesmen would go door-to-door to convince customers to buy a product or service.

Nowadays, it’s much easier and faster to achieve results through copywriting.

With just a click on your laptop, you can send your copy directly to your customers.

Almost all marketing materials you see today are written by copywriters (who may be relaxing on a beach somewhere).

Numerous copywriters are responsible for creating these marketing materials.

This leads us to the next question:

What is the role of a copywriter?

A copywriter crafts words that sell or promote a product or service.

Businesses thrive when they continuously make sales and increase their revenue.

Therefore, they are willing to invest heavily in copywriters who can write compelling content that sells their products or services.

Some of the tasks a copywriter undertakes include:

• Email campaigns
• Landing pages
• Lead magnets
• Case studies
• Product descriptions
• Video sales letters (VSLs)
• Social media ads
• White papers

Here is a sample of a lead magnet 🧲

As you can see, there are numerous areas where a copywriter can specialize, and every business requires skilled copywriters to take their marketing to the next level.

How do you know if copywriting is the right fit for you?

Fortunately, copywriting is a career path that doesn’t require a degree.

However, like any other career, there are certain skills and qualities you should possess or develop.

Let’s explore the essential ones:

• Top-notch writing skills: A copywriter should have a strong foundation in writing, including proper grammar, punctuation, and the ability to write clearly and concisely, resonating with the target audience.
• Creative thinking: Capturing and retaining attention is crucial for a copywriter. This necessitates thinking outside the box to create unique and compelling content.
• Research abilities: Research is one of the most important skills for a copywriter. The better you understand your target audience, competitors, and industry trends, the more effectively you can write well-informed copy.
• Understanding human psychology: A skilled copywriter continuously seeks to better understand customer persuasion. By recognizing emotional triggers, customer behavior, and motivations, a copywriter can write copy that deeply resonates with customers.
• Adaptability: A proficient copywriter should be able to adapt their writing style to different brand voices and target markets.
• Attention to detail: As a copywriter, you should ensure your copy is error-free, professionally written, and flawless.

If the above qualities resonate with you or if you believe you can develop them, then you have what it takes to become a great copywriter.

Now, let’s move on to the next question:

What are the steps to becoming a copywriter?

Becoming a copywriter requires upfront effort to hone your skills and position yourself to write and get paid for it. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Learn the basics of copywriting: As a beginner, you might not know much about copywriting beyond its definition. That’s perfectly fine — we all start somewhere. To gain a strong foundation, I recommend reading three essential books on copywriting:
   - “The Boron Letters” by Gary Halbert
   - “Scientific Advertising” by Claude Hopkins
   - “Breakthrough Advertising” by Eugene Schwartz
   These books will provide valuable insights into the world of copywriting.
2. Analyze copy from A-list copywriters: To improve your copywriting skills, studying successful copy is crucial. Analyze ads, emails, and other marketing materials from established copywriters who know what works. Sign up for the email lists of your favorite copywriters and regularly dissect their copy. Also, pay attention to advertisements and landing pages you encounter online. By deconstructing successful copy, you can identify frameworks and patterns that yield exceptional results. If possible, consider investing in a copywriting course from a top copywriter to accelerate your learning.
3. Practice writing: Mastery in any craft comes with practice. Write every day, if possible. The more you write, the better you’ll become. Experiment with writing for different markets and see how you can adapt your style to suit them.
4. Create a portfolio: Now that you have read copywriting books, analyzed successful copy, and written your own, it’s time to showcase your work in a portfolio. Compile your best copywriting samples to demonstrate your abilities to potential clients. Seek feedback for your copy: Starting out, things might get messy, and that’s okay. Seek feedback from fellow copywriters, mentors, or honest friends who can provide constructive criticism. Embrace feedback as an opportunity to grow and improve your skills.
5. Network: The more you put yourself out there, the greater your chances of getting hired quickly. Attend seminars, conferences, and events where you can meet other copywriters and business owners. Join online communities on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to engage in conversations and expand your network.

How to acquire copywriting clients

1. Start with small projects on freelance platforms like Upwork.
2. Publish organic copywriting and marketing content on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
3. Consider building a following on your chosen platform, for example Twitter, to demonstrate expertise and attract inbound clients.
4. Engage in regular cold outreach to business owners through emails or direct messages on social media, offering your copywriting services.
5. Attend events where you can meet potential clients. This is an effective way to showcase your expertise, as there is already social proof that you know what you’re talking about.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a professional copywriter.

Stay tuned for more copywriting and marketing tips

Thank you for reading!