Marketing is more important than ever, and the demand for effective copywriters in the ecommerce industry is increasing.
Copywriters are responsible for creating persuasive content that promote and market products, services, and brands. They cover direct response ad copy, engaging website content, email newsletters, social media posts, and product descriptions for print, radio, TV, and web.
If you’re interested in how to become a copywriter but not sure where to begin, this comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for entering the field of copywriting.
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Who Can Become a Copywriter?
You don’t need to have a degree to become a copywriter. If you’re skilled in writing and you have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, you can pursue a career in this field. Having a degree or certification in English, journalism, or a related field may give you an advantage, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
You can learn, build your skills, and become a copywriter in many ways. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
- Build a portfolio. With a portfolio, you can showcase your skills and versatility. This allows you to demonstrate your talent and proficiency to potential clients or employers, emphasizing the quality of your work rather than formal credentials.
- Take courses or workshops. Copywriting courses or workshops can teach you to write compelling headlines, craft persuasive messages, and understand the psychology behind consumer behavior.
- Networking. You can advance your copywriting career and open doors to new opportunities by engaging with professionals in the field, attending conferences, joining online groups, and actively participating in copywriting activities. Doing this will expose you to experienced practitioners, make valuable connections, and gain the latest industry insights.
Overall, there’s no single path to starting and building a copywriting career. For instance, you can choose to specialize in a specific niche such as healthcare or finance, or focus on a specific type of copywriting like email marketing or social media.
What is being a copywriter all about?
Copywriting is not creative writing or storytelling. While these skills are useful in some genres, they do not necessarily mean copywriting. Instead, copywriting is about grabbing the reader’s attention, and persuading them to buy a product or take action by writing compelling marketing materials.
Successful copywriters have six core skills. These skills include:
- Research: Researching the product, target audience, and competition will help you understand what makes the product unique and what customers value.
- Writing: Creating readable and engaging copy while having a good grasp of grammar, syntax, and style.
- Persuasion: The key to copywriting is knowing how to persuade readers to act, whether to make a purchase, sign up for a newsletter, or do something similar.
- Attention to Detail: You must be detail-oriented to ensure that there are no errors in the final copy.
- Time Management: Meeting tight deadlines is also an important skill, especially when juggling multiple projects at a time.
- Adaptability: Adjusting your writing style to fit different brands, industries, and target audiences will give you opportunities to work with more clients.
Start learning copywriting from several different sources
With the help of the Internet today, copywriting resources are much more accessible now, which makes it possible to learn without having a formal degree. Below are some key steps that you can take to establish yourself and succeed in the field.
Follow great copywriters and marketers
Following great copywriters and marketers is an excellent way to learn about the industry, stay up-to-date with trends, and get inspired. Some great copywriters and marketers to follow include Joanna Wiebe, Neil Patel, and Brian Clark. They each have years of experience and a proven track record of success in the industry.
- Joanna Wiebe: Joanna Wiebe is a renowned copywriter and the co-founder of Copyhackers, a website and community that provides valuable resources and training for copywriters. She is known for her expertise in conversion copywriting and has worked with numerous high-profile clients.
- Neil Patel: Neil Patel is a well-known marketer, entrepreneur, and author. While he is not primarily a copywriter, he is an influential figure in the digital marketing industry. Patel has founded multiple successful companies and has extensive experience in various aspects of online marketing, including copywriting. He shares his knowledge and expertise through his blog, podcast, and speaking engagements, providing valuable insights and strategies for marketers and copywriters alike.
- Brian Clark: Brian Clark is a highly regarded entrepreneur and copywriting expert. He is the founder of Copyblogger, an online platform dedicated to content marketing and copywriting. Clark’s expertise lies in creating compelling and persuasive content that engages audiences and drives results. He has contributed significantly to the field of digital marketing and copywriting through his articles, courses, and insights.
Join copywriting groups and communities online
Joining online copywriting groups and communities allows you to get in touch with fellow copywriters, get advice, and learn from each other. Some examples include:
- The Copywriter Club: The Copywriter Club is a community and podcast that brings together copywriters and marketers to share their experiences, insights, and strategies. It serves as a platform for learning, networking, and connecting with copywriting professionals.
- The Cult of Copy: The Cult of Copy is a copywriting community and resource hub that brings copywriters of all levels together. Led by acclaimed copywriter Colin Theriot, The Cult of Copy offers a platform for copywriters to connect, learn, and share insights and strategies. The community provides a wealth of resources, including courses, forums, and networking opportunities, designed to foster growth and mastery in the art of copywriting.
- Copywriting subreddit: The Copywriting subreddit is a dedicated online community within Reddit’s popular platform. It’s a great hub for copywriters to discuss their craft, share resources, ask questions, and receive feedback from fellow professionals.
Network with copywriters and marketers on LinkedIn
Networking with copywriters and marketers on LinkedIn can help you make valuable connections in the industry. Here are some tips:
- Connect with professionals in the industry. Expand your network by connecting with individuals specializing in copywriting, digital marketing, or similar fields. Building relationships with like-minded professionals can open doors to several opportunities.
- Share your work and ask for feedback. Utilize your LinkedIn profile to highlight your writing samples, projects, or articles. Sharing your work can help others discover your talents and lead to feedback or collaboration.
- Comment on posts and share industry news. Engage with relevant posts by commenting, sharing industry insights, and actively participating in discussions. Contributing to the conversation can build rapport and attract attention from potential clients or employers.
- Attend industry events and meetups. Explore industry-related events, webinars, or virtual meetups on LinkedIn. Participating in these events allows you to connect with professionals, learn from experts, and stay updated on the latest trends.
Read copywriting books
There are many books available on copywriting that can help you improve your skills. Here are three must-reads:
- “Breakthrough Advertising” by Eugene M. Schwartz: This book is a classic resource that teaches you the ins and outs of marketing, from learning how to create effective copy to understanding consumer psychology to better resonate with your audience.
- “The Copywriter’s Handbook” by Robert W. Bly: This book is a comprehensive copywriting guide covering everything from creating headlines to writing effective sales letters.
- “Ogilvy on Advertising” by David Ogilvy: David Ogilvy is considered one of the greatest copywriters of all time, and this book is a collection of his best advice and insights on advertising.
These resources can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful copywriter. By learning from a variety of sources, you can stay up-to-date on industry trends, hone your skills, and build a strong foundation for your copywriting career.
Take online copywriting courses
Online copywriting courses are a great way to learn the fundamentals of the craft. A quick search online should provide you with a wide range of options, including free and paid courses. Some popular platforms that offer courses include:
- Copyblogger: Offers a free course that covers the basics of copywriting and more advanced topics.
- Udemy: Has a wide range of copywriting courses, from beginner to advanced, with prices ranging from free to around $200.
- AWAI (American Writers and Artists Inc.): Offers a variety of courses and programs in copywriting, with prices ranging from around $400 to over $2,000.
Learn about behavioral psychology
Understanding human behavior and psychology is crucial for creating effective copy that resonates with your audience. Some books and courses that can help you learn about behavioral psychology include:
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini: A classic book that explores the science behind why people say “yes” and how to apply these principles to influence others.
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg: This book delves into the science of habit formation and how to use that knowledge to create effective marketing campaigns.
- Consumer Behavior: Building Marketing Strategy by David L. Mothersbaugh and Del I. Hawkins: This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of consumer behavior and how it relates to marketing.
Make a “swipe file”
A swipe file is a collection of successful copywriting examples that you can refer to for inspiration. Your swipe file can include sales letters, email campaigns, social media ads, and other types of copy to analyze and learn from in order to improve your skills. Building a swipe file is useful because it allows you to identify best practices in the industry and develop your style and voice.
Learn to apply copywriting concepts to other mediums
Copywriting is not limited to written content but can also be applied to other mediums, such as video and audio. Understanding how to use copywriting concepts in these mediums is crucial, especially now that customers enjoy consuming content in different formats.
Video sales letters
Video sales letters (VSLs) are a powerful way to sell products or services online. A VSL typically consists of a video that is several minutes long and includes persuasive copy and a call to action. Studying successful VSLs can be a great way to learn how to create effective video content that delivers high conversions.
Storyboarding User Generated Content (UGC) Mashups
User-generated content (UGC) mashups are a popular form of social media content that help promote brands and products. These typically feature a collection of UGC – content created by customers – that are put together compellingly to tell a story or promote a product. Learning how to storyboard UGC mashups can be valuable for copywriters looking to expand their skill set.
Radio Ad Scripts
Radio ad scripts are similar to written copy – but with the added challenge of being limited to an audio-only medium. Writing effective radio ad scripts requires a different approach but may also be valuable to learn, particularly for brands interested in creating podcasts or audio-related copy. Analyzing successful radio ads and studying how they use sound and language can help you develop your radio ad scripts.
Get a job as a copywriter
If you’re interested in working as a copywriter, you can explore multiple paths depending on your skill, level of experience, and personal preference. Common career paths typically include freelancing, an agency role, or a corporate job. Each option comes with unique opportunities and challenges, so it will be important to assess what suits you best.
Create a portfolio website
A portfolio website is essential for copywriters. It showcases your previous work, demonstrates your skills to potential clients or employers, and helps you stand out from other writers. Given its importance, your website should be clear, well-designed, and easy to navigate to create the most impact. Recruiters seek creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to really persuade people through words, so this should be reflected in your portfolio.
Analyze ad copy from popular brands and write about it on LinkedIn
Analyzing ad copy from famous brands can help you improve your copywriting skills as it allows you to learn from ads that have already proven to be effective. At the same time, you can write your analysis on LinkedIn, demonstrating your critical thinking skills to your network.
The process behind analyzing ad copy involves looking at the language used, the target audience, and the overall message that the ad is trying to convey. It’s important to understand why certain words or phrases were used and how they contribute to the effectiveness of the ads as these factors play a big role in how the audience responds.
Apply for copywriting jobs at marketing agencies
There are various platforms where you can apply for copywriting jobs at marketing agencies. Websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are great places to start. You can also visit the website of specific marketing agencies to find job listings.
You don’t need the experience to get your first copywriting job
Ultimately, it’s more than possible to get your first copywriting job without any experience. Recruiters often seek candidates with strong writing skills, a willingness to learn, and a creative mindset. They may also be interested in your personality and how you fit within the company culture.
Freelance copywriting vs marketing agency copywriting jobs
Whether you decide to work freelance or in a marketing agency, each position comes with pros and cons:
Freelance Copywriting
Pros
- Ability to choose your clients and projects
- Flexibility to work at your own time and pace
- Better control over your workload and rates
- Potential to grow income as you gain more experience
Cons
- No employee benefits due to its self-employed nature
- Lack of job stability
- Irregular nature of work (may have periods of surplus or scarcity in jobs)
Marketing Agency Copywriting Jobs
Pros
- Opportunity to work with fellow professionals
- Better job stability with steady work and a regular paycheck
- Opportunities for advancement and career growth
Cons
- Less creative control
- Less flexibility with your time and workload
- Possibility to work on projects that don’t align with your interests
Becoming a Copywriter Recap
Becoming a copywriter is not an easy task, but anyone can do it with dedication and the right mindset. In this article, we covered the different ways to learn about copywriting, the essential skills for success, and the different paths one can take to become a professional copywriter.
To recap, some of the key takeaways from this article include:
- Copywriting involves writing ads to persuade someone to take action – usually to buy a product.
- Six core copywriting skills include research, writing, persuasion, attention to detail, time management, and adaptability.
- There are many ways to learn copywriting, such as following great copywriters, taking online courses, reading books, and analyzing ad copy from popular brands.
- To become a successful copywriter, you need to create a portfolio website, analyze ad copy from popular brands, apply for copywriting jobs at marketing agencies, and network with other copywriters and marketers.
Freelance copywriter Tom Webster says, “If you can develop a unique voice and perspective, then you have a great chance of standing out in a crowded marketplace.”
So, regardless if you’re a college graduate, self-taught writer, or aspiring writer who’s just about to start, you can pursue this field and succeed with hard work, patience, and a lot of creativity. As copywriter Kim Garst says, “The key to success is to stay curious, remain agile, and be willing to experiment and try new things.”

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