how to start copywriting
Have you ever scrolled past an ad on social media and immediately felt compelled to buy straight away? Maybe you’ve read an email newsletter and it made you want to purchase a product or service you didn’t even know you needed. This is a little trick marketers like to use called copywriting.
So, whatever your goal is, whether it is to build a flexible side hustle or to start your own ecommerce business, learning the art of copywriting is a very necessary part of marketing your business. The great thing about copywriting, too, is that you can learn how to do it yourself without needing a fancy degree or a lot of experience to get started.
Here is a straightforward plan on how to start copywriting for yourself!
Step 1: You Need to Know the Difference Between Copywriting and Content Writing
Before you write a single word, you need to know what the difference is between copywriting and content writing. Here’s a quick overview on the difference:
Content writing is there to educate, inform and entertain your audience. The best way to do this is through blog posts, news articles and ‘how to’ guides.
Copywriting, on the other hand, is designed to persuade your audience. It’s based on strategic writing that is meant to prompt a specific action, like buying a product, signing up for a newsletter, or clicking a link.
When it comes to copywriting, it’s important to be able to understand human psychology by figuring out what makes people buy, the problems they face and how your copywriting will be able to offer a solution for them.
Step 2: Have You Ever Heard of AIDA?
Yes, good copy is creative, but it mostly also follows a specific structure. One of the most famous and effective frameworks for beginners is AIDA:
Attention: You need to use hooks to grab the attention of the reader right away. This could be a good headline or a visual hook.
Interest: Next, keep them interested by sharing something interesting or relatable to them.
Desire: Now, you’ll need to portray what their life will look like when they decide to use your product or service. Also, show them how your product or service will solve their main pain point.
Action: Now, it’s time to tell your audience what to do next. These are known as CTAs (calls to action). For example, telling them to ‘click the link below for more information’.
Step 3: Get Used to Reading Great Copy
The secret to becoming a good writer is becoming a sharp reader. So, begin by paying attention to the copy around you.
What newsletters do you actually open in your inbox, and why?
Which YouTube video titles or TikTok ads catch your attention?
Screenshot or save landing pages and ads that make you feel something.
By looking at this, you’ll begin to identify the things that keep you hooked and the emotions this evokes within you. You can then begin using these techniques in your own copywriting.
Step 4: Build a Portfolio
You don't need paid clients to start building a portfolio. In fact, most beginners start with speculative (spec) work. So, how do you start a copywriting portfolio?
Rewrite existing brands: First, think of your favourite brand or local business. Look at their social media content, product descriptions and website. Rewrite their content using your own copywriting to practice.
Create mock projects: You could also invent a fake brand and create your own copywriting content. You could start by writing a launch email campaign for the brand.
Volunteer: You could also offer to write newsletters or social media posts for local businesses or charities. This is a great way to build your portfolio.
Step 5: Start Writing and Put Yourself Out There
Copywriting is a craft, which means you get better by doing it. Publish your practice pieces on LinkedIn, start a blog, or share your insights on a portfolio website. The more you write copy, the better you’ll get at it.
The digital world runs on words. Every business with a website, an email list, or a social media presence needs people who know how to communicate clearly and persuasively.
Okay, now go do it yourself
For your very first copywriting exercise, pick an everyday item on your desk, like a water bottle, a pen, or your phone, and write a snappy, 3-sentence product description that makes someone want to buy it. Do this a few times to get used to the flow.
If you’re looking for help with copywriting and don’t know where to start, make sure you get in contact with me! Together we can look at creating a tailored content marketing strategy for you and your brand!
