Throughout your everyday life, you are surrounded by work done by copywriters without even knowing it. While their goal is to appeal to consumers, good marketing copy is subtle and readers sometimes don’t even realize they’re being sold something. But what is copywriting? Sometimes intertwined with technical writing, copywriting is the act of writing text for marketing or advertising purposes. Technical writing is used to inform and instruct readers, rather than persuade them. Copywriters want their content to be used to increase brand awareness and ultimately sell a product or service to a group of people.
This content can be used in fields like marketing and public relations. Copywriters write content to be used for magazines, social media posts, television or radio commercials and lots of other marketing and communications materials. If you’ve ever heard jingle lyrics, read sales letters, billboards, or brochures, then you have been influenced by the work of a copywriter. Companies and agencies will hire writers to work with creative teams on lots of different projects. Search engine optimization, proofreading, speechwriting, and fact checking are just a few skills that are in demand right now.
Although many of these writers work for agencies, a large population are self-employed and work as freelance writers. A freelancer’s clients range from small to large companies, or even start ups.
With a few tools to keep in mind, any writer can study and practice writing good copy.
One of the most helpful tools for copywriting is to think of your audience. Keep in mind what questions a reader may have about the product or service you’re writing about. This will also help you appeal to the target group by tapping into their lifestyles, fears, and needs.
Being organized will make your task as a writer a lot easier. Not only does it help to keep your workspace tidy, but keeping the work itself in order is important too. Before you dive into writing the content, start by making an outline for yourself. Sketching some ideas with bullet points and an idea of what each paragraph should be about will make your piece stronger.
In order to write a good piece of copy, you will want to clearly explain your product or service. Using common spelling may seem obvious, but is important to remember in order to not distract the reader from your message. Write in a natural way without sounding like a robot.
After explaining your product and how it can benefit the reader, include a call to action. A call to action lets the reader know what you want them to do next. Instructions could include making a phone call to the business, visiting a website, or coming to a store to make a purchase.
Revising is a step that’s often overlooked, but could be the difference between a mediocre piece and a great one. Reading over your work once you are finished gives you the chance to find mistakes you may have missed, as well as the opportunity to rewrite sections to make them better. It’s best to proofread with a fresh set of eyes, so consider taking a break before completing this step.
The world of copywriting might seem very large and diverse- and that’s because it is. Your skills can be used for a variety of different projects. Resources are available to help you get started on a freelancing business, including RitersBlock. This is a site for you to create portfolios, access industry guides, and search for jobs and other writers. With helpful resources like this and a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to writing strong copy.
