Writing copy is not the same as writing books, magazine articles, or school papers. Copywriting is more hard-hitting, creative, unique, and straight to the point. Our society today is saturated with advertising and marketing copy and slogans. This web page offers some copywriting tips to help you become a successful professional copywriter.
Here are some copy writing tips:
- Set yourself apart. Find your own voice. Differentiate yourself from the masses.
- Understand your target market. Whether you are writing to a mother who is buying dishwashing soap, a business professional interested in a new fax machine, or a new employee trying to learn the job, you will create more effective copy if you write with the reader in mind. Who are they? What are they like? What do they love? What interests them?
- Educate yourself. Take a course, read books on copywriting. I can't stress enough the need to become a master in the art of copywriting--it's a skill you can learn.
- Be flexible. Don't restrict yourself to writing only one form of copy. If a company wants a brochure written, do it. If they want a business letter written, do it. You broaden your base of experience and make more copywriting contacts.
- Create a library of copy. Make sure you save your work and gather it into a portfolio. There is no better way to get hired than to show prospective clients and employers actual examples of your work.
I highly recommend reading some outstanding books that give tips on copywriting and understanding the copywriting industry:
The Copywriter's Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Copy That Sells. This is a book for everyone who writes or approves copy--copywriting experts, account executives, creative directors, freelance writers, advertising managers... even entrepreneurs and brand managers. It reveals dozens of copywriting techniques that can help you write ads, commercials, and direct mail that get more attention, and sell more products.
Teach Yourself Copywriting. This guide reveals some of advertising's greatest creative secrets. From planning to implementation, it guides readers step-by-step through copywriting skills for a range of disciplines, including the most up-to-date information on the Internet, radio and TV, business-to-business, public relations, recruitment, and charities. Featured are practical exercises, summaries, and quick tips that allow readers to practice their skills, along with a list of useful addresses.