Copywriting is a high income skill that is always in demand. Companies need copy for a range of purposes from marketing to digital content.
If you’re seeking to start a career as a copywriter, here are five things you need to know to make your copy a cut above the rest.
1. Write for your audience
Always keep in mind who your target audience is as you’re writing your copy. Think about how they would react to your copy and what actions they are most likely to take after reading it.
Do your research. There’s nothing wrong with looking at past examples of the copy your trying to write as a guide. Make sure you know everything you need to know to get through to your audience.
2. Spelling and grammar is everything
Your writing is a representation of you. It’s important to remember that spell check software is never 100% reliable. Proofreading your copy for errors is essential.
For long copy, proofread one section at a time to ensure you don’t miss anything. Only use a spell check software as a tool.
3. Follow industry guidelines
There can be significant consequences for companies that breach advertising guidelines in the form of inaccurate or inappropriate marketing. Make sure you’re familiar with both broadcast and non-broadcast codes to ensure your work complies with the rules.
4. Keep it interesting
Some clients may want you to work on longer copy. A good copywriter can adapt their writing to the project and still keep it engaging. It’s okay to deviate from the rules sometimes. Vary your sentence structures, use relatable adjectives and add images where possible.
You can find free images to use for your blog posts online via Unsplash and Pexels.
5. Avoid unnecessary jargon
Most copy requires you to engage readers from the beginning and keep them engaged throughout. Always make the key points of your copy clear, and avoid any unnecessary jargon. You’ll often have a word limit, and each word in every copy is valuable.
Learn how to start making money on your own terms as a freelance copywriter here.
T K Williams-Nelson
