How to Master Copywriting Skills

What exactly is a copywriter and what is copywriting?

A copywriter is a writer that may be an Independent Contractor doing freelance work or they may be a part of an organization, such as a magazine, advertising agency, marketing firm, etc.  A copywriter is the person behind the scenes with advertising agencies, for example, that is responsible for the text within an advertisement’s message.

A copyrighter’s job can also be to achieve higher page rankings within the search engines by delivering powerful content to a website.  Copywriting is essential in on-line marketing for many reasons; to deliver a message, SEO, advertising, marketing, etc.

How can I get the copywriting skills that I need to succeed as a copywriter?

Copywriting might come naturally for some people, but it can also be crafted, like anything else.  All you need is a little practice, and maybe even a class or two, but honestly it can be crafted with good grammar, good English skills and some personality.  A little bit of passion can take you a long way, too, when crafting your copywriting skills…

Your Copywriting Skills Checklist

• Proper Grammar
• Excellent English skills
• Learning how to master your headlines.
• Mastering the use of keywords and how to not over use a keyword.
• Mastering SEO
• Creative content
• Quality content
• Research skills
• The ability to sound convincing to sell…when marketing products.
• Uniqueness…what makes your content stand out from others?  Stand out.

The Importance of Research Skills

Let’s talk about the importance of research skills.  When being contracted to write about anything, chances are you’re going to have to write about things you may know nothing about, and that’s where good research skills comes in to play.  You want to learn as much as you can about the product or the content that you have to write about, before attempting to begin writing, and take a lot of notes.

I like to use the word master a lot, so in this case, you want to master the product or content before writing about it.  You want to sound like you know all.  You want to be authoritative and leave your readers feeling like they have just learned something new and interesting.

Computer Skills

Computer skills are extremely important these days, whether you work on a computer in an office or at home, computer skills seem to be a must these days with most employers.  Basic computer skills should really include typing skills; becoming a master of the web, knowing how to restore your computer if something goes wrong technically, before taking it to a professional.

Kknowing how to properly save files; maybe some basic Microsoft Word skills; knowing how to use chat and e-mail, etc.  These are just some of the basics.  Computer skills are of extreme importance when working as a copywriter.

Do You Have the Heart?

Is writing a passion of yours?  Do you feel like it’s your life calling to become a writer?  I think that having heart and passion for writing is extremely important in becoming successful with any type of writing.  If you’re just writing for a paycheck, then maybe this isn’t for you.  Writing takes a lot of motivation.  Honestly, I think it takes the same amount of motivation that exercise takes.

So, if you have to force yourself to research things or to pick up a pen, then maybe writing isn’t for you…or maybe it’s just not the right time to get started.  On the other hand, if writing excites and thrills you, because you just love it and you love the challenge of learning new information that you have to both process mentally and deliver in words, then you have the heart of a writer.

So…is your heart in it?  And do you think you have what it takes?  Ready, set, write…