Beginners who want to learn copywriting face a variety of challenges, from identifying their strengths and weaknesses to finding the right course or mentor. If you’re just starting out, you may wonder how to get started in this challenging and rewarding field.
Beginners can learn copywriting by first identifying their strengths and weaknesses, joining a copywriting course or forum, reading books, and getting a mentor. Writing and evaluating your work is also an essential part of learning this skill. Lastly, creating a copywriting process will save time.
The key to success is developing a consistent and effective copywriting process that helps you grow and thrive in this exciting field. We’ll explore each of these aspects in more detail below.
How to Learn Copywriting As a Beginner?
Whether you are self-taught or are taking a copywriting course, laying a strong foundation is essential for success.
1. Identify Your Strengths & Weaknesses
Most guides on copywriting won’t focus on this step, but it is crucial in learning how to write compelling copy.
By reviewing your strengths and weaknesses as a writer and exploring your motivations, you can gain valuable insights into what writing approach will work best for you.
Strengths might include your ability to capture a reader’s attention with an engaging headline or natural flair for emotional storytelling.
Weaknesses might include issues with research and organization or difficulties writing in certain formats. Recognizing these tendencies will help you determine the best course of action moving forward.
If you want to identify your strengths and weaknesses, you can take online personality tests or seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors.
The objective here is to gain as much insight into your strengths and weaknesses as possible.
Once you have identified your strengths and weaknesses, it will be easier for you to find a suitable course or mentor that can help you improve in those areas.
For example, if you struggle with research and organization, an online course or mastermind group may be an ideal way to learn more about writing methodically.
Knowing how to counter your weaknesses is just as important as identifying them.
So, in addition to finding a course or mentor to help you grow, it’s also important to find ways to improve your weaker skills so that they don’t prevent you from reaching your full potential as a writer.
2. Take a Copywriting Course
There are self-taught copywriters who are successful, but many beginners find it easier to learn from an established course or mentor.
If you’re considering a course, you’ll want to carefully evaluate your options and ensure that the program fits your learning style and individual needs.
Some factors to consider when choosing a copywriting course include:
- Cost: Whether free or paid, ensure the course meets your learning goals. Don’t assume that the cheapest or most expensive option is best. Instead, look at the course details and choose the one with the most appropriate price point.
- Level: Choose a course that matches your copywriting experience level. If you’re a beginner, you might prefer a foundational course that covers the basics of copywriting rather than an advanced program about the more technical aspects of the craft.
- Duration: Some courses are designed to take a few weeks, while others might last several months or even years. Consider how much time you can devote to learning copywriting and find a program that suits your schedule.
- Format: Do you prefer self-paced online courses, in-person workshops, or one-on-one mentorship? There are different formats to choose from, and you should evaluate which type of instruction best suits your needs.
Once you have chosen a course, put in the time and effort required to get the most out of it.
This might mean dedicating several hours weekly to writing assignments, participating in discussions, or researching relevant topics.
By fully immersing yourself in the course and doing your best to grow as a writer, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful copywriter.
You can choose courses from renowned copywriters or providers like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare.
Other options include joining a copywriting forum or connecting with a trusted mentor who can provide valuable feedback and guidance.
Most established copywriters tend to charge premium rates for their services.
However, unlike general education platforms, most of their courses are more customized and tailored to your individual needs as a writer.
3. Join Copywriting Forums
Until recently, I didn’t know there were many opportunities to connect with other writers online.
However, there are different forums and groups dedicated to copywriting where you can get feedback on your work, share tips and advice, and learn from other aspiring writers.
The most common forums are on social media platforms such as Facebook, Reddit, and LinkedIn. Search for relevant keywords related to writing to find a copywriting forum that’s right for you.
Some of the most popular communities on different social media platforms are listed below:
- /r/Copywriting
- /r/Advertising
- /r/Marketing
- Science of Copywriting
- Content Writing & Copywriting Forum
- Copywriters Giving Copywriters Feedback
- Advertising Copywriting
- SEO Copywriting, Copywriting 2022
- Copywriting Training: Insights for Copywriters, Marketers, Advertisers, Bloggers, and Journalists
Depending on the forum, you can connect with other writers and get feedback on your work or learn from others in the community.
To make the most of these forums, take advantage of their resources and actively participate in discussions by sharing your thoughts and insights.
These platforms provide a good opportunity to network and connect with potential clients and collaborators.
With time, you can develop a solid online presence as a copywriter and leverage these connections to grow your business and client base.
4. Follow Successful Copywriters
Who are the copywriters you admire most? Perhaps they’re well-known names like David Ogilvy, John Caples, or Gary Halbert.
Or maybe they are lesser-known writers who share their work on social media and offer tips to aspiring copywriters.
If you want to learn the craft of copywriting, it can be incredibly valuable to follow the examples and advice of successful copywriters.
Doing this helps you understand what makes great copy. You can also refine your writing skills by emulating their style.
One way to find these writers is by searching for them on social media or following relevant blogs or publications.
Another approach is to attend in-person workshops, conferences, or seminars where you can learn directly from these professionals.
Signing up for newsletters from copywriting experts is another excellent way to stay informed about their latest tips, insights, and advice.
Remember that you don’t need to limit yourself to one or two writers – the more sources of inspiration you have, the better!
If you are wondering who are the best copywriters to learn from, there is no single answer to this question.
Many great copywriters have made their mark in the field, and they can all offer valuable insights and advice on how to improve your writing skills.
Some of the most respected names in copywriting include David Ogilvy, John Caples, Gary Halbert, Eugene Schwartz, Joanna Weibe, Jon Morrow, and Kristi Hines, to name just a few.
You can find these writers on social media or through their blogs and newsletters.
Whether you are just starting as a copywriter or looking to refresh your skills, you can learn a lot from these experts and their work.
5. Identify One or Two Copywriting Books
Marcus Tullius was not wrong when he said, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” Books have a way of opening our minds and igniting our imaginations.
When it comes to learning copywriting, there are many great books that can help you hone your skills and develop a deeper understanding of the craft.
Some of the copywriting books you can consider include:
Breakthrough Advertising” by Eugene Schwartz
Eugene’s book is often called the “Copywriting Bible,” and it is a must-read for all aspiring copywriters. Filled with practical tips, insights, and exercises, this book will help you take your writing to the next level.
In addition, the book’s focus on the awareness stage of the sales funnel is a valuable resource for marketers.
“Ogilvy on Advertising” by David Ogilvy
David Ogilvy is one of the most successful copywriters in history, and his book is a classic in the field.
With practical tips and advice on how to write great copy for print and emails, this book will help you become a better writer and marketer.
“The Robert Collier Letter Book” by Robert Collier
This timeless guide was written in the early 1930s, but many of its principles are still relevant today. It contains hundreds of effective writing templates and examples you can use as a guide for your work.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this book offers valuable insights into the art of persuasive writing.
“Finding the Right Message” by Jennifer Havice
If you want to take your copywriting skills to the next level, this book is for you.
It focuses on the psychology of persuasion and shows you how to craft messages that resonate with your audience.
Whether you are writing sales letters or website content, this book will help you understand what makes people respond to certain messages and act accordingly.
There are many other great books on copywriting that you can explore, depending on your interests and goals.
Although you can access these books in digital format, it can be helpful to have a physical copy that you can refer to and highlight as you learn.
5. Get a Mentor
You can never go wrong with learning from a professional. When it comes to copywriting, having the guidance and support of an experienced mentor is invaluable.
There are many different ways that you can connect with mentors in your area or online.
For example, you could join a mentorship program offered by a local writing organization or find a copywriter willing to offer guidance and feedback on your work.
The role of a mentor and mentee in copywriting is fairly flexible. It typically involves regular feedback and guidance to help you improve your skills and achieve your goals.
Regardless of your approach, having a mentor will help speed up your learning process and give you valuable insights into the world of copywriting.
Virtual mentors can be just as helpful as those in your local area.
For example, you might join a copywriting forum or community online and connect with other writers who can offer feedback and advice on your work.
Always remember you should show your mentor that you are willing to be proactive, take feedback well, and grow as a copywriter. Then, you can learn and develop your skills quickly.
6. Practice & Evaluate
As the adage goes, “practice makes perfect.” This basic truth remains true regardless of how much you read and study.
Therefore, to become a skilled copywriter, you should practice what you’ve learned and evaluate the results. This can take many different forms depending on your goals and experience level.
For example, you might start by practicing writing short blog posts or social media updates and then move on to longer pieces like sales pages or email campaigns.
Along the way, you should evaluate your progress and reflect on what is working and what isn’t. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve and effective strategies.
Building a consistent practice and evaluation routine can help you become a better copywriter more quickly. You can track your progress and evaluate your work through various methods, including:
- Writing down your goals
- Keeping a log of your activities
- Setting up regular performance reviews with yourself or a mentor.
Ultimately, practicing consistently and reflecting on your performance is the key to becoming a successful copywriter.
Essential metrics to watch as a beginner include conversion rates, response times, and visitor engagement.
7. Create a Personal Copywriting Process
One of the most costly mistakes beginners make is diving straight into copywriting without a clear plan or process.
When you have a routine or workflow that works well, you can save time and avoid mistakes as you write your content. This might involve creating a process for writing sales letters, emails, headline copy, etc.
It could also include setting up guidelines for your tone and style or creating a checklist of important tasks to complete each time you write. Some common steps in a copywriting process might include:
- Brainstorming ideas
- Researching your target audience
- Drafting the content based on your research and initial outline
- Reviewing the content with feedback from other writers or mentors
- Revising and editing your copy as needed
Every copywriter has a unique process, but these are some general steps that you can follow to ensure that you produce high-quality, compelling content every time.
Can I Teach Myself Copywriting?
Yes, you can teach yourself copywriting. There are different strategies and resources that you can use to learn and improve your skills, including online courses, writing communities, forums, books, and mentors.
However, this means you will need to rely on others to guide and support you as you learn. No one can become successful entirely on their own.
We all need the feedback, support, and resources that others can provide.
If you are self-motivated, proactive, and willing to put in the time and effort, teaching yourself copywriting can be an effective way to build your skills.
Key Takeaways
Learning copywriting as a beginner requires time, effort, and dedication. To become a successful copywriter, it is essential to practice consistently.
Apart from that, you should evaluate your performance regularly, establish a clear process for writing content, and seek support and feedback.
Genuinely evaluating your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to quickly become a skilled copywriter.
You can also join a course or writing community, follow successful copywriters, read books, and seek a mentor to support you on your journey.
With the right work ethic and determination, anyone can become a great copywriter – regardless of their experience level!