Ever since I wrote my collection of ‘Sally the bored fairy' stories when I was 7 years old – I had dreamed of being a fully-fledged and successful copywriter. Someone who wrote things for more than my parents and my teacher to read. Someone whose words went into the mind of strangers and made them imagine. To be honest, the very fact that Sally was bored with everything didn't exactly make for a riveting read but it was a long time ago. I like to think I have broadened my writing range since then.

A Complete Beginner

Back in 1987, I had no clue about the future methods of writing. Who knew that paper wouldn't be needed for a book? That our phones would hold thousands of stories and bookcases would become obsolete?

I wrote every day, developing my creativity and language skills as well as hopefully coming up with more interesting and engaging content using various writing exercises. All with the intent of ‘being a writer when I grow up.'

I became one of those people who proofreads their texts before sending them. I wince at grammatical errors when reading signs in shop windows. I read magazine ads and marketing communications and believe I can write them much better. I correct spelling on birthday cards. I started to think that maybe I was a freelance copywriter in the making.

I don't have a communication or marketing degree and had no previous experience of business writing either. In fact, no experience to speak of at all, except writing for myself and different audiences whenever I could. Until I decided that I had some spare time to focus on what I really wanted to do - become a junior copywriter helping small business owners to enhance their persuasive writing and upgrade their marketing techniques. So, I started various distance creative writing courses. I enjoyed them so much that I continued with online studying by way of a proofreading course with the intention of starting my own freelance business. I learned how to correct copy in the right way. Which in turn taught me how to write in the right way.  

I came to learn that to create compelling copy, you need a combination of excellent research skills, creativity, an understanding of target audiences and a dogged determination to write until you get it right. A degree is a benefit, but it is not the only route into this industry.

Let's have a look at what freelance writers actually do and how you can become one with a few top tips.

What Exactly Does A Copywriter Do?

Professional copywriters persuade a target audience to engage with a product or service. They sell with their words. It is essential that effective copywriting is be engaging, persuasive and knowledgeable about what appeals to customers. They need to have their finger on the pulse of current and upcoming trends, as well as ensure that a brand gets noticed.

As copywriting is a broad term, there are quite a few different types:

·        B2B copywriting – Creating content targeted at business clients. Writing social media posts, newsletters, e-books, articles and catalogs.

·        B2C copywriting – Content targeted at customers of a particular company. Emotional language can be used to persuade people to buy a product or service. This involves, writing online advertising, website offers, social media posts etc.

·        Social-media copywriting – Content for social networks that creates and spreads. Encouraging followers and relating to current trends.

·        SEO copywriting – Using search engine optimisation (SEO) to raise a website's profile in search engine results.

·        Content copywriting – Writing copy and creating content that is engaging for the right audience and consistent with the company brand. Its aim is to develop loyalty to the company and encourage customers to purchase. Achieved through creating social media posts, newsletters, articles and blog posts.

No Experience? No Problem! – 6 Top Tips for Aspiring Copywriters

 1.      Practice writing skills – ‘Writers, write.' It's an obvious statement, but an encouraging reminder. So, start a blog, take up letter-writing, create copy for brands that you like, or set yourself a challenge to write 500 words a day. Whatever form it may take, writing every day will help hone your skills and develop your writing voice.

2.      Find an internship – Show your interest and enthusiasm in breaking into the copywriting industry to marketing or advertising agencies. If there are no jobs available, offer your services as a freelance, with the desire to learn how to write effective copy. Most agencies encourage novice writers and are able to give you knowledgeable advice if nothing else.

3.      Search online for ‘copywriting courses for beginners' – the importance of online courses can't be overstated. The format used in distance learning works extremely well for beginners in the industry as it allows for working at your own pace. Some potential copywriters might feel intimidated by face-to-face learning or simply not have the time due to work or family commitments. You are able to log on when suits you and complete the course tasks from home, in a familiar and comfortable environment.

The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy (CCA) provides a well-known, reputable online copywriting course with in-depth lessons to ensure you cover all bases in the content marketing world. Elements include, how to create compelling and persuasive copy through print, email and websites, as well as lessons on discovering your target audience, structuring copy, finding clients and redrafting using advanced techniques. Especially important for beginners, they also teach how to create a portfolio of excellent copy using practical exercises, along with developing a brand and website if you want to eventually work as a freelance copywriter. Learning copywriting for complete beginners has never been easier, and it's all delivered online.

Gaining a certificate from an online copywriting course will help your CV immensely, giving prospective employers the impression of a hard-working, motivated and knowledgeable candidate. Remember to only take courses with accredited colleges, such as CCA.

4.      Get to know power words – particular words that evoke an emotional response from the reader. If you use this format when targeting certain audiences with your copy, you will find the results are a lot more effective.  

5.      Create a portfolio – develop an online portfolio of the projects you have worked on or the pieces of writing and content you have created. Keep it online which will make it easier to share your work with others. You should also demonstrate the variety in your writing skills, include examples of blog posts, articles, social media posts and proofreading tasks.

6.      Practice copywriting exercises –

·        Copy pieces of text that you like to help you get a feel of good writing

·        Re-write ads that you see – try and improve them

·        Write how you talk, in a conversational way, as it will make your copy easier to read

·        Marketing professionals read anything they write out loud to make sure it flows well

·        Trim long copy into something small. Remember long copy is okay, longwinded copy is not.

·        Don't write anything you would be bored to read