The Best Resources to Learn Copywriting as a Beginner

Learning any new skill can be daunting. As creatures of habit, we cling to what is familiar. We stay where it’s comfortable. Don’t go too far outside the box. Do you sit in the same seat every day on the bus journey to work? Or refuse to mix it up when ordering a takeaway? We know what we like and we like what we know…or something to that effect.

So when it came to venturing into my dream world of writing, I  took procrastination almost to Olympic level. I wanted to so badly but I probably wouldn’t be very good at it. Who would want to read what I could write, let alone publish it? I would be laying bare all of my insecurities about writing and showing people that my first love was really not my forte.

“Who told her she could write? Look at her grammar.” People would declare, before fainting dramatically, horrified at my use of apostrophes.

Stuff like that.

But there came a time when I realised that it shouldn’t matter what other people thought. I just wanted to write. And more importantly, I wanted to learn how to get better at it. And so I began my journey into copywriting.

Learn to read before you learn to write

Never-ending copy!

The thing that delights me about copywriting is that it is literally everywhere.

The whole world is filled with the need for great copy. Those persuasive, well-chosen words that connect with a reader and make them feel something enough to purchase a product, service or idea.

Whether in an online advertisement, article, blog, social media post, email, or brochure…there will always be billions of words just waiting to be written. And that’s when I decided that I wanted to be one of the people that got to write them.  

So, how do you learn copywriting?

Two words…read and write. Find some resources and read them. Look for any type of information on good copywriting that you can devour in order to learn all you can. And then start writing.  This can be a hard process as you trawl bookshops and Google for copywriting advice – not quite sure if the author you’re reading knows what they’re talking about.

So… luckily, I happen to have compiled a list of 5 excellent resources for starting out in copywriting. Sage advice from the wise ones who have trodden the path before you and know exactly where the potholes are.

And here they are.

1.     The Copywriter’s Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Copy That Sells

               By Robert W. Bly

Anything that has the word ‘handbook’ in the title is always a good bet for beginners. When learning about a whole new industry, most people will be looking for a resource that carefully guides you through everything you’ll need to be successful. This book will give you clear steps to follow, as well as helpful checklists and simple examples to show you the correct way to write copy.

‘The Copywriter’s Handbook…’ is in its 4th edition, updated to make sure readers are learning the most modern techniques. It takes you through writing all types of copy step-by-step. So whether you want to focus on print and online ads, emails or landing pages, blog posting or writing for video – this handbook will give you a strong foundation to start your copywriting career. And if you’d prefer to listen while on the treadmill or staring randomly at a computer screen (more likely in my case), it’s available in audiobook, read by a chirpy America or in Kindle Edition.
 

2.     How to Launch a Freelance Copywriting Business: Creative Writing for a Living: Volume 1

By Jules Horne

I’ve always been attracted to book titles that are clear and no-nonsense. And this paperback by Jules Horne is no exception. A  great thing about entering the copywriting world is that once you learn and develop your craft to a certain standard, you’re ready to consider launching yourself.

Not in a physical way (thankfully), but if you’re dreaming of a freelance copywriting career, where you write in your PJs and don’t have to tell anyone if you’re off to the bathroom…this book is for you.

Working from the belief that writers are usually creative but sometimes lack business skills (amen to that), this book explains the nuts and bolts of starting up your freelance copywriting business from scratch.

It will help you find clients, handle your time and money and not only ‘survive but thrive’ as a freelancer. And it’s written as a reference book so you can dip in and out as and when you need to. No more searching through an entire book, trying to find that nugget of advice you thought was great but can’t seem to find again!

Also available in Audio and Kindle formats.

3.     How to Write Clearly: Write with purpose, reach your reader and make your meaning crystal clear

By Tom Albrighton

One of the pitfalls of writing (and there are many!) is the tendency to start to waffle. There are certain times when the skill of expounding is a definite plus, but when it comes to copywriting, brevity is your friend.

‘How to Write Clearly…’ is a great resource for new copywriters who want to figure out how to appeal to their readers. It delves deeper into what customers what from the products and services that you are writing about. Using psychology, education and linguistics, it really helps you figure out the mind of your reader –  explaining how you can attract and engage them and tune into what they need. It is perfect for anyone who is interested in how readers tick and learn the best way to communicate with the written word.

A great benefit of this book is that it’s reader-friendly and easy to understand. The clear, simple structure is full of examples and uses fun illustrations to help you remember key points.  And it’s up-to-date with techniques that work to help you sell your copy. What could be better?

Also available in Audio and Kindle formats!

4.     The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy

As a proponent of copywriting courses that challenge and really teach you the nitty-gritty, I have left the best resource until last. Not everyone will have the means or inclination to embark on a copywriting course and to those people, I completely understand.

But if you are the type of person who loves structured learning and wants to have an in-depth understanding of how to write excellent copy, The Comprehensive Copywriting Course does exactly what it says on the tin.

A comprehensive, clear and fully engaging course, it will take you through every element of copywriting. From how to write all types of copy to developing your writing talent, this course will even guide you through the scary thought of setting up your own freelance business (and makes it not so scary after all).

Created by a copywriting expert of 20+ years, Nicki Krawczyk, you’ll be in the best hands possible as Nicki and her team impart their decades of copywriting knowledge. They’ll listen to your career goals and whether you want to be full-time or part-time, freelancer or permanent staff – they have the experience to help you get there.

Along with having a personal tutor, you will find your confidence grows as you are encouraged through the course to write for a wide range of clients and will even learn how to find those clients and sell your work.

Copywriting creates a supportive and creative community

So what’s the best bit about copywriting?

You will join a supportive and encouraging community of like-minded students. You know, those people who need to give you a kick up the proverbial when your confidence plummets. Or the ones that will cheer you on when you write something that is pretty brilliant. The CCA community is an excellent cheerleader as you go forward into your new copywriting career.