At one time, advertising copy was usually seen in print, on television or heard on the radio.
In today’s world, companies have found new and innovative ways to spread the word about their products and services. This new landscape provides lots of opportunities for those who know where to look, and getting started may be a lot easier than you might think.
What is copywriting?
Simply put, copywriting usually involves preparing short, snappy pieces that grab the reader’s attention quickly.
This is often ad driven, and intended to generate leads or sales, and since this is often done in a brief amount of space, successful copywriters know how to make every word count.
Put your expertise to work for you
While some copywriters choose to write about a wide assortment of topics, others find it helpful to socialize in a niche area.
Some are excellent at preparing engaging social media posts, while others have a knack for brand messaging in creative ways. Those who have a lot of specialized knowledge may find that technical copywriting is good fit, and there are other options as well.
Engage in some self-analysis
Before beginning, it can be really helpful to take stock of your current skill set and see where you shine, and also where you can use some further practice. Even experienced copywriters do so from time to time, as this will help to make sure they are up to date with current industry trends.
Head back to class
Many writers who are just starting out find it helpful to participate in a course or other learning activity to polish their skills.
There are many websites that offer these for free or at nominal cost, which means they won’t take too big a bite from your budget.
Find your tribe
One thing to keep in mind is that you may spend a lot of time working from home on your own.
While that may be the dream for many, it can become isolating. It can be really helpful to join or create a group you can commiserate and even socialize with.
Review the market
As with the rest of the economy, marketing is undergoing a lot of changes. This is why spending some time studying the market can really pay off.
Look at what sorts of writing jobs are out there, and keep in mind that, while niche writing can be quite profitable, it can be a good idea not to become too specialized when you’re just starting out, so as not to close any doors.
Prepare your portfolio
Once you feel you’re ready to get started, it’s time to build your portfolio.
This will show samples of what you can do, so it’s wise to include an assortment of styles. If you incorporate landing page pieces, advertising copy, social media posts, and SEO blog posts, prospective clients will get a taste for your style so they can decide if it’s a good fit for them.
Before you begin using your portfolio, have a second set of eyes take a look at it. It can be a good idea to have someone you trust review it for you, offering any feedback they may have.
Consider your future career
Now that you have honed your writing skills, put together a portfolio you are proud of, and feel confident that you can meet your future clients’ needs, it’s time to begin applying for jobs.
This can be daunting at first, but with some perseverance, you may be surprised at how successful and confident you become.
Use your second language skills
Canada attracts people from all over the world, and many residents can speak and write proficiently in more than one language. If this sounds like you, be sure to indicate this in your portfolio, blog, and other self-marketing content.
Landing your first job
Landing your first job can be exciting, and naturally, you’ll want to put your best foot forward.
Once you have completed and submitted the piece and it’s been accepted, you can add it to your portfolio. It can also pay to send a brief thank you note to the client, as this “self-marketing” can help to keep you in mind for their next project.
Put yourself out there
While you may not feel comfortable blowing your own horn, it is still important that you do so. If you have a blog or other website, make sure you indicate that you are accepting new clients and make it easy for them to contact you.
Could copywriting lead to a different career?
Some who get involved in copywriting find it can be a stepping stone to a larger career in marketing. They may go one to become creative directors, or even manage a team of editors.
Copywriting can be a good choice for those who enjoy the challenge of creating polished content that speaks for their client. There’s lots of opportunities for those who would like to supplement their income, or even find a brand-new career writing from home.