How can you overcome unclear instructions in copywriting?

1 Clarify the brief

The first step to overcome unclear instructions is to clarify the brief before you start writing. A brief is a document that outlines the scope, purpose, audience, tone, and deliverables of a copywriting project. If the brief is vague, incomplete, or contradictory, you need to ask questions and get more details from your client or editor. For example, you can ask about the main message, the desired action, the tone of voice, the word count, the format, and the deadline. You can also request examples of similar or successful copy that they like or dislike. The more information you have, the easier it will be to write copy that matches the brief.

3 Use tools and resources

The third step to overcome unclear instructions is to use tools and resources that can help you improve your copywriting skills and quality. There are many online tools and resources that can help you with various aspects of copywriting, such as research, grammar, spelling, readability, plagiarism, SEO, and more. For example, you can use Google Trends to find popular keywords and topics, Grammarly to check your grammar and spelling, Hemingway to improve your readability, Copyscape to avoid plagiarism, and Yoast to optimize your SEO. You can also use online courses, books, blogs, podcasts, and forums to learn from other copywriters and experts.

4 Seek feedback and learn

The fourth step to overcome unclear instructions is to seek feedback and learn from your mistakes. Feedback is essential to improve your copywriting skills and quality, as well as to build trust and rapport with your clients or editors. You should always ask for feedback on your copy, whether it is positive or negative, and use it to refine your work and enhance your style. You should also be open to criticism and suggestions, and avoid taking them personally or defensively. Instead, you should see them as opportunities to learn and grow as a copywriter.

5 Be flexible and adaptable

The fifth step to overcome unclear instructions is to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations and expectations. As a copywriter, you may have to deal with different types of clients, projects, and audiences, and you may have to adjust your copy accordingly. You may also have to cope with revisions, rejections, or cancellations, and you may have to handle them professionally and gracefully. You should be able to adapt your copy to different formats, platforms, and mediums, and to use different tones, voices, and styles. You should also be able to handle deadlines, pressure, and challenges, and to manage your time, energy, and resources efficiently.

6 Develop your problem-solving skills

The sixth step to overcome unclear instructions is to develop your problem-solving skills as a copywriter. Problem-solving skills are the ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems creatively and effectively. As a copywriter, you may encounter various problems, such as writer's block, lack of inspiration, unclear instructions, conflicting feedback, technical issues, or client dissatisfaction. You need to be able to overcome these problems and find solutions that work for you and your client. You can develop your problem-solving skills by practicing brainstorming, researching, experimenting, testing, and evaluating your copy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?