Misconceptions and Ways To Improve As A Copywriter

"I'm not good enough to become a copywriter."

"Copywriting is only for those who are naturally talented in writing"

"He's a successful copywriter, I can't compare to him"

These are some of the fears that linger in the minds of those who are new in the copywriting world.

Fears that can cast shadows powerful enough to discourage even the most hopeful dreams.

Well...

Let me tell you this...

They're all just misconceptions.

Copywriting, like any skill, can be learned with time and dedication.

However...

There's no shortcut.

You might even spend a lifetime trying to master the strategies, techniques, and nuances of copywriting.

But there's a good news!

You can use this checklist.

This won't turn you into an A-list copywriter overnight.

But it will make your copy better, more engaging, and easier to read.

Which means a better experience for your readers.

And maybe more sales for you or your clients.

Especially in email marketing.

Ready?

Here goes:

1. Know your reader.

Before you write a single word, ask yourself: WHO the hell am I talking to?

This question will be the heart and soul of EVERY copy you write.

Picture her in your mind because she's a living, breathing person.

Imagine the hopes and dreams she wants to achieve as well as the fears and frustrations she wants to avoid.

Write to that person.

2. Write at or below a grade 6 reading level.

If you want your copy to be read, make it easy to read.

And one of the best ways to do that is by writing at or below a grade 6 reading level.

Because chances are, your reader is busy and distracted.

She might be taking care of the kids, waiting in line at the grocery or heck even in the bathroom.

So writing at or below grade 6 reading level will make your copy easy to consume.

You can use the Hemmingway app, a tool to help make your copy clearer and less confusing.

3. Write with emotion

This is the main reason why I don't use A.I. to write my copy 100%...

Because whenever I write, there are emotions behind it.

Something that A.I. can't replicate yet.

If you want to become a good copywriter, you must be willing and able to express yourself without resistance.

Be excited... pissed... or curious.

Make your readers laugh, cry, angry. Push her emotional buttons.

You have to be FEELING something before you write because those feelings transfer to your copy.

Remember that emotions are PHYSICAL experiences.

4. Stimulate your reader's 5 senses.

So how do you make your reader emotionally invested in your copy?

Well here's a simple way... Engage her 5 senses.

It can be 1 or it can be all 5, totally up to you.

Here's some samples:

Sight - Imagine walking through a bustling marketplace, the vibrant colors of fruits and spices forming a kaleidoscope of sensory delight.

Sound - Can you hear the joyful laughter of children echoing through the playground, a symphony of innocence and pure delight that lifts your spirits?

Smell - Inhale deeply and let the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the oven transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with love and warmth.

Touch - Feel the soft, velvety petals of a rose as you run your fingertips along its delicate curves, a sensation as tender and soothing as a lover's caress.

Taste - Experience the sudden burst of citrus dancing across your taste buds as you bite into a perfectly ripe, sun-kissed orange.

Like I said... emotions are PHYSICAL experiences

5. Write in an active voice.

The end goal of every copy is to make the reader do something.

It's called a Call To Action.

Click on a link, check out the video, and reply to your email - you want your reader to take action.

And to prepare your reader to take action, write in an active voice.

Here's an example:

Passive - It was observed that a significant increase in sales was achieved by the new marketing strategy implemented last quarter.

Active - The new marketing strategy implemented last quarter made a significant increase in sales, driving the company towards unprecedented growth.

Simply put, an active voice shows an event rather than simply telling about it.

6. Word pictures.

Speaking of showing...

You can bring your copy to life with word pictures.

Word pictures are like painting a picture with words.

Instead of just telling someone something, you use descriptive language to create a vivid image in their mind.

Ex.

Telling: The forest was dense with tall trees.

Word Picture: As I ventured deeper into the forest, towering green sentinels crowded around me, their branches reaching towards the heavens like nature's skyscrapers, casting combined sunlight and shadow upon the forest floor.

Word pictures make writing more engaging and help readers really imagine what's happening.

This is best used when you are story telling.

7. Read your copy aloud.

This one's pretty straightforward.

Once you're done with your copy, read it aloud.

Or much better, ask someone to read it aloud for you.

Does your copy sound the way you want it to? Is it conversational?

If not, re-write it until it sounds like you're talking to a friend.

Most of the time, when a copy doesn't sound conversational, it's because there's too many long, winding paragraphs...

Or too many words...

Or too many ideas crammed into one sentence...

Simplify it.

Write the way you talk.