How do copywriters become copywriters?
Advertising copywriters tend to follow clearly-laid paths into the industry. Many start by working for little or nothing, in order to gain experience.
The other kind of copywriter (click here for my explanation of the two main types of copywriter) has much greater freedom. There are no ‘typical’ copywriters. If you love to write and can do it well, if you can empathise and enjoy thinking about new things, if you enjoy marketing and communicating, then you can be a copywriter.
Copywriting is not an easy career, but it’s relatively easy to break into – providing that you’re good.
Copywriting education
If you want to be a copywriter, don’t look for a course. There aren’t any. Actually, that’s a lie. There are millions of courses about copywriting, with most of them charging a premium for the same knowledge you can find in books, on websites (like mine) and by writing copy.
So, don’t spend hundreds of pounds on courses. Buy a few books instead. Go to Amazon and have a look at books about copywriting, advertising, marketing, communication, persuasion, selling, web copywriting and web marketing. Buy a couple of books and make a start on your copywriting education.
The next thing to do is to start writing copy. Tell people that you’re becoming a copywriter and ask if they would like some free assistance. Try being a copywriter. How does it feel?
