The Copywriting Playbook: 7 Strategies for Instant Improvement
Copywriting, the art of crafting compelling content that persuades, is a powerful tool in the world of marketing and sales.
It's about more than just stringing words together; it's about understanding the human psyche, knowing what makes people tick, and using that knowledge to influence their actions.
But how does one master this art? How does one go from writing bland, uninspiring text to crafting compelling, persuasive copy that sells?
The answer lies in understanding and implementing key copywriting strategies. In this article, we delve into seven such strategies.
These strategies are designed to help beginners improve their copywriting skills, but they're also valuable for seasoned copywriters looking to sharpen their craft.
So, whether you're a novice copywriter or a seasoned pro, buckle up and get ready for a deep dive into the world of persuasive writing.
1. Write Your Outline First
Every great piece of writing starts with a plan, and copywriting is no exception.
Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), it's crucial to have a clear outline of what you're going to write.
This outline serves as a roadmap, guiding you through your copy and ensuring that your thoughts and ideas flow logically.
To create an outline, start by identifying the key points you want to cover in your copy. Then, arrange these points in a logical order.
This might seem like an extra step, but it's a time-saving strategy that can help you write more efficiently and effectively.
It's like having a blueprint before building a house - it gives you a clear vision of what you're building.
And just as an architect uses a blueprint to guide their construction, you can use your outline to guide your writing, ensuring that your copy is structured, coherent, and persuasive.
2. Write Your Sub-Headlines Before Body Copy
Sub-headlines are the stepping stones that guide your reader through your copy.
They provide a sneak peek into the content that follows, keeping your reader engaged and interested.
Therefore, it's a good idea to write your sub-headlines before you dive into the body copy. This allows you to ensure that your copy flows smoothly and logically.
It also gives you the opportunity to make sure that each sub-headline is compelling and informative, effectively hooking your reader's attention.
Think of your sub-headlines as mini headlines - they should be just as enticing and engaging. They should pique your reader's curiosity and make them want to read on.
So, before you start writing your body copy, take some time to craft compelling sub-headlines.
They're a small component of your copy, but they can have a big impact on your reader's engagement and response.
3. Write Your First Draft As Quickly As Possible
When it comes to writing your first draft, speed is of the essence.
The goal here is to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page as quickly as possible. This is not the time to worry about perfect grammar or eloquent prose.
Instead, focus on capturing your thoughts and ideas in their raw, unfiltered form. This approach allows your creativity to flow freely, without being hindered by self-doubt or self-criticism.
Once you have your ideas down on paper, you can then go back and refine them, transforming your rough draft into a polished piece of copy.
It's like sculpting from a block of marble - you start by chipping away to reveal the rough shape of your sculpture, then you goback and refine it, smoothing out the rough edges and adding in the finer details.
So, don't be afraid to write quickly and messily in your first draft. You can always refine and polish your copy later.
4. Let Your Work Breathe
Once you've finished your first draft, it's important to take a step back and let your work breathe.
This means giving yourself some space from your work, allowing you to return to it with fresh eyes.
This can help you spot areas that need improvement or ideas that could be expanded upon. So, after you've finished your first draft, take a break.
Go for a walk, read a book, or do something else that takes your mind off your work.
When you return to it, you'll be able to see it from a new perspective, and you'll be in a better position to refine and improve it.
It's like letting a stew simmer - the flavors deepen and develop over time, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Similarly, letting your work breathe can help you develop and deepen your ideas, resulting in a more compelling piece of copy.
5. Eliminate Fluffy Words
Good copywriting is clear, concise, and to the point. It doesn't beat around the bush or use unnecessary words.
So, when you're editing your work, be ruthless. Cut out any words or phrases that don't add value to your copy.
This includes fluffy words that don't contribute to your message, complex words that could confuse your reader, and redundant words that just take up space.
Remember, every word in your copy should serve a purpose. It should either inform, persuade, or engage your reader.
If it doesn't do any of these things, it's probably not necessary. So, be bold and cut out the fluff. Your readers will thank you for it.
It's like pruning a plant - by cutting away the dead or unnecessary parts, you allow the plant to focus its energy on growth, resulting in a healthier, more vibrant plant.
Similarly, by cutting out the fluff from your copy, you allow your message to shine through more clearly, resulting in more effective, persuasive copy.
6. Shorten Your Paragraphs
Long, dense paragraphs can be intimidating to readers. They can make your copy look difficult to read, which could deter your readers from engaging with your content.
To make your copy more reader-friendly, try shortening your paragraphs. Break up large blocks of text into smaller, more digestible chunks.
This not only makes your copy easier to read but also makes it more visually appealing. Remember, in the world of copywriting, white space is your friend.
It gives your copy room to breathe, making it easier for your readers to absorb your message.
It's like serving a meal - you wouldn't serve all the dishes at once, overwhelming your guests. Instead, you serve them one at a time, allowing your guests to savor each dish.
Similarly, by breaking up your copy into smaller chunks, you allow your readers to digest your message more easily, making it more likely that they'll take the action you want them to take.
7. Read Your Copy Out Loud
One of the best ways to spot awkward phrasing or repetitive language is to read your copy out loud.
When you read your copy out loud, you're more likely to notice things that you might have missed when reading silently.
You can hear if the sentences flow smoothly, if the tone is consistent, and if the language sounds natural. If possible, have a friend read your copy out loud to you.
This cangive you a fresh perspective and help you identify areas for improvement. Remember, your copy should sound as good as it looks.
If it doesn't, it's time to go back to the drawing board. It's like rehearsing for a play - you wouldn't perform without rehearsing first.
Similarly, you shouldn't publish your copy without reading it out loud first. This can help you spot any issues and fix them before your copy goes live.
Monetizing Your Copywriting Skills
Now that you've learned these seven copywriting strategies, you might be wondering how you can monetize your newfound skills.
How do you turn your ability to sell with words into a steady income stream? How do you find high-paying clients and charge for your services?
The answer lies in understanding the value of your skills and knowing how to market yourself effectively.
As a copywriter, you have the power to help businesses sell more products and services, faster and with less effort. This is a valuable skill that businesses are willing to pay for. So, don't sell yourself short.
Understand your worth, market your skills effectively, and you'll be well on your way to a lucrative career in copywriting.
It's like opening a restaurant - you wouldn't open a restaurant without knowing how to cook or how to run a business.
Similarly, you shouldn't start a copywriting business without knowing how to write persuasive copy and how to market your services.
With the right skills and the right marketing strategies, you can build a successful copywriting business.
Conclusion
Copywriting is an art, but it's an art that can be learned and mastered with the right guidance and practice.
By following these seven strategies, you can improve your copywriting skills and increase your value as a copywriter. Remember, the key to great writing is rewriting.
Don't be afraid to revise your work and strive for improvement.
With time and effort, you can become a master copywriter and turn your ability to sell with words into a lucrative career. So, don't wait.
Start implementing these strategies today and watch your copywriting skills soar. It's like learning to play a musical instrument - you wouldn't become a virtuoso overnight.
It takes time, practice, and dedication. But with the right guidance and the right mindset, you can master the art of copywriting and create compelling, persuasive copy that sells.