What is copywriting ?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by Entherman, Nov 9, 2009.

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  1. #1
    Hi,
    I am wondering about copywriting. I came out of my cave just recently and now I am pretty suprised about a few things. For example - about copywriting.
    How does this work ? You get paid for writing articles. Ok. I get that. What I want to know:

    How do you start copywriting
    What skills ar nesecary to start copywriting
    Where to find first jobs ( when you have no portfolio or previous jobs )

    So basically what I want to know is all about starting copywriting. Maybe someone could share their biography as a copywriter :)
     
    Entherman, Nov 9, 2009 IP
  2. teamnirvana

    teamnirvana Active Member

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    #2
    Article Writing is different from Copy Writing. Copy Writing generally

    deals with creating sales copies to promote and sell a product. It's like

    an advertisement for the interested reader to get to know the benefits of

    the product which he/she is searching for.

    How do you start copywriting

    In order to excel in CopyWriting, you need to be a master story teller

    and you need to plug in the reader into the sales copy and make him

    purchase the product from your page. This is called as Conversion Rate.

    If 2 people out of 100 purchase the product, you have written a sales

    copy for, then it is said that your copy's conversion rate is 2%. which

    is quite good.

    What skills ar nesecary to start copywriting

    You need to be a voracious reader and writer who can create magic with

    words and convey emotions through the sales copy. It's better to read

    some copywriting books first. I prefer:

    The Ultimate Sales Letter - Dan Kennedy
    Tested Advertising Methods - John Caples
    Winning Sales Letters: From Prospect to Close - Ralph Allora
    Advertising Secrets of the Written Word - Joseph Sugarman

    to understand and practise first.

    Where to find first jobs ( when you have no portfolio or previous jobs )

    In order to build your portfolio, I would advise you to go low on the price and create excellent sales copies for the client.

    Build your network and increase your reputation, the clients do follow you.

    It's not easy though, lots of hard work and commitment is required to excel in CW.

    All the best and Welcome to the world of CW.

    Go to Clickbank and see different sales pitches in order to better understand the USP of each sales copy.
     
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2009
    teamnirvana, Nov 9, 2009 IP
  3. alexa_s

    alexa_s Peon

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    #3
    No; that isn't copywriting.

    That's "content writing".

    Copywriting is simply "salesmanship in print".

    I also recommend the Dan Kennedy and Joseph Sugarman books mentioned above.
     
    alexa_s, Nov 9, 2009 IP
  4. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #4
    *sigh*

    How many times do we have to say the same things before people start learning how to search first?

    1. Copywriting is designed to persuade or influence. That does not just mean sales copy (which is just ONE specialized form of copywriting).

    2. Content writing is designed to inform, educate, or entertain.

    Easy peasy.

    To the OP, no one can give you a serious primer on how to get started as a writer of any variety in a forum thread, as every single market, niche, or style is different. I strongly suggest you spend time searching for answers related to the type of writing you really want to do (and it doesn't sound like that's copywriting). I don't just mean DP either -- search niche blogs, sites, etc. and pick up some books. There are great resources out there offering a lot of tips on getting started as a writer.
     
    jhmattern, Nov 9, 2009 IP
  5. Brian Kondas

    Brian Kondas Peon

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    #5
    The book title is "The Ultimate Sales Letter" will take you through the details for writing good copy. This means copy that sells. The author is Dan Kennedy.
     
    Brian Kondas, Nov 9, 2009 IP
    jhmattern likes this.
  6. PhilipR

    PhilipR Peon

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    #6
    Why aren't these threads deleted?

    Entherman, look it up.

    Or does that sound too much like work?
     
    PhilipR, Nov 9, 2009 IP
  7. teamnirvana

    teamnirvana Active Member

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    #7
    Yes, these threads should be deleted. Or else intro to CopyWriting forum should be changed as "Only for People who are aware of atleast what CW is".

    Mods, what do you say?
     
    teamnirvana, Nov 9, 2009 IP
  8. Entherman

    Entherman Peon

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    #8
    Well if someone would write a short "copywriting in general" and get it pinned, it wouldn't be such a problem, cause I understand this is being asked often. I am sorry I didn't use search before, I will next time, but that still won't solve the problem - other new members probably won't....
     
    Entherman, Nov 10, 2009 IP
  9. Tommy Arnold

    Tommy Arnold Active Member

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    #9
    writing copy
     
    Tommy Arnold, Nov 10, 2009 IP
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