There are many copywriting courses available on the market, so choosing the right one can be a bit tricky. The first thing to consider is the type of copywriting you want to pursue. Any copywriting course may work well for someone who wants to learn general sales writing, but if you want to break into the catalog industry, a course which puts more emphasis on that type of writing may be more worth the cost and effort. You can start by searching online, purchasing copywriting books, and speaking with other copywriters for recommendations.
One way to take a comprehensive copywriting course is to attend your local college or university to study marketing or advertising. Since these two- or four-year degree programs cover a lot more than just copywriting, you will get more in-depth training and a greater understanding of the marketing process and advertising concepts. Assuming you have natural writing talent, obtaining a degree will allow you to better tailor your words with a sales mindset. You will also have a better shot at landing a job at an advertising agency or marketing firm, if this is the route you’d like to pursue.
You may also choose to take a copywriting course offered by a copywriting organization. These courses are often peer-taught, meaning that other copywriters have written the materials and will be the ones to answer any questions you may have during your training. This type of coursework is often very beneficial for the budding writer, because you get a real inside look at not only different writing styles and project types; but also of what the business is really like.
Lastly, you may decide to use a copywriting course that is taught via DVD or manual. There may or may not be support with these types of programs, meaning that any questions you have might have to be answered by doing an online search or asking a professional in your area. The upside of a self-taught approach is that materials are generally less expensive than both university classes and association courses.
To choose the copywriting course that is right for you, consider a few additional factors. If you have no experience or knowledge about marketing, advertising, or sales; you may do better to take college courses. Even if you decide against a full-fledged degree, working with an instructor and other students may prove more beneficial for those with little concept of marketing strategies and what they do. A course tailored toward the writing itself rather than marketing as a whole would suffice if you have a firm grasp on advertising concepts and how they work.
There may also be courses tailored toward specific types of copywriting, such as grant writing. You may be able to find personalized classes by visiting a business who offers these services, or you can find courses through an association for professionals in the field. These are often more helpful if you have a niche in mind, and you may spend less time taking classes than you would if you attended a more formal college.
Do your homework and compare prices of different courses. If any person or company promises you anything that sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Set realistic goals for yourself and go with a course provider that will help you reach them, without promising you fame and fortune overnight.