Copywriting can be an enjoyable and lucrative career, but there are some steps that must be taken to learn copywriting first. Copywriting is the act of writing text, or "copy," designed to promote a person, business, product, or opinion, for the purpose of encouraging the reader to take a certain action. That action might be making a purchase, voting for a candidate, or signing a petition, just to name a few. The simplest ways to learn copywriting are to take courses, and then write as much as you can, as often as you can.
It is not necessary to have a college degree to be a successful copywriter, but it is certainly helpful. If you already know you are interested in copywriting, it might be helpful to get a degree in English, communications, journalism, or marketing. Within these disciplines, there will be a number of classes that focus on writing creatively and writing for advertisements, all of which will be extremely beneficial when trying to learn copywriting.
Another option, either instead of, or in addition to college classes, is to take classes designed specifically for learning copywriting. These classes can help you learn specific tips and guidelines for being a successful copywriter, and help you to create copy that will get noticed. Be wary of any class that promises a job at the completion of the class, or a certain amount of income, as these are often scams.
Copywriting courses are often offered in seminar form or online for your convenience. For those who wish to learn copywriting, but already have a full-time job or otherwise busy schedule, these types of courses can work best. Once you've taken a course or two, and have some practice in the field, you will be able to tell if this job interests you, or if you have any natural aptitude for it.
Another way to learn copywriting is to practice on your own. Attempt to write or rewrite advertisements, and keep a collection of successful advertisements that you can reference when you need inspiration. The only way to become a better writer is to practice constantly, and to seek feedback on your work. You might try rewriting headlines, for example. The most important points to remember when writing copy are to get to the point quickly and clearly, and to back up your points with facts.
Getting an internship in the field is a great way to learn copywriting. Though you may start at the bottom, you will learn a lot and can often work your way up into a paying position. As you are working, make sure to keep a portfolio of published clips, whether or not you were paid for them. They can be a real asset when applying for jobs, and might even help you to get some freelance copywriting work on the side.
