If you have a knack for writing or are just interested in the process of creating ads for businesses, copywriting is a great career option. However, getting into this line of work can be intimidating.
After all, selling your ability to write may seem a little daunting, especially since a lot of your success depends on results. So how do you become a copywriter with no experience or education?
Thankfully, copywriting is one of the few marketing specialties where a degree or years of experience aren’t required. In fact, many people build a successful business or career as a copywriter from scratch! Whether through lots of practice or short introductory courses like those offered by Stratford Career Institute, here are some tips on how to get into copywriting with no experience.
1. Practice Your Craft
Even if you are an accomplished writer in another area such as creative writing, it is important to practice writing for ads. Ultimately, copywriters are responsible for short-form writing. Think 200 words or less. However, those words can appear in a variety of mediums. For example, copywriters may create ads for billboards, social media platforms, websites, commercials, videos, and more. If you’ve ever seen an ad on TikTok or YouTube, chances are it was written by a copywriter.
One great way to practice your abilities is to create speculatory or “spec” ads. These are essentially fake ads that you make for existing businesses that serve as a theoretical example of your work. In other words, if you were chosen by a brand like Nike to create an ad, what would that look like? If possible, it’s also a good idea to work with a designer who can bring your spec ad to life, just in case you need it for a portfolio. More on that later.
2. Reach out to Other Writers for Guidance
Probably the best source for information on how to become a copywriter with no experience is copywriters themselves. Since it isn’t necessarily difficult to start, many knowledgeable copywriters know what it’s like to put together a portfolio and do freelance work.
You may find that some continue to do freelance work for local businesses, while others do consulting or full-time work for larger brands. These professionals are a wealth of information on how to get started, so try reaching out to them. LinkedIn is also a great place to network with these writers and ask them about their process for building their career.
3. Offer Your Services to Small Businesses
According to Forbes, around 25% of all business is conducted online. In addition, 75% of shoppers visit a business’s website before they visit their physical location. Based on this data, advertising is more important than ever for small businesses. However, this also means that getting clients as a new copywriter may be as simple as offering help to small businesses with a limited online presence.
This is a very popular strategy for those just starting out in the copywriting space because many local businesses do not have a website, let alone a marketing strategy. Even offering to put together a quick local ad can make a huge difference for some businesses. If you’re wanting to break into copywriting, try reaching out to some of these smaller businesses and offering help. In many cases, you can also include the work you do for them in your portfolio.
4. Build a Strong Portfolio
When it comes to copywriting, nothing is as important as showing your work. Many employers and businesses will want to see examples of your work before retaining your services. This includes both spec ads and real life examples.
While building your portfolio, make sure you have a diverse set of work to present. For example, instead of just including paid social media ads, try also showing some videos, banner ads, newspaper ads, etc. Another great way to ensure your portfolio hits the mark is to tailor the pieces in your portfolio to the job or client you are pitching to. So if you are offering copywriting services for an e-commerce company, show some ads related to purchasable products.
5. Take an Introductory Copywriting Course
If copywriting is something that interests you but you feel like you need some guidance, there are still options for you! Taking an introductory course, like the Social Media Strategist course offered by Stratford, is a great way to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to improve your writing and understand the basics of digital marketing.
Still Interested in How to Start Copywriting with No Experience? Stratford Career Institute Has You Covered
Still need guidance on how to become a copywriter with no experience? If so, enroll in Stratford’s Social Media Strategist course.
In this online class, we go over all the basics needed to begin a freelance career in copywriting, including:
- Defining target audiences,
- Creating social media ads,
- Understanding brand voice,
- Using emerging networks, and
- Starting a business.
Get started by requesting more information or enrolling today!
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Stratford Career Institute offers an affordable online course that covers all the basics that can jumpstart your copywriting career.