How to become a Copywriter
Do you find yourself sitting at a coffee shop dreaming of whisking away to the remote countryside to write a novel or two? Whatever your experience or background, it’s possible to become a professional copywriter in Australia and all you need is a bit of hard work and creativity. This guide will provide the steps and resources you need to start down the path towards becoming a successful copywriter, and the best part is, you don’t even have to write it yourself!
Step 1: Develop your writing skills
The most important aspect of becoming a copywriter is to develop your writing skills. If you don’t already have experience with writing, take some time to hone your craft. Read books about copywriting, look for tutorials online, and practice writing in different styles and tones of voice. You can also enrol in courses offered by universities or private organisations if you want more comprehensive training. If you are interested in undertaking a university degree, a Bachelor of Communication is a good course to consider.
Step 2: Get some paid writing experience
Once you feel confident with your written communication skills, start looking for opportunities that will give you real-world experience as a writer. Take on internships, volunteer work, or even low-paying freelance gigs that can give you practice working with clients and producing quality content under tight timelines. Gaining this type of experience will help build up your portfolio and make it easier to find better paying jobs in the future. One great hack is to reach out to popular publications, or even businesses that produce great content, and offer to write some copy for free.
Step 3: Build up your portfolio
Your portfolio is one of the most important things when it comes to getting a job as a copywriter. Make sure to include examples of your best work, and make sure that your portfolio is up to date. Doing some free work or interning shows your hunger and is a great way to quickly boost your resume. In addition, as you work, you’ll naturally find that you are connecting with other writers in the industry. Finding like-minded people who share their experiences and tips can be invaluable when it comes to finding work and getting advice from industry professionals.
Step 4: Find a mentor
A mentor can be extremely helpful when it comes to starting out in any career. If you can find a mentor who’s already established in the industry, they can offer guidance and advice on how to succeed as a copywriter. The right mentor can operate two steps ahead of where you are, removing roadblocks, or introducing you to the right connection at the right time.
Step 5: Start consulting
Now that you have some experience and the right connections, it’s time to go solo and set up your business. Register your business first, and then get access to a tool like Thriday, where you can streamline your financial admin, so you don’t have to think about accounting and tax ever again. Build a professional website, obtain some client testimonials and start pitching. Your network is likely to be the source of your first few business deals.
It takes time to build up a successful career as a copywriter, so it’s important to be patient. Don’t expect overnight success – focus on creating great work and building up your portfolio, gaining some real-world experience through internships or freelance work, and networking with other writers within the industry who can offer valuable advice along the way. With hard work and dedication, there is no reason why you won’t be able to reach your goal of becoming an experienced professional copywriter.
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