Does everyone have an opinion when you tell them you’re interested in copywriting? Get the truth about three more of the biggest myths about copywriting as we head into the last and final part of our series. (Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the series if you missed them.) Let’s dig right in!
Myth 7. You have to write copy full-time.
Not only is this not true, but it also runs the risk of devaluing one of copywriting’s greatest assets: flexibility.
Like many people, you absolutely can write copy full-time and make a good living at it. But copywriting is also something I like to call a good “back-pocket job”; that is, a skill you can keep in your back pocket when you want to (or need to) make more money. Once you’ve learned the skills to write copy, you can use that knowledge however you want to, whether that be as your primary way to make money or as a way to add another part-time, when-you-want-to stream of income to your life.
Having extra skills never hurt anyone and knowing how to make money in a field aside from your full-time job can only add to your financial and career safety nets.
Myth 8. Copywriting is a young person’s game.
Copywriting is a profession in which you’re judged almost entirely on your output. (Of course, professionalism and being a pleasure to work with don’t hurt, either.)
If you write great and effective copy, your bosses/clients don’t care if you’re 19 or 79. The only caveat is that if you are 79, be sure not to ever let yourself get an “I know all there is to know” attitude. The world, not to mention the Web, is constantly changing and there are always, always new things to learn in the marketing, advertising and, yes, copywriting realms. Utilize your experience but keep yourself open to learning and improving and you can start writing copy at whatever age and keep it up as long as you want to.
Myth 9. You need to go to school to write copy.
Actually, annoyingly enough for those of us who have had to hire copywriters, there are very few schools that offer copywriting programs. Sometimes there will be an hour or two devoted to it within an advertising class, but that time can’t even come close to preparing someone for a career. In my own case, I had to build on the initial lessons that my dad gave me while I was in high school and just learn as I go. And, while I did learn a lot, it was a long process full of unnecessary mistakes and missteps.
You could go to portfolio school, of course, but it will take two years and roughly $35,000. (True fact.)
There is a lot to learn in order to become a successful copywriter, but it doesn’t have to be difficult to learn it. You don’t need to go to school to write copy—but you do need training. If you’re interested in continuing your copy journey, pop over to our store and check out our Comprehensive Copywriting Course. Or, if you’d like to just test it out a bit, take a look at our Module One product.
Your turn! Did I miss anything? What other myths have you heard about copywriting? Let us know in the comments below!
Last Updated on August 10, 2014 by Nicki Krawczyk
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