Copywriting is *so* much more than just words on a page. At its core, it’s about connecting people with the right solutions for their needs and wants, using messaging that truly resonates with them. (You’re basically playing Cupid—but with words instead of arrows!) And sure, there’s no denying that writing killer copy takes skill. But remember that no one is born knowing how … [Read more...]
Episode 165: Terrible Advice New Copywriters Get All the Time
We can’t help but facepalm when a student tells us, “but I’ve heard you have to [insert terrible advice from a so-called copywriting ‘guru’]?” Despite its wealth of information, the internet has created an echo chamber of bad advice, especially for new copywriters. In this episode, Nicki and Kate roll up their sleeves and dig into some of the worst recommendations out there, … [Read more...]
Episode 153: How to Write Powerful Copy (Even When the Product or Service Isn’t Interesting)
As a copywriter, you get to write for a whole range of different brands and industries (especially when you follow our "no niche" advice). And while you might get your fair share of exciting projects writing about exotic travel, luxury products, and delicious food, other topics may seem a little more…dull. We get it–it may seem hard to convince someone that a tractor … [Read more...]
Ep. 5: Why Choosing a Copywriting Niche is Terrible Advice
"The riches are in the niches." Many so-called copywriting gurus will tell you that the path to success is to proclaim a niche right away. But just because something rhymes doesn't make it sound advice. In fact, choosing a niche when you’re just getting started is not a magic bullet for success at all. And it could be deeply, deeply detrimental to your career. In this episode, … [Read more...]
When to Consider Choosing a Copywriting Niche
It's definitely no secret that—in spite of what a lot of gurus will tell you—I strongly advise you not to choose a copywriting specialization when you're first starting out. By copywriting specialization or niche, I mean either an industry (finance, travel, healthcare, etc.) or medium (email, landing pages, brochures, etc.). Why not? Well, this article about avoiding … [Read more...]
How to Avoid the Copywriting Niche Trap
Many so-called copywriting gurus will tell you that the path to success is to proclaim a niche right away. But that advice is 100% wrong and, worse, it's potentially damaging to your career. Read on to hear why and find out what you should do instead. The other day, a student said to me, "I’ve heard that I should pick a niche and focus on building samples and finding clients … [Read more...]
How to Write Humor for Your Copywriting Clients
Some of the most memorable ads are the funniest ones, but how did the writer (and designer/videographer) get to that point? How did they take a creative brief and turn it into something that makes you smile—if not laugh out loud? Well, that’s exactly what we’re delving into today. First, I want to make an important point. Similar to our previous post about creativity, you … [Read more...]
Copywriter Niches: Should You Specialize?
When it comes to your career, it's a pretty big decision to go "all in" on one niche or another—especially if you can't be sure that it will be a successful strategy. So, should you specialize? I get questions from students all the time that are something along the lines of, "It seems like there are a lot of financial copywriting jobs available in my city. Should I try to … [Read more...]
Top Copywriting Industries in 2024
If you're going to get into a new career, it makes sense that you'd want to know for sure that there are jobs and opportunities. We get it—who doesn't have a rent or a mortgage to pay?! There are more opportunities for copywriters than there are good, trained copywriters. Copywriters are in the marketing and advertising industry, but, as you may be able to guess, the … [Read more...]