Top Ten Skills Needed To Be A Copywriter
The job of a copywriter involves many skills beyond that of basic writing. Listed below are the top ten skills I believe are necessary to not only be a GOOD copywriter, but a GREAT one.
A FIRM GRASP OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE- Clients expect copywriters to have an advanced level of english language skills. Knowing how to structure sentences and choose the perfect word for a situation is a must. Grammer and punctuation mistakes are a sign of incompetence for a copywriter.
DETAIL-ORIENTED- An eye for detail is a must, in order to spot mistakes in your work. Copywriters have to be their own editor and proofreader, in order to prevent mistakes from being put in front of a client.
VOCABULARY- Copywriters need to have a vast vocabulary to pull from in order to convey the client’s message in the desired way. Word choice is of the utmost importance, as the difference between words can alter the tone of the message, or even the message itself.
CURIOSITY- Having a natural sense of curiosity helps when learning about your client’s product. Thorough knowledge of the product’s unique selling proposition, benefits and features allows you the greatest chance of nailing the message, while also giving you increased ability to pivot if the campaign needs a new approach.
EMPATHY- Empathy and the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is an underrated tool of a copywriter. Having the perspective of your target audience allows you to tailor the perfect message to appeal to that consumer and make successful copy. Common human truth is the greatest tool a copywriter can wield, and being able to empathize with as many walks of life as possible enables your writing to have an impact beyond that of more ordinary copy.
RESEARCH SKILLS- Knowing how to research and utilize resources to glean necessary information is vital to being a successful copywriter. This also includes the communication with your client, as asking the right questions to “research” your client’s desires will equip you to deliver the perfect result.
CREATIVITY- Be able to reinvent the wheel for an industry whose messages have become stagnant. Forging new approaches to tired subjects is the bread and butter of a good copywriter. Challenging conventions and thinking outside the box is the most surefire way to stand out from the crowd.
ACCEPT FEEDBACK- Even though copywriters are expected to be their own editors, you will recieve feedback from clients and peers and it is important not to get hung up on criticism. Some strategies need a few re-works before the mark is hit, and not getting too attached to your work and listening to feedback is important.
MEET DEADLINES- It might be obvious, but worth stating. MEET YOUR DEADLINES.
KNOW ABOUT SEO- On top of writing creative well-written copy, Search Engine Optimization is another aspect a copywriter must consider. Your copy should be tailored to appear on the top of search results in order for your message to be seen by the most eyeballs.