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If you’ve ever found yourself looking for tips on how to write good product descriptions or how to write blog posts to sell your services or get more clients – you’re looking for copywriting skills.
Good copywriting is the key to leveling up your sales as an online solopreneur, but many of us barely even know what copywriting is, let alone how to use it to improve our profits.
But no worries!
In this post, I’m going to share a copywriting for beginners crash course. Let’s go!
What is copywriting?
Copywriting is the act of writing copy – the text on ads, landing pages, social media captions, and anywhere else where the intent is for the reader to take action. Usually, the action is to buy something, but it could also be to sign up for an email newsletter, follow a business on social media, etc.
Why should I learn how to write good copy?
As an online solopreneur, a copywriter is one more hat you’re going to have to be able to wear when you need it. You’ll use copy in your blog posts that promote a product (either your own or with an affiliate link), your product/service descriptions and landing pages, your emails you write to your subscribers, your descriptions in your Etsy shop or any other online marketplace you use to sell products, your social media posts, everywhere!
So unless you hire a professional copywriter, chances are it’s going to be you writing your product descriptions and social media posts for your business.
But don’t stress! I’ll go over some of the core aspects of good copy. Grab a coffee and a notebook and let’s go!
You’re not selling a fitness coaching program, you’re selling confidence. People buy things based on how they make them feel, so tap into those emotions.
Write for your audience, not your peers
Don’t use industry jargon that most people won’t understand. You want your writing to be clear and easily understood by anyone.
Write conversationally
Use words that your target customers use. Copy isn’t the place to show off how many 5-syllable words you know.
Pro tip:Use Amazon reviews and look in Reddit forums to see how your target customers are phrasing their needs. You can search Amazon and Reddit for a word relating to your niche and see what comes up. Use the phrases and vocabulary you see your target audience using, and they’ll feel like you understand them.
End your copy with a strong CTA (Call to Action)
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Something like “buy yours today” will work. The goal is to leave your reader with something to do. If you don’t give them an action to take after they read your copy, they’ll probably just browse away to another website.
Capture your readers from the beginning
Start with an opening about their pain points, and how you can fix them. This makes them want to read more. Your audience’s pain points are what they’re struggling with, and your product/service is what will help them.
Focus on product benefits
Don’t just list product features, explain how that will benefit the customer. The best piece of copywriting advice I ever came across was from this course that said to ask yourself “so what?” after each product feature. Your guided meditations are all under 15 minutes long? So what? So your customers will always be able to fit mental health into their busy schedules!
Use personal language
Address your customer directly in your writing by using the personal subject pronouns “you,” “I,” and “we.” It creates a personal connection. It also gets the reader envisioning the product as their own before they even buy it when you write things like, “I can gift wrap your earrings for you at no extra charge.” Your earrings. Like they already belong to the reader.
Use positive language
You want to convey positive emotions with what you’re selling, so don’t bring negative ones into your customers’ minds while they’re reading your copy. Try to rephrase anything that has a negative feeling in it.
So for example, instead of saying, “With this diet plan you will never feel hungry,” try, “With this diet plan you’ll always feel satisfied!” Notice how much better the second option sounds? That’s the one I’d want to buy! Your girl gets hangry.
You don’t have to do it alone! Use online resources to help you
I’ve already mentioned that Grammarly and Hemingway can help with grammar, but they can also help with clarity and emotion. Especially Hemingway! It analyzes your writing for clarity and tone of voice. For free.
Power Thesaurus is also another favorite of mine when I want to find a more emotionally charged substitute for a word I’m using. (In fact, I originally wrote this sentence as “when I want to find an emotionally stronger substitute” Thanks Power Thesaurus for making me sound cool.)
Take a course
Hands down the best copywriting courses I’ve taken online are from Ruth Clowes on Skillshare. She’s so knowledgeable and structures her courses in really easy-to-understand formats. I can’t recommend her courses enough.
Plus in some of her older videos, she wore a blouse with a fox print on it. Coincidence?! …well, yeah – but still!!!
Copywriting formula: AIDA
There are many different copywriting templates and formulas out there, but one that’s easy to remember and always works well is AIDA. AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action.
Attention
This is where you grab your reader’s attention by addressing their pain points. Sometimes this stage is known as Awareness. Think about who is going to buy your product or service. How will it improve their lives? Focus on understanding their struggle.
Interest
Using your USP (your Unique Selling Point, or what separates you from your competition), let your potential customers know what to expect from you. This is where you can start showing the features and benefits of your product or service.
Desire
This is where your customer starts to feel like they need your product. Focus again on the benefits the product will give them. Desire and Interest can overlap, but really make sure you’re tapping into the emotions the customer will feel with your product at this stage.
Action
Use a simple and clear call to action. It’s time for the customer to act on their desire by clicking that “buy now” button. A short line like “get yours now,” or “book your free consultation today,” is clear and direct.
AIDA Examples
Tailwind is an excellent example of using the AIDA formula to create a short but powerful homepage:
You can also use AIDA in longer formats, like blog posts and longer product sales pages. Here’s one from Stray Curls selling her Grow a Blog eBook (also sidenote – it’s amazing!):
(The Action part comes in further down the page with a button to buy the eBook).
So that’s my crash course in copywriting for beginners.
I hope this article was helpful!
FAQ: Copywriting for Beginners
What is copywriting, and why is it important for my blog or online business?
Copywriting is the art and science of crafting persuasive and engaging written content to compel readers to take a desired action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or clicking a link.
In the context of a blog or online business, effective copywriting is crucial because it helps you connect with your audience, convey your message clearly, build trust, and drive conversions.
How can I improve my copywriting skills as a beginner?
To grow your copywriting skills as a beginner:
– Read books and online resources on copywriting techniques and principles. – Analyze well-written copy in ads, blogs, and websites to understand effective styles and strategies. – Practice writing regularly and seek feedback to refine your craft. – Take copywriting courses or workshops to learn from professionals. – Experiment with different tones, styles, and approaches to find what resonates with your target audience.
What are some key elements of effective copywriting that I should focus on?
Effective copywriting includes:
– Understanding your target audience and tailoring your message to their needs and preferences. – Creating a compelling headline that grabs attention and piques interest. – Communicating a clear value proposition, emphasizing benefits over features. – Using persuasive language and storytelling to engage and evoke emotions. – Incorporating a strong call-to-action (CTA) that prompts the desired action.
How can I make my copywriting more convincing?
To make your copy more persuasive:
– Understand your audience’s pain points and desires, addressing them in your copy. – Use social proof, such as testimonials or reviews, to build credibility and trust. – Create a sense of urgency or scarcity to encourage immediate action. – Use strong, action-oriented verbs and power words to evoke emotions and excitement. – Appeal to logic and emotions by providing both factual information and relatable stories.
How do I find my unique voice and style in copywriting?
Finding your unique voice in copywriting involves:
– Being authentic and true to your brand’s values and personality. – Experimenting with different writing styles and tones to find what feels most natural and engaging for you. – Imagining your ideal reader and writing as if you’re speaking directly to them. – Allowing your personality and passion for your topic or product to shine through in your writing. – Being open to feedback and continuously refining your style based on what resonates with your audience.
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