Finding clients or planning a project is one thing, but actually sitting down and writing copy is another thing entirely. Here are four keys to improve your focus to write copy.
First of all, keeping your mind on work is rarely an easy task (especially when you work from home)—even when it’s something you’re excited to do. Luckily, there are a few keys you can incorporate into your work routine to help keep you focused, productive, and effective!
1. Recognize that willpower is finite
Numerous studies have shown that performing a task that requires willpower saps the ability to exercise that willpower in subsequent tasks. Basically, it turns out that willpower is a natural resource that you can tap out by using too much of it too often.
How can this help you? Plan your copywriting schedule to sit down and work before you have many (or any!) other projects that require willpower to complete. You may even want to consider doing your copywriting work first thing in the morning to ensure that your willpower reserves are full.
2. Be ruthless about eliminating distractions
Everyone loves the idea of multitasking. Two or three things at once? Look at how much I’m accomplishing so quickly! Unfortunately, the sad truth is that you cannot focus on more than one task at once. And even things that don’t require much attention can distract you.
For example, if you love to work with TV or even vocal music in the background, your mind can’t help but divide its attention between your work and the “background” sounds. Even just having a website open on your computer divides your mind.
The solution? Get serious about getting rid of distractions. Turn off the TV, turn off the music, close out the internet, close out your instant messenger—even turn off your phone. You can’t let anything take your brain away from the copywriting task at hand.
You may even try putting your cellphone in another room.
Consider setting business rules, too. For example, maybe you say “I only check email twice a day: 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.” You can communicate that to clients. (Remember the benefit to them: by not checking email more frequently, you’re able to focus and deliver more effective work, faster.)
Set boundaries for yourself. Then practice enforcing them.
3. Break big projects down into smaller ones
One of the easiest ways to lose focus is by becoming overwhelmed. When you’re facing a big project, make your first task to break it down into smaller, bite-size projects.
And don’t be afraid to break them down into very small pieces. If you’re getting overwhelmed by writing an email, it’s completely fine to break the project into brainstorm subject line, write subject line, brainstorm snippet, write snippet, brainstorm headline…and so on.
Break the project down into small enough pieces that you’re no longer stopping short by the scope of the work you have to do.
4. Gauge the times of day that you’re most efficient
Being an early-riser or late-nighter doesn’t just affect when you like to work out or watch TV. Chances are, if you’re naturally an early-riser, you’re especially alert at that time. The same goes for being a late-nighter. Your own body can dictate your schedule.
Start paying attention to your own natural rhythm. Which parts of the day do you have no problem sailing through work and at what times is it like pulling teeth? Keep track of these so that you can schedule your copywriting work during the times that you know you’re most likely to be awake and alert, not ready for a nap.
Everyone’s natural cycle is different, though, so it really is up to you to figure yours out.
Watch More
In this episode of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, three Comprehensive Copywriting Academy students sit down with Nicki and Kate to ask their most pressing questions and discuss refining pitches, finding focus, and adding companies to your pitch list.
There’s something for every copywriter in this podcast! Check it out now.
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Your Turn!
What are the keys to your productivity? Let us know in the comments below!
Last Updated on October 4, 2023
Love this post, Nicki! My tricks for staying focused (especially while working from a home office) are mastering:
1) my task list,
2) my inbox, and
3) my time
I use the Inbox Zero philosophy to keep my inbox free and clear. Instead of using my inbox as a To Do list, I use Toodledo, which I can access from browser or phone; it even integrates with my email inbox so I can easily convert emails into tasks quickly. Finally, on days that I’m dragging or have important time-sensitive tasks to complete and am finding myself distracted, I use the Pomodoro Technique, which focuses you in 25-minute increments, followed by a five-minute break.
I’ve got this system down, and love showing it to others. My next career is going to be in productivity coaching!
Great ideas and resources, Ann—thanks for sharing! I think you should go into productivity coaching—I’d hire you!
-Nicki and the Filthy Rich Writer team