Hi Haley,

Oh, *such* a good question! Here’s the big secret: We all feel “not good enough” from time to time. And especially when you start something new, that feeling is going to hit you hard. But thing thing is, every single copywriter — including the most big deal, famous copywriters — started out in the same place: not knowing anything about copywriting. No one is born with the skills; everyone has to learn them. And, really, it’s that learning that helps you overcome feelings of inadequacy. I mean, if I handed you a scalpel and said, “Perform open heart surgery on this guy” you’d feel inadequate for the task, right? But I bet you’d feel very different after seven years of medical school and years of practice. 🙂 (Not that it will take you that long to learn to write copy — you know what I’m saying.)

“What it takes” at this point is for you to accept that you’re new to it, give yourself a little gentle support and then commit to getting some training and experience. I can’t make any promises about you making millions as a copywriter, but I can tell you that if you’re a decent writer and you’re willing to put in some time for learning and practicing, and then you’re willing to put yourself out there to get work, you have just a good a chance of career success as anyone. If you’re willing to do that, you’re good enough. I promise. 🙂

Thanks for commenting!
Nicki

Hi Gordon,

I know – when you feel like it’s time to change your career, it can be really hard to know where to start. If you haven’t yet, I’d suggest signing up for our newsletter. We give you access to an ebook and a video training that I think you’ll find very helpful (the video especially).

It’s true that copywriting can be done online, but there are very few companies that don’t need copywriters (and be that on-staff, as freelancers or as contractors). The three basic steps to making any career change are 1) to get training, 2) to get experience and 3) to get work. I know those sound very simple (so bear with me for a moment!) but most people aren’t successful in changing careers because they try to skip step 1, step 2 or both steps 1 and 2. Copywriting, just like any other career, requires training and you will always, always be more likely to get work/jobs if you have it. After all, if two people apply for a copywriting job and one person has training but the second doesn’t, the first person is more likely to get it, right?

The right training, too, will give you the tools and steps to get experience and then to get work. Check out our video and let me know what you think — it should answer some of the big questions. 🙂

Thanks for commenting!
Nicki

Hi Collette,

I’m glad you’re finding the site useful! If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. We have a free ebook and free video training that I think you’ll find especially helpful.

So, here’s the thing about applying for jobs. I agree with you that it’s good to “lean into” fear. That said, though, if you’re going to be successful getting copywriting work, you’re going to be much better off applying once you get more training. After all, if two people apply for a job and one person doesn’t have training but the other does, the second is probably going to get it, right? 🙂 The good thing is that the speed at which you learn is really in your hands. If you have the time and dedication to devote to learning, you can get moving pretty quickly.

Thanks!
Nicki

Thanks so much for all your hard work, incredibly useful info, and encouragement!

Collette

Hi Tim,

I’m glad you’re finding our site useful! Here’s the thing about copywriting: I know it can seem like a “young person’s game” but the fact of the matter is that your skill is what really counts. A creative director doesn’t care how old you are if you can write in their brand voice, create copy that connects with their target audience, wield the tools of copywriting well and work well with the other members of the creative and project management teams. Your writing skill and your professionalism are what really count.

Thanks for commenting!
Nicki & the Filthy Rich Writer team