When you have a problem to solve or a creative project to write for, it can seem like the best thing to do is just sit down and motor on through until you come up with the perfect solution. In truth, that can be one of the worst ways to get to the answer. When you're trying to access your creative mind, sometimes the best course of action is to step away from the problem … [Read more...]
The Dangers of Using Swipe Files
Some ads are just so good, you have to tear them out and keep them. In fact, many people will advise you to do just that. It's for inspiration, right? But sometimes "inspiration" can get in the way of "creation." Find out how to use other ads to help you—and when having them around is a bad idea. What Is a Swipe File and Why Keep One Simply put, a "swipe file" is your … [Read more...]
Staying Productive While Working From Home
"Working from home" can sound like a dream: the freedom to make your own schedule, the comfort of working within personal surroundings, the proximity to your kitchen. But whether you're a full-time, at-home copywriter or a professional who has the perk of working from home a few days a week, it doesn't take long to find out that working from home can be much more challenging … [Read more...]
9 Myths About Copywriting, Part 3
Does everyone have an opinion when you tell them you're interested in copywriting? Get the truth about three more of the biggest myths about copywriting in the final part of our series. (Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the series if you missed them.) Let's dig right in! Myth 7. You have to write copy full-time. Not only is this not true, but it also runs the risk of … [Read more...]
9 Myths About Copywriting, Part 2
As we began discussing in Part 1 of our series, there's a lot of misinformation out there about copywriting. In an effort to dispel some of the confusion, we've come up with the top nine myths about copywriting—and we're knocking 'em down, one by one. Here we look at what is and what isn't copywriting, where the money is, and why "working in your pajamas" … [Read more...]
Can You Handle the Proof?
Someone has a great idea. But, as with any great idea, there's no telling whether or not this idea will sell. In some scenarios, it's then up to a copywriter and designer to help them figure out how likely it is to succeed with a "proof of concept" test. What's a Proof of Concept Test? Let's dig into this with an example. Say you work at a travel company and someone has … [Read more...]
4 Keys to Find Laser-Like Focus To Write Copy
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 … [Read more...]
3 Books Every Copywriter Must Read
Our team often gets asked which books we recommend for copywriters and we have a ton of recommendations (see them all right here). What can we say, our team loves to read! But, if you're looking for the best-of-the-best, the ones that every copywriter—really, anyone who writes anything—should read, then these three books are the ones we keep coming back to again and … [Read more...]
Home Office Essentials for a Copywriter
If you're planning on working from home as a copywriter—whether it's full-time or part-time—you'll need a home office. What are the home office essentials you must have to work as a copywriter? Let's assume that you're going to be writing copy as a freelancer and doing it from home (as opposed to being on staff or working as a contractor at a company). The great news is that … [Read more...]
Conquer Blank Page Panic For Good
If you're the type of person who freaks the f#!% out every time you have to start a new copy project, you're not alone. Sheer, unadulterated, new-project, blank-page, "What if I can't do this?" panic is common when you're first starting out. But I have two pieces of good news for you. First, it gets better. With some practice and some patience, eventually, you'll get to the … [Read more...]