Let’s cut straight to it. If you Google “how to improve copywriting skills” right now, you’re going to get some kinda boring results.
Stuff like “practice!” and “write copy every day!” isn’t going to get you very far if you have no idea where to get started.
How do you even practice copywriting if you don’t know what good copywriting is?
Here’s the TL;DR of this post: good copywriting is more about good communication than good writing.
When you start to prioritize communication over following writing rules, you’ll look at copywriting differently.
Also, not all copy is created equal.
To be entirely honest, there are copywriters out there making bank, working with huge brands, and I hate their copywriting style, lol.
What’s the point of getting really good at a style of copywriting that you’re just going to end up hating?
So, in my own experience, here are the things I recommend for improving your copywriting skills. Many of these are actual things I’ve done, that are fun, that have made me a much better copywriter.
Also, none of these tips are going to be cliché and boring things like “read copywriting books” or “take a course” because you know those already.
1. Read a lot of copy
Ok, this one is a little over said, but I also have a different take on this than what a lot of copywriters might have.
I think you need to read copy that YOU like, not just what the marketing gurus are telling you is “good copy” right now.
In my early days as a copywriter, I pretty much took people at their word for what was considered good copy.
I saw a lot of copywriters and marketers explain that a particular piece of copy was good because it “didn’t contain any filler words” or they “added in power words.”
Hot take, but I think YOU get to decide whether copy is good or not. Read email newsletters, advertisements, websites, and sales pages from brands you enjoy. Get curious about WHY you like their style of copywriting, and start brainstorming how you can incorporate more of that into your writing.
2. Read a lot of things that aren’t copy
I learn a lot about copywriting from things that are definitely not copy.
I’m a big novel reader. Reading novels is a great way to learn storytelling tactics.
There can be a big benefit to reading poetry or analyzing song lyrics too, because they can convey a lot with only a couple lines.
Has Taylor Swift influenced my copywriting style? You can bet your red scarf she has.
3. Keep a copy swipe file
Open up the notes app on your phone or computer and label it “copy swipe file.” This is where you’ll add the links to copy that you enjoy. When you need a reminder on what your personal style of copywriting is, refer back to this file for inspiration.
You should also keep a folder on your phone or computer for screenshots of copy you find in the wild that can serve as inspiration.
I think training your brain to be on the lookout for good copy is an essential skill.
So often, good copy doesn’t get the recognition it deserves because it’s too busy doing its job: selling you stuff!
When you see a really good ad, you don’t think “wow, what good copywriting!” you think “I need to buy this set of pajamas right now!“
Training your brain to get good at recognizing good copy will bring even more awareness when you’re writing your own copy.
4. Keep a copy jail file
Lol, the girlies on Threads got a kick out of this one: in addition to a copy swipe file, I also have a “copy jail” too.
My copy jail is there to 1) make me laugh and 2) demonstrate what NOT to do while writing copy.
Is this completely necessary for becoming a good copywriter? No. Is it entertaining? Absolutely.
Honestly, I think there is a benefit to understanding why a piece of copy doesn’t work. Like I said, most people don’t notice when copy is working, so why not get good at recognizing when it isn’t? I know you don’t want to sound too salesy in your copy.
There’s a lot of bad copywriting out there and I take issue with that.
5. Learn about psychology and cognitive biases
On the slightly more nerdy side of things (but still fun) learning about psychology and cognitive biases can be a great asset to writing good copy.
Humans are predictable. If you can understand, explain, and anticipate their behavior, you can write copy that speaks to them.
This blog post explains a little more about psychological reasons why your website might not be converting. It’s important to take responsibility if something isn’t working, and understand how you can fix it.
Cognitive biases are all around us too, but you can use them to your advantage in copywriting to make more sales.
6. Take an acting class
In good copywriting, it pays to be a mind reader. You need to get really good at getting inside the heads of other people.
And nothing helps you embody what it’s like to be someone else more than an acting class.
Especially when you’re able to dive into the nuances of motivations, fears, and desires of someone, you can learn more about speaking to them on a deeper level.
7. Take a creative writing class
Similar to reading material that isn’t copy, writing things that aren’t copy can also be an effective way to improve your copywriting skills.
Creative writing classes can help you understand storytelling and sentence structure better. It’s also helped me understand what needs to be revealed to the reader at any given point in the story.
8. Record your thoughts out loud
This is an especially helpful tip for my neurospicy friends, or anyone who gets intimidated by a blank Google doc.
Whip out your phone and start recording a voice memo. Explain your offer as if you were talking to a good friend who needs your exact solution to their problem.
During my copywriting projects with clients, there are so many times my client’s will say a GENIUS line of copy without even realizing it. When they’re unguarded and just speaking freely about their business, that’s when they’re most honest about their brand, their value, and why they’re 100% worth it to hire.
As a copywriter, I consider those unfiltered moments as marketing gold. You can create them for yourself just by talking out loud and recording yourself.
9. Practice like no one’s watching (or reading)
If you’re a recovering perfectionist (hello, same) you need someone to give you permission to write messy copy ideas.
This is your permission.
Being able to free write is the best way to get past blank page syndrome. Similar to our voice memo hack, writing like no one will ever read it is a great way to sound like yourself and access your best ideas.
You can also ask AI to give you copywriting prompts so you have some ideas on what to say.
Hey… you look like someone who wants fun, conversational copywriting for your business
Ok, this is great and all, but sometimes you just want someone with the expertise and insight to help you sound like yourself (only better) on your website or sales page.
Well, I’ve got you there. Conversational copywriting is actually my full-time gig. Here’s how we can get connected:
Check out my copywriting services: The fastest and most effective way to get copywriting for your brand is to have it written for you. View my copywriting services here to learn more about how I can help you.
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