Are you trying to learn copywriting through reading blog posts?
How hard is it to apply the tips? Do you feel like your knowledge is scattered? Indeed, it can be challenging to teach yourself copywriting.
I'm going to show you a five-step system I used to teach myself copywriting. Using this system, you can become a copywriter or write better copy for your business, no matter your experience level.
How do you become a better copywriter? Well, you start creating copy, right?😉 However, you must learn the basics before you start.
It's like a tutorial in a video game. Copywriting is the hottest video game everyone wants to play. The demo version is the only option if you've got a tight budget. Only paying for the full game will give you the best experience. You should work on your copy as much as you can if you're serious about it. The best copywriters are those who play every day and get better at it. As a result, they spend money on their education, crafts, and businesses. They learn all the cool tricks, cheat codes, and tips.
Is there a price you would pay to unlock your full copywriting game?
Copywriters I know have spent anywhere from $30,000 to over a million dollars on copywriting.
That's what it takes to become a successful copywriter?
Is copywriting like Fortnite, where you have to pay to get the best results?
Oh yeah, it is...
However, what if you're on a tight budget? Your dead-end job may not afford you much time, so how do you manage it? The key to fabulous copywriting is to keep learning new skills and upgrading your skillset.
Here are 5 FREE or low-budget copywriting resources to get you started.
The #1 Rule to Study Copywriting Is to Watch YouTube Videos of Masters
Check out YouTube! Get lost in an hour-long wormhole by searching for 'Copywriting' on the web.
It is important to do this every day. In copywriting, the longer the wormhole, the better!
You'll meet the best experts in their field. You will learn a great deal about how to be a better copywriter from them.
On Youtube, you can:
- On a 3-hour phone call with Gary Halbert (you can watch the video), he will answer your questions about writing copy that is effective for you.
- Learn how to listen to customers. Take notes about their fears, concerns, and dreams. (With permission, of course).
- Take the Gary Halbert Challenge (This is a challenging and stringent test to become a copywriter in 30 days. Are you up for it?
- The best copywriters will teach you how to steal their best practices.
- See Joe Polish break down Gary Halbert's tips and tricks on how he made $10,000,000 from the comfort of your home. (Check out this video)
I could go on and on. So watch the videos, learn what you need to know, then apply it!
When you cannot afford to pay thousands of dollars for courses and seminars, YouTube is your next best option.
Because it's FREE!!!
Now go down the copywriting wormhole with your free copy!
#2 Steal Copywriting Techniques From the Masters by Reading Classic Books
To become a successful copywriter, you must understand copy. I've said it! All you have to do is read.
I've compiled a list of the best copywriting books on a budget:
- The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert (FREE, Google "The Boron Letters")
- Great Leads by Michael Masterson ($9 on Amazon Kindle)
- This Book Will Teach You to Write Better by Neville Medhora ($4 on Amazon)
- Save the Cat ($16 on Amazon)
- Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy ($22 on Amazon)
- The Robert Collier Letter Book by Robert Collier ($6 Amazon)
- Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins ($5 on Amazon)
- Tested Advertising Methods by John Caples ($27 on Amazon)
- The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman ($18 on Amazon)
- How to Write Sales Letters That Sell by Christian H. Godefroy ($15 on Amazon)
- Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman ($14 on Amazon)
Take note that Amazon pricing has probably changed since I wrote this.
However, you may not have the money to buy all these books.
I know it's a lot, but you don't have to buy them all at once.
You'll learn how to save up and stack money for copywriting education in step #4.
Look, I can't say this enough. Investing in copywriting books is a smart move. Experts spent their time, blood, sweat, and tears writing these books so that you wouldn't have to do the same. The writings have been honed into pages of gold advice based on years of research. On-the-spot advice that you can apply instantly.
By reading these books, you will develop the muscle memory necessary to write copy like a pro.
#3Â Join Copywriting Groups and Communities
Copywriting groups are a great resource. You can get a lot of value for FREE (mostly).Â
Among other things, you can:
- Join the best marketers and copywriters network.
- Businesses or entrepreneurs looking for copywriters can hire you.
- Establish a business partnership or a retainer for clients.
- Learn how to write copy, get a lot of FREE content, and get book recommendations.
- Keep up with the latest trends in copywriting and marketing.
- Copywriting ideas and books are broken down.
Join these Facebook copywriting groups if you aren't yet a part of them:
- The Cult of Copy
- The Cult of Copy Job Board
- Copywriting Hacks – How to Write Copy and Influence People
- Email Copywriting Corner
- The Gary Halbert Copy Club
- Copywriting Training Wheels – for Beginner and Rookie Copywriters
Join every one of them (if you can), Ask questions, take on jobs and share your experiences about copywriting.
#4 Invest 2 to 3 Percent of Your Income Into Copywriting
We're on a budget, I know. However, there are ways to invest money into copywriting as you earn it.
Invest 3 percent of every dollar you earn in copywriting books or courses. Save at least 10 percent of your spending. As your copywriting income increases, you can contribute more to your education.
#5 Start Writing Copy
What should you write about? I find it difficult to answer. It's not up to me to choose your niche. According to my experience, the best advice is to know who you are and who you are serving. You should then write copy that is customized to your niche. However, you should begin writing as soon as possible.
In case you are still confused, try this:
- Contacting potential clients by sending cold emails.
- Posts that present information on topics that are close to your heart.
- Pages about products and services that you really like.
- Write letters to your loved ones (if you can get them to laugh, cry, or hug you, you're a good copywriter).
- Create your own offers and sales letters and post them on work boards or freelance sites.
In summary, if you're living on a budget, you can gain experience and become an expert in copywriting by using these 5 ways:
- Take a YouTube wormhole to learn copywriting.
- Learn about copywriting from blogs and books.
- You can join Copywriting groups.
- Invest 3% of your earnings in copywriting. After spending, save 10 percent. Repeat.
- Start writing copy
