Want to learn copywriting?
Not sure where to start?
You need to read this.
Here’s how to go from complete beginner to writing great copy in under 60 days:
First, a note
Reading is not enough. Writing is not enough.
You want to maximise knowledge and application.
This article is based around 2 hours a day.
Adjust it to your schedule.
The more time you put in, the better the result.
Now, let’s proceed with our 60 days of planning!
Week 1-2: The Fundamentals
You need to learn the basics.
So you start by studying the experts.
You’re going to read for an hour a day.
Google the boron letters.
You’ll spend the 2nd hour hand-copying the best salesletters.
This is important.
You see the ideas from what you’re reading live in action.
You pick up the conversational style of copy quickly.
You learn how to write persuasively.
Books are great, but they’re usually outdated for the internet world.
Podcasts or video courses can give you the finer details of the copywriting world.
When you’re walking, commuting, training –
Listen and watching to the pros.
Absorb their attitude and advice.
It pays off.
After 2 weeks, you’ll have a grasp on the basics.
(You’re now better than 50% of people).
But it’s time to take learning from passive to active.
Move reading and handwriting down to 30 minutes each.
For the other hour:
It’s time to write some copy.
Don’t worry about clients yet.
Time is better invested in upskilling instead of searching and stressing.
So, pick products and services you enjoy.
Take a stab at writing short sales letters. Emails. Ads.
There’s no pressure.
Have fun with it.
An hour a day.
Most people don’t do this:
Teach what you learn.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner.
Building in public documents your journey.
And teaching reinforces learning rapidly.
Break books down into threads & tweet tips.
A brand takes years. Build it from the start.
At 4 weeks, you have the fundamentals.
It’s time to use them.
If you don’t, you’ll find excuses to never start.
(trust me lol)
So it’s time to find your first project.
Everyone needs copy.
So look to your local network.
Friends, family, Twitter.
Find writing you can improve.
Reach out and offer your service.
Be genuine. Tell them you’re learning but that you can make a difference.
Then do it for free.
Why free?
2 reasons.
1st, proof of concept.
Confidence and momentum is the aim. Not money.
Not yet.
2nd – you’ll ask for a testimonial.
Go above and beyond. Ace the job. Get a raving review.
Social proof is everything.
Weeks 4-8 is up to you.
Keep up hand copying and reading.
You can spend all 4 weeks writing for friends to build confidence.
Trust me.
This is not a bad investment of time.
These people will be growing with you.
And in the future, you are who they’ll look to for copy.
But by week 8:
You’ve read the best books.
You’ve hand-copied great letters.
You’ve got a small portfolio (real and practice copy).
And a handful of testimonials.
In short, you are a copywriter.
It’s time to get out there and find your first client.
You’ve got this.
Don’t forget to share and save or bookmark (Ctrl/Command+D) it for later use!
Stay Positive Stay Strong