Whether you’ve been dabbling in writing as a professional, side job, or just for fun, you’re likely aware that the digital realm is in high demand across virtually all sectors. As more business operations shift online—from corporate websites to complete online services—possessing skills in digital copywriting is becoming increasingly essential. At a minimum, it’s an advantageous skill to have in your repertoire.
So, where should you begin your journey in digital copywriting?
What exactly does a digital copywriter do?
The role is in the title! As a digital copywriter, your task is to craft copy specifically designed for digital platforms. This could range from writing product descriptions for e-commerce sites to composing regular blog entries for a business. Although the distinction between a copywriter and a content writer is subtle, with much overlap in responsibilities, this versatility is beneficial as it opens up broader opportunities.
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Embarking on Your Digital Copywriting Journey
It’s crucial to understand the skills needed for freelance digital copywriting, so start by researching this field thoroughly before diving in. Skills required can vary; for instance, mastering UX (user experience) will develop over time, so there’s no need to worry if you’re initially unsure about some aspects. Trite as it may sound, the most critical step is to cultivate a genuine interest in becoming a digital copywriter and actively learn about the pathways to this career.
Practice Concise Copywriting in digital media, brevity is key. Whether it’s to enhance page loading speeds or to improve the ‘scannability’ of a blog, users are deterred by content that takes too long to engage with. Therefore, practicing concise copywriting is advisable.
Starting with social media copywriting is a wise move, as character limits will naturally guide your writing to be more precise. This practice will also sharpen your skills in crucial areas like SEO keyword integration and crafting content aimed at specific audiences, eliminating unnecessary filler.
Learn from the Best
In any field, there are experts from whom you can learn. Engage with seasoned professionals via their websites without being overbearing—a respectful distance is key to forming beneficial connections. Stay informed about their work and blog updates. Let their successes inspire you to launch your own blog.
Look beyond just digital writers. Consider potential employers: what are they writing about, and how do they manage their blogs? Analyze their tone and think about how you might adapt it. Challenge yourself by writing sample pieces as if you were already part of their team, even if it’s just crafting a brief 100-word product description.
Specialize in Your Niche
Within the realm of digital copywriting—and writing in general—you’ll likely find certain topics more engaging or within your area of expertise. When pursuing writing gigs, having a defined niche can help you stand out in this competitive field. For instance, if you have a passion for sports, you might specialize in writing for sports-related businesses, like creating product descriptions for a golf equipment retailer. While this may seem narrow, possessing in-depth knowledge in a specific area enables you to connect authentically with the target audience, a valuable skill for any company looking for skilled writers.
Showcase Your Work
The crucial step in establishing yourself as a digital copywriter is to make your work visible! Setting up an online portfolio is the simplest and most effective way to achieve this, especially if you’re considering freelance work, which makes having a portfolio essential.
Utilize website builders like Squarespace to launch your portfolio, which needs only to include a selection of your writing samples, an ‘About Me’ page, and a contact page. Display a diverse array of your work, even if not all samples are strictly copywriting pieces; showing off different types of writing, like poetry, demonstrates your broad writing skills and passion. Enthusiasm often outweighs inexperience.
By specifically branding yourself as a digital copywriter—and this applies to other specialties like ghostwriting or content writing—you’ll attract businesses that are actively seeking digital content creators. While traditional companies might be hesitant to embrace the digital trend, numerous startups and modern brands are eager to onboard someone who can steer their digital content strategies.
Begin Immediately
The best advice for aspiring digital copywriters is to start as soon as possible.
Engaging with live digital copywriting tasks on platforms like Get Brand Up can help you identify your preferred niche in digital copywriting and refine your overall skills. Whether you aim to freelance indefinitely or are exploring digital realms temporarily, starting immediately provides practical experience and opens up future opportunities.
