What is Copywriting and how can it help improve your business?
What is Copywriting?
Copywriting is, essentially, the art of written persuasion. The objective of writing good copy is to get your reader to DO something: click, buy, enter to win. Copywriting is an extremely delicate task that many people study years to perfect because it is so difficult to get people to do anything. Especially just by writing at them. You’re paid to go to work and chances are you don’t even want to do that half the time! So, getting words to motivate someone into action is no simple task. The actual product when it comes to copywriting, called copy, is the written content that increases your brand awareness and ultimately persuades the reader to take action.
Difference between Copywriting and Content Marketing
What is Copywriting and how differs from a content marketing strategy?
Content marketing is a tactic used by tons of online businesses in which free content is published and distributed either through a mailing list, blog, or newsletter. The allure of the free content then allows the platform to charge for advertising space.
However, although the two types of writing have a different purpose, using them both, the copywriting and a content strategy effectively, can mean big bucks for your business through both increased traffic, sales, and ad revenue.
When can I consider it an excellent copywriting?
Start with a gripping headline. Your headline is definitely the most important part of copywriting.
Two really easy ways to nail a strong headline right off the bat is by using a number:
25 Ways to Blow Up A Balloon! 6 Easy Hacks for Living Swell!
Another trick is to use them twice in one headline. Think:
5 Places to Visit with Your 2 Best Friends.
Another tip is that people typically tend to respond more positively to even numbers for some reason.
Your headline should also include an adjective that implies a benefit to the reader: quick, useful, cost-effective, life hack, etc. You can get creative here, but just remember that the reader wants to get something out of this. Asking questions in your heading is another effective way to get people thinking. The question may not have crossed their mind, but now that it has, they need to know the answer!
Next, be sure you use some of the power words that we swear by. These include words like “you,” “free,” “because,” “instantly,” and “limited.” “You” addresses your reader and bring them to the center of attention. Everyone wants to be the star! Especially if they are going to be convinced to do something. “Free” implies something for nothing which is always positive for readers. “Because” gives your reader a reason to do whatever it is you are convincing them to do. Spell things our for them so it is clear that they will benefit from clicking that bait. “Instantly” is also just classically positive. If I want something, I want it now. And “limited” puts a sense of urgency into the action you are seeking for the reader to engage in. A limited supply or a limited amount of time means that they had better act quickly!
Finally, unless yours is an e-commerce site, remember not to overdo it on the selling. Try to remember that you are convincing someone in a very subtle way to do something they have already thought about doing (otherwise, why are they on your site in the first place, right?). Get creative with your content and be very familiar with whatever it is you need your user to do. However, if you DO have an e-commerce site, feel free to really push your products in your writing.
While your business may not need to go out and hire an in-house full-time copywriter, you should definitely consider speaking with an experienced writer if you find your website lacking traffic, or notice that your “calls to action” are not being met. A pair of fresh eyes can be a great, cheap way to improve your site content in just one go.
And remember, it never hurts to have a human proofread!
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