A pastry chef.
That was a new one. As Kate and I interviewed Steffan for the “Build Your Copywriting Business” podcast (episode 152) I eagerly added it to my mental list:
Pastry chef. Teachers. Attorneys. Interior designers. Social workers. Nurses. Police officers. Bartenders. Comedians. Tennis instructors. Hair stylists. Actors.
Even a kiwi farmer.
I’ve seen again and again that there is no one “right” background for being successful as a copywriter.
In fact, it’s often the skills you’ve developed in other industries and experiences that help make you a uniquely valuable and effective copywriter.
But I get that, when you’re considering making a career move or taking on part-time/side-hustle work…
You want to be sure you have the best chance of success.
So let’s approach this a different way. Clearly, all kinds of different backgrounds can make for amazing copywriter.
But what are the specific traits that they all share? That’s where we’ll find the gold, and that’s the list you should compare yourself against.
Traits that Actually Foretell Success
Affinity for Writing
Probably sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people hear about the income potential of a copywriting career and reach out to find out if they “have to” like writing.
Yup.
But you don’t need to love it every moment of every day. And you don’t need to wake up desperate to do it.
You just need to like it. You’re the person who’s always being told “You’re such a good writer” and who gets their friends’ cover letters and emails to bosses foisted upon you for help.
Open to Feedback
Copywriting is a collaborative industry.
Yes, you’ll write on your own but, because you’re neither psychic nor perfect, your client will have some feedback. It’s a natural part of the process.
And, by the way, most feedback will be along the lines of “Overall, I love this! But can we just focus this section more on [fill in the blank]?”
We work with our clients and, when we can, designers to make our work better. Feedback is how that happens.
Willingness to Learn
Copywriting is very different from every other type of writing.
And, since absolutely no one is born knowing how to write copy…
It’s something you’ll have to learn.
The problem is, most adults understand this intellectually, but then are shocked when they don’t immediately master every element of something new.
(I’ve caught myself in this more than once, too.)
Be open to not knowing what you’re doing; it’s the fastest way you’ll actually master it.
Critical & Strategic Thinking
Oh man, this is a big part of what I love about copywriting:
It’s like a word puzzle.
You’re trying to solve a puzzle/meet an objective in accordance with a set of rules/guidelines (the creative brief and brand guidelines), but you get to use words to do it.
You’ll need to think strategically to meet those goals and guidelines and you’ll need to think critically to make sure what you’re crafting is worthy of being in the project.
(You’ll also have to think critically as you kickoff the project with your clients/bosses; sometimes those projects will need re-thinking before they’re even started.)
Yes, you get to be creative, but you also get to use the strategic side of your brain, too.
Creative Empathy
Everything you write as a copywriter is for a specific audience: A specific group that you’re trying to connect with.
And part of how you figure out the best and most effective way to connect with them is by imagining yourself in their shoes.
Sure, your client will give you market research, but you’ll also get very far by taking the time to really understand that audience and what they fear and find frustrating, what they want and what they really need.
Traits Copywriters Don’t Need
No, You Don’t Need to Be Funny
Or, for that matter, clever. Sure, there are some clients that want “funny” or that want “clever,” but a far more—
Read: the vast majority—
Just want effective copy. They want copy that resonates with their target audience, conveys the message they’re trying to get across, and does it in their unique brand voice.
No, You Don’t Need to Be an Extrovert (Or an Introvert)
Yes, you’ll interact with your clients and contacts periodically…but you’ll also get plenty of time on your own to write. (Even if you’re working on staff in an office.)
And, yes, you’ll get plenty of time alone to write, but you’ll also get to collaborate with interesting, dynamic people.
My point is, this career isn’t made for one or the other. No matter which personality you have, you’ll get time to recharge your batteries in the right way.
No, You Don’t Need to Be a “Hustler”
Hustling for work is exhausting: For both you and the person you’re trying to hustle.
No one wants to be sold to.
So, instead of trying to push yourself into roles (whether freelance or on-staff), you’re going to demonstrate your value in a strategic way that makes potential clients/bosses want to engage with you.
Don’t be pushy, be helpful.
If you’re ready to dip your toes into copywriting a little bit more, check out the free, on-demand workshop I’ve put together for you right here.
About the Author
Nicki Krawczyk has been a professional copywriter for 20+ years, writing for clients including Hasbro, adidas, Reebok, TripAdvisor, Barnes and Noble, and plenty more.
Since 2012, she’s also been teaching people to create professional copywriting careers of their own via the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy, the #1 all-in-one online professional copywriting training program.
To learn more about the CCA and about beginning your own copywriting career, check out our free, on-demand video workshop.