Where To Start With Your Copywriting -

Do you ever have a million thoughts swirling around your head but you don’t know how to get them out of there in a logical order? Or as soon as you start writing, the words all turn into waffle and do not sound at all like you had planned?

This happens to the best of us. Another job of a copywriter is to get these ideas out of your head and onto paper. However, if you want to have a go for yourself, here are some tips to get started.

Start by gathering your information – facts, research and interesting aspects of your product/service.
Look at your product/service – think: who would buy this, why would they buy it, what does it do, look like, and taste like?
Think of any connections to other objects – eg: skittles and rainbows.
Have some fun – put words together from the lists you have made and keep an open mind.
Look at the existing name, packaging or logo – can you start with ideas from the shape, colours or labels?

From here, I suggest you work out your headline as once you have done this, your copy should naturally flow. Use my past blogs for headline ideas!

Next, return to your creative brief for further ideas. Try making a list of keywords to fit into your copy, especially if you’re writing a web page.

Then go for it! Just write, write, and write. Remember your first draft is not final. Leave it overnight and then go back to it the next day. I find I usually cull the first waffle paragraph and shorten wordy sentences.

Now here’s a couple of hints of avoid writer’s block:

Leave it for a while – have a cuppa or go for a walk
Relax and stop stressing about it
Take the phone off the hook and log out off Facebook (avoid distractions!)
Set a deadline
Work when you function better – for me, this is in the evenings when the kids are in bed
Discuss what you are trying to say with someone else as often saying things out loud will bring the words flying out of your mouth. (This works for a chatterbox like me, but remember to record these thoughts!)

As you can see, a lot of thought goes into writing a masterpiece of copy. Don’t stress! Just relax, breathe and let it flow.

If this all seems too hard, think about using a small business copywriter (shameless promo!) who won’t break your budget but will help promote your service/product.