5 lessons for becoming a web copywriter in 2024
If you're here, it's probably because you've already felt the urge to explore the exciting, but no less enigmatic, world of online copywriting. Perhaps you're wondering where to start, how to become a competent web copywriter and, above all, how to succeed in this constantly evolving field?
Although web copywriting isn't an exact science, it is a subtle alchemy between creativity and technique, between the art of telling a story and the science of seducing search engines. And because we're nice people, we've come up with a few key points to help you in your quest for the holy grail of digital writing.
1. Tailor your writing to your customers.
Like many people, you're probably thinking that to become a web copywriter, you'll need to enjoy writing and have a good command of spelling. So far, so good. But the subtlety lies in the fact thatyou really have to enjoy writing. Not just for pleasure, on subjects you like, to feed your own blog. Being a web copywriter means being able towrite about anything. Web copywriting will require you to write on a variety of more or less exciting topics, even those you haven't mastered (at least not yet).
Are you comfortable writing blog posts? Do you specialize in newsletters? While specialization can come in handy over time, when you're new to web copywriting, don't limit yourself to just one type of content. Dare to explore different formats, such as :
blog posts,
product sheets,
computer graphics,
videos,
podcasts,
and many others.
This diversity will enable you to gain valuable experience and meet a variety of potential customers' needs.
As a web copywriter, you need to be agile and adaptable, able to juggle different styles and subjects.
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💡While knowing how to adapt is essentialthat doesn't mean you can't cultivate your own personal style. Keep a blog or personal website and create a portfolio with your own writing. Who knows? Maybe they'll make all the difference one day? Cultivating your own writing style can help you stand out from the crowd. Your writing shows your creativity and can attract the attention of future customers looking for a unique voice for their content.. So don't hesitate to express your personality through your words, because your personal style can become your trump card in a competitive market.
2. Take the time to learn about SEO
We may disappoint you, but knowing and loving how to write isn't enough. In Web copywriting, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the cornerstone of your success. SEO determines the visibility of your content online. Yes, even the most brilliantly written content can remain in the shadows if it isn't optimized for search engines. Google, for example, uses different algorithms to rank web pages, and mastering these techniques will enable you to improve the visibility of your content.
SEO in Web copywriting involves researching relevant keywords, optimizing your content on-page and creating texts adapted to the requirements of search engines. It's all about striking a balance between satisfying the needs of your audience and understanding search algorithms. In other words, you have to write for humans while keeping in mind the search engines' ranking criteria. Sounds difficult? Well, not really, provided you've mastered the basics of SEO.
💡 The profession of web copywriter appeals to you and you're wondering if you've done the right studies or what training to follow ? Although there are many training courses dedicated to web copywriting and SEO, it's also true that it's a profession that's often learned on the job. By practicing and experimenting with various web copywriting techniques, you'll gain a thorough understanding of the craft. Stay curious, be ready to adapt to the constant evolution of online copywriting, and develop your copywriting skills on an ongoing basis. The web copywriting profession is constantly evolving, and every project you take on will be an opportunity to learn and improve.
3. From day-to-day monitoring, you will
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, whether in terms of SEO, new social media platforms or content trends. So stay on top of what's happening in the web world. Subscribe to newsletters on digital marketing, SEO, social media, etc., to stay up to date and understand the latest trends.
Join professional forums or communities on social networks where experts share their knowledge and discuss the latest advances. Interacting with other industry professionals can help you gain valuable insights and ask questions to enrich your understanding of the ever-changing digital ecosystem.
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4. Become friends with AI
You thought you'd escaped it? But how can you talk about web copywriting without mentioning AI? Technological advances and artificial intelligence are having a real impact on the way we approach online copywriting. So why not try your hand at automatic content generation?
More and more automatic content generation tools, such as ChatGPT to name but one, are emerging. One of the advantages of using automatic content generation is that it saves time (and time is precious!). These tools can help you quickly generate ideas for your copywriting - handy when you run out of inspiration! But they can also help you structure your content, make a summary, find a catchy title, write your metadata and much more!
However, AI is not a miracle solution. It can be an ally on a day-to-day basis, but careful proofreading and human expertise are irreplaceable. And above all, make sure you check the information and your sources! It's up to you, as a web copywriter, to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the content you publish.
The well-kept secret for web copywriters: combine the efficiency of AI with your own creativity and critical thinking to produce quality content.
5. Thou shalt master time management
Web copywriting often involves managing multiple projects, sometimes to tight deadlines. To get into this profession with peace of mind, learn to plan your time effectively, set priorities and manage customer expectations, especially if you're working freelance.
Among the indispensable assets you'll need to acquire to succeed in this profession, the ability to juggle several projects simultaneously is one of the most valuable skills. The diversity of subjects, deadlines and customer expectations can be a challenge, but it also offers the opportunity to develop your skills and explore new horizons.
In a word, be organized. Draw up clear to-do lists, highlighting the most important tasks. Organize your day by defining time slots for each project. Use project management tools to track progress, organize tasks and meet deadlines.
Nice tools :
Toggl
Asana
Notion
Pomodoro method
Task management and scheduling tools integrated into Gmail
✅ In short, to become a web copywriter, you'll need to demonstrate :
✔︎ Creativity
✔︎ Mastery of words
✔︎ Adaptability
✔︎ Constant watch
✔︎ Perseverance
Being a successful web copywriter can take time. So be patient and keep improving. Read, write, stay informed, vary your formats, and above all, enjoy what you're doing - you'll see, it changes everything! And what advice would you give to someone looking to get into this profession?
