Copywriting is one of the most important aspects of any business. It’s the content that convinces customers to buy your product or service, and it can make or break a company. Unfortunately, there are many myths about copywriting and it’s often misunderstood as a result. In this blog post, I’m going to debunk 5 of the most common furphies so you can better understand what good copywriting looks like.
Myth#1 Copywriting is all about persuasion
The first myth about copywriting is that it’s all about persuasion. While it’s true that a good copywriter needs to be able to convince people to take action, there’s a lot more to it than that. In fact, one of the most important skills a copywriter can have is the ability to understand what people want and need. Only then can they craft persuasive messages that truly resonate with their audience. Copywriters aren’t master manipulators, we just do a lot of research to get inside the minds of your potential customers.
Myth#2 You have to be a great writer to be a copywriter
If you’ve ever read a piece of copy and thought to yourself “this is crap,” then you’ve probably already debunked myth number two: you have to be a great writer to be a copywriter. In reality, copywriting is more about connecting with potential customers than it is about writing. That’s not to say that excellent writing skills aren’t important – they are. But a great copywriter isn’t necessarily a great novelist. What they are good at is understanding what makes people tick and using that knowledge to create persuasive, compelling content that gets results. So, Shakespeare’s reputation is safe and you don’t need to be the next Hemingway to write copy that sells.
Myth#3 Copywriting is all about selling, selling and more selling
A lot of people seem to think that copywriting is all about hard-selling, but nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, many copywriters go out of their way to avoid coming across as salesy or pushy. Why? Because nobody likes to be sold to, and most people are turned off by aggressive and slimy sales tactics. Instead, good copywriters focus on helping their readers understand what they need and why their product or service is the best solution. By taking a more helpful and educational approach, copywriters build trust with readers and increase the likelihood of making a sale.
Myth#4 Copywriting is all about making things sound pretty
Look, contrary to popular belief, copywriting isn’t all about making things sound pretty. In fact, one of the most important aspects of copywriting is understanding how to craft an effective message that actually persuades people to take action. And while there are a lot of different techniques that can be used to achieve this goal, the bottom line is that good copywriting is all about understanding what makes people tick and using that knowledge to create a message that resonates.
Myth#5 All copywriters are the same
We’re all familiar with the stereotype of the hard-drinking, chain-smoking ad man who churns out catchy slogans on a battered old typewriter in a sleepless frenzy. While it makes for good Hollywood fiction, the reality is that copywriting is a highly specialised profession that requires both creativity and technical expertise. In today’s competitive marketplace, businesses need copywriters who understand their specific needs and can craft effective messaging that resonates with their target audience. So, the next time you’re considering working with a copywriter, remember that not all of us are created equal. Choose one who has the experience and skill set necessary to help you achieve your marketing goals. So, in other words… choose me!
