How To Start Copywriting: First Things First

Dear aspiring content writers,

Since you are reading this blog, I don't have to be a genius to know that you – like millions of other web 2.0 participants – want to know how to start copywriting and can’t wait to find out all the nitty gritty about it. However, before we delve into the realm of copywriting, there are a few things that need to be recognized and certain myths that have to be dispelled.

As adamantly professed by the ostensible gurus of the web culture, the days of webmasters putting up shop and expecting visitors to swarm their website and gobble up their content are indeed over. Today’s visitors are not only copy-savvy but they are also highly prejudiced against inadequate or ill-conceived content. With busy schedules and reduced reading habits further complicating matters, it is all the more difficult to entice people to give your online writing endeavor the respect that you think it deserves.

So how do you keep readers intrigued and glued to their monitors so that they peruse your blogs and articles on a regular basis? Even though the process involves understanding of technicalities like keyword research, tag selection and SEO optimization, one thing is universally accepted: The key lies in understanding the content creation process and producing a simple, interesting and powerful copy.

Copywriting is an art and like any other discipline, it demands a lot of talent, hard work and determination. A certain urge and flair for writing needs to flow throw your veins. However, this doesn’t mean that Plain Joes should stay away from attempting to pen the viral magnum opus that they constantly dream about. They should take heart from the fact that while writing ability is intrinsically present in certain people, others can develop it if they properly apply themselves.

Whether you are a talented writer with inborn writing skills or a novice learning the ropes, as a content writer, you have to constantly stay abreast of all that is happening in your field. As has been the case regarding the acquisition and development of any skill, for as long as man has known it, spending time with your tools is paramount. People who think that they can jump into the foray unprepared and their fortune is going to change overnight can’t be more mistaken. Countless websites and blogs are launched every month, but only a few survive its tough content standards.

Since ‘Brevity is the soul of wit’ I am going to finish today’s session at the following point: In the coming web 2.0 times, only the most relevant, unambiguous and uniquely expressive would survive.

Stay tuned… There’s more to come.