Write Until Your Fingers Bleed

Well, it might be a tad bit overkill to write until you bleed, but the idea is that unless you push yourself towards brilliance, your writing will fall short. With an excessive amount of articles being released every moment online, what will make your writing stand out? Professional writers and copywriters stress the importance of constant writing. After all, practice does make perfect. The different styles you try and types of writing you experiment with help to propel you forward as a writer and strengthen your skills.

When asked, "How do you write?" I invariably answer, "one word at a time." Stephen King

Regardless of the fact that we live in a world where few people read, copywriting still plays an extremely important role in creating successful advertising tools. Eye-catching titles, slogans and taglines can make or break a campaign. Remember that copywriters work in teams, giving them the opportunity to bounce ideas off of each other and hold each other accountable when it comes to spelling and grammar. Write down everything that comes to mind, write it one word at a time and don’t give up.

1) Hold a brainstorming session – This is an effective way to collect ideas and inspire one another. Don’t hold each other back with rules. Say exactly what’s on your mind and see how other people react. Brainstorming sessions are best run when there is a whiteboard where writers can post their thoughts and watch them grow.

2) Don’t abandon “bad” ideas – Just because it isn’t working right now does not mean that it won’t be working sometime soon. If an idea isn’t working for you, simply put it aside for the time being. It might come into play at a later moment and you’ll regret getting rid of it.

3) Avoid editing until your thoughts are finished – A lot of writers write a few lines and then stop and go back to review what they wrote. If you can, avoid this. It stunts your creativity and slows down your thought process. Don’t worry about spelling and wording when you’re just trying to get your ideas down. There will be time for editing after you’re done writing.

4) Gather a swipe file – Swipe files are a collection of articles and advertisements that copywriters collect to inspire them during “dry” periods. If you are interested in copywriting or are just starting out, save ads that you find are well done for later. You’d be surprised at how much seeing good work can guide you to success.

5) Be both a writer and a reader – It’s been said a million times, but let us make it a million and one. You will never be a good writer if you’re not a good reader. Keeping up with the industry as well as with vocabulary, grammar and interesting tidbits is what makes writers who they are. Keep informed. Read as much as you can and see how it’ll change your writing.

Writing can be a daunting task and copywriting is no exception. It’s a fast paced industry and it takes a lot of work to succeed. The best advice anyone can give you is to hang in there. Amidst the criticism, the tight deadlines and the pressure, lies an industry that is filled with opportunity. Good luck!