10 Ways To Practice Copywriting to Become The Next David Ogilvy
If you want to be a copywriter, David Ogilvy is a name you’ll see often.
Titled as the “Father Of Advertising,” author of “Ogilvy On Advertising,” and the name behind some of the highest-grossing print ads (like Hathaway Shirt). That‘s who David Ogilvy is.
He’s also an idol for all the aspiring copywriters, including me. But enough about him and more about you; as the title suggests, copywriting is a skill you can practice and master.
Copywriting comprises 4 skills: researching, writing, marketing, and sales.
By practicing one of these skills, you, in turn, practice copywriting. So Here’s how you can break them down and practice them all:
1. Handwriting Copy
The best way to learn is by imitating those who came before you (preferably the successful ones).
The best place to start finding a copy is here.
2. Creating Swipe Files
Swipe files are pieces of copy you found valuable, all stashed neatly in one folder for reference.
You can do this by subscribing to emails, searching through search engines, or asking others about what’s been sticking out to them.
3. Working for Free
Don’t cringe…its the easiest to start getting paid. If you overdeliver through free work — they’ll trust you more in your paid work.
Start by offering a free audit and show them how much money they leave on the table.
4. Taking Courses
I’m not one to advocate for paid courses, but there are many free ones on YouTube (even specific to topics like positioning).
I’d start with this channel
5. Reading Books
I wouldn’t read too many, just 1 or 2 good ones, and stick to those. Because the more you read, the more time you’ll waste not writing.
And don’t just read copywriting books. Every book can teach you how to write.
6. Selling Imaginary Products
This is one I came up with recently. Imagine a product, do research, find a position, write an ad, and show it to your peers.
It is great to practice all the sub-skills and get feedback.
7. Researching Existing Products
Have a product you like (that sells well)? Figure out why!
Find the product, figure out the position, look at their competitors, analyze their ads (and rewrite them if you want to improve faster).
8. Writing Content
Blogs, tweets, posts, answers — whatever comes to mind. Just get into the habit of writing daily.
I’d say stick to longer Content because it’ll help you test out different writing styles.
9. Cold Pitching
It is easy to understand your audience and practice your sales skills — whether in DM's, calls, or emails.
10. Being A Human
What makes one person stand out from the other is their unique traits. Don’t be cookie-cutter; break the rules, use your imagination, and have fun.
That's how you’ll stand out.
Finally, I’ll leave you with this quote:
“Good copy can’t be written with tongue in cheek, written just for a living. You’ve got to believe in the product.” — David Ogilvy
Thanks for reading!
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