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Free Copywriting Training: 10 Copywriting Tips for Beginners to Improve Their Skills – Overnight

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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

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Every day you stare at a blank page, hoping your words will do more than just fill up space.

You want your copy to persuade, to engage, to sell. But if you're a beginner, getting to that point can feel impossible.

I get it.

I’ve been there too—wondering if there’s a secret formula to writing copy that gets people to take action.

Here’s the good news:

There is no secret formula. But there are tried-and-true strategies that can instantly improve your copywriting skills. I’m talking about simple, actionable tips that can take your copy from “meh” to “wow” overnight.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through 10 practical copywriting tips for beginners—stuff you can start using right now to sharpen your writing. And if you stick around until the end, I’ll show you how to keep improving without spending a dime on expensive courses (yep, we’re talking about free copywriting training here).

What is Copywriting?

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At its core, copywriting is the art of using words to persuade.

But let’s not overcomplicate things—copywriting is simply writing that’s designed to sell something. Whether you're selling a product, service, or even an idea, the goal of copywriting is to move people to take action.

Think about those emails in your inbox that make you want to click “buy now” or the ads you’ve seen that make you curious about a new product. That’s copywriting in action.

But it's not just about selling products—it's about selling ideas, concepts, and even emotions. If you've ever written a social media post that got people to comment, click, or share, congrats—you were copywriting.

The best part?

Copywriting isn’t reserved for slick marketers in big ad agencies. With the right copywriting training and understanding of copywriting best practices, anyone can learn how to write copy that converts. And here’s where the magic comes in: the more you practice and apply effective copywriting tips, the better you’ll get. It’s a skill that can be trained, refined, and improved—just like any other.

In short, copywriting is about communication. And when done right, it can be one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal as a business owner, freelancer, or marketer.


How Do You Train to Become a Copywriter?

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The beauty of becoming a copywriter is that you don’t need a fancy degree or expensive education to get started. Some of the greatest copywriters, like Gary Halbert and John Carlton, didn’t follow a traditional path to success. They mastered their craft by doing. And you can too.

Here are a few practical ways to train yourself as a copywriter:

1. Study the Masters

Start by immersing yourself in the work of legendary copywriters. Read the old-school ads and letters by folks like Eugene Schwartz, David Ogilvy, and Dan Kennedy. These guys built the foundation of copywriting as we know it today. Their ads, letters, and sales pages are timeless examples of what works.

But don’t just read passively.

Analyze what they’re doing. Why does this headline grab attention? What emotions are they tapping into? Break down their techniques and see how you can apply those same principles to your own writing.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

The best way to improve your copywriting is to write as much as possible. Write fake ads, emails, sales letters—whatever you can. The more you write, the faster you'll develop your own voice and style.

Set aside time each day for copywriting training. You can even take existing ads or emails and rewrite them in your own words. This is a great way to flex your creative muscles while learning what works (and what doesn’t).

3. Get Feedback

You can’t improve if you don’t know what you’re doing wrong. Share your copy with more experienced copywriters, mentors, or even friends. Ask for honest feedback on what’s working and what’s falling flat. This might be uncomfortable at first, but it’s one of the fastest ways to level up.

4. Take a Course

While you don’t need a formal education, taking a free copywriting course or one of the best copywriting courses available online can give you a strong foundation.

These courses often break down the essential techniques and frameworks that top copywriters use. And the great news is there are plenty of high-quality resources that won’t cost you a penny.

Want to improve faster?

Follow these steps, combine them with the right copywriting tips for beginners, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled copywriter.


10 Copywriting Tips to Help You Write Better TODAY

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1. Write Like You Talk

This might be the single most important tip for any beginner copywriter: Write like you talk. Too many people think copywriting needs to sound “professional” or filled with big words to impress people.

But that’s not what sells.

People respond to conversational language—the kind of writing that sounds like you're speaking directly to them. Imagine you're sitting across from your ideal customer, having a casual conversation.

How would you explain your product or service to them?

Here’s an easy trick:

Read your copy out loud. If it sounds stiff or awkward when spoken, it’ll feel the same way to the reader.

Take a page out of the playbook of copywriting legends like Gary Halbert. He always emphasized how important it is to make your copy as clear and direct as possible. If a fifth grader can understand it, you're on the right track.

Casual, friendly, and easy-to-understand copy works because it feels personal—and that’s what gets people to trust you and ultimately take action.


2. Focus on Benefits, Not Features

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is focusing too much on features of a product or service.

Here’s the thing:

People don’t care about features—they care about what those features can do for them. This is where focusing on benefits becomes essential.

For example, let’s say you’re selling a new pair of running shoes. The features might include things like a lightweight design, high-tech cushioning, or breathable material. But does the average person care about that? Not really. What they do care about is how those features will improve their life. The benefits. So instead of talking about lightweight design, talk about how the shoes will help them run faster without feeling weighed down. Instead of mentioning high-tech cushioning, focus on how they’ll feel comfortable on long runs without aches or blisters.

Copywriting legend John Caples once said, “The best ads appeal to the reader’s self-interest.” Benefits hit that sweet spot because they show people what’s in it for them.

So when you're writing copy, always ask yourself: How does this make my customer’s life better?

Make the shift from features to benefits, and watch how much more persuasive your copy becomes.


3. Use Powerful Headlines

If there’s one thing you absolutely need to master in copywriting, it’s the headline. Why? Because if your headline doesn’t grab attention, nothing else you write will matter. Your audience won’t read the rest.

David Ogilvy, one of the most influential copywriters of all time, famously said, “On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy.” That’s why your headline needs to stop people in their tracks and make them curious enough to keep reading.

Here’s a quick formula to help you craft better headlines: focus on a key benefit and include a hook that makes readers want more. Let’s break that down:

• Key Benefit: What’s the main value you’re offering? Is it saving time, improving health, or helping someone make money? Identify the biggest benefit and make it crystal clear.

• Hook: What can you say to spark curiosity? This could be a surprising fact, a question, or even a bold statement.

For example, if you’re promoting a free copywriting course, a headline like “Free Copywriting Course Reveals 3 Simple Tricks to Double Your Sales” is way more powerful than “Learn Copywriting Today.”

Always test different headlines to see what resonates most with your audience, but remember—if your headline doesn’t pull them in, your copy won’t stand a chance.


4. Write with a Single Reader in Mind

Here's a common rookie mistake:

Writing for everyone.

If you're trying to speak to the masses, your message will come across vague and disconnected. Instead, focus on writing to one person—your ideal reader.

Think of it this way: imagine you’re sitting across from your perfect client, having a one-on-one conversation. How would you speak to them? You’d be direct, personal, and specific. That’s exactly how your copy should feel—like it’s tailored just for that one person.

By narrowing your focus to a single reader, you’ll make your copy more relatable and engaging. Your reader will feel like you’re speaking directly to their needs, wants, and pain points. This personal touch is what makes great copy stand out.

Even copywriting greats like Gary Bencivenga swore by this. He often wrote as if he were addressing just one person, knowing that if he could connect with that one reader, the message would resonate with thousands.

So before you write, create a mental image of your ideal reader.

What do they care about?

What keeps them up at night?

Write with them in mind, and your copy will instantly become more persuasive.


5. Use Short Sentences and Paragraphs

Long-winded paragraphs and complex sentences can kill your copy.

In today's fast-paced world, people skim—especially when reading online. If they see a wall of text, they’ll bounce before they even give your message a chance. That’s why you need to keep your sentences and paragraphs short and snappy.

Short sentences are easier to read and digest. They keep the flow of your copy moving, which keeps your reader engaged.

Take a tip from Claude Hopkins, another legendary copywriter. His ads were famous for their clarity and simplicity. Hopkins knew that his audience didn’t have the patience to wade through dense copy, so he wrote short, punchy lines that communicated value quickly.

Here’s how you can apply this:

• Break up long paragraphs. Aim for 1-3 sentences per paragraph to make your copy look inviting.

• Vary sentence length. Mix short, impactful sentences with slightly longer ones to keep the reader's attention.

• Eliminate fluff. If a word, sentence, or paragraph doesn’t add value, cut it out.

This simple technique can make your copy more engaging and easier to read, which means more people will stick around long enough to hear what you have to say.


6. Use Emotional Triggers

People make decisions based on emotions and then justify them with logic.

So, if your copy isn’t tapping into emotions, you’re missing a huge opportunity to connect with your audience and drive action.

Legendary copywriter Eugene Schwartz was a master at this. In his book Breakthrough Advertising, he explained that copywriting is less about creating desire and more about channeling the desires that already exist in your audience. The best copy taps into those deep emotional triggers, whether it’s fear, hope, excitement, or even greed.

For example, if you’re writing about a weight loss program, you’re not just selling the idea of losing weight. You’re selling the feeling of confidence, happiness, and freedom that comes with it. That’s what people really want.

Here’s how to apply this:

• Identify the pain points your audience is experiencing.

• Tap into their desires—what do they really want? It’s often deeper than just the surface-level benefit.

• Use emotional words that resonate with your readers. Words like “imagine,” “freedom,” “fear,” “love,” and “control” can stir emotions and make your copy more persuasive.

Remember, people want to feel something when they read your copy. Use emotional triggers to create that connection and watch how much more compelling your writing becomes.


7. Include a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Here’s the harsh truth:

Even the most brilliant copy in the world is useless if it doesn’t tell your reader what to do next. That’s where a strong call to action (CTA) comes in.

Whether you want someone to buy, sign up, or click a link, you must guide them toward that next step.

Too many beginners make the mistake of assuming that their reader will just know what to do after reading. But trust me—they won’t. You need to be explicit about the action you want them to take.

John Carlton, another copywriting legend, was known for his simple yet powerful CTAs. He didn't overcomplicate things. Instead, he made sure that every piece of copy ended with a clear, direct command, like “Click here to order now” or “Sign up today.”

Here’s how you can create an effective CTA:

Be specific

Tell the reader exactly what action to take: “Download the free copywriting course,” “Get your free consultation,” or “Buy now.”

Create urgency

Words like “now,” “today,” or “limited time” can push readers to act right away.

Keep it simple

Don’t overwhelm your audience with too many options. Focus on one clear action you want them to take.

Without a strong CTA, all the effort you’ve put into writing great copy could fall flat. Make sure you’re always guiding your reader toward the next step.


8. Use Testimonials and Social Proof

People trust what others have to say about you more than what you say about yourself.
That’s why testimonials and social proof are such powerful tools in copywriting. When you include testimonials from satisfied customers, it builds credibility and reduces skepticism, making your copy much more persuasive.

Robert Cialdini, in his book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, identifies social proof as one of the key principles that drive human behavior. People tend to follow the actions of others, especially when they’re unsure about a decision. So when your readers see that others have had success or positive experiences with your product or service, they’re more likely to trust you.

Here’s how to effectively use testimonials in your copy:

• Use specific testimonials. A vague statement like “Great product!” isn’t convincing. A detailed testimonial that highlights specific results or benefits is much more impactful.

• Feature relatable stories. If possible, showcase testimonials from people who are similar to your target audience. This helps readers see themselves in those success stories.

• Position testimonials strategically. Place them near your call to action or after a key benefit to reinforce your message at critical moments.

Social proof can make all the difference between a reader hesitating or taking action. It’s an easy yet highly effective way to add credibility to your copy and boost conversions.


9. Eliminate Jargon and Complicated Language

Ever read something that felt like a mental workout?

You know the type—long, complex sentences packed with industry buzzwords, making you feel like you need a translator just to get through it.

That’s exactly what you don’t want in your copy.

Jargon and complicated language are copy killers. When you're writing to sell, your job isn’t to show off how smart you are or how much you know about the product. Your job is to make sure your audience understands your message clearly and quickly. If they have to pause to figure out what you're saying, you’ve already lost them.

Imagine you’re explaining your product to a friend who knows nothing about it. How would you describe it in the simplest, most straightforward way possible? That’s how you should approach your copy. Every word should move the reader closer to making a decision—not bog them down with technical terms or overly formal language.

Simplifying your language doesn’t mean dumbing it down.

It means making sure it flows naturally, is easy to follow, and communicates the benefits in a way that everyone can grasp. The easier it is to read, the more likely your audience is to engage with your message—and that’s what leads to conversions.


10. Edit Ruthlessly

Writing great copy isn’t just about what you put in—it’s also about what you leave out. Once you’ve written your first draft, your job is far from over. The magic happens in the editing. And when I say edit, I mean ruthlessly.

Your first draft will always be a little messy, and that’s okay. But before you hit publish or send, you need to cut away all the fluff. Think of it like sculpting: you start with a rough block of stone, and the editing process is where you chip away the excess to reveal the masterpiece underneath.

Here’s how to think about it:

If a sentence, word, or even a paragraph isn’t adding value, cut it. Is your point clear? Is every sentence driving the reader toward action? If not, tighten it up. Every word in your copy should have a purpose, and if it doesn’t, it’s only getting in the way.

Also, pay attention to pacing. Does your copy have a nice rhythm, or do certain sections feel long-winded or clunky? Break up long paragraphs, simplify complex ideas, and make sure your copy flows smoothly from one point to the next.

Editing isn’t just about fixing typos or grammar—it’s about sharpening your message and ensuring every word counts. When you’re ruthless with your edits, your copy will become more powerful, clear, and effective.


Conclusion

Apply these tips the next time you write and you will notice an immediate improvement.

Speaking of tips…

Want daily copywriting trainings to help you kick ass along your copywriting adventures? Click the yellow “SUBSCRIBE!” button below 👇

GET PAID LIKE A KING TO WRITE FOR BRANDS YOU LOVE - TODAY!

The "King of Copy" is Giving Away Tips for Becoming a Top Paid Copywriter Right Now

Click the button below to open Jeremy's daily email tips and a FREE video training straight out of his popular $500 course – Overnight Clients

Click the button below to open Jeremy's daily email tips and a FREE video training straight out of his popular $500 course – Overnight Clients