Copywriting is often seen as a difficult career, and for a good reason. Many things go into creating a compelling piece of copy. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you conversions.
Copywriting is quite difficult because it’s a profession that requires creativity and constant improvement. One of the hardest things about copywriting is generating new ideas. The internet is full of content and it’s challenging to come up with new angles. Copywriters must also research and revise.
Of course, some copywriters have an easier time than others, but the process itself is usually pretty tricky. Let’s take a closer look at this career and some of the factors that make it challenging.
Why is Copywriting Difficult?
Have you ever tried to come up with unique ideas for blog articles or social media posts? If so, you know how hard it can be. Now imagine having to do that every day. That’s the life of a copywriter.
Maybe you are unfamiliar with the world of content writing, and this example doesn’t help you much. Let’s take a look at another example that might make it more clear how difficult copywriting can be.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” The same can be said for copywriting. There are different ways to approach it, and no two copywriters will do it the same way.
One of the things that makes copywriting difficult is that there is not an objectively correct way to do it. It’s a creative process, meaning there are many ways to skin that proverbial cat.
The bottom line is that copywriting is challenging because it requires constant creativity and improvement. You can’t just punch in a formula or follow the same routine every day.
What Are the Hardest Parts of Copywriting?
You could be asking yourself, “If copywriting is so difficult, what are the hardest parts of it?” To help you understand, we’ve compiled a list of the most challenging aspects of copywriting.
Some writers may be better at certain aspects than others, but all of these factors can cause problems.
1. Idea Generation
For years, I’ve been developing ideas for blog posts, articles, social media posts, and newsletters. And although I’ve gotten pretty good at it, it’s still one of the most complex parts of my job as a copywriter.
I’m sure many other copywriters would say the same thing. The reason idea generation is so difficult is that you must constantly think of new things to say.
You can’t just repeat the same old ideas over and over again. If we leave it at that, without letting you know how to overcome this challenge, you might get discouraged.
So, here are a few tips to help you with idea generation:
- Talk to people in your niche and see what problems they’re facing. Then, create content that addresses those problems.
- Keep a running list of content ideas. Then, whenever you think of something, write it down. This will help you when you’re feeling stuck.
- Take inspiration from other copywriters. See how they approach the idea generation challenge and try to emulate their methods.
- Thoroughly research your topic before writing. This helps you better understand it and gives you a solid foundation to build your ideas on.
There is no one perfect way to generate ideas. However, if you use these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master “idea generator.”
2. Adapting to Different Niches
Although specializing in a niche is essential for many copywriters, it’s not always possible. In some cases, you’ll be required to write for a variety of different niches.
And while this can be difficult, it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of copywriting. Adapting to different niches is tricky because each industry has its own set of specific jargon and rules.
As a result, what works in one niche might not work in another. For example, the copywriting techniques that work for a B2C company might not work for a B2B company.
Their audiences are just too different. The best way to overcome this challenge is to do your research. When you’re given a new project, take some time to learn about the company and its target audience.
This will help you understand what type of copy will work best for them. Additionally, asking the client if they have any specific guidelines or preferences is always a good idea.
3. A Copy Failing to Convert
Failure is not something we like to think about, but it’s an integral part of copywriting. No matter how good you are, there will be times when your copy doesn’t convert.
There are several reasons why this might happen. Perhaps:
- You didn’t thoroughly understand the target audience.
- The offer just wasn’t compelling enough.
- The copy wasn’t well-written.
Although it’s difficult to accept, the best thing you can do when your copy fails to convert is to learn from it. Take some time to analyze what went wrong and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Split testing can also be a helpful tool in this situation. You can see what works and doesn’t by testing different versions of your copy.
4. High Competition
In a world where there are over a billion websites, it’s no surprise that competition is high. And when it comes to copywriting, this competition can be even greater.
Competition is two-fold in copywriting. First, you have to compete with other copywriters for clients. Then, once you land a client, you compete with other businesses in your niche.
The best way to overcome this challenge is to be the best at what you do. Constantly strive to improve your skills and learn new techniques that will help you stand out.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to specialize in a niche. When you focus on a specific area, you can become an expert in that field.
This makes it easier to compete with other businesses because you have a unique perspective and skillset.
5. Perspective Differences
There have been multiple cases where I thought of an idea that seemed excellent, only to have it shot down by a client.
Other times, an idea that was great in my eyes didn’t resonate with the target audience. It’s frustrating, but it’s also part of the job.
The reason this happens is because of perspective differences. As the copywriter, you have a specific perspective on the project.
However, the client or prospects may have different thoughts, opinions, and priorities. This can often lead to conflict because each person is trying to advocate for their own point of view.
The best way to overcome this challenge is to be open-minded and willing to compromise.
6. Pricing Variability
If there is one thing that is difficult to predict in copywriting, it’s pricing. There are so many variables that affect the price of a project, so it can be hard to make a steady income (especially as a freelancer).
For example, the price of a project can vary depending on the copy’s length, the project’s complexity, and the client’s budget. Additionally, charges may also fluctuate depending on the market.
The best way to overcome this challenge is to be flexible with your pricing. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and find a price that works for you and the client.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that the goal is to provide value. You can command a fair price for your services if you’re doing that.
In Conclusion…
Copywriting is a challenging field, but it’s also an exciting and rewarding one. By understanding the challenges, you can be better prepared to overcome them.
The most challenging part of copywriting is idea generation. Most copywriters have a hard time coming up with new and original ideas. Additionally, it can be difficult to adapt to different niches.
All these factors make copywriting difficult. To overcome these challenges, it is advisable to be the best at what you do. Constantly strive to improve your skills and learn new techniques from the industry gurus.