Copywriting for beginners: How to write copy that doesn’t suck

So, you want to spend some quality time w̶i̶t̶h̶ t̶h̶e̶ G̶r̶i̶n̶c̶h̶ writing copy? 

Amazing. Great news.

As someone who is totally unbiased and not at all a copywriter 😏, I think it’s a solid choice. 

Whether you’re a marketing newbie or own a business that needs some killer copy, investing in your copywriting skills is 1,000% worth it. Why? Because they’ll help you craft compelling stories that hook your readers and keep them coming back for more.

That’s why we’ve put together a crash course in copywriting for beginners—no fluff, no jargon, just actionable advice to help you kickstart your copywriting journey, confidently! 

So get that blank page ready, ‘cause we’re about to write more than just your name. 💃 

What is copywriting?

I’ll tell you this—after eight years of being a copywriter, my mom still can’t really explain what I do. But hopefully, after reading this, you’ll be able to!

Copywriting is essentially writing, but with a very specific goal in mind—to get people to take action. Whether it’s buying a product, signing up for a newsletter, or clicking that “learn more” button, copywriting is all about persuading people using words.

Copywriting is everywhere. Think about those Instagram ads that make you want something you didn’t even know existed five minutes ago. Or those emails you can’t help but open because the subject line just gets you. 

That’s copywriting in action—it's a mix of creativity, psychology, and a dash of persuasion, wrapped up in words.

Psst…copywriting’s not the only player in the marketing game—there’s also content writing! Check out a deep dive into how copywriting differs from content writing to see which one’s right for you.

How to get started in copywriting

1. Dive into courses and books

Step one? Get the basics down with good ol’ fashioned learning. 

There are so many great courses and copywriting books out there, but as I won’t be able to get through all of them in this article, here’s a tasty book-course-book sandwich to get you started.

Book: The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick 

While this isn’t strictly a copywriting book, it’s an unmatched resource for learning how to ask the right questions and understand your audience's needs. Since copywriting centers on tapping into those wants and needs, this book will give you a big leg up. 

It’s also a book that we provide to every new Growclass student! 

Course: Conversion copywriting by Growclass

You’re reading this article on the Growclass website, so of course, we have to mention our course!

This self-paced course is all about creating compelling copy that converts, teaching you how to write and structure campaigns, landing pages, and value propositions that make money. In short—it gives you all the hard skills you need in an accessible, beginner-friendly package that won’t leave you burnt out or confused. 

If online learning is your thing, here are a bunch more copywriting courses we recommend.

Book: Everybody Writes by Ann Handley

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This book just screams copywriting for beginners. Loudly, might I add. It’s essentially a reference book for copywriting, overflowing with clear, actionable advice on marketing, communication, copy, and writing in general. 

Everybody Writes is simply one of those books that can teach anyone how to be a better writer. Full stop.

2. Network with other copywriters, especially ones you aspire to be like!

Okay, don’t roll your eyes at me just yet—networking doesn’t have to be cringey or awkward. 

I’m not talking about schmoozy events or handing out pristine, watermarked business cards like you’re Patrick Bateman.

I’m talking real human connection—just chatting with people who are doing the work you want to do. No hidden motives or expectations attached. 

And, believe it or not, people in the copywriting world tend to be super friendly! After all, no one just pops out of the womb as a copywriter. We all had to start somewhere, and we get it—beginnings are hard. 

One of the best ways to network (that won’t make your inner introvert tremble in fear) is via LinkedIn or through vetted marketing communities. 

But skip the generic “let’s connect” request. Instead, put a little heart and soul into it, like this:

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Option 1:

Hey [name],

I’m just starting out in copywriting and came across your profile while looking for inspiration.

I really loved your [insert post here] post and how you [insert something specific about the post]. 

I’d love to connect and ask you a couple of questions if you’re open to it!

Either way, I think you’re awesome, and I’d be so grateful for any advice.

Cheers, 

[Your name]

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Option 2: 

Hi [name],

I came across your profile while deep into my “how to be a better copywriter” scroll, and I’m so glad I did! 

Your work is awesome, and as someone who's just getting into the field, I’d love to connect. I especially liked your [insert project and a reason why you liked it here].

If you have any advice for a newbie like me, I’m all ears.

Either way, thanks for the inspiration!

[Your name]

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See? Friendly and human. Plus, who doesn’t love getting a compliment? Trust me, you’ll make any copywriter who reads this feel a little warm in their hearts. 

And the worst that can happen? They don’t respond. But even if they don’t, it’s probably because they’ve got 200 other LinkedIn messages sitting in their inbox, not because they’re rejecting you. 

The best thing you can do is ask. If they don’t reply, no sweat. If they do? Awesome! You’ve got yourself a connection.

Bonus tip ✨ Don’t be shy about asking people for introductions. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to connect you with someone else in the industry. Just ask nicely and say thank you. Easy peasy. 

3. Learn about strategies, tools, and literary devices

When you hear literary devices, you might want to immediately hit the snooze button, but hear me out—they’re super helpful.

Even if some of these strategies might have fancy terminology attached to them, you don’t need to remember what they’re actually called; all you need to do is learn how to use them. 

And chances are, you do—you just don’t know it yet! Here are a few strategies/tools/literary devices to help you sharpen your copy skills:

Humor

‍Write copy that makes people chuckle. Whether it’s a clever pun, a witty observation, or a playful tone, humor shows off your brand's personality and makes your message more memorable. Just be sure it matches your audience and brand voice! 

Repetition

‍Repetition makes your copy more fun to read and easier to remember. There are a few different tricks you can use here:some text

1. Alliteration (repeating consonant sounds) 👉Bed, Bath, and Beyond
2. Anaphora (repeating the beginning of a sentence) 👉Zero sugar. Zero compromise.
3. Assonance (repeating vowel sounds) 👉 Bounty, The Quicker Picker Upper

‍The Rule of Three

‍There's something about grouping things in threes that just works. It’s easy to remember, catchy, and gives your copy a nice flow. Think “Snap, Crackle, Pop” or “Stop, Drop, Roll” or even “Rinse, Wash, Repeat.” It’s a classic technique that makes your writing stick in people’s heads.

‍Power words

‍These are the heavy hitters of copywriting. Words like “free,” “exclusive,” “instant,” and “guaranteed” trigger emotional responses that make people pay attention. Sprinkle these in the right places to keep your reader hooked.

P.S. I’ve had this file saved on my Google Drive for years. I can’t remember where I originally found it, but it’s been a handy resource for brainstorming power words in a pinch.

10 Copywriting tips for beginners

In my humble opinion, as your dutiful writer, this is the goldmine of this article! So throw on your gold-digging shoes (might I suggest the boots with the fur?), and let’s get started.  

1. Know your audience

This is copywriting for beginners 101. Before you start typing away, ask yourself: Who am I talking to? Are they busy moms with no time for fluff? Entrepreneurs looking to save money?

The more you understand who you’re writing for, the easier it’ll be to speak their language. You want your reader to feel like you get them.

2. Be empathetic

Once you know who you’re writing for, take it a step further. What are their pain points? What problems are they trying to solve? How does your product or service make their lives better? 

No matter what copywriting niche you’re interested in, tapping into your audience’s emotions means you’re halfway to writing copy that resonates. 

Take a look at the copywriting example from Hinge’s dating app below. It truly gets at the heart of why people download dating apps—to find someone and subsequently delete the app. 👇

3. Keep it simple

Time for a ✨true story ✨ Back in the (sometimes) good old days, I had a 9th-grade English teacher who blew my mind. He told us with every edit, our papers should be getting shorter and simpler—not longer. SAY WHAT?! 

He really floored me with that one (shoutout to Mr. Letiecq), but guess what? He was absolutely right. 

Nobody has time for complicated, jargon-filled writing. The best copy is simple, clear, and gets to the point. Think short sentences. Think punchy phrases. Like the classics: Just do it. Because you’re worth it. Eat fresh. I’m lovin’ it. 

See? I didn’t even have to mention the companies' names—you already know who they are. Why? Because punchy, short copy sticks. Period.

4. Write in an active voice

Want your copy to feel strong and confident? Stick with an active voice. Instead of, “Voldemort was defeated by Harry Potter,” write “Harry Potter defeated Voldemort.” This quick change will keep your writing sharp and direct, and is an easy trick you can add to your copywriting for beginners toolkit.

5. Benefits over features

Here’s the thing: your audience doesn’t really care about what your product does (a.k.a. the features) as much as they care about how it’s going to make their life easier or better (a.k.a. the benefits). You want to paint a picture for them of what their life will look like after using your product.

Let’s say Apple is trying to get you to buy an AirTag, and they use two approaches 👇

In one ad, they say: Bluetooth tracking device with ultra-wideband technology

But in the next ad, they say: Never lose your luggage again

Which one is more likely to catch your attention and make you want the product? The one that reminds you about the last time you panicked at the luggage carousel.

Apple thought so, too, hence the copy currently on the top of the AirTag page.

6. Keep writing

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your copywriting career won’t be either. Side note: shoutout to the copyright of old who thought up that saying! 

But seriously, the more you write, the better you’ll get. Just. Keep. Writing. Every single day, if you can. It’s all practice, even if you’re just writing social media captions or drafting fake product descriptions. You simply have to keep going. 

Here’s another ✨true story. ✨ For research (and funsies 🙃), I dug through my email to find the task that got me hired at my second-ever copywriting job back in 2019. 

Let me tell you…it was AWFUL. I would change everything. But we all start from somewhere, so don’t sweat that your copy isn’t hitting the mark just yet. You’ll get there!

7. Develop a brand voice

Every brand has a personality, and your job as a copywriter is to bring that personality to life. Whether it’s quirky, serious, or warm and friendly, you want your copy to feel consistent. 

Think of Red Bull 👉it’s just an energy drink, but they’ve created an entire brand voice around excitement, daredevil acts, and pushing boundaries. 

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8. Be a storyteller

People don’t buy products. Well, technically, they do. But what really sells people on a product is the story behind it. The emotions. The experience. If you can wrap your product in a narrative your audience can see themselves in, they’re way more likely to engage. Storytelling essentially makes your copy come alive.

Example 👉 Instead of “Our travel mugs are leak-proof,” try, “Imagine this: You’re rushing to work, and your coffee spills everywhere—except it doesn’t, because our leak-proof mugs keep your drink safe, no matter how bumpy the ride.”

9. Write like a human

This one’s a biggie: don’t sound like a robot or that one patronizing boss you once had. Be conversational. Write like a human. Better yet, write like you’re talking to a friend. It makes your copy much more approachable and engaging.

Example 👉Instead of "Experience the ultimate in ergonomic office chairs." Say: "Your back’s been begging for this chair. Get comfy and stay productive all day."

10. Being clear is better than being clever

Ok, so yes, this may sound like we’re contradicting ourselves since we mentioned humor as a good strategy BUT clarity wins over humor every time. 

Your audience needs to understand exactly what you’re saying without having to think too hard about it. If you make them stop and wonder, “Wait, what does that mean?”—you’ve likely lost them. 

Be clever AND clear if you can, but always prioritize clarity. 

Phew—you made it 🎉 

You can finally check “read the best-ever article about copywriting for beginners” off of your to-do list!

Whether you’re at the start of your marketing career or a business owner looking to sharpen your writing chops, copywriting is a skill worth mastering. 

It might take some time, practice, and a little bit of strategy—but you’ve totally got this.

And hey, if you’re ready to take things up a notch, don’t forget to check out the Growclass conversion copywriting course. It’ll definitely help you get the ball rolling on your brand-new copy skillset.

Good luck and get writing. 🫡

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