How to learn the skills of a copywriter that help you be successful.

You’re thinking about becoming a copywriter. You love the idea of writing full time, creating your own business, and making an impact with words.

But every time you search online for the skills you need to become a copywriter, you get stopped in your tracks. They say copywriters must…

• Have thick skin… 
• Be endlessly creative… 
• Have incredible researching skills… 

And the lists go on and on. They include traits that you feel like you don’t have. So you keep believing that you don’t have what it takes to become a copywriter – before you even try.

Let me stop you right there. I’m here to pull you out of the self-doubt rabbit hole!

There are two main reasons why you shouldn’t let these lists stop you:

1. They’re subjective! These skills might help some copywriters. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be successful using your own unique talents, traits, and strengths.
2. Your personality isn’t fixed. You can actually cultivate traits and skills to help you be a successful copywriter.

These lists tend to create self-limiting beliefs that stop you from freelance writing. And that’s the last thing I want happening to you! 

So, let’s take a look at the science behind how you can actually nurture personality traits. And I’ll expose the skills on these lists that you don’t actually need to become a copywriter.

How to Cultivate the Traits and Skills of a Copywriter

Did you know you have the ability to turn up and down different parts of your personality?

Growing up, you were likely led to believe that you were born with the traits that make you who you are, and that those traits are out of your control. But humans are incredibly dynamic creatives. And that’s not just what I believe, it’s actual science!

According to epigenetics, your DNA is not fixed. In fact, your behavior and environment can actually change the expression of your genes.¹

This means that you’re actually able to cultivate different personality traits. You can do this by intentionally shifting your mindset and practicing the traits you want to strengthen.

So, if you feel like you don’t have a specific skill, don’t let it scare you. The truth is, you can nurture any skill you need to be a successful copywriter.

Skills You DON’T Need to Be a Copywriter

As I said, the online lists of skills you need to be a copywriter are subjective. If you don’t have the same personality traits, it doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. 

Plus, the writers of those lists miigght just be patting themselves on the back for their own skills. And I totally support them being confident in their abilities – but these lists tend to make other copywriters doubt themselves, so I have to debunk them.

These are the common skills on these lists that you don’t need to have to be a successful copywriter. And how you can rethink them.

• Thick-Skinned

Thick skin implies that you need to have your guard up and not be sensitive. But sensitivity is an amazing trait that makes you more empathetic and creative. It means you truly care about your work and its effectiveness. And that’s a good thing!

Instead of having “thick skin” try to detach your personal feelings from your work. If you learn not to take feedback personally, your path to success will be much quicker and easier for you.   

• Risk-Taker

Risk-taking insinuates that you need to make risky, spontaneous decisions to be successful. And that’s definitely not true. 

You do have to be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone – a lot. But in those situations, you’re not making a risky decision. You’re making a calculated choice to grow as the awesome business owner I know you can be. 

• Creative

We’re so quick to label ourselves as not being creative. But I believe that we are all creative beings. Every day you make creative decisions, see beauty, and use your imagination.

Instead of thinking you “aren’t” creative, remember that you can cultivate creativity. Creativity is simply a muscle that you can exercise. And the more you practice it, the more you’re able to access it. 

So, are you going to let a few lists online stop you from pursuing a copywriting career? Not on my watch!

You have a unique set of skills and traits that can make you successful in your own way. But there are five specific traits that can help you. 

5 Personality Traits of Successful Copywriters

There aren’t specific personality traits that you have to have to be a copywriter. But with that being said, these are five traits I’ve found that have helped my students excel.

1. Empathy

Being empathetic allows you to put yourself in the shoes of the person you’re writing to. Relating to their experiences helps your work resonate with them and be effective.

Plus, if you approach your business with empathy, you’ll work with clients that you care about. This helps you create a client base that shares your values.

2. Curiosity 

As a copywriter, you’re paid to learn. You’ll constantly be researching the topics that you’re writing about. So having an innate sense of curiosity will serve you well.

The biology nerd in me loves the researching aspects of my job! If learning gets you excited like me, you’ll love the copywriting process.

3. Resourcefulness 

As a freelance copywriter and business owner, you’ll need to be able to problem-solve. You’ll have to work through business logistics, especially when you first start out. Like setting up an invoicing process so your clients can pay you easily.

Finding solutions on your own will help you be more effective at your job. You’ll get to solutions faster if you don’t have to rely on other people!

4. Being Detail-Oriented 

When you’re working with clients, you’re working on the business that means a lot to them. Showing them you pay attention to detail and produce quality work enhances your value as a copywriter.

Be careful not to confuse this with being perfect – which can paralyze you! Just remember that writing detailed work, including coherent explanations, and clear communication will go a long way with your clients.²

5. Persistency 

As a freelance copywriter, you can’t give up easily. You’ll need to follow up with client leads and consistently work towards your goals.

Don’t worry – if persistency doesn’t come naturally to you, it’s just another thing you can cultivate with time. 

These personality traits will help you grow a conscious and effective copywriting business. They’ll help you show up for your clients, but also believe in yourself and your work. I believe that we should all move towards creating heart-centered businesses like this.

But remember, you can cultivate these traits if you don’t think of them as part of your personality. We are incredibly dynamic creatures – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

How to Become a Copywriter

Now you know how to cultivate the personality traits of a successful copywriter. But do you have a plan for becoming one?

It’s time to stop letting self-limiting beliefs hold you back from freelance writing.

Take the first step to becoming a copywriter by signing up for my free Masterclass. How to Build a Lucrative Writing Career – with No Experience. 

This free online copywriting course gives you a roadmap to creating a sustainable copywriting business from scratch. It walks you through the exact steps I took to start earning 5-figure months with copywriting. And I know that’s possible for you too. 

Your dream career as a copywriter is waiting for you! Stop doubting yourself and take the first step. 

Want to Watch Instead?

View my Youtube video on how to cultivate the 5 traits of successful copywriters. Subscribe here for more tips on becoming a copywriter, mindset, and entrepreneurship!

Resources:

1. CDC: What is Epigenetics?
2. Sarah Turner Agency: How to Have the Mindset of a Successful Freelance Writer