Does anyone here actually enjoy writing copy?

25 replies
I've been marketing online for like 8 years now and I love everything about it...

But copywriting is one thing I have trouble getting motivated to do. Do you guys actually enjoy it? As in you can't wait to get on your computer and start writing a new pitch?

For me it's like high school all over again. You got a big report that's due, but you don't want to do it right away. Eventually you sit down and hammer it out, but your mind is never in it 100%. You just build something that's passable even though you know you can do better. Does anyone feel this way when the time comes to write copy?

How do you get motivated to sit down and just write copy and get into that mindset that makes everything fit into place?

Maybe I just need some xanax lol...
#copy #enjoy #writing
  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    Ever heard the old adage "Write drunk, edit sober"? LOL

    Nah - I work hard on finding stuff I'm motivated to do. Sometimes it's the product, sometimes it's the client and their enthusiasm that catches my attention. I have a hard time being creative if I don't have passion for the project.
    Signature

    Aspiring copywriters: if you need 1:1 advice from an experienced copy chief, head over to my Phone a Friend page.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7221612].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Don Grace
      Originally Posted by angiecolee View Post

      Ever heard the old adage "Write drunk, edit sober"? LOL
      HAHAHA! I actually will admit to doing that once about 3 years ago... Ironically the letter went on to be a 7 figure winner!

      Seriously though, I agree... it's much easier when I'm excited about the project, have creative leniency, and can have fun at the same time.

      There's times when writing is a breeze and before you know it everything is done... And occasionally there's times when it just drags on, usually because of boredom.

      But when all is said and done, I love advertising so the majority of the time I'm one of the nut jobs that does enjoy my work.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7222204].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TheSalesBooster
    Yea I guess that's a major problem with being an affiliate. It's hard to be passionate about someone else's product.

    Money was a strong motivator for me when I started out, but after reaching a certain point it just made me content. It made me lazy. I almost wish I could start all over again...

    That motivation you have when you first get into this business is amazing. Well for me it was... The idea of not knowing much about the business made me fearless and open to trying anything. Nowadays I feel like I know too much. Like I built walls around my creativity. Things must be done a certain way to succeed...

    In a weird way it's like growing up in your profession. When you first start out you are like a kid. You want to explore and try everything. After a few years of being in the business you start to find out what works and what doesn't. Eventually you start to 'grow up' and realize there are 'rules' to success. So you build up these walls around your creativity and never think outside of the box because you must follow the 'rules'. Now, just like in real life... I wish I could go back. All this knowledge I have learned over the years has done nothing but put a barrier around my creativity.

    Anyone got a men in black memory eraser pen?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7222206].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FuNwiThChRiS
    Money is one hell of a motivator, but you're either "born with it" or "you're not."

    Sure, you can learn the basic and best practices, but if you ever find yourself at a loss in regard to subject matter, angles, or ideas - you aren't a natural.

    That doesn't mean you can't do well as a copywriter, it just means that it will be painful at times.

    It can also take awhile to figure out your own system and style for writing...

    For example, I have a very particular mood that I either wake up with or not in the morning. If I wake up to this "feeling" ...I crush out amazing copy all day long.

    If I wake up stressed, overwhelmed, or with a full schedule - I forget about it.
    Signature

    Work hard, live a happy life, cherish your family and friends. Be thankful for every day.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7222292].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author heybanner
    I love writing copy for small projects... display ads or smaller. However, I hate it when it comes to catalogs, websites and others where much copy is needed.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7222945].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JakeDaly
      Of course! And I'd love it if even more people hired me to do so
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7223462].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author arfasaira
    I love copywriting and I love the transformation that happens in the space between the initial consult and the finished letter. What amazes me is that I find the process cathartic and exciting - even I don't know what I'll produce at the end of it.

    I get into a kind of 'flow' and then the words start pouring out and I don't edit until I'm done - it kills the process for me. In the end, if you don't enjoy it, you can't produce good copy - you have to have fun with it to run with it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7223688].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JTDabbagian
    There's certain parts of writing copy I love: Web content, blogging, bios, etc. When faced with something I don't like, like resume writing...I tend to backslide.

    But I love to write. Wouldn't be here if I didn't.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7223807].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LisaAllen
    While I love the psychology theory behind copywriting.. the actual practice of the "voodoo art" is still pretty difficult for me, and thus, not on my fun stuff list.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7237299].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jeremey
      What I love about it (besides hearing my inner voice prattle on for hours on end) is that "a-ha" moment that I get when I've been pushing sentences and paragraphs around on a page for hours. It really is like a puzzle, and there's that moment of clarity when suddenly it seems like a key has been turned and every piece falls into place. Those hours of frustration can get pretty...well, frustrating....But the payoff is worth it.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7237844].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author staceythewriter
        Originally Posted by Jeremey View Post

        What I love about it (besides hearing my inner voice prattle on for hours on end) is that "a-ha" moment that I get when I've been pushing sentences and paragraphs around on a page for hours. It really is like a puzzle, and there's that moment of clarity when suddenly it seems like a key has been turned and every piece falls into place. Those hours of frustration can get pretty...well, frustrating....But the payoff is worth it.
        ". . . Those hours of frustration can get pretty...well, frustrating....But the payoff is worth it." Ditto!
        Signature

        Stacey Mathis
        Stacey Mathis Copywriting
        The Copywriter's Highway to Success
        http://www.staceythewriter.com
        Twitter: @staceythewriter

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7259270].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author gustoking
    Originally Posted by TheSalesBooster View Post

    I've been marketing online for like 8 years now and I love everything about it...

    But copywriting is one thing I have trouble getting motivated to do. Do you guys actually enjoy it? As in you can't wait to get on your computer and start writing a new pitch?

    For me it's like high school all over again. You got a big report that's due, but you don't want to do it right away. Eventually you sit down and hammer it out, but your mind is never in it 100%. You just build something that's passable even though you know you can do better. Does anyone feel this way when the time comes to write copy?

    How do you get motivated to sit down and just write copy and get into that mindset that makes everything fit into place?

    Maybe I just need some xanax lol...
    Nar you need some weed dawg haha thats whats up! ya need to zone out dude lol

    I agree with you though, it is a bit like doing school work where instead the outcome is profit.

    I mean, you can try and justify money as a motivator but there is more to life than just making money.

    Maybe copywriting aint ya thing, so get someone who loves it and is passionate about it, focus on your strong point's and not the weak ones ideally...

    I mean there are several moving parts in this industry, and many others to... you just have to find a position where you think you could play your part.

    What niche are you currently in? if you don't mind me asking so?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7242866].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ExquisiteMedia
    As long as it's a topic that interests me, it provides me with an attractiveness to write it out. This is why I do tell customers "no" if it's simply something that bores me. You just have to find out what it is that drives you.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7242976].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eugenedm
    Seriously, it depends on my mood sometimes. If I'm interested in the topic, boy, time flies and copywriting is so easy. However, if I don't like the topic, I tend to have long breaks in between before I really focus on copywriting. Now, if the end result is not too good, I ask someone I trust to review my work and if they say it's hopeless then I better find someone else to make my copy. I just don't like to make my life more complicated.
    Signature

    WARNING: A 50 Million Dollar Man Taught Me His Secret... Which Resulted 6,000 Sign-ups on My Email List.

    "It's easier than you think..."

    => Watch this video here...
    Build Your List to 6,000 Subscribers

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7243906].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eternalsongbird
    Yes, I love copywriting for small purposes. But I am not comfortable with catalogs, websites and where much copy is needed.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7246068].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    I enjoy writing, period.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7246976].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
    It is *really* hard for me to get started. But once I'm past that, it really is a lot of fun. I tend to keep my eye on the results I'm after rather than the process, and that helps a lot.

    Marvin
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7247001].message }}
  • Originally Posted by TheSalesBooster View Post


    How do you get motivated to sit down and just write copy and get into that mindset that makes everything fit into place?

    Maybe I just need some xanax lol...
    Ever since learning my ABC's, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I learned through life that there are different ways to be a writer and realized that I did not want to publish a fiction novel (which is the first go-to dream of every natural born word artist.)

    About 8 years ago I found my path in writing content for the web, and writing copy for businesses and organizations. I love every minute of it!

    As for highschool, I used to charge $5/page to proofread and edit papers for my friends. I know that sounds kind of nerdy, but oh well.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7247410].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BrandonLee
    I think that writing is one of those things you either enjoy or you don't.

    When I was in 3rd Grade my story Little Rags and His Best Friend, about a hobo and his dog, won second place in state wide writing contest and I got $250. That was the most money I'd ever seen, I thought I had discovered my path to being rich!

    For some reason I can't create an original thought on the computer, so I have to write everything out by hand. So that means mostly I discovered my path to writers cramp on a daily basis! But I still enjoy it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7248348].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steve Hill
      Originally Posted by BrandonLee View Post

      For some reason I can't create an original thought on the computer, so I have to write everything out by hand. So that means mostly I discovered my path to writers cramp on a daily basis!
      You might want to try this free Q10 text editor, which I just recently found out about here in the forum.

      Q10

      Something about that big black screen and nothing else may help focus your onscreen creativity again. I found it useful for applications requiring concerted focus - all the screen noise (buttons, autocorrect, etc.) from applications like Word can be detrimental to some types of concentration.
      Signature
      Learn more - earn more: Books for Copywriters
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7253006].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author copystud
    I enjoy copywriting for myself, or with people who aren't "budget-crunching-idiots."

    You can't really put a price on perfection right?

    It takes a long time to pump out a good piece; and two pieces are better than one when it comes to a squeeze page or other sales material.

    If you have a product that you have faith in, then the copy is only a small barrier; whether you like to do it, or not, it will get done.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7248438].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author fantazo
    writing is my passion, i love writing ads.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7248542].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mikestankowski
    I enjoy writing as long as I'm motivated and into what I'm doing. There are however a lot of days when I'm just not into it and those are tough.
    Signature

    Discover How To Quit Your Job And Work Online In My Free Video Course!
    http://mikestankowski.com/quityourjob

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7265612].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    I enjoy writing, but I don't enjoy writing copy so much, most of the time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7265615].message }}

Trending Topics