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How to Contribute To A Copywriting Community

by coolCrawler
5 replies
I have been taking a lot from a copywriting group that I am a part of recently.

Meaning: I ask a lot of questions and get a lot of help from others.

But, I don't provide any value for other group members. I think it is very important to do that in order to improve your own skill and credibility.

What is the best way for me to contribute to a copywriting community? I am not sure I really have anything unique to say. I feel that I am still a beginner in the field... but I have a desire to help out and add value to the group I am a part of.

Suggestions?
#community #contribute #copywriting
  • Profile picture of the author Cam Connor
    Originally Posted by coolCrawler View Post

    But, I don't provide any value for other group members. I think it is very important to do that in order to improve your own skill and credibility.
    Honestly, you should be improving your copy by gaining experience, testing conversion rates whenever possible, and reading from the people (particularly the Copywriting greats) who've come before you.

    Dishing out possibly bad advice when you're starting out isn't going to be beneficial to anybody. I'd find other ways to establish yourself as a credible Copywriter while you're still learning.
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  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    When I started out, I was a lurker too.

    Didn't really feel comfortable throwing out my opinions (or even my work, for that matter) and being subject to criticism.

    Eventually I learned that criticism is part of the job, both giving and receiving. Get comfortable with having your ideas challenged, and get comfortable with adding your ideas to the mix.

    You'd be surprised how often a newcomer can see a fresh perspective that someone entrenched and perhaps a touch jaded, wouldn't have imagined. With that, of course, comes challenges - but that's how you'll grow and learn, by having others with varying levels of experience challenge your thoughts and ideas until you know how to think around corners.

    So get out there and apply what you've learned from others, then use that knowledge to help others.

    TL;DR version:
    Throw your thoughts out there and see what sticks. You might surprise yourself.
    Signature

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

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  • Profile picture of the author Kieran D
    Originally Posted by coolCrawler View Post

    I have been taking a lot from a copywriting group that I am a part of recently.

    Meaning: I ask a lot of questions and get a lot of help from others.

    But, I don't provide any value for other group members. I think it is very important to do that in order to improve your own skill and credibility.

    What is the best way for me to contribute to a copywriting community? I am not sure I really have anything unique to say. I feel that I am still a beginner in the field... but I have a desire to help out and add value to the group I am a part of.

    Suggestions?
    I would say to keep these 3 things in mind...

    Be Yourself:
    - As long as you're turning up being your authentic self then that's the main thing when it comes to contributing online.

    Give Value:
    - You mentioned the importance of giving value and that's all you really need to focus on.
    - Giving value doesn't necessarily mean a one page response.
    - It means you are helping another person (in even the smallest of ways).

    Be Open to Criticism:
    - So you're wanting to learn right?
    - Often the best way to learn is when you get criticized.
    - So just be open to the criticism.

    Kieran
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    • Profile picture of the author coolCrawler
      Thank you everyone. I will be myself and just see what I can do then.
      "It doesn't have to be a one-page response" was helpful to me... I often feel like valuable input is a big ordeal but it doesn't have to be.
      Thank you Angiecoolee. Helpful as always
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    Originally Posted by coolCrawler View Post

    What is the best way for me to contribute to a copywriting community? I am not sure I really have anything unique to say. I feel that I am still a beginner in the field... but I have a desire to help out and add value to the group I am a part of.
    You're adding value by asking questions. Others in the group also benefit by reading the answers.

    Alex
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