"Copywriting Research Checklist"

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I was skimming through course notes to refresh myself on previous areas that I've covered so far and came across the topic of research.

This has always been something I was curious about, because it seems (to someone with no experience, of course) to be such a daunting task.

Prospect, benefits, buying trends, currents factors that affect your target market, etc.

So I did a quick google search regarding the subject and came across this checklist and thought I would share: Copywriting research checklist

Nothing new for seasoned writers, but I thought I'd post it for anyone that might be able to use it. I'm sure it can benefit someone. And I'm sure I will pick up more specifics later in the course.

One thing that personally bothers (intrigues) me, is how do folks manage to do proper research when required to write copy for a promotion outside their comfort zone and on a short deadline. Granted, a lot of people specialize - but others are rather versatile.


-Mike
#copywriting #checklist #copywriting #research
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    • Rick,

      Thank you for your reply.

      I've heard something similar with the magazine trick before, but that was in regarding to finding a new niche. In any case, I think it's a good idea and thanks for reminding me.

      As far as the first tip - Do you mean to just write what seems natural as you do your initial research? I assume so, given that you say not to "be afraid to make stupid mistakes".

      Thanks again!

      -Mike
      • [1] reply
  • Thanks for posting that Mike!

    Here are 3 more articles from the same site indispensable to the new copywriter, I'd say...

    8 rules for setting your freelance copywriting fees
    Are you making this career-killing freelance mistake?
    Translating freelance "Client Speak" into plain English


    - Scott
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  • Hey Mike,

    Rick is right on point. Total immersion and submersion is part of the fun of writing copy! Even if you're on a really tight timeline, the amount of information that is so easily accessible is mind-numbing. It's really just a task of being resourceful

    You do have to be willing to make mistakes, though -like, facepalm mistakes But look at it this way- once you've written and completed successful copy for a market, it's "in there"...and you can write for that market again and again. Hell, after you've written copy for a while in a variety of markets, you can hold a conversation with substance with just about anyone!

    Networking can also play a big part here, because the more people you know, the better chances you have of knowing someone that knows (at least a little) about a market you have to get to know. Again, resourcefulness is the name of the game here!
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    "Copywriting Research Checklist"

    I was skimming through course notes to refresh myself on previous areas that I've covered so far and came across the topic of research. This has always been something I was curious about, because it seems (to someone with no experience, of course) to be such a daunting task.