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Yep, I call myself a copywriter

by Papercut
9 replies
But should I?

I cater to a niche industry, writing website copy and blog articles. That's it. No squeeze pages, sales e-mails or anything like that.

Sure, I use copywriting techniques when writing. However, about half of my work is producing high-end blog posts.

I've always branded myself as a copywriter (I've studied the trade, but I'm far from an expert). But now, with the idea of content marketing seeming to gain steam, I wonder if copywriting is taking on a more precise definition.

Is it a catchall term that covers every type of material designed to persuade or does it really represent those who write sales pages, direct mail copy and similar products ?

If you produce both articles and (persuasive) website copy, is it a smart idea to slap the copywriting moniker to your name? I worry that if I drop that term, customers will think I churn out crap at $1/500 words.

I've scanned the 'Net on this topic and there's been wide debate. I'd love to hear what you guys think.

Thanks.
#call #copywriter #yep
  • Profile picture of the author The Marketeer
    There was a good discussion on this not too long ago.

    Have a search for it.

    I think it was started by a geezer called Andrews.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
    I just stopped calling myself a copywriter; decided to to concentrate on my teaching work; and am opening a self defence club.

    Once I finish the copy job I'm currently doing, my last thing might be a course to teach others to write copy.

    Then I'm definitely calling it a day.

    It's like a weight off my shoulders.
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    • Profile picture of the author Aupcs
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
        Originally Posted by Aupcs View Post

        Hi Rez,

        I'm currently putting together teaching webinars for people. Creating the Power Point and Presentation side of things.

        If you want to get together to talk if interested, just send me a friendly PM
        Thanks for the offer, but I'm going offline.

        The internet is one of the biggest time-killers of all.

        Plus, I'm teaching in a school. And I prefer it that way.

        Good luck with your business.
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        • Profile picture of the author shawnlebrun
          Originally Posted by Rezbi View Post

          Thanks for the offer, but I'm going offline.

          The internet is one of the biggest time-killers of all.

          Plus, I'm teaching in a school. And I prefer it that way.

          Good luck with your business.
          Rez, have you read Richard Koch's books, either the 80/20 principle or Living the 80/20 principle?

          If not, they were game changers to me... because what you said is actually quite true.

          I've been online for 12 years now, and I swear, the more time I spend online, the less I seem to get accomplished because it's pretty easy to surf the web, check email, look through facebook, check out all the mixed martial arts sites I love, etc....

          Ever since focusing more on offline stuff... it seems I'm getting more done in less time... and my income is increasing. I guess it's less distractions, who knows.

          But ever since starting online almost 13 years ago now... I've almost always felt like I can't "disconnect" from the online world.

          I'll take vacations every month... but even then I almost always feel the need to check email, etc...

          But as I transition to mostly offline stuff, it actually seems i'm happier because i'm online less, i'm able to JUST focus on what really matters, and it feels pretty good.

          so, i'm with you... there' something to be said for the internet. not only is the single biggest money-maker and direct response tool ever created... i also want to say its one of the single biggest curses to ever come along.

          too many kids these days would rather mindlessly surf the web instead of go outside and climb a tree.

          I see so many people out in restaurants who won't even look at the person
          who is sitting across from them... because they're too busy on their smartphones.

          So, as I slowly start to reduce my online time to more offline... i am noticing
          i'm not as "connected" to the net and don't feel as though i'm missing something I should be checking out online.

          I truly think the internet is the greatest money maker ever created... and also has the highest likelihood to cause more depression, anxiety, etc... because instead of BEING with real people and doing real stuff... you're more isolated online.

          Just my thoughts.... but what you said resonated with me...
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  • Profile picture of the author Moriarty
    Papercut

    there are no rules. You can call yourself what you like - as long as you deal the results you're cool.

    Your style of copywriting edges towards blogposts, fine. Some edge towards sales copy or patter for video voiceovers. Who cares? What is important is two things (sorry, it wound up as three!)

    (1) Your customers know you for what you do well
    (2) Whatever you're called, what you do is clear to all who meet you on first sight.
    (3) Your name needs to ring with what your current clients and prospects like.

    Because none of us can do everything. Either that or we do a lot but not very well. Get a name for being excellent and they won't worry about whether you call yourself a copywriter or a deep-sea fisherman. Just as long as they get the goods.

    Go for it!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
    There is some good to the internet. Just as there is some good to alcohol.

    But the bad outweigh the good.

    It's like a drug. In fact, I would go as far as to say it is a drug.

    Drugs don't just need to be ingested through the mouth or absorbed through the skin.

    The drug that gets absorbed through our eyes and ears are the worst.

    In fact, I'm getting rid of internet completely from my home.

    I will continue to use it in the library because I'm considering offering my services as a researcher for copywriters.

    Having done some work in that area I've realised there's demand there. If you know what you're doing.

    Just recently a copywriter was surprised at my methods of finding information for writing copy that I took for granted.

    It was then I realised maybe not everyone knows what I know.

    And there are a lot of copywriters who can make better use of their time than research work.

    And I do enjoy that side of it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
    It depends where you want to market yourself.

    On the WF people get pretty angry when content guys call themselves copywriters, but the truth is that's not really a universal situation.

    Most "copywriter" positions in the "real world" are actually mostly content writing, catchy slogans, that kind of stuff.

    Most designers use the term "copy" interchangeably with "content", as well.

    If I say to most people I'm a copywriter, they think I work with IP laws. If I say I'm in advertising, that's a little more easy to grasp.

    So... it depends.

    -Daniel
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    Always looking for badass direct-response copywriters. PM me if we don't know each other and you're looking for work.

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  • Profile picture of the author UKCopyKing
    If you write copy, then by definition you are a Copywriter.

    It's no different to being a Chef that only specialises in Chinese food - in fact, being a specialist in only one type of writing can have its advantages.

    Don't worry too much about the label, and concentrate on where you deliver the most value.
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    • Profile picture of the author lotsofsnow
      Originally Posted by UKCopyKing View Post

      If you write copy, then by definition you are a Copywriter.
      Exactly.

      I would not worry too much about what to call yourself.

      Once others call you copywriter you are on the right track.
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