Ever stared at a blank page, feeling like your brain just went on vacation? Let’s talk about the hardest part of copywriting, shall we?
As someone who’s spent countless hours wrestling with words, I’m here to break down the toughest challenges in copywriting.
Let’s dive into what really makes copywriters lose sleep at night.
Why Finding Your Voice Can Be the Hardest Part of Copywriting
You know that feeling when you’re trying to sound just right? It’s like picking the perfect outfit for a first date – you want to make a great impression, but you also want to be yourself.
Starting with a blank page is scary enough, but finding your unique voice while staying true to the brand? That’s where things get really tricky.
One day you’re writing for a fun pet food company, the next for a serious financial firm.
Talk about a personality switch!
Understanding Your Audience Is Also One of The Hardest Parts of Copywriting
Before we dig deeper into what makes copywriting tough, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: your audience.
Getting inside your readers’ heads is like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. You need to figure out:
- What keeps them up at night
- The words they use when talking to friends
- Their biggest dreams and worst fears
- Where they hang out online
- What makes them click that “Buy Now” button
- The questions they’re too scared to ask
- What they really mean when they say something
This roller-coaster of ups and downs can make you want to rip your hair from your head.
But there’s good news: there are a few tools out there that can make things 10x easier for you.
But don’t be fooled: it’s still a nail-biter.
One of the Hardest Parts of Copywriting? Headlines
Want to know another super hard part of copywriting? Those pesky headlines! They might be short, but they pack a mighty punch.
Think about it – you’ve got just a few words to grab someone’s attention, make them curious, and convince them to keep reading. It’s like trying to tell an entire story in one breath!
Here’s how you can get around this: Templates.
Find proven headline templates to work with. All you may have to do is change certain words. For instance, a good headline template might be, “How to [benefit] in [time frame] without [major challenge]”.
You see what I mean?
With a template like this in your swipe file, you’ll have no problem coming up with headlines that work.
Simplifying Complex Ideas: A Major Copywriting Challenge
Here’s something that really tests a copywriter’s skills: taking complicated stuff and making it crystal clear.
Imagine explaining quantum physics to a 10-year-old. That’s sometimes what copywriting feels like! You need to break down tricky concepts into bite-sized pieces that anyone can understand. And you have to do it without making your readers feel dumb.
Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it to a 10-year-old, you don’t know it well.” Now that says a lot.
So next time you’re writing your sales copy, think about a 6th grader. Will they understand what you’re saying?
I know, it can be tough – especially around certain topics. But hey, that’s what we do.
The Art of Persuasion: Perhaps the Hardest Part of Copywriting
Let’s talk about persuasion – the secret of great copywriting that’s oh-so-hard to get right.
Getting people to take action isn’t just about using fancy words or making big promises. It’s about building trust, showing you understand their problems, and proving you’ve got the solution they need. And doing all that without sounding like a pushy salesperson? Now that’s tough!
There are proven elements that automatically improve your ability to sell. They are called triggers. Learn them, apply them to your sales copy, and see the difference.
To better persuade people, learn everything you can about psychological triggers. If you get this spot on, there’s nothing you can’t sell.
Dealing with Writer’s Block: A Universal Copywriting Challenge
Picture this: You have a deadline breathing down your neck, but your brain feels like it’s stuck in mud. Welcome to writer’s block, one of the most frustrating parts of copywriting!
Sometimes the words flow like a river, and other times… well, let’s just say squeezing water from a rock might seem easier. It’s normal, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging.
The only two ways I know to cure writer’s block are:
- Sit with it. Sit there until you come up with something. No music. No distractions. Just sit and wait. It’s hard – but it gets the job done. (That’s what she said).
- Be curious. Read a lot. When you read a lot – about a lot of different topics, you will never run out of things to say.
The Battle Against Time: Meeting Deadlines While Staying Creative
Speaking of deadlines, let’s discuss the constant race against time that makes copywriting extra challenging.
Being creative on demand is like trying to schedule inspiration – it doesn’t always show up when you need it! Yet, clients need their copy, and they need it now.
Balancing quality with speed is definitely one of the hardest parts of copywriting.
Here’s how to meet deadlines without sacrificing the quality of your work.
Finding Fresh Ways to Say Old Things
Here’s another tricky part of copywriting: saying the same thing differently… again and again!
How many ways can you describe a cleaning product or a fitness program?
When you’re writing about similar products or services, finding fresh angles can feel like trying to reinvent the wheel.
To cure this ailment, visit forums about the subject matter. Spend some time reading the comments. You’ll find something new worth talking about.
It takes time. But it’s worth it.
The Challenge of Writing for Different Platforms
Just when you think you’ve got copywriting figured out, along comes the need to adapt your writing for different platforms.
What works on Facebook might bomb on LinkedIn. An email subject line that gets clicks might fall flat as a website headline.
It’s like being a chameleon with words – you’ve got to change your style to match your environment.
Measuring Success: The Mysterious Part of Copywriting
Here’s something that keeps copywriters scratching their heads: figuring out if their words are actually working.
Sure, you can track clicks and conversions, but how do you know if it was your amazing headline or that cute cat video that sealed the deal?
Testing and tweaking copy is an art and science that can drive you nuts!
When you find something that works, dig your feet in and focus on output.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Feedback and Revisions
Let’s talk about something that many would say is the hardest part of copywriting: handling feedback and making revisions.
You pour your heart into writing the perfect piece, only to have it come back covered in red marks. Ouch! Learning to take feedback without taking it personally is a skill that takes time to develop.
One guy… (that was wayyyy in 2020 when I was just starting out) said that my copy is “a load of dog-crap“.
I took that shit personally. Then I leveled up.
Don’t tell me feedback is not one of the hardest parts of copywriting.
Staying Updated: The Never-Ending Challenge
Just when you think you’ve mastered copywriting, everything changes! New platforms pop up, algorithms shift, and suddenly everyone’s talking about some new writing trend.
Keeping up with these changes while maintaining your core writing skills? It’s like trying to change a tire while driving – tricky but necessary!
To not feel overwhelmed chasing new trends, focus on the fundamentals. Don’t ignore studying and sharpening your axe. Just ensure that your base is solid.
It’s like building a house. You can design it all you want. Add all the fancy and trendy new gadgets and features to the house. But you can NEVER ignore the foundation. That’s how you should treat trends in copywriting and digital marketing.
The Hidden Challenge: Managing Client Relationships
Here’s a part of copywriting that doesn’t get talked about enough: working with clients.
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the writing at all – it’s understanding what clients want when they’re not quite sure themselves. It’s like being a mind reader and a writer rolled into one!
Another crazy thing about handling clients is that some clients are hard to work with. They find fault where it’s not.
Be professional. Answer their questions. And make changes. Collect your money, and don’t work with them again. It’s that simple.
Your peace of mind is better than money.
Finding Your Flow: The Daily Struggle
Getting into a writing groove can feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Some days the words dance off your fingers, and other days… well, they hide like teenagers who’ve been asked to clean their rooms.
Here’s what you should do: Create systems that help your creative juices flow.
Do you need a cup of coffee in the morning? Or is it an exercise regime that gets it done?
No matter what it is, add it to your daily routine. It makes being and finding your flow 10x easier.
The Truth About Pricing Your Work
Let’s talk money – specifically, how tough it is to price your copywriting services.
How do you put a price tag on creativity? How much is a word worth? What about all the thinking time before you even start writing? Figuring out what to charge can be one of the hardest parts of being a copywriter.
What you should do is put a price on the project itself. It makes pricing a whole lot easier.
How much will it cost to write a sales letter, email, blog post, landing page, or even a short PPC ad? Find out the industry average and start from there. It makes pricing your services 10x easier.
Another Hard Part of Copywriting? Standing Out in a Sea of Copywriters
With so many copywriters out there, making your work shine is like trying to be heard in a room full of people all talking at once.
Everyone’s fighting for attention, and you need to find ways to make your writing pop without going over the top.
Think about it: what makes you different? Is it your personality? Is it your pricing? Whatever it is, differentiate yourself and let the client know that.
You know how you create a USP for your clients? Create one for yourself too.
Embracing the Hardest Parts of Copywriting
When you ask “what’s the hardest part of copywriting,” the answer isn’t simple because, truth be told, it’s different for everyone. Some writers struggle with headlines, while others find research the biggest challenge.
But here’s the thing – these challenges are what make copywriting such an exciting field. Each difficulty you overcome makes you better at your craft. It’s like solving a new puzzle every day, and who doesn’t love a good puzzle?
Remember, even the most experienced copywriters face these challenges. The key isn’t to avoid them but to embrace them as opportunities to grow. Keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
And hey, next time you’re stuck staring at a blank page, remember that every great piece of copy started exactly where you are. The hardest part of copywriting might be different for everyone, but the satisfaction of overcoming these challenges? That’s universal!
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for years, know that struggling with these challenges doesn’t make you a bad copywriter – it makes you a normal one. Keep pushing through, keep learning, and most importantly, keep writing. After all, the only way to get better at handling the hard parts is to face them head-on!
Skip The Hard Parts of Copywriting
You’ve read all about the hardest parts of copywriting. Now, how can you ensure that you never face these challenges? Or at the very least – how can you reduce these challenges?
One way to do it is to apply what you’ve already learned in each section.
Another way to go about it is to get The Complete Copywriting Course today.
This course will eliminate 90% of your copywriting challenges. Try it today and see for yourself.