Hazel Herber ⋅ WebProWriters ⋅ 8 years experience

Hello Yves,

I believe I may be of help. SEO copywriting is such in demand these days because it is the #1 ranking factor in Google. And because of the pandemic, more businesses are taking their business online.

A little about me, I am a certified SEO professional and I have trained many writers to become SEO writers. I have, in fact, written my own SEO writing guide. If you are still interested to know more, feel free to reply or message me.

Cheers,
Hazel

James Watters ⋅ Norman, OK Business Consultant, retired ⋅ 17 years experience

Hello Yvette -I found the following information on the Internet. There is much more there.

By Derryck Strachan is the managing director of copywriting agency Big Star Copywriting

1. Know the landscape
Over the past decade there has been a surge in online content, creating an unprecedented demand for copywriters. This is largely driven by the need for search engine optimization. Well-written copy on company websites not only gives potential customers confidence to buy services, it also helps businesses attract browsers to their website in the first place because it ensures the website places higher in Google's search ranking.

Internet marketing is a fast-moving sector and writers who understand the latest trends in SEO (search engine optimization) social media and other forms of digital marketing will have an edge. Check out sites like Moz.com, EConsultancy.com and Copyblogger.com for insight into how content creation fits into online marketing.

2. Find out what type of copywriter you want to be
Before Google, being a copywriter meant scripting TV commercials in an ad agency, writing direct mail campaigns, press releases, brochures or other business literature. Those jobs still exist, but there is far greater demand for web editors, SEO copywriters, content managers and other online content roles. Make sure you understand what's involved in the role you are applying for and upskill accordingly.

3. Have realistic expectations
Mad Men it ain't. You're far more likely to have to produce large amounts of content quickly, accurately and probably for low pay, particularly at the beginning of your career.

Working for a content mill or through recruitment sites, such as Elance.com, can be a good way to build up a portfolio, especially if you've never had work published online before. Your own blog can also be a good way of showcasing your skills.

4. Research the company (and person) you're applying to
The vast majority of speculative applications I receive are addressed "Dear Sir" or "To Whom It May Concern". But on our website it's easy to find my name and what I do. You can also try Linkedin, Google or Twitter – or pick up the phone and ask. Establishing a personal connection with the decision maker at the company you want to work for is a quick win, yet few applicants do it.

5. Use social media to build up a relationship
At the very least, follow the company you want to work for on Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook. If you can build a relationship with an individual through social media then even better, but don't cross the fine line separating enthusiasm from hassling. Twitter is also a great place to find new copywriter vacancies.

6. Don’t oversell yourself. On Kitchen Nightmares one of the first things Gordon Ramsay does is cut back the size of the menu. He knows that no chef can do hundreds of dishes well.

When I see a candidate who is offering themselves as a copywriter, marketer, social media guru, Google expert and telesales wizard, but they're applying straight from university, I assume that they are unlikely to be expert in any of those things. Focus your CV on the skills and experience that the employer is looking for.

7. Don't make spelling or grammar mistakes
If you're applying for a job as copywriter, make sure you've checked your application for typos and basic grammar. Read it aloud and then get someone else to read it through before you send it. You can grammar rules on the Internet.

8. Be prepared to write a test piece

We often ask candidates to create a sample piece of work to demonstrate their skills. For us, speed and reliability are as important as writing talent. And we see the test piece as a good way to assess their commitment and ability to respond to deadlines. So don't get huffy if a company asks you to write something for free – it's standard practice, within reason of course.

9. Specialise
There are lots of copywriters who want to write about "fun stuff" like music, film, fashion, travel and food. There are far fewer writers with expertise and experience in industries like insurance, finance, telecoms and law. By specialising in these industries you can open up more opportunities for yourself.

10. Don't give up
I get so many CVs from new copywriters that my standard response is to say that we currently have no vacancies. But remember, it's not a one-shot deal. While you might not get the job first time round, you might be the right candidate in the future. Those who follow-up don't go unnoticed.

And -

TIPS ON BECOMING A BETTER COPYWRITER by Tim Morral

1. Mix up your reading material. Good writers have diverse reading diets. Blogs, newspapers, magazines, novels – you name it, it’s fair game. In the same way that a good chef samples many different types of cuisine, the broader your reading list, the better your ability to produce crisp, fresh and impactful copy.

2. Put words on the screen. For me, the first sentence of an article or even a paragraph can be the hardest to write. So to get the ball rolling, I’ll just type the first sentence that pops into my head. It’s universally horrific copy, but I can always edit it out later and appreciate its function as a tool to start putting pixels on the dreaded blank screen.

3. Write for real people. Like every writer, a copywriter needs to have a specific audience in mind during the writing process. The catch is that you can forget to write for real people when you are involved in web or multichannel content creation. SEO and other considerations are important, but unless you’re writing for a targeted, flesh-and-blood audience, you have failed as a copywriter.

4. Step away. Come back. Repeat. One of the quickest ways to improve the quality of your copywriting is to habitually step away from the stuff your write, even for just a few minutes. By creating a little distance from your work, you can regain perspective and streamline the editing process.

5. Don’t fall in love. The best writers have commitment problems, at least when it comes to the words they write. Never, ever let your infatuation with specific sentences or paragraphs compromise your ability to eliminate unnecessary material or awkward sections of copy.

Good Luck Sergeant