Top 5 must-have traits of great copywriters: Why writing skills alone aren’t enough

May 5, 2023 • Krissy Davis

Are you a newbie copywriter dreaming of becoming the next Don Draper? Or are you looking for the next renowned writer to join your team? Well, just being a wordsmith won’t cut it in the competitive world of copywriting, my friend. To be a genuinely great copywriter, you need to have some serious skills up your sleeve. And I’m not talking about the ability to craft a grammatically correct sentence or spell words like “pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis” without Google’s help (extra points if you can say it correctly).

No, to thrive in the highly competitive world of copywriting, which is now gradually being inundated with mediocre AI content, you’ll need to possess skills that distinguish you from the sea of average writers (and robots) out there. This article will explore the top five traits that all great copywriters should have.

So, what makes a great copywriter?

1. Excellent writing skills

Ok, ok, I know I just said that writing skills aren’t enough, but hear me out. You need to have a solid grasp of language and grammar, but that’s just the beginning. To truly excel, you need to be able to write in a way that’s clear, concise and engaging. Your writing should be able to evoke emotions, whether it’s making someone laugh, cry or cringe.

2. Creativity

Great copywriters don’t just regurgitate what their clients want them to say. To be truly great, you must come up with fresh, innovative and memorable ideas. To stand out from the crowd, you need to think outside the box and be willing to take risks. Your goal should be to create copy that’s not only informative but also entertaining.

3. Attention to detail

I know, I know, this one sounds boring, but trust me, it’s crucial. Typos, grammatical errors and other mistakes can ruin even the best-written copy. To avoid this, you need to have a keen eye for detail. Take the time to proofread and edit your work until it’s flawless. This attention to detail will help you create engaging and professional copy that people trust.

4. Empathy

Great copywriters don’t just write for the sake of writing; they write to connect with their audience. To do that, you need to put yourself in your readers’ shoes and understand their needs, desires and pain points. If you can create copy that makes your audience feel heard and understood, you’re well on your way to success.

5. Research skills

Last but not least, great copywriters are master researchers. To create persuasive, informative and accurate copy, you need to be able to dig deep and find the information you need. Don’t rely solely on Wikipedia or other unreliable sources. Instead, find credible and reliable sources to support your claims.

Summary

Becoming a great copywriter isn’t just about being a wordsmith, although that’s certainly a prerequisite. You also need to have a certain “je ne sais quoi”. A good sense of humour, a love of language, and a willingness to go the extra mile don’t hurt either. Combine all these traits, and you’re well on your way to becoming a copywriting superstar – or at the very least, someone who can make a pretty penny from writing persuasive ads. So go forth, young grasshopper, and start honing your craft.