8 Copywriting Tools for Beginners | DIY Your Copy With Ease
Copywriting. More fun than Christmas, or worse than a trip to the dentist? I fall firmly into camp #1 there but I get that copywriting isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Except, chances are, when you’re a business owner you’re going to have to write some copy at some point. But fear not, like Buddy the Elf, these copywriting tools are here to save the day. Even if you’re a total beginner.
Sure, ideally you’d be able to hire a copywriter to get those words out for you. But, sometimes, that’s not possible. So, let’s dive into some of my all-time favourite copywriting tools then, shall we?
1. Google Docs
I know that you’re thinking – is Google Docs really a copywriting tool? Yes, my friend, it really is!
Typing your copy straight into WordPress, Squarespace or whatever site builder you use? Step away!
Writing your copy in Google Docs is going to make the process so much easier. Rather than trying to fit 100 words over here, and then squeeze another 50 words over there, take a step back. Focus on the words first. The rest can come later.
Related: What comes first, the copy or the website? Click here to find out
Open up a blank document and set out a structure for your page. Fill out the goal for that page and what you want it to do for your business. Then look at the key messages, copy outline and ‘need to knows’ that you want to include along the way.
Then, draft away!
2. Ubersuggest
Oftentimes, you’re going to want to write your copy with SEO (search engine optimisation) in mind. Wondering what the heck that is? In simple terms, SEO is including the words your dream clients are typing into Google, in your copy. So what you’re really doing is making it as easy for them to find you as possible!
My favourite tool for SEO research is Ubersuggest. It’s easy to use, free and comes with a tonne of handy ‘how-to’ kinds to help you get started. Find the keywords you want to rank for, without feeling like you need a glass of wine before you’ve even started!
3. Grammarly
No list of copywriting tools would be complete without mentioning Grammarly. It’s essentially spell check but a million times better. A bit like comparing a barista-made flat white to a tepid mug of instant coffee.
Grammarly works with you as you type, suggesting edits for correctness, clarity, engagement and delivery. And they even send you weekly emails so you can see how you’re doing and feel like the copywriting superstar that you are.
4. WordHippo
Even copywriters need to crack the thesaurus out sometimes. And WordHippo is one of the most user-friendly thesaurus sites out there.
You may remember using the thesaurus to spice up your essays at school. Well, copywriting is a tad different. Chances are, you’re going to want to simplify your message and WordHippo is a great way to just that. You’ll find digestible words in less time than it takes to flip your old school thesaurus open to the first page.
5. Your swipe file
Remember when I said to write your outline in Google Docs before you get started writing the actual copy? Your swipe file can help you do that.
Your swipe file is where you save all the copy that has inspired you to buy or gotten you to read a little closer. Favourite it, bookmark it, screenshot it, save it, and start building out a swipe file for yourself.
A word of warning here – the aim of a swipe file isn’t to copy someone’s copy. It’s merely to use the structure as inspiration for the structure of your own. As you’re reading through, ask yourself “what is it about this page that’s keeping me engaged”? Make note of that, so that you can pull it up next time you have some copy of your own to write.
6. A sand-timer
One of the few physical tools on this list, a sand-timer isn’t essential to good copywriting but it sure is helpful.
If you’re a beginner, chances are you’re going to be a bit intimidated by copywriting. Which means, one of the best things you can do is take the pressure off. Set yourself a 30-minute timer and just see what happens. Don’t let yourself get distracted or click to another tab until those 30 minutes are up. After a few minutes, you’ll find that the words start to flow a little more easily. And, soon enough, you’ll find that you’ve filled an entire page!
7. Headphones (and a stellar playlist)
Kids? Noisy co-workers? It can be far too easy to fall out of “the zone” when you’re writing. But a decent pair of headphones and a stellar playlist can help you shut the whole world out!
My personal copywriting soundtrack jumps between jazz, classical, country and the Harry Potter soundtrack, please don’t judge…
8. Hemingway App
One of the biggest keys to successful copywriting is editing. Since we don’t all have an editor on speed dial, Hemingway App is the next best thing.
This copywriting tool is the editor you never knew you needed. Prepare yourself, unlike a real-life editor this tool spares no mercy. Just copy and paste your text into the app, and you’ll get free feedback and suggestions to make your writing clear and commanding.
So, are you ready to get writing that copy? Add these copywriting tools to your laptop and get typing! I can’t wait to see what you create.
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