What’s The Hardest Part of Copywriting? The Truth

Ever paused mid-sentence, wondering what the heck copywriting really is about?

On the surface, it looks like playing with words, weaving them into an artful dance to charm readers and customers.

But delve a bit deeper, and you’ll realize it’s the backbone of every successful marketing strategy. That’s right; copywriting is that critical.

Now, a stat that’ll knock your socks off: according to HubSpot, 47% of buyers engage with 3-5 pieces of content before taking the first step towards purchasing.

Let that sink in. It’s the words on the page, the pull of that headline, the irresistibility of that call-to-action that are guiding nearly half of all consumers.

And if you’ve ever felt like you’re battling more than just blank pages or stubborn headlines, you’re in good company. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the hardest parts of copywriting and the secret sauce that separates the mundane from the magnificent.

Let’s dive in!

Misconceptions About Copywriting and Its Difficulty

Alright, before we deep-dive into the toughest bits of copywriting, let’s debunk a few myths that are floating around like that annoying fruit fly you just can’t swat away.

Misconceptions can throw you off track, so let’s tackle these head-on.

1. “It’s Just About Writing” Hey, if copywriting was just about stringing words together, then every bestselling novelist would be an award-winning copywriter! But here’s the deal: while Content Marketing Institute reports that 72% of content creators focus on writing engaging content, the core of copywriting isn’t just writing. It’s about persuasion, selling, understanding your audience, and delivering value in the snappiest way possible.
2. “One Size Fits All” This isn’t a baggy t-shirt, folks! A killer copy that worked wonders for a tech startup won’t necessarily resonate with a cosmetics brand’s audience. A survey found that 91% of buyers prefer visual and interactive content over traditional formats. Translation? Tailor your content for the platform, audience, and product. Customization is key.
3. “It’s Solely About Creativity” Here’s a curveball: creativity is a chunk of it, but data is your best friend in the copywriting world. Data tells you what’s working, what’s not, and where you should steer your ship.

Remember, great copywriting is an art and a science, a blend of creativity and strategy. But knowing what it isn’t is as crucial as knowing what it is.

Challenges Every Copywriter Faces

Copywriting isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. These are challenges every copywriter faces, even the best of us.

1. The Relentless Pursuit of Originality: Ever felt the pressure of trying to be consistently fresh and unique? You and me both. In a world bursting with content, standing out is very difficult. But here’s the twist: it’s not about reinventing the wheel, but how you spin it that counts.
2. The Tightrope Walk: Clarity vs. Creativity: Striking the balance between being clear and creative is trickier than it seems. Go too creative, and you risk losing your audience in metaphors. Too straightforward? You might come off as dull. Remember, your ultimate goal is to communicate.
3. Tick-Tock, The Clock Doesn’t Stop – Deadlines: Let’s face it, the ticking clock can be the true nemesis of creativity. And in the fast-paced world of digital content, there’s always a deadline lurking. The challenge? Producing quality content in a time crunch. But here’s a tip: build a content calendar.
4. Adapting to Audiences: From tech geeks to fashionistas, every audience has its lingo, pain points, and desires. A copywriter’s challenge is to wear different hats, seamlessly shifting tones and styles.

The Actual Hardest Part of Copywriting: Emotional and Psychological Obstacles

If you’ve written copy for even a short amount of time, you know it isn’t the research portion or dealing with clients. It’s the impostor syndrome. The deadlines. The inner turmoil you experience as a freelancer.

Allow me to elaborate.

1. That Nagging Whisper: “Am I Good Enough?” Welcome to the writer’s Achilles heel. Whether you’re penning your first piece or your five-hundredth, that gnawing doubt can creep in. We’ve all been there. Consider this: Psychology Today reported that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point.
2. The Emotional Tightrope: Evoke, Don’t Provoke: As copywriters, we’re in the business of emotions. Our job? Spark joy, trust, excitement, or even FOMO. But with great power comes great responsibility. We need to evoke authentic feelings without veering into manipulation.
3. Staying Updated, Staying Relevant: Ever felt like digital trends change faster than a chameleon on a disco ball? From evolving algorithms to shifts in consumer behavior, the digital world is a moving target. And the emotional toll? Feeling perpetually behind the curve.
4. Feedback Frenzy: Constructive or Crushing? Here’s a hard truth: Not everyone will love what you write. And feedback, while vital for growth, can sting. Ever received a critique that felt like a punch in the gut? Yep, part of the package.

Overcome The Challenges of Copywriting

Okay, okay. I don’t want you to feel depressed about copywriting! Here’s how to overcome all of these obstacles and make copywriting into a lucrative joy you can’t wait to work on every day.

1. Embrace the Growth Mindset: This isn’t just buzzword bingo. It’s your secret weapon. By seeing challenges as growth opportunities, you morph setbacks into setups. Stanford University’s Carol Dweck found that people with a growth mindset – those who believe skills and abilities can be developed fare better in the face of challenges. So, next time doubt creeps in? Remember: every word you pen makes you better.
2. Feedback? Make it Your Fuel: Look, not all feedback is a bouquet of roses, but even thorns can point you in the right direction. Build a feedback loop. Surround yourself with constructive criticism.
3. Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish: Borrowed that from Steve Jobs, but hey, it’s golden advice. Dive deep into learning. Subscribe to top marketing blogs, join copywriting webinars, and get your hands on the latest industry reports. Stay ahead of the curve, always be in the know, and never let that flame of curiosity flicker out.
4. Meditate, Reflect, and Breathe: Sometimes, the best thing for your writing isn’t another course or book, but a clear mind. Studies, including one from Harvard, have shown that mindfulness can change the structure of your brain, enhancing creativity and focus. So, if you ever feel swamped, take a step back. Reflect. Breathe. Then dive back in with renewed vigor.
5. Network, Network, Network Remember, every copywriter is battling the same beasts. Why go it alone? Connect, share experiences, exchange tips. So, find your tribe. Swap war stories. Grow together.

Wrapping Up The Hardest Part of Copywriting

I’ve been in this industry for 10+ years. I’ve had ups, downs, wins, and losses. I wouldn’t change any of it. It’s a fast-paced business that can be very rewarding and exciting.

Some of the common obstacles include imposters syndrome, deadlines, client expectations, and the everchanging nature of marketing and business.

The good news? You can adapt, learn, and grow, so that these are only minor setbacks and only make you a better writer.

You can find mentorship from me and 10x your copywriting skills through my online courses.