Debunking the Top 5 Copywriting Myths You Need to Stop Believing Right Now!
Source Bee Your Business
Introduction: Unraveling the Truth Behind Common Copywriting Myths
Myths are a form of limiting beliefs. And we don’t like limiting beliefs. Copywriting myths are similar because the online “gurus” tell us what works and what doesn’t. It’s true in some instances, especially with copywriting formulas, but ultimately it's a story that worked for them. Few subjects get me going and debunking copywriting myths is one of them. Get ready to dispel your copywriting misconceptions and release those limiting beliefs.
Myth #1: "Anyone Can Write Copy"
Why Quality Copy Requires Skill and Expertise
Technically, anyone can write. This is not a myth. The myth is that you can write without learning the triggers that convert. That means reading from the masters like Dan Kennedy, Gary Halbert, Gary Bencivenga, Bob Bly, and David Garfinkel—to name a few.
Handwriting copy from these masters—daily—has been the fastest way I have found to improve my writing. But being a professional copywriter isn’t just about writing, it's understanding the reader and where they are. They need to be invested in what you are writing. Effective content writing starts with research into your ideal client/customer—if you don’t know what they need you will fail.
Myth #2: "Longer Copy Always Converts Better"
Exploring the Balance Between Length and Impact in Copywriting
The truth is the medium where your copy is published determines the length. Short copy on a sales landing page for a course valued at $5k is a recipe for disaster. But there is more nuance when it comes to short vs long-form content. Writing concise copy is really where the rubber meets the road. Think of writing just enough to get every objection answered before you say it's done. Writing copy that converts is an art—an art that needs to be practiced, and skills honed.
Myth #3: "SEO is All That Matters in Copywriting"
Understanding the Role of SEO Without Compromising on Quality
I laugh at this thought. SEO and content creation (copywriting) should be in balance—a highly technical dance that each partner needs to execute to win the competition. The competition is for the attention of Google of course.
You could have the best SEO-optimized piece but the content is lackluster. It doesn’t offer the reader value so it might rank high at the beginning but will fall off after visitors quickly leave your site. Also, you could have the most in-depth guide on traveling the world but no thought of SEO. The value is there but the chances of a reader stumbling upon it is basically zero. Here are a few SEO copywriting tips:
Research your topic for the keyword you want to target before writing
Have an SEO framework you follow with every piece of content you create
Read it aloud to make sure it sounds natural
Don’t publish and forget it—refresh content based on new experiences
Balancing SEO and readability will set you apart from the mass, AI-written content mills. But make sure you capitalize on this huge leg up.
Myth #4: "Copywriters Just Write Words"
Revealing the Multifaceted Skills of Modern Copywriters
As a copywriter we all “just write words” but how you construct your words makes all of the difference. There are many different variations of storytelling in copywriting. There are formulas for a reason because they work. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel and decide for yourself that you know better than the 100 years of copywriting history. Your experiences are unique but the flow should be consistent.
Here are four common formulas used and an in-depth write-up from WordStream. These techniques need to be mastered for copywriting to be successful:
The 4C’s - clear, concise, compelling, creditable
PAS - problem, agitate, solution
AIDA - attention, interest, desire, action
Storytelling
When it comes to compelling copywriting—the truth is powerful. If done correctly the reader will feel a connection to the writing because it resonates with their own experiences. If you try to game the reader with fanciful stories they will detect it right away and your credibility is shot. An expert copywriter will elevate stories to captivate your audience and get them to act.
Myth #5: "Great Copy Sells Itself"
Why Effective Promotion and Distribution are Essential for Successful Copywriting
Great copy isn’t like Field of Dreams—write it and they will come. This is where knowing your ideal client will pay off in spades. Ask yourself a few questions:
Where do my customers live online?
How will they see this?
Is this captivating enough to have them click the link to act now?
If you can’t confidently answer these questions, you need to figure this out before any copy is written. More importantly, it would help if you built a “persona” (free PDF download) for your ideal client that can be used as a reference from now into the future. Once you have a solid grasp as to who you are writing to then you can create a content distribution plan to target your audience.
Conclusion: Embrace a New Perspective on Copywriting by Breaking Free from These Misleading Myths!
Whether you are just starting in copywriting or want to understand it better—kill these popular myths. Myths are meant to make things seem more complicated than they truly are. Myths are as fantastical as a Sasquatch—you end up worrying so much about something that you can’t prove.
Side note I hope Sasquatches are real for the simple hope that we, humans, haven’t discovered everything yet. We are all adventures at heart.
Do your best to debunk the myths out there and kick some ass while doing it.
P.S. To get you started on the right foot I’m offering you a FREE, no-obligation website SEO report. Just follow this link to get started.
P.P.S. What copywriting myth have you encountered? Discuss down in the comments.
