You know you want to learn copywriting. You follow other copywriters religiously. You hear their success stories with pangs of envy and you know that copywriting is the right career for you.
But …
You don’t actually know much about how it’s done.
That’s not a problem because copywriting can be learned. So you hit the internet to find the right copywriting course for you.
That’s when you discover that copywriting courses come in different sizes, niches and with a range of price tags.
How do you choose?
I’m not going to be shifty here. I offer a copywriting course. Two actually: the Copywriting Master Class and SEO Writing. Are they the best courses for you? That’s up to you to decide.
This advice is in the spirit of helping you compare your options and choose the best copywriting course for you right now. And I know, it might not be mine!
3 critical questions to ask before you begin your search
- What do you want to achieve?
Your objectives for taking a course will guide how comprehensive or niched the course material is. Do you want to learn the actual writing techniques of copywriting? Perhaps you want to learn how to make a living as a copywriter? Are you a business owner looking to sell more of your own products and services?
- How much time do you have to spend?
Some copywriting courses are short, some are long. Some are in-person sessions, some are online. Some courses have deadlines for homework, some don’t. Assuming you don’t want your financial investment to sit in an email or desktop folder you never look at, work out how much time you will have available to learn and write.
- How much money do you want to spend?
It’s important to know your spending budget as, depending on how comprehensive they are and what they offer, copywriting courses come with a range of price tags.
If you’ve answered those questions, you’ll have a good idea of your criteria. Now it’s time to hit Google and see what’s out there. Once you have a list of copywriting courses, it’s time to start the important phase of analysis and comparison.
The questions that follow will help you separate the copywriting wheat from the chaff.
Does the copywriting course assume previous knowledge?
If you’re a beginner, there is no point signing up for a copywriting course that covers advanced direct mail writing techniques. Or if you’re an experienced copywriter, a beginner’s course might be too slow.
Tip: Speciality courses can really build on existing knowledge but if you’re just starting out, or you’d like to become a copywriter, consider a course that covers the basics, including marketing 101.
How long do you have access to the material?
When you attend an in-person copywriting course, you usually get printed course material to take home. For most online courses, you log into a hub to access the content. The question to ask is, will you lose access to the course material once you’ve completed the course?
You’ve paid for it, so you shouldn’t (lose access).
The follow-on question is: Do you get access to future versions of the course?
This will differ greatly between copywriting courses so it’s worth checking. It’s particularly relevant for courses that involve technological aspects that may change, like search engine optimisation (SEO).
Aside from that, a quality copywriting course will have around 20% of new material each time it runs. New case studies, new examples, new explanations.
Tip: As a minimum, ensure you can download the course material to your own storage device.
Does the copywriting course offer practical application?
Some people learn best by listening or watching. Some people learn best by reading. Regardless of your preference, I think everyone develops their skills more fully when they actually apply their new knowledge.
As you search for a copywriting course, look at how much practical application you get. You might also look for how many times you can submit work. I know I rarely (read: never) get something right on the first try but once you get feedback, it’s great to try again. You can make sure you’ve understood the directions you got and see how you’ve improved, rather than leaving that a mystery.
Tip: Look for a course with as much practical application (the most number of exercises) as possible.
Are there deadlines on getting your work reviewed?
It’s practical for copywriting courses to have start and end dates. From an administrative point of view, it makes sense to make students keep the same pace with definite windows of time to submit work for review.
That’s what most copywriting courses do because it’s easier (for them). But does that fit with your life?
Some weeks you’ll have heaps of time but some weeks are busy, or the kids are sick, or you’re on holidays and you sure as hell aren’t choosing lesson 6 over the beach! Are you prepared to miss that chance to ask questions about the content, get direction or have your work reviewed?
Tip: Make sure you understand any time limits placed on your ability to engage with the mentors.
Do you learn in isolation or is there a community?
Group training can help you focus on facets of the material you might not have otherwise considered as you get to hear other students’ questions and discussion. This helps to accelerate your new skills.
You also get to meet people you have a common bond with.
Some copywriting courses are held in person but thanks to the online world, online copywriting courses are flourishing. But the downside of those is that you’re learning on your own. Or are you? While you aren’t in a classroom, many online courses offer a community aspect to the material so that’s something to look for.
Is there a support base available as you go through the copywriting course?
Do you get to talk to other students?
Are there any live sessions you can tune into?
Tip: Don’t underestimate the value of group interaction and look for courses that provide it.
Can you see a detailed course outline?
Once you know the focus you want the copywriting course to have (writing vs making money, for example), a good way to compare different courses is to compare the course material. To do that, you need an outline of what is covered.
Most copywriting courses make a lesson-by-lesson breakdown available but some additional information about what each lesson covers is always helpful.
Tip: Make sure the course will deliver on its promises and the goals you want to achieve. Oh, and that it’s a real course!
What are the credentials of the copywriting mentor?
Who is going to be teaching you all these copywriting techniques and skills? Do they actually know what they’re talking about?
If you don’t already know the organisation or person running the copywriting course, take some time to do some research. How long have they been in business? Do they have practical copywriting experience? How much?
You’re ideally looking for someone who not only understands the general copywriting concepts you want to learn but someone who can speak from experience. A copywriter who has been through the personal journey of becoming a better writer (and business owner if that’s what you’re learning).
You don’t want a cobbled-together course filled with copywriting generalities you could literally find anywhere on the web.
Tip: Look at the pedigree (or track record) of the presenter. Also read up on testimonials from previous students to see how satisfied they have felt.
Is there a guarantee?
Guarantees help take the anxiety out of a decision to buy. Especially when you’re handing over a lot of coin. A trial or taster of the course material will give you a feel for whether or not it’s the right copywriting course for you.
Perhaps it doesn’t have the focus you wanted after all. Perhaps you don’t like way it’s presented. Perhaps the mentoring isn’t very responsive and you’re left hanging after you ask a question. These are the aspects you can’t find out until you begin the course… after you’ve said bye bye to your cash.
Not many copywriting courses offer a guarantee. That doesn’t mean they are shady or terrible courses! The ones that do clearly stand behind their work and want to make sure they have satisfied customers. That’s worth a little tick somewhere.
Tip: Ask what happens if you change your mind and how long you have to assess the material. Weigh up your investment against the potential loss. It’s what you do with most other big purchases and this is no different!
The pitch
I’d be a fool if I didn’t take this chance to answer those questions about the Copywriting Master Class by Copywrite Matters. Don’t worry, they won’t be super long answers.
Does the copywriting course assume previous knowledge?
The Copywriting Master Class is a copywriting course for beginners so it covers the foundation copywriting techniques that are critical to know. It also explains the marketing knowledge you need to understand why they work like they do.
So this course is perfect if you’re just starting out as a copywriter or you’d like to become a copywriter. If you’re already a copywriter or you’ve done some writing, the course also covers more advanced writing techniques AND has advanced exercises in each lesson. So there’s something for everyone.
How long do you have access to the material?
I think lifetime access is a staple of quality online courses and the Copywriting Master Class is no different. You also get access to all future upgrades of the course material, making it your always-up-to-date copywriting bible!
Does the copywriting course offer practical application?
Definitely. I learn best by doing so I’ve packed the course with copywriting exercises that help you flex and grow your new copywriting muscles. Each lesson has from 1-4 exercises and many lessons have advanced exercises too. There are 16 lessons in the course so that adds up to a lot of practice!
Are there deadlines on getting your work reviewed?
This is where the Copywriting Master Class stands apart from other copywriting courses as there are NO deadlines to ask questions or submit work for review (by me).
The experience you have is the same whether you do all the lessons as they become available, or you have a break and pick it up again weeks or months later.
Do you learn in isolation or is there a community?
While you work through the course material on your own, there is an ever-growing community of copywriters learning and improving alongside you. Just like you keep access to the course material, you also keep your access to copywriting coaching calls and course forum so even after you finish the course, you can still ask questions and get advice (from me and other students).
Can you see a detailed course outline?
Again, yes! Clickety-click here to download it now!
You’ll also be sent a copy if you sign up for updates.
What are the credentials of the copywriting mentor?
Well, I’ve been a marketer for more than 10 years and an in-demand freelance copywriter for five of those years. I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t and I’ve learned that through experience – writing campaigns, brochures, websites, newsletters, blogs and more. The Copywriting Master Class is the culmination of what I know (including all the shortcuts I’ve learned).
Is there a guarantee?
There sure is. I call it my “love it or leave it” guarantee. You can access the Copywriting Master Class for 30 days – that’s four lessons plus exercises, the student forum and a live coaching call. So you really get to have a big crack at it! If you don’t think this is the copywriting course for you, just let me know and I’ll give you all your money back.
I’ve never had to though!
Interested?
Now I mentioned that my Copywriting Master Class is open for enrolments twice a year. There are limited places available, as I really do put a lot of time and energy into the coaching side of the course – and when I launch, I’ll get giving people on my pre-launch list first dibs at securing their seats.
Head to the course page to sign up for updates or secure your seat!
There is absolutely no commitment to buy. You’ll just be the first to hear about the launch AND get first dibs on securing your place at the VIP launch special price. Sweeeeet!
I made this whizzy FAQ video too. That might be useful to watch. But you don’t have to decide on a course now! Just pop your name on the pre-launch list and wait until August, when all the details will be released in glorious detail!
Belinda
