What even is copy?

No one asked but I'm answering.

I want to say thank you to everyone who stuck around after my absolute viral rebrand. Whether you actually plan to keep reading or sending me to the trash anonymously, I appreciate you.

If copy isn’t your thing but you accidentally opened this email and find yourself skimming, it might be enticing to know that I also plan to share what it means to build a creative life. That might look like interviewing my friends who are also creating cool things and doing fun work, or it could look like sharing parts of my story as I see fit. Who knows! I’m making it all up as I go!

The Writer’s Room isn’t just for writers. It’s a space for people who enjoy pursuing what they love. It’s for those who believe we all have a story worth sharing, where words matter, and we’re all just doing our best to not take life too seriously. The door to this room is always open so come and go as you please. We don’t take attendance and it’s free to join.

Okay, that’s enough from me! Let’s get into it.

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Today’s topic is for those of you who want to be supportive but literally have no idea what copywriting is and are too afraid to ask. You’re not alone.

If you already know everything there is to know about everything, please feel free to stop scrolling and sit this one out. For everyone else still entertaining me, please take a seat. Class is in session.

Almost every time people ask what I do for work, they’ll hear copywriter and think copyright then ask me if I have a law degree. Or they’ll pretend to know what it means and there’s no follow up questions. That’s always really fun for me but it’s also why I’m here, in your inbox, spreading awareness.

We’re starting with the basics and I’ll keep it simple.

Copywriting is the art of writing text (aka, copy) for the purpose of persuading you to take a specific action.

My job is to write the words you read and hear everywhere, everyday – on commercials, podcast ads, signage, billboards, jumbotrons, websites, social media, etc. that make you want to click, buy, sign up, press mute, or keep paying attention.

Conversely, copyright is the legal rights creators like artists have to their songs or authors have to their published books so they can’t be copied without permission. There probably is a lot of writing involved but it requires a law degree that I do not have.

Now that we’ve established I am of zero help to you in a court of law, there is one more thing I want to clarify before we really get goin’. Again, absolutely zero of you asked me to do this but I’m holding the mic right now and it’s HOT.

Because I think these two get easily confused, let’s cover the definition of copy and content. Two different things – think of them as sisters, not twins.

Copy is the specific words written to get you to take a specific action with a product, service, or brand.

Content is the actual creative work itself.

Example: An email newsletter (like what you’re currently reading) is content. The subject line persuading you to click open is copy.

Okay time to take the test.

Kidding! But don’t put it past me!

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I haven’t always been a copywriter. I stumbled into this job by saying yes to different writing projects I enjoyed. I’ve learned a lot along the way, both as a writer and freelancer. Am I an expert? Nope. Just a girl committed to learning, evolving, and challenging myself to get better at what I do.

My goal is to spread awareness to you and everyone you know so when people ask what I do for work it’s not followed with silence, but instead with fun questions about if AI is going to replace me. (Spoiler, no robot has taken my job yet because I’m still paying my bills with real money that real people pay me to write real words — a big relief to me and my parent’s basement.)

Alrighty, I think that about covers it. If you see any fun ad campaigns or copy IRL and think — Nicole would appreciate this — please send it my way! I love when friends notice clever copy in the world and think of me. It means my evil plan is working.

Until next time!

- NFB -