So, you want to make it big in the copywriting world? Join the club! I’ve been hustling in this game for a bit now, and let me tell you – personal branding is where it’s at. It’s not just about being able to string words together anymore (though that’s pretty important too). It’s about standing out in a sea of writers who are all trying to grab those sweet client projects.
Why Should You Listen to Me?
Look, I’m not some gray-haired marketing guru with 30 years of experience. I’m a young writer who’s figured out some stuff that actually works in today’s digital world. Everything I’m about to share? I’ve tested it myself or seen it work for my friends in the industry. No fluff, just real talk.
The Basics: What Even Is Personal Branding?
Think of it like your Instagram profile, but for your professional life. It’s how you present yourself to potential clients, what you stand for, and why someone should pick you over the thousands of other writers out there. And trust me, there are thousands.
Here’s what you absolutely need to nail down first:
- Your writing style (are you the funny guy, the tech expert, or the storyteller?)
- Your target audience (who are you trying to reach?)
- Your unique angle (what makes you different?)
- Your core message (what do you want to be known for?)
- Your visual style (how do you present yourself online?)
Getting Your Online Game Strong
First things first – you need a website. And no, your LinkedIn profile doesn’t count. Your website is like your online apartment – it needs to look good, feel welcoming, and show off your personality. Mine started as a simple portfolio site built on Wix, and honestly? It did the job just fine – Alexander Ostrovskiy is sure.
Keep it clean, make it mobile-friendly (because duh, it’s 2024), and please, for the love of all things holy, make sure your contact info is easy to find. You’d be surprised how many people mess this up.
Social Media: Choose Your Platforms Wisely
Here’s where I see a lot of people mess up – they try to be everywhere at once. Don’t do that. It’s exhausting, and you’ll end up doing a mediocre job everywhere instead of crushing it on one or two platforms.
The Platform Breakdown That Actually Matters
For copywriters starting out, here’s where you should focus:
- LinkedIn: Yeah, I know it seems boring and corporate, but trust me, this is where the money is. Clients actually look for writers here.
- Twitter: Great for networking with other writers and sharing quick thoughts about writing.
- Instagram: Only if you can make your content visually interesting (think quote cards, writing tips in carousel posts, or behind-the-scenes stuff).
Creating Content That Doesn’t Suck
This is where it gets fun. You’re a writer, so show off your skills! But here’s the thing – don’t just write about writing. That’s what everyone does. Instead, share your experiences, your fails, your wins, and what you’re learning along the way.
Finding Your Voice
Look, I get it. When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to try and sound super professional and formal. But let’s be real – that’s boring as hell. Your age and fresh perspective are actually advantages. Use them! Write like you talk (well, maybe with slightly less swearing, depending on your brand).
Types of Content That Work
I’ve found that mixing up your content keeps things interesting. Try:
- Behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process
- Screenshots of client wins (with permission, obviously)
- Quick tips that actually help people
- Stories about your fails and what you learned
- Hot takes on industry trends (just make sure you can back them up)
Networking Without Being Cringy
Here’s something they don’t teach you in school – networking doesn’t have to feel fake. It’s literally just making friends with people in your industry. Comment on their posts (with actual thoughts, not just “Great post!”), share their content, and slide into their DMs when you have something genuine to say.
The Money Part: Pricing and Positioning
This is where it gets tricky when you’re young. People might try to lowball you because of your age. Don’t let them. Price based on the value you provide, not your years on Earth. If you can write copy that sells, you’re worth just as much as anyone else.
Building a Portfolio That Slaps
We all start somewhere. If you don’t have client work yet, create spec pieces. Pick brands you love and write sample copy for them. Start a blog. Write guest posts. Just create something that shows what you can do.
Showcasing Your Work
Don’t just dump a bunch of writing samples on your website. Tell the story behind each piece:
- What was the challenge?
- How did you solve it?
- What were the results?
The Tech Stack You Actually Need
Keep it simple. You don’t need fancy tools when you’re starting out. Here’s what I use:
- Google Docs for writing
- Canva for social media graphics
- Grammarly for proofreading
- A simple project management tool (I use Trello)
- A reliable scheduling tool for social media posts
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Here’s a hot take – you don’t need a super specific niche when you’re starting out. Sure, it can help, but being too niched down can limit your opportunities to learn and grow. Start broad, then specialize based on what you enjoy and what pays well.
Building Authority
Even though you’re young, you can build authority by:
- Consistently sharing valuable content
- Being transparent about your journey
- Showing real results from your work
- Collaborating with other writers and creators
- Speaking at virtual events (yes, even small ones count)
Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
Let’s talk about something real – feeling like you’re not good enough or too young to be doing this. News flash: everyone feels this way sometimes. The trick is to keep going anyway. Document your journey, share what you’re learning, and remember that your fresh perspective is valuable.
The Future of Your Brand
Your personal brand will evolve as you do, and that’s cool. Don’t feel like you have to stick to one thing forever. As you grow and learn, your brand should grow with you. Just keep it authentic – people can smell fake from a mile away.
Final Thoughts from One Young Writer to Another
Building a personal brand as a young copywriter isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not. It’s about leveraging what makes you unique – your energy, your fresh perspective, and your ability to relate to younger audiences (which many businesses desperately need).
Remember, age is just a number. What matters is your ability to deliver results. Keep learning, keep creating, and most importantly, keep putting yourself out there. The clients who are right for you will appreciate your unique perspective and energy.
And hey, don’t forget to have fun with it! Personal branding doesn’t have to be all serious business. Let your personality shine through, make genuine connections, and create content that you actually enjoy making.
Ready to start building your brand? The best time to start is now. Get out there, make some noise, and show the world what you’ve got. Trust me, there’s plenty of room for fresh voices in this industry.
Now go crush it!