The first rule of copywriting is developing and memorizing your elevator speech about the difference between your field and copyright law. While this is not one of my 5 tips, I think most copywriters might happily nod in agreement about the relevance of this point :)

Copywriting plays a role in virtually all stages and facets of the marketing process. While it may not always have the flash and flair of design and motion graphics, copywriting can have a tremendous positive or negative impact on your marketing tactics depending on how effectively it is implemented.

Without further adieu, here are 5 copywriting tips to follow that will help ensure you get the most out of your copywriting process.

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The 5 Copywriting Tips

Be Concise

It could be argued that this often-forgotten practice should be the golden rule of copywriting for business. This is true for a variety of reasons:

• Busy professionals won't/don't spend time reading novels
• Concise writing is more time effective
• Eliminate confusion and questions proactively
• Long, flowery writing raises questions - "Am I just reading eloquent b.s.?"
• Powerful yet concise messages are more easily remembered

One mistake younger copywriters make is treating their work as they would a college paper. This will result in the opposite of your desired effect. Remember, less is more and less does not mean less effort.

Be Collaborative

Unless you are a copywriting prodigy for the ages, working collaboratively and getting second opinions should always be part of your process. In reality, your coworkers can almost be viewed as a subset of your target audience.

Bounce ideas off of your coworkers and reach out beyond the marketing department to ensure you are getting a more varied perspective. What sounds good to you on paper may not always have the same effect on your audience.

These collaborative exercises are one of the best ways to develop as a copywriter and also yield secondary benefits that strengthen your overall team dynamic.

Be Prepared

I am reaching back to my Boy Scout roots here, but the Scout motto should no doubt be part of the copywriter mantra. Being a copywriter and being a subject matter expert are often two sides of the same coin.

Doing the proper research is not only a natural jumpstart to the creative process but it can save a lot of time and headache in the long run. Don't make the mistake of viewing this step as something to put on the perpetual back burner - make it a priority!

Be Option-Oriented

Creating and analyzing options should be a cornerstone of virtually every marketing strategy - both for internal projects as well as external for clients. Here are a few of the many benefits that creating options will bring:

• Helps prevent writer's block
• Keeps the thinking process fresh
• Allows for mix and matching of concepts
• Gives clients and supervisors choices
• Often leads to a better end product

Getting in the habit of creating options will help you develop your copywriting thought process and will be received with a lot of appreciation from those working with you.

Be Transcendent

While this tip may seem a bit flowery from the word choice, the logic is still sound. Having the ability to abandon your own personal view/bias and think and react as the target audience would can really enhance your writing quality.

Think about the issues that they face and the questions that they most commonly have. Is your writing addressing those?

The very best copywriters are able to use this transcendence technique while still upholding their unique voice and style. If you are struggling to put yourself in the audience's shoes, don't hesitate to revisit the collaboration tip to help you.

What Copywriting Tips Do You Find Effective?

These are 5 of the main tenants that I try to follow in my everyday responsibilities but I know that there are many more not listed above!

What tips and tricks do you live by in your copywriting career? Share with us in the comments below!