Copywriting is always a bit confusing for people when they first hear about it.

“Is it like, getting a copyright?”

I’ve been copywriting for eight years, and my family still doesn’t have a clue what I do.

Let’s pretend I didn’t write this solely to have something to link them to when they ask me for the 10th time.

If you recently heard someone mention that they do “copywriting” for a living, and you thought, “Wtf What is copywriting?” this is the guide for you.

I’ll explain what copywriting is and why it’s such a big deal (the biggest industry you didn’t know existed).

Plus, I’ll even teach you the fundamentals (it’s a lot easier than it sounds).

What Is Copywriting? The Simplest Copywriting Definition

The simplest copywriting definition is this:

Copywriting is the process of writing words intended to prompt action by the reader.

Copywriting is always connected to the act of promoting or selling a business, organization, brand, product, or service, which makes it, by definition, a form of marketing.

Here’s how a few other sources define copywriting:

“Copywriting is the art and science of strategically delivering words (whether written or spoken) that get people to take some form of action.” – Copyblogger

“Copywriting is the process of writing advertising promotional materials. Copywriters are responsible for the text on brochures, billboards, websites, emails, advertisements, catalogs, and more. Unlike news or editorial writing, copywriting is all about getting the reader to take action.” – AWAI

“Copywriting consists of the words, either written or spoken, marketers use to try to get people to take an action after reading or hearing them.” – Hubspot

“Copywriting is the skill — and field of work — where people write sales promotions and other marketing materials for products, services, fundraising campaigns, etc. It’s the craft of writing persuasive messages that prompt people to take action (buy something, inquire about a service, download a free eBook, donate to a cause, etc.).” – The Balance Small Business

“Copywriting is the act or occupation of writing text for the purpose of advertising or other forms of marketing. The product, called copy, is written content that aims to increase brand awareness and ultimately persuade a person or group to take a particular action.” – Wikipedia

If you read through each copywriting definition, you’ll notice that same core statement is present in every single one.

Copywriting is writing designed to prompt action.

Copywriting can take a wide variety of forms:

* Advertising

* Websites

* Emails

* Blog posts

* Landing pages

* Brochures

* Presentations

* Video scripts

* Headlines

* Product descriptions

* Lead magnets

* White papers

* Etc, etc, etc

What makes it “copy” is that it’s intended to drive an action.

Sometimes, you want to drive an action immediately. This type of copywriting is referred to as “direct response copywriting”.

Examples of direct response copywriting include:

* A Twitter ad designed to get an ad click

* A billboard designed to make you turn at the next exit and visit the establishment

* A landing page designed to get an email signup

* An email designed to get a message in “reply”

* A product description designed to drive an “Add to Cart” click

Sometimes, immediate action isn’t the goal. The reader might not be in the position to take immediate action when they see your copy, or having them take immediate action might not be the priority. This type of copy doesn’t have a snappy name, but the concept of marketing now for results down the road is essentially branding.