How to Choose a Copywriting Course That Meets Your Needs

Copywriting is one of those marketing skills that isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Sure, AI has come a long way in the last few years, and it’ll continue to do so, but it’ll never replace the demand for emotive writing that makes a human connection.

And for that reason, there’s no short supply of courses out there teaching you how to write persuasively. But how do you know which one is best for you?

To help you decide which copywriting course will help you achieve your goals, I’ve put together a list of points to consider.

Think About What You Want to Achieve

People take copywriting certifications for different reasons.

Maybe you’re a business owner who wants to improve their sales? Or maybe you want to start your own copywriting business?

Whatever your situation, it’s important to define your copywriting goals. Once you know what you want to get out of a course, you can narrow your criteria and discount the ones that don’t offer what you need.

Tutor Expertise and Credibility (Beware the Gurus)

As a starting point, I’d always recommend researching the course tutor to learn more about their expertise.

In recent years, the copywriting industry has seen a rise in ‘gurus’ claiming to have made millions from copywriting (before the age of 24), selling courses that promise six-figure incomes within 3 months.

Be that as it may, but unless they have a credible portfolio to back up their claims, the chances are, they’re exaggerating the truth and simply ‘selling the dream’.

A reputable course tutor will be able to show you examples of their work. They’ll have genuine client testimonials that speak to their character, and they’ll be able to provide proof of their results.

Course Curriculum and Content

Think about what you want to learn specifically.

Some copywriting courses focus more heavily on certain aspects of writing than others.

For example, if you’re new to copywriting, then you might be looking for a course that covers all the basics.

However, if you already have some experience, then maybe a course on AI copywriting tools, SEO copywriting, or conversion copywriting would be more useful.

You should also consider how up to date the course content is. Although the principles of copywriting remain the same, marketing trends and new technologies can impact how we write and consume content online.

Consider the Learning Format

Before choosing a copywriting course, consider how the course is taught.

Some copywriting courses are taught in person, at a specific location and venue. Some are taught live online via Zoom, and others are self-paced courses that you can access online at your own leisure.

Each format has its advantages and disadvantages.

In-person classes offer face-to-face interaction and the opportunity to ask questions immediately, while live online courses provide flexibility.

Self-paced courses, on the other hand, allow you to learn at your own speed from the comfort of your own home.

So, consider the format that will work best for your learning style and schedule.

Duration and Time Commitment

Most people underestimate how long it takes to complete a copywriting course. In addition to teaching hours, most courses expect learners to complete assignments in their own time.

Whereas some courses can be completed in a few weeks, others may span several months.

From the research I’ve conducted into copywriting courses, I’ve found that the average course has around 10 hours of teaching content.

Even though you could probably watch all the teaching content within a day, to get the most out of the course, you’d need to take it module by module, completing each assignment in order.

And that takes quite a bit of time.

So, consider how much time you can realistically allocate to the course each week, as well as how quickly you want to complete it.

Support and Interaction

One of the biggest draws of taking a copywriting course is the access you get to the course tutor.

Before committing to a program, consider what level of support you’ll receive. Will you get personalised feedback on assignments? Will the tutor be available to answer general copywriting questions?

You should also look into how much interaction you’ll have with others who have taken the course. Many programs provide access to private LinkedIn and Facebook communities where you can chat with other learners.

Will the Course Help You Build a Portfolio?

If you’re planning to start your own copywriting business, or to offer copywriting services to clients, then you’ll need a portfolio that demonstrates what you can do.

A well-thought-out copywriting course will use real-world briefs as assignments, so you’ll be able to use your coursework as portfolio pieces.

Likewise, if you plan to secure job opportunities with a marketing company, or gain promotion in your current job, a portfolio that provides evidence of your experience is essential.

Cost and Financial Considerations

From my own research, I’ve found that the average copywriting course costs around £450. For some, this will seem like a worthwhile investment, for others it won’t. So, it’s important to determine your budget in the first instance.

While cost is an important factor, you should also consider the overall value you’ll gain. Evaluate whether the course content, resources, and support justify the price.

Some courses may also offer payment plans to make them more accessible.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Google the courses that you’re considering and read their reviews. Reddit is also a good platform for getting honest opinions on courses.

Check out testimonials from past students and maybe even consider dropping them an email to ask about their experience.

Genuine feedback from people who have completed the course can provide valuable insights into its quality and effectiveness. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to make an informed decision.

In Summary

Choosing a copywriting course that fits your needs requires research. Start by deciding what you want to gain from studying copywriting, and then decide how you’d like to learn.

Remember, the best copywriting course is the one that aligns most closely with your aspirations and circumstances.

And if you need a helping hand to decide, why not use this post as a checklist?