Resources for starting out in copywriting, from the copy lead at Jones Knowles Ritchie
As a copywriter, you might come up with anything from an eye-opening billboard headline to the name of a new product. 'Copy' refers to any written content, and copywriters use words to appeal to different audiences. Sound interesting? Read on for an essential list of resources to get you started, picked by Kathryn Hindess, copywriting expert at branding agency Jones Knowles Ritchie.
🧑💻 Online Tools and Resources
OneLook (Thesaurus)
As a copywriter, words are your tools and OneLook is a thesaurus to help you access more of them. What raises it above/over/atop the competition is the ways you can filter words, for example, by least to most 'funny-sounding'.
Hemingway Editor (Writing Tool)
Clear writing is effective writing. To improve yours, try Hemingway App. Drop in your text and it’ll tell you when you’re using a complex sentence or complicated word. (It reckons a ten-year-old could read this paragraph).
Check out Hemingway Editor here
How Brands Are Built (Resources)
Pretty much a one-stop shop, How Brands Are Built puts a branding glossary, blog, podcast, and resource library at your fingertips.
Check out How Brands Are Built here
🗞️ Newsletters
The Subtext
This is a site that gives writers a platform to show off their latest projects, hot takes, and even their love for cryptic crosswords. It’ll also link you to the guidelines of big brands like Instagram and Twitch.
Tone Knob
If you're here to deep dive into copywriting, let Nick Parker be your guide. In this newsletter he picks out brands that communicate in interesting ways, then explains exactly how they do it.
Really Good Culture
Okay, now it’s time to get a job, ideally a good one. This site can help. Sign up to the “Good Jobs for Bad People” newsletter to hear about opportunities from entry-level upwards, as well as student events, and tips.
🎥 Online Creators
The Fix
Welcome to the kind of YouTube channel that leaves you thinking, “How is this stuff free?!” Industry heavyweights Nick O’Connor and Glenn Fisher invite guests to talk about everything from writing emails to receiving feedback.
VikkiRossWrites
If there’s such a thing as a copywriting influencer, it’s Vikki Ross. Follow her on X or LinkedIn (or both) for non-stop inspiration. She’s even recommended some books here.
Follow VikkiRossWrites on X or LinkedIn
🎙️ Podcasts
📚 Books
👀 Anything else?
An Empty Notepad
Don’t worry, I’m not about to get misty-eyed about the beauty of a blank page. It can be terrifying. But that’s where your “swipe file” comes in. It’s where you store every great piece of copy you stumble upon, from quotes to email headers to random Instagram comments.
Start it today (and thank me when you’re a copy lead too).
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Written by Kathryn Hindess