What were your biggest wins & challenges as a copywriter this 2023?
🎉 Congratulations on surviving and thriving!
You know how people like to do “year-end essays” on social media?
Well, in case you wanted to do a professional growth version of that, this is your sign. ICYMI, LinkedIn’s Creator Mode has this cool feature where they share AI-generated prompts for your next post.
And this is actually where I got the idea for today’s topic: What were your biggest wins & challenges as a copywriter this 2023?
I’d love to hear about your victories and current battles, so feel free to reply to this email, or leave a comment below 👇 so that we can all celebrate you!
While you take a sec to think about your answers, here are a couple of my own personal wins and challenges:
My 2023 wins & challenges
1. The looming shadow of AI and what it could mean to copywriters
Sure, AI has been around for a while in forms like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor, but it feels like bulk of the discussion this year has been around how these machines could eventually take our jobs. My two cents? Instead of worrying, we could start working with AI instead, and see it as a cool tool like Google Drive or Microsoft Word. Sites like ChatGPT, Google Text FX, and more are free to try. Notion AI also has a limited free trial option so you can try before you buy.
To learn more about AI in small doses (no info overload!), I recommend subscribing to Prompts Daily. This free newsletter gives you updates about the AI industry, new tools to try, and prompt templates to test.
2. Taking the leap & embracing change
Change is always going to be scary, even if you’ve gone through it several times. This year, I asked to be transferred from a non-writing job to one where I once again get to do what I love! Sure, it was an adjustment, but there is no growth when you stick to what’s comfortable and familiar. And in this case, I get comfort AND growth. Win-win!
Starting this newsletter back in Q2 was also a big leap. I’m still on the learning curve, but I’m incredibly thankful that you’re here to read, engage, and support me.
As I drafted this piece, I actually just finished a “planning session” for Buhay Copywriter in 2024. I can’t wait to show you what’s in store 💜
Did you take a big leap, too, this year? Tell us about it in the comments!
3. Promoting *copywriter-off-duty* content
One lesson we copywriters can get from advertising/marketing is that no product is a “Build it and they will come” situation. That’s why we have videos, social media posts, media buyers, PR strategies. And our own off-duty content is no different. Our poems, newsletters, TikTok videos are products, too.
What’s great about realizing that you have to be proactive in marketing your content is that you open yourself up to different audiences, new topics, new challenges, and new ways of thinking.
At first, it can get a little embarrassing, putting yourself out there. But if you’re passionate about what you do, it’ll come as second nature to you.
4. Learning to be a more visual thinker
As a little kid, I was actually more visual than verbal - it was only when I was around 8 that my interest shifted from paintbrushes to pens.
In my previous stints as a copywriter, the system was to rely heavily on artists to bring the vision to life from the ground up.
It was only in recent months that I’ve experienced having to rewire my brain to be more visual, look at how to represent concepts, evaluate animation ideas, etc. What’s amazing about this, though, is that it makes for more productive conversations with my partner artists. It goes both ways, too - I can comment on visuals they make, and they can comment on the copy I write.
The result? More creative, hard-working ads!
Here’s a challenge for my fellow copywriters - what will you do differently in 2024 to think more visually? Will you go on Pinterest more? Follow more visual artists on social media? Try to draw rough storyboards or “krokis”?
5. Having more confidence & self-compassion
On a bit of a personal note, one thing I’ve struggled with for a while now is insecurity about whether or not I am a capable writer. For the most part, my mental healthcare routine, constant knowledge-seeking, and occasional affirmations from teammates help.
Another thing that helps that you might like to try is putting together a “merit” or “praise” file with compliments or commendations you get. This could be screenshots of approvals from your boss or client. Or thank-you notes from teammates. It could also be little journal entries of your wins, week on week.
The “praise file” comes in handy when you’re feeling down or when you’re aiming for a promotion. Might be good to get started this coming 2024 😉
Now, the floor is yours: What were your 2023 wins and challenges? Share them in the comments below!
P.S. Since we all had an awesome, productive year, I think it’s just fair that we all take a bit of a break before talking shop again. Here’s some housekeeping stuff to wrap this issue up:
I’ll be on hiatus until early 2024. See ya!
Question #1 for you: are you satisfied with this 2x monthly newsletter format, or do you want to see me more (or less) often in your inbox?
Question #2 for you: Is there anything you want me to discuss in the next issues? Let me know by replying to this email.
Happy holidays! 🎄