Copywriting is equal parts art and science, and just like any science if you want a specific outcome it helps to know the formula. While there are a number of both battle-tested and brand spanking new copywriting tips and formulas in existence, there are a handful that translate especially well to forms of content outside of advertising and sales. While AIDA is considered by many to be the ultimate formula, there are actually several others that work for marketing and other content, not just sales and advertising.

Copywriting. Arm yourself with the knowledge needed to move people with words and you will need little else to make and save a ton of money.

Regardless of which industry you’re in, when you need to effectively sell a product or service (or even an idea), copywriting is how you do it.

Your copy is your salesman, one that can directly determine the success of your website, marketing campaigns, and company.

For some reason, myths (on practically any topic) gain huge popularity and widespread acknowledgement. Just take Olympus and the Greek gods, for instance.

But not all myths are so clearly fictional as Greek mythology. Some of them — like these 5 copywriting misconceptions — are believed to be true by many people, simply because they’re retold on popular blogs or spread by so-called “gurus” of the industry.

So, you’re thinking of a career as a professional copywriter.

You’re dreaming of a life where you’re paid to be creative. Perhaps you’re a marketing enthusiast, or maybe you’d just like to work from home in your pajamas. Regardless, one thing is abundantly clear to those of us “on the inside.” Considering how to become a copywriter is a lot more sensible than you may think. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting strong job growth in this area, and studies find that companies are desperate for digital marketing talent. A exceptional career  and lifestyle is within reach, and we’re here to tell you how to become a copywriter:

The world’s greatest copywriters aren’t just writers. They’ve also mastered the art of sales, psychology, creative branding, marketing, and so much more.

If you’re already a competent professional at your craft, you’ll need to consider making yourself into a true epic copywriter by acquiring some new content marketing skills. If you’re in the market to hire a staff copywriter or exceptional freelance writers, use this list as a guide for skills to look for.

Writing well is hard, and being a good copywriter presents its own set of challenges. Writers must take several elements into consideration when creating content, from tone of voice to grammar and formatting, and professional copywriters face the added challenge of turning on a dime. As a copywriter, you might write a topical blog post one day and evergreen website content the next, and you must be able to switch from one style to the other with ease.

Still not sure whether your business should be out there blogging? Check out this list of blogging stats we curated for you.

Quality content isn’t enough anymore. If we had to describe the pulse of the marketing industry, which was on full display last week in Cleveland at the Content Marketing World 2013 conference, it would be the concept of pushing yourself a bit further than ever before. In industry influencer Doug Kessler’s talk at the show, he stated that the biggest challenge in the marketing industry was “an over-reliance on competent, professional, well-made, on-strategy content.” Wait, what?

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