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It's a wordy world: how everyone is a copywriter nowadays

By Andrew Boulton

October 15, 2012 | 3 min read

When I was a young chap I had some rather big ideas for what I wanted to be when I grew up. Canoe builder was one. Thundercat was another. Jim Robinson from Neighbours was probably the most unlikely one on the list.

One thing I never thought about becoming though was a writer, let alone a copywriter.

And yet here I am and so, it increasingly seems, are millions and millions of other people.

The debate about whether copy is alive, dead, dying, growing or doing a tiny dance rattles on, but as far as I can tell, copywriting is more vital and prevalent than it has ever been.

Whether written by professional copywriters, talented amateurs or dangerous buffoons who are just angrily smashing their fists against a keyboard, the internet and the world of social media is propped up by words.

And all of those words are, like copywriting, attempting to elicit a response – whether that is following a Twitter account, buying goods or simply lending an ear to some lunatic's ravings.

While some suggest that not enough of us take the time to read novels or newspapers any more, i'd be incredibly surprised if the average person was not consuming a far larger amount of written content on a daily basis than previous generations.

Just by engaging with Twitter, I must read a few thousand words a day, and I would say that I have got far more pleasure from Gus The Fox than I ever managed when I was forced to plough through Thomas Hardy’s grumpy ramblings as a school boy.

As a copywriter I feel this can only be better for the profession. There is some frankly superb writing on the internet, through blogs and Twitter, and not only can this provide inspiration and fresh perspectives for us copywriters, it's also an excellent incentive to keep us in tip top condition.

Personally, it's prompted me to start every day with an hour of alphabetical exercises, such as typing out the lyrics to Gary Barlow songs while reciting as much of the script from Top Gun as I can remember (which is all of it).

So whether you're a professional copywriter or not, keep bashing out your written thoughts for all to see. It's nearly as good as being a Thundercat.

@TogetherAgency

Andrew Boulton is a copywriter at the Together Agency. Thundercats, Hooooooooooo!

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