If you want to become a master at copywriting (or any other skill), you must go through these 3 levels.
Level 1: beginner copywriter
This is where everyone should start.
I say should because, online, most beginners present themselves as advanced because they believe they need to “fake it until you make it.” The problem is that, by doing this, you are not learning the fundamentals. You need these fundamentals in the same way that a professional boxer must first master the correct technique to throw a “simple” punch before moving forward. Paying your dues is, in the beginning, not fun or profitable. But, as soon as you accept that you have to start here to master the basics, you will move faster to level 2 without sounding ridiculous. Because yes, you can “fake it until you make it” as much as you want. However, high-level entrepreneurs and clients can tell miles away that you are faking it.
If you work hard and study hard to get your first experience, one year with a mentor may be enough.
Level 2: advanced copywriter
Most copywriters are stuck at this level.
When you are at this stage, you have mastered the basics and are now moving on to more refined techniques and principles. You keep studying to improve your skills while working on larger projects. You begin to collect your first successes, and clients start to praise you more and more.
But beware!
This level creates a big, fat comfort zone that can stop you from progressing forward and reaching mastery.
Level 3: master copywriter
This is where you really shine.
You have mastered the skill of copywriting, and clients and collaborators recognize it. While you still need to study to adapt to the market, you also need to develop other, complementary skills. This way, you can progress even further, take on more responsibilities, and, as a result, reap bigger rewards. Skills like time and energy management, advanced note-taking and personal organization.
This is where you choose a specific path.
You can learn how to start a copywriting agency (as I did in the past, with great success). You can become a premium ghostwriter (as I’m doing now). You can manage a team of copywriters and become their mentor. Or you can become the CMO of a bigger company.
Of course, at these levels, you need real experience, and you cannot “fake it until you make it“.