You’ve been writing copy for a while and tired of analyzing David Ogilvy’s Roll-Royce ad and other best examples. In the past years, r/copywriting grew 422% and it’s competitive now. While everyone is trying their best to learn from the best copywriting examples, your small step to learn from the ‘bad copywriting examples’ will put you far ahead of your competitors.
With my experience in sales copywriting and content writing, today we will discuss some examples of bad copywriting that will make your journey of being a copywriter easy.
An average freelance copywriter earns $250 an hour. We ensure your copywriting skill gets developed from the bad copywriting examples so that your skills can bring revenue to you.
- Copywriting Definition: What is copywriting & What does a Copywriter do?
- What is bad copywriting?
- 10 Bad Copywriting Examples
- How to Become a Copywriter?
- What do copywriters struggle with?
- Why do most copywriters fail?
- What are the 3 common mistakes a copywriter may make?
- Is copywriting a dying skill?
- Conclusion
Copywriting Definition: What is copywriting & What does a Copywriter do?
Copywriting is the art of writing copy(content) that persuades an audience to take desired action, such as purchasing something or signing up for a newsletter or other purpose.
Copywriters create compelling content that drives engagement and action from their targeted audience and plays an important role in the marketing strategies of a business.
We also wrote a blogpost about how copywriting can help small businesses. If this something that interests you, read HERE.
What is bad copywriting?
Bad copywriting refers to content that fails to achieve its intended purpose or creates negative consequences for the brand or business, such as lack of clarity, being too salesy, too long copy, ignoring CTA, etc. Today we will discuss bad copywriting examples.
10 Bad Copywriting Examples
- Lack of clarity and conciseness:
We all had that one friend who wanted to mean something but ended up meaning something else while talking. This copy is a presentation of that.
A team of people were paid to produce this. They created a copy that was unclear and difficult to understand.
- Poor Flow, Making this copy harder to read!
You should see this. Tying to read this copy; many people will miss the main message.
Although she tried to have a unique approach to copywriting she ended up messing things up. This type of mistake makes the brand message feel off.
- McCafe’s failed copy
I am pretty sure that’s not what they meant to say, what you are thinking right now.
Many people will say it’s not a failed copy. But I believe it is a failed copy unless you are into that kind of thing.
- Bitcoin advertising copy fails
“Take the mundane out of investing” or “Experience the thrill of seeing your money going up in smoke overnight”.
Recently many crypto-currency ads had failed because the copy always had scam titles. Like here were loads of “get rich quick” stuff, like “I’m a gazillionaire, and I will teach you how to make X in six months”, or “give us your money and we will make money for you”
Instead of overhyping or exaggerating, they should focus on using real data.
- SEO friendly description
I have seen a lot of SEO-friendly descriptions and also, I’ve seen a lot of copywriting fails here lately, take a look at AT&T’s meta description. “SEO FRIENDLY DESCRIPTION”
They may want to put that command on ChatGPT. Maybe it’s a technical error but as I mentioned earlier, a lack of proofreading and checking on your copy is a mistake many copywriters make.
- Barbie copywriting fail: Ignoring the target audience.
If that’s the copy, they are targeting the wrong audience maybe. However, targeting the wrong audience is a big issue when it comes to copywriting.
Understanding your audience and addressing their needs will improve your copy. Or your copy will end up as a bad copywriting example.
- Lee’s Discount Liquor:
And better than therapy? The last thing they should do is sell it as a health benefit.
- Sheet Energy Strips
See how these types of mistakes repeat themselves?
- Mcdonald’s did it again
First, you should be health conscious; the next thing you know is your favorite takeout.
- Not an “every pharma company”,
Well, I’ll leave this one to you guys.
Now here are some asked questions on the web.
How to Become a Copywriter?
To become a copywriter you must practice persuasive writing to engage audiences and drive actions. Practice writing clear and compelling messages. Understand basic marketing principles.
Take copywriting courses or workshops to learn techniques and gain insight.
Build a portfolio and network with the professionals in the industry for opportunities.
What do copywriters struggle with?
Copywriters face a range of challenges in their work. Most of their struggles are writer’s block, adapting to different tones and styles, and measuring effectiveness.
Why do most copywriters fail?
The failure of copywriters can be attributed to many factors, such as inadequate skills poor understanding of the audience, failure to network, and inconsistency.
Also, burnout, poor time management, ignoring SEO, etc can be the reason, why most copywriters fail.
What are the 3 common mistakes a copywriter may make?
Copywriters even professionals can various types of mistakes. The most common are failing to understand the audience, lack of or unclear call to action (CTA), and lack of proofreading and editing.
Is copywriting a dying skill?
No, copywriting isn’t a dying skill. It remains in high demand and valuable in many industries including marketing, advertising, and digital communications.
Conclusion
Effective copywriting is an art that requires clear communication, understanding of your audience, and good storytelling. By avoiding common pitfalls you can craft copy that resonates, build trust, and drive conversions.
Remember the goal is not to inform but to inspire action through well-crafted content. By implementing these tips you can enhance your brand’s performance in the digital landscape.
