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In one word: YES.
Journalism usually involves asking questions: who, what, when, where, why, how.
Copywriters ask the same questions. They seek information about the product they’re selling.
There’s the magic word: SELLING.
It frightens a lot of people, but it shouldn’t.
Selling is explaining the details, helping people understand what is being offered.
Selling in the 21st century is nothing like the foot-in-the-door encyclopedia salesman of a century ago.
The copywriter works hard at understanding what the customer wants and why they want it.
That is when answers to the six questions (who, what, when, where, why, how) go on the page. Not so much as features, but as benefits.
The copywriter helps the customer make a sensible decision, whether it is in his/her best interest to buy THIS product – or another.
If you enjoy journalism, try your hand at writing an advertisement.
See whether you might enjoy this aspect of non-fiction writing.
Tip: Look for any book by David Ogilvy. Eg: CONFESSIONS. He was a great copywriter. You’ll learn a lot about writing with crisp clarity.
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