The One Skill You Must Learn Before Starting Any Online Business

It’s not coding.
It’s not design.
It’s not even sales.

The one skill that has carried me through every stage of business is copywriting—the ability to communicate with people in a way that builds trust, sparks action, and connects on a human level.

My Aha Moment

When I first started building my online business, I thought success was about the tech. If I could just build the perfect website, design a good-looking logo, or automate the right funnel, then surely everything would fall into place.

But here’s what actually happened:

• My website looked fine, but nobody stayed on it.

• My emails went out, but nobody clicked.

• My offers were live, but nobody bought.

I was doing the work—but I wasn’t doing the communication.

The turning point came when I stumbled across a simple piece of advice: “Write like you’re talking to a friend.”

It sounds obvious, but it changed everything. Once I stopped trying to “sound professional” and instead started focusing on being clear, conversational, and real, people actually started responding.

That’s when I realised: copywriting isn’t just about sales pages. It’s about connection. And connection is the foundation of every successful online business.

Why Copywriting Matters

No matter what business you build, you’ll need words. The right words can:

✅ Build trust – Show people you understand their problems.
✅ Sell without selling – Guide people toward the solution naturally.
✅ Work everywhere – Blogs, emails, ads, websites, pitches—copywriting is the skill that underpins them all.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional writer. You just need to be willing to practice, test, and keep improving.

One Simple Tip to Get Started

Next time you write—whether it’s an email, a blog post, or even a social media caption—try this:

👉 Write as if you’re talking to one close friend.

Strip out the jargon. Drop the stiff business tone. Use everyday language.

You’ll be amazed at how much more naturally people respond.

What Helped Me Learn

I didn’t figure this out on my own. One of the most valuable resources I ever invested in was working with Nick Laight of Canonbury Publishing.

It gave me the structure I needed to turn writing from something I avoided into a skill I actually enjoy. And the return on that investment? It’s been massive.

Final Thoughts

If you only focus on learning one skill this year, make it copywriting. It will pay you back in every area of your business—whether you’re writing blog posts, crafting emails, or putting together your first offer.

👉 Subscribe to my weekly breakdown of copy tips I use here at Volcano Publishing, and let’s sharpen this skill together.