Can I get work as Copywriter Sans Portfolio?

eQuus · 01-26-2010, 08:54 PM

I intend to earn money as a copywriter, but I don't have a portfolio. My career as a writer-editor-designer-marketer-PR spans 30 years in business publishing, magazines, and later in real estate marketing. I retired 2 years ago, and at that time I threw away all samples of my work in an attempt to obliterate my corporate history ( I just didn't like corporate life ). I write good marketing copy, having learned a lot from Joe Sugarman. My question is: is it possible to hang up an online shingle as a copywriter without a portfolio?

MikeHumphreys · 01-26-2010, 09:24 PM

It's possible but you improve the odds of getting clients by having a portfolio.

There's a natural selling angle there if you put your copywriting brainstorming cap on and review the situation objectively.

ArticlePrince · 01-27-2010, 03:54 AM

Definitely possible, but don't throw away the portfolio you create this time. BTW, I was a cook for 8 years (doesn't seem long, but I'm only 22) and I threw away all of my chef coats, so I understand.

marciayudkin · 01-27-2010, 05:46 AM

Well, you obviously know what you're doing, so why not create some representative samples of your work and post them without implying that they were done for clients?

Or, find some worthy organizations in your community to create some work for and do some pro bono work and create a portfolio at the same time. That's actually what a lot of the copywriters in training in my marketing mentoring program do.

Marcia Yudkin

Oxbloom · 01-27-2010, 08:37 AM

If you can't sell yourself, you can't sell anything.

If you can sell yourself, that's all the proof you need.

eQuus · 01-27-2010, 08:45 AM

Thank you all for your suggestions.
Marcia Yudkin: what sort of samples should I include, long form, short form, B2B?
Paul McQuillan: what other forums, can you give me names?
TIA for your help.

Sam Mlambo · 01-27-2010, 05:22 PM

The first sample can be the copy you write selling your services.

More samples include writing articles and blog post. Point prospective clients to your articles and blog posts to get a taste of your writing style.

Also you can buy PLR/MRR products and rewrite the copy for them. You can market the products and make money. While at the same time prove to prospective clients that your skills produce results.

As for forums, try doing a search at Google using "marketing + forums". You'll find plenty. Actually, you can type in any niche that would benefit from your copywriting work ie "web design + forums"

Hope that helps.

- Sam

writeright · 01-28-2010, 05:57 AM

I understand that you want to start a new chapter in your life after 30 years of corporate boredom. Why don't you write something that you are good at for "yourself" not for others. That way, when you show the clients what you are good at, they will hire you for just that... if they do. Then, you got a job that you would love to do and that exactly is what you want out of life right now, i guess. Cheers!

01-26-2010, 08:54 PM	#1
eQuus HyperActive Warrior Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 190 Thanks: 75 Thanked 35 Times in 28 Posts	Can I get work as Copywriter Sans Portfolio? I intend to earn money as a copywriter, but I don't have a portfolio. My career as a writer-editor-designer-marketer-PR spans 30 years in business publishing, magazines, and later in real estate marketing. I retired 2 years ago, and at that time I threw away all samples of my work in an attempt to obliterate my corporate history ( I just didn't like corporate life ). I write good marketing copy, having learned a lot from Joe Sugarman. My question is: is it possible to hang up an online shingle as a copywriter without a portfolio?

01-26-2010, 09:24 PM	#2
MikeHumphreys Copywriter and Marketer War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Philly Suburbs, USA Posts: 2,831 Thanks: 873 Thanked 776 Times in 406 Posts Social Networking	Re: Can I get work as Copywriter Sans Portfolio? It's possible but you improve the odds of getting clients by having a portfolio. There's a natural selling angle there if you put your copywriting brainstorming cap on and review the situation objectively.
	Kick-A$$ Seven-Figure Producing Copywriting Gun For Hire \| Offline Consulting Secrets Copywriters: How To Get More Clients FAST! \| Marketing & Copywriting Blog

01-27-2010, 03:54 AM	#3
ArticlePrince Banned War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1,078 Thanks: 240 Thanked 520 Times in 194 Posts	Re: Can I get work as Copywriter Sans Portfolio? Definitely possible, but don't throw away the portfolio you create this time. BTW, I was a cook for 8 years (doesn't seem long, but I'm only 22) and I threw away all of my chef coats, so I understand.

01-27-2010, 05:46 AM	#4
marciayudkin Marketing Mentor War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Maui and Massachusetts Posts: 1,226 Thanks: 139 Thanked 645 Times in 305 Posts Social Networking	Re: Can I get work as Copywriter Sans Portfolio? Well, you obviously know what you're doing, so why not create some representative samples of your work and post them without implying that they were done for clients? Or, find some worthy organizations in your community to create some work for and do some pro bono work and create a portfolio at the same time. That's actually what a lot of the copywriters in training in my marketing mentoring program do. Marcia Yudkin
	Author, Meatier Marketing Copy, available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Audible audiobook “There are few genuine thought leaders in the field of copywriting. Marcia Yudkin is one of them. The strategies she presents in Meatier Marketing Copy are all easy to understand and implement, yet profoundly insightful. If you want to write marketing copy that sizzles and sells, this book is a must-read.” - Steve Slaunwhite, Author, Start & Run a Copywriting Business, Co-Author, The Wealthy Freelancer

01-27-2010, 08:37 AM	#5
Oxbloom J.W. Acre War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 440 Thanks: 74 Thanked 244 Times in 139 Posts	Re: Can I get work as Copywriter Sans Portfolio? If you can't sell yourself, you can't sell anything. If you can sell yourself, that's all the proof you need.

01-27-2010, 08:45 AM	#6
eQuus HyperActive Warrior Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 190 Thanks: 75 Thanked 35 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Can I get work as Copywriter Sans Portfolio? Thank you all for your suggestions. Marcia Yudkin: what sort of samples should I include, long form, short form, B2B? Paul McQuillan: what other forums, can you give me names? TIA for your help.

01-27-2010, 05:22 PM	#7
Sam Mlambo Marketer and Copywriter War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 265 Thanks: 22 Thanked 34 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Can I get work as Copywriter Sans Portfolio? The first sample can be the copy you write selling your services. More samples include writing articles and blog post. Point prospective clients to your articles and blog posts to get a taste of your writing style. Also you can buy PLR/MRR products and rewrite the copy for them. You can market the products and make money. While at the same time prove to prospective clients that your skills produce results. As for forums, try doing a search at Google using "marketing + forums". You'll find plenty. Actually, you can type in any niche that would benefit from your copywriting work ie "web design + forums" Hope that helps. - Sam
	Get Profit-Pulling Copy That Magnetically Attracts Customers and Instantly Boosts Your Sales!

01-28-2010, 05:57 AM	#8
writeright Transcend War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Jus' a mail away. Posts: 801 Thanks: 25 Thanked 274 Times in 23 Posts Contact Info	Re: Can I get work as Copywriter Sans Portfolio? I understand that you want to start a new chapter in your life after 30 years of corporate boredom. Why don't you write something that you are good at for "yourself" not for others. That way, when you show the clients what you are good at, they will hire you for just that... if they do. Then, you got a job that you would love to do and that exactly is what you want out of life right now, i guess. Cheers!