How To Get Business Right Now

[CopyAcolyte]

Hello copywriters,

Newbie here, and I need a jump start.

I need a start line and I need you to push me over it. I've studied enough, and now I need to learn by doing.

I'm ready to write for money, but I want to start small and uncomplicated and progress from there.

Would some copywriters please recommend some quick and easy ways for me to get a B2B or B2C (paid or non-paid) copywriting assignment and testimonial for my portfolio. Something that I can get going within an hour?

At this point, I just want to jump in a get hitched to an assignment.

I figure the sooner I do copywriting, the sooner I'll actually know it. If I accomplish that, I'll have something else to contribute to this board besides just questions.

I appreciate it.

[RickDuris]

I did this podcast interview a while ago and they transcribed pieces of it and posted them up.

RickDuris - How To Get Copywriting Clients

Don't know for sure, I'm no gooroo in any sense of the word, but it could work for you. Works for me, almost without thinking. The best part? It's simple.

- Rick Duris

PS: Let me give you a for instance. Who wants to take a stab at improving this ad's headline:

--------------

My Friends All Laughed At My Fat Loss Appointment Until They Saw How Many Inches I Lost...

--------------

I swear to god to you--this is a REAL ad. Sheesh. Ran last week. They paid BIG money for it. Half page ad on Page 2 of the Orange County Register. Circulation about 250,000.

Let me ask you: Who laughs at a fat loss appointment? Short answer? Nobody. It doesn't make any sense. Nobody laughs at appointments.

Think it can be improved? If so, call them. 949-640-1470. Money's on the table. They need help--and that copywriter should have been fired.

Why ain't I doing it? 'Cause today, I'm busy. But YOU can profit.

Plus there'll be a new batch of these in a couple of days.

PPS: Hint: The Sunday papers are a tsunami of opportunity for a copywriter.

I remember Jay Abraham on Sunday morning of a seminar. He bought 5, 6, 700 Sunday papers. LA Times. Passed them out. We just went through them looking for opportunity to improve advertising. Over and over and over again. It's crazy the money people leave on the table when they advertise.

[jamesgillespe]

I think you should go to elance dot com and start finding projects with sales pitch. Start to bid extremely low as learning is your purpose and hopefully you will get a response sooner or later. Also try to add your self by making a profile on other busy sites which have such assignments related to what you specifically studied. You will not only be able to meet a cross section of people but you would also finally able to make an impact on a much wider, global audience.

Best of luck in finding the work that enables you to put your passion and hard work in study to best of its use.

James

[chilidawg]

constant-content is another site you can sign up for free on. Buyers have submitted what they're looking for and how much they'd like to spend.

[gjabiz]

...the city of Akron was in an uproar.

The ad was played over and over and over again, not because Gary paid to have it run, but the local DJs, in particular, Jerry Healy, thought it was one of the funniest ads ever run on radio. It was talked about, it was literally getting thousands of dollars worth of FREE publicity (something which Gary liked by the way).

Gary was shooting pool, we had a mutal friend, a letter carrier, and they were tearing him a new one. When we got around to talking about the ad...he got somber, not sober...but he said it didn't sell ONE product. NOT one. Didn't even get any calls.

HOW could that be, considering thousands upon thousands of people had heard this ad?

FUNNY, in 99% of cases...doesn't sell.

Gary used "humour" in later ads, but he learned his lesson about being funny in weight loss ads.

Later, when Gary had endorsed me to Ben Suarez and Ben hired me as the first outside the company Creative Marketing Professional, I had the opportunity to go over every ad Gary and Ben had written up to then.

Guess what? MOST of them were unsuccessful. Not even break even. But so what? We knew by that time it would take just ONE out of 7 attempts to make big bux.

I think that is great advice Rick, there are so many terrible ads, on radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, Internet...that if a newbie were to just work on Spec (a dirty word around here especially among newbs and young copywriters)...

And create solid promotions which pulled...they wouldn't have to do it very long.

Even today, I write on spec for at least 3 companies, with a combined 500 million dollar a year in sales...provided I get a piece of the action...a commission against sales.

Even NOW, today, after years of all these great copywriting courses and their graduates...many marketing companies still consider direct response copy that works to be as precious as gold coins.

Why not offer your services to advertisers already spending money...and see if you can beat their control...or in the case of this ad...beat their results with it.

They laughed when Gary fell off the bar stool telling one of his hilarious Germany stories...but THEY didn't laugh for long when he wrote the "Nancy Letter".

There is a way to approach advertisers, and marketing companies..but, I'll save that for a later day.

gjabiz

[CopyAcolyte]

Thank you for the responses so far, folks. Duly noted. I'd like to hear more.

And it also looks like I can write something resembling a decent headline. Although it doesn't look like it's getting conversions. Hehe.

Another lesson learned.

[CopyAcolyte]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

I did this podcast interview a while ago and they transcribed pieces of it and posted them up.

RickDuris - How To Get Copywriting Clients

Don't know for sure, I'm no gooroo in any sense of the word, but it could work for you. Works for me, almost without thinking. The best part? It's simple.

- Rick Duris

PS: Let me give you a for instance. Who wants to take a stab at improving this ad's headline:

--------------

My Friends All Laughed At My Fat Loss Appointment Until They Saw How Many Inches I Lost...

--------------

I swear to god to you--this is a REAL ad. Sheesh. Ran last week. They paid BIG money for it. Half page ad on Page 2 of the Orange County Register. Circulation about 250,000.

Let me ask you: Who laughs at a fat loss appointment? Short answer? Nobody. It doesn't make any sense. Nobody laughs at appointments.

Think it can be improved? If so, call them. 949-640-1470. Money's on the table. They need help--and that copywriter should have been fired.

Why ain't I doing it? 'Cause today, I'm busy. But YOU can profit.

Plus there'll be a new batch of these in a couple of days.

PPS: Hint: The Sunday papers are a tsunami of opportunity for a copywriter.

I remember Jay Abraham on Sunday morning of a seminar. He bought 5, 6, 700 Sunday papers. LA Times. Passed them out. We just went through them looking for opportunity to improve advertising. Over and over and over again. It's crazy the money people leave on the table when they advertise.

Thanks for this.

My question: How do you convince the advertiser (business running ad) that what you will provide will be better than what they have? Even if I have nice-looking samples, will they get the advertiser to fire their current copywriter and pay me instead? Or do I just give a guarantee of improved results or no payment required?

Or should I do this pro bono first and see if they can track improvement against their current copy somehow?

[RickDuris]

Originally Posted by CopyAcolyte

Thanks for this.

My question: How do you convince the advertiser (business running ad) that what you will provide will be better than what they have? Even if I have nice-looking samples, will they get the advertiser to fire their current copywriter and pay me instead? Or do I just give a guarantee of improved results or no payment required?

Or should I do this pro bono first and see if they can track improvement against their current copy somehow?

First, respectfully, don't make it harder than it needs to be. You're just having a conversation. It isn't a job interview.

Very simple. When you find a clearly underperforming piece...

DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Think through the piece. See how it can be improved first.

Call them. Talk to the OWNER. The decision maker.

Ask the owner whether their piece is working. (Hint: Usually they want more of a response.) Ask them about the ad's performance.

Tell them: "That's too bad. You probably spent a pretty penny."

They'll agree. They'll complain.

Say this: "I have an idea. Actually a couple of them. My bet is you're probably not very pleased with the results you've gotten for the money you've expended."

"But let me ask you a question. If I help you improve this piece, would you be willing to pay me a quarter if I make you a dollar? It's up to you."

Then there's more chit chat...

If they "refer you down," thank them for their time and hang up. No deal. Abandon. It's a waste of time. It's the folks who ran the ad. They're the ones squandering the advertising budget. They will resist changes because it wasn't their idea and will want to save face.

However, if the owner wants to continue the conversation?

You're in the door.

- Rick Duris

[CopyAcolyte]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

First, respectfully, don't make it harder than it needs to be. You're just having a conversation. It isn't a job interview.

Very simple. When you find a clearly underperforming piece...

DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Think through the piece. See how it can be improved first.

Call them. Talk to the OWNER. The decision maker.

Ask the owner whether their piece is working. (Hint: Usually they want more of a response.) Ask them about the ad's performance.

Tell them: "That's too bad. You probably spent a pretty penny."

They'll agree. They'll complain.

Say this: "I have an idea. Actually a couple of them. My bet is you're probably not very pleased with the results you've gotten for the money you've expended."

"But let me ask you a question. If I help you improve this piece, would you be willing to pay me a quarter if I make you a dollar? It's up to you."

Then there's more chit chat...

If they "refer you down," thank them for their time and hang up. No deal. Abandon. It's a waste of time. It's the folks who ran the ad. They're the ones squandering the advertising budget. They will resist changes because it wasn't their idea and will want to save face.

However, if the owner wants to continue the conversation?

You're in the door.

- Rick Duris

When you say "ad," are you referring to interruption marketing print ad pieces?

I'm currently focusing on the B2B market, so how could I find and offer to correct obviously "crappy" B2B campaigns (lead-gen piece [free report] -> first follow-up -> second follow-up -> etc.)?

Thanks again.

[hpgoodboy]

I suggest that you start a gig on fiverr. Tell them you are going to write theyr ad copy for five bucks.

If you don't get any response you should work on your own ad copy.

As Art Williams said:"Just do it!"

[RickDuris]

Originally Posted by CopyAcolyte

When you say "ad," are you referring to interruption marketing print ad pieces?

I'm currently focusing on the B2B market, so how could I find and offer to correct obviously "crappy" B2B campaigns (lead-gen piece [free report] -> first follow-up -> second follow-up -> etc.)?

Thanks again.

1. You wanted ways to generate income immediately as a copywriter. I gave it to you.

2. Only B2B. That's ok. It's good to be selective but it's also bad.

B2B work is MUCH harder to land. Takes longer. Because you actually have to know something about the company and the market and the product/service to provide that kind of service.

Just starting out? I would not be so selective. But it's up to you.

- Rick Duris

[loaris trojan remover]

try to add your self by making a profile on other busy sites which have such assignments related to what you specifically studied.

[WebRank1]

Wow, great advice so far. I would take the suggestion to look at current ads that desperately need improvement and follow up with the owner as Rick suggests.
That is the way to go to get really into the business. You'll need some persuasion skills but that's copy writing in the first place no?

[MikeHumphreys]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

2. Only B2B. That's ok. It's good to be selective but it's also bad.

B2B work is MUCH harder to land. Takes longer. Because you actually have to know something about the company and the market and the product/service to provide that kind of service.

Just starting out? I would not be so selective. But it's up to you.

- Rick Duris

The B2B clients can be a lot more demanding too. Like Rick, I don't recommend doing your first couple of projects in B2B only... unless you are 110% confident that your marketing and copywriting skills that you will be bringing to the table are strong.

Starting out, I would worry about specializing in a niche. I'd get some paid copywriting jobs under my belt first to build confidence and have a few portfolio samples to show prospective clients.

That's a small part of what I did when I was starting out.

At the beginning of my copywriting career I did a few copywriting jobs on Elance.com strictly as a confidence booster and potential portfolio builder. The pay was lousy but within a few days I had a couple of portfolio samples that I was able to leverage for better paying jobs elsewhere.

Good luck,

Mike

[Hammad]

Thats right do not spoil your worth by ruining the priority at the start, try with some smaller projects at the start...

[arfasaira]

I write for the B2B market locally - and yes, it can be hard, however, here's what I suggest:

- go to not-for-profit organizations like educational establishments and offer your services at a very discounted rate or even for free
- get a testimonial and ask for referrals
- make your own samples up - seriously! On my website, I have one sample that I made up myself. My challenge? Take the most boring essential everyday object you can think of and make it sizzle. I chose fridge-freezers and then when I was satisfied with the copy, I had a designer mock it up for free (in return for re-writing the copy on his website)
- get your samples up on your own website using a simple wordpress site or something like weebly.com
- start prospecting! Get business cards and go and visit companies in person. Think salons, healthcare, lawyers etc...go where the money is.
- if you choose larger companies, you probably won't get a foot in the door as quickly as you would with a smaller independent businesses
- do your homework - get hold of their marketing materials and identify holes in them - then show them the problems and offer to rework their materials at a discounted rate because you are new
- chances are, if they like your work, they will re-hire you. Always ask for testimonials and always ask for referrals
- ask your family and friends and people you know who might need marketing materials as well - if you don't ask, you don't get!
- if you can get mocked up brochures in hard copy and other such samples in a portfolio, take these with you when prospecting
- one thing I do which works well is a write a 'bait piece' or lead generation piece and offer it as a lure or hook for businesses. It should resolve an immediate problem for them - if they like what they read, they will quite happily think of you when they need work doing. Always have a soft pitch for your services at the end of the piece

There are lots of other things you can do - if you're very interested in getting your writing out there in the B2B world, I sell a report on just this - its in my signature link.

best of luck!
arfa

[Ken_Caudill]

Originally Posted by CopyAcolyte

Hello copywriters,

Newbie here, and I need a jump start.

I need a start line and I need you to push me over it. I've studied enough, and now I need to learn by doing.

I'm ready to write for money, but I want to start small and uncomplicated and progress from there.

Would some copywriters please recommend some quick and easy ways for me to get a B2B or B2C (paid or non-paid) copywriting assignment and testimonial for my portfolio. Something that I can get going within an hour?

At this point, I just want to jump in a get hitched to an assignment.

I figure the sooner I do copywriting, the sooner I'll actually know it. If I accomplish that, I'll have something else to contribute to this board besides just questions.

I appreciate it.

Send a snail mail sales letter offering your services to 100 businesses in your area involved in direct sales --insurance agents, home improvement companies, etc.

Use the old "this is the first dollar I will make you" line. It works. It costs about $150 for postage and the dollar bills to attach to your letter.

There's nothing like a bribe.

[RickDuris]

Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill

Send a snail mail sales letter offering your services to 100 businesses in your area involved in direct sales --insurance agents, home improvement companies, etc.

Use the old "this is the first dollar I will make you" line. It works. It costs about $150 for postage and the dollar bills to attach to your letter.

There's nothing like a bribe.

I just used that strategy in a letter on behalf of a local tax preparer/accountant. I don't know how well it did yet. But basically we said "Here's the first dollar of your tax refund." Sent to existing clients to avoid attrition.

It DOES work.

I've sent as much as a $100 bill attached to a letter (via Fed Ex) to the Presidents of companies. Just to get their attention.

My basic strategy was simple. I was brash and said:

------------------

You don't know me, but I know you and your time is valuable.

My guess? About $1,000 an hour. Correct? I've done my homework. Attached is a hundred dollar bill. I need only 5 minutes of your time.

-------------------

They took my call.

- Rick Duris

[MissLauraCatella]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

I just used that strategy in a letter on behalf of a local tax preparer/accountant. I don't know how well it did yet. But basically we said "Here's the first dollar of your tax refund." Sent to existing clients to avoid attrition.

It DOES work.

I've sent as much as a $100 bill attached to a letter (via Fed Ex) to the Presidents of companies. Just to get their attention.

My basic strategy was simple. I was brash and said:

------------------

You don't know me, but I know you and your time is valuable.

My guess? About $1,000 an hour. Correct? I've done my homework. Attached is a hundred dollar bill. I need only 5 minutes of your time.

-------------------

They took my call.

- Rick Duris

This is SO amazing. Thank you everyone for your great answers here, helping me out a bunch!

[Rigmonkey]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

My basic strategy was simple. I was brash and said:

------------------

You don't know me, but I know you and your time is valuable.

My guess? About $1,000 an hour. Correct? I've done my homework. Attached is a hundred dollar bill. I need only 5 minutes of your time.

-------------------

They took my call.

This is a stunning, simple and wonderfully effective sales technique that I've used variations of before. My own work hasn't required me to part with hard cash in order to sell my services (not yet, anyway) but I've secured many work opportunities in the past by giving my clients a head start on the stuff I produce for them.

Essentially, I work as an article writer and sales copy is something I prefer to leave to those who are more adept to that field of work than I am myself. However, I've often contacted Internet Marketing specialists with a strong covering letter and a batch of 10 original articles that I know they can use instantly.

You have to take a little time to find out what the prospect needs, but those 10 freebies have often led to orders of 100 or 200 articles. In most cases, the prospect works with me indefinitely once they see I can produce work that is consistent, factually accurate and delivered within the agreed times. More often than not, my approach has also allowed me to name my price for the pieces that I write.

Although I'm not a copywriter as such, I still have to sell my services regularly and I use the written form to do that. Buying attention, whichever way you choose to do it, is a wonderful weapon to have in your arsenal.

[John Breese]

Originally Posted by CopyAcolyte

Hello copywriters,

Newbie here, and I need a jump start.

I need a start line and I need you to push me over it. I've studied enough, and now I need to learn by doing.

I'm ready to write for money, but I want to start small and uncomplicated and progress from there.

Would some copywriters please recommend some quick and easy ways for me to get a B2B or B2C (paid or non-paid) copywriting assignment and testimonial for my portfolio. Something that I can get going within an hour?

At this point, I just want to jump in a get hitched to an assignment.

I figure the sooner I do copywriting, the sooner I'll actually know it. If I accomplish that, I'll have something else to contribute to this board besides just questions.

I appreciate it.

I'll actually be posting something this week on my blog about the extra step that will guarantee that you get your foot in the door. Took the pictures for the piece just last night.

[ARSuarez]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

I just used that strategy in a letter on behalf of a local tax preparer/accountant. I don't know how well it did yet. But basically we said "Here's the first dollar of your tax refund." Sent to existing clients to avoid attrition.

It DOES work.

I've sent as much as a $100 bill attached to a letter (via Fed Ex) to the Presidents of companies. Just to get their attention.

My basic strategy was simple. I was brash and said:

------------------

You don't know me, but I know you and your time is valuable.

My guess? About $1,000 an hour. Correct? I've done my homework. Attached is a hundred dollar bill. I need only 5 minutes of your time.

-------------------

They took my call.

- Rick Duris

Rick don't play.

Every time I've heard of the $100 mailing (to a good list/market), the results have been stellar.

When it comes to B2B mailings, I stick to the dollar-bill grabber approach, especially through FedEx.

It's just proven too often to work - not using it leaves money on the table (with some exceptions).

Warmly,

Angel

[Ken_Caudill]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

I just used that strategy in a letter on behalf of a local tax preparer/accountant. I don't know how well it did yet. But basically we said "Here's the first dollar of your tax refund." Sent to existing clients to avoid attrition.

It DOES work.

I've sent as much as a $100 bill attached to a letter (via Fed Ex) to the Presidents of companies. Just to get their attention.

My basic strategy was simple. I was brash and said:

------------------

You don't know me, but I know you and your time is valuable.

My guess? About $1,000 an hour. Correct? I've done my homework. Attached is a hundred dollar bill. I need only 5 minutes of your time.

-------------------

They took my call.

- Rick Duris

Gee, Rick, you don't know what your approbation means to me.

You know, I bet if you sent a THOUSAND dollars in each letter, your RESPONSE would go THROUGH THE ROOF!

Sometimes I am AMAZED at this place.

[RickDuris]

Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill

Gee, Rick, you don't know what your approbation means to me.

You know, I bet if you sent a THOUSAND dollars in each letter, your RESPONSE would go THROUGH THE ROOF!

Sometimes I am AMAZED at this place.

1. Ken, your approbation is appreciated.

2. As for the thousand dollar "bribe"? I don't think it would work. I think it would backfire. Big time.

Here's why: When you get into those numbers, you do not want to bribe.

As you'll notice, my short little letter says I am paying for their time. Big difference. I am invoking their attention, empathy, common ground and reciprocity. It lands differently. Hard to deny me.

I assure you--that letter WILL land. And you'll get their respect as well--as opposed to attempting to buy their business.

The affluent do not appreciate bribes.

Deals, yes. Bribes, no.

Now what you CAN do, if the numbers support, is send $250, $500 or $1000 donation to their favorite charity IN THEIR NAME. And staple the receipt to the letter.

But--here's the caveat: You can not ask what their charity is. Find out second hand prior. Surprise them in a sincere way, meaningful way. They'll appreciate.

Sure it's a gamble, but if numbers support, meaning six-figure deal and above, it's a very good way to create a quality relationship from the start.

You can use/do this strategy in all sorts of ways.

For instance: My life insurance guy. Know what he does? Sends me a birthday card. I open it. A dollar bill falls out of it. With a hand drawn picture of an ice cream cone on it. Says "Happy bday! Use this to get yourself an ice cream cone."

Nice man.

He's got my business for life. Literally. Because of one simple gesture.

Subtle, but very effective. Just don't make it look like a bribe, especially when the numbers get bigger.

Just use your imagination.

- Rick Duris

PS: The strategy I posted is from Dan Kennedy. 6-figure Copywriting Course. It works.

[TheNightOwl]

I've been trawling through the forum on a research mission this evening and I thought I'd bring this thread back to life because it's so awesome and because I'd like to know if anyone has any other ideas to add.

There is also some great advice in this thread, including some good links to further info by Joe Ditzel (post #2).

Cheers!

[Beverley Boorer]

I am coming into this discussion a bit late, but guru.com is another job site like elance and is where I got my start from. You can choose several different types of writing as many kinds of jobs are posted there.

[Serene0415]

I just write a family parenting blog but I love to write and I am very interested in learning more about what to do to actually write for other people. What is the best way to go about it?

I would love any advice