Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie?

target1982 · 07-01-2011, 09:35 AM

I am about to follow in my fantastic father's footsteps and launch a copywriting business. I have woven my way through various wordy jobs during the past decade and am finally ready to try going it alone. I'm knee-deep in books and really enjoying finding out more about the business.

I'm just starting out so please be gentle with me. But also be honest!

I have a few questions for you seasoned pros:

1. Aforementioned wordy jobs didn't produce any portfolio items I can legitimately use. What is the best way to build a list of samples and should I offer my services for free to speed the process up?

2. I am 28 years old and female. Having fallen victim to both gender and age prejudice in the past, I am looking for experienced copywriters' opinions on how this affects business, if it all. On that note, should I put up a picture of myself on the website?

3. Finally, when it comes to choosing a business name is it best to go with One's Own Name Copywriting or would you recommend trying to create a brand?

I think that's it for now. I'll really appreciate any tips you might have for me and I hope to become a regular contributor to this forum.

ewenmack · 07-01-2011, 10:59 PM

Welcome aboard Target!

To answer each question...

#1 Portfolio: You won't need one if you position yourself right in the right market.

Here's what I mean...You pick an area/market where the ads and sales letters are weak and
a good deal of money is been spent on them. The idea is you know you can easily improve the response to them with simple changes.

You go in with your offer to fix them.

You give reasons why the changes will increase response and sales.

You are the expert.

Not an order taker who has a writing job farmed out to after being selected after seeing your samples.

Totally different positioning.

I think you know which scenario you would like.

#2 Your gender and age won't affect you when you position yourself right as advised in #1.

#3 Name: Depends on your goal. A common approach is the copywriter gets known by their name and have a separate business name which is mostly known only to their clients.

We live in a age of the cult of the personality. Lady Gaga, that Justin fella, that guy called Frank Kern, the grumpy Dan Kennedy. Behind them, out of site, are companies owned by them.
Also for accounting, taxation and asset protection the right business structure is important.

The first part is not your usual advice...then again, if you do what the majority do, you get what they get...which is probably less than what you want.

Best,
Ewen

Mark Pescetti · 07-02-2011, 12:29 PM

Your first task at hand is shifting your mindset.

Your age and gender are going to attract some amazing clients - people you can sincerely help make successful online entrepreneurs! Focus on that.

On the lack of a portfolio: I sometimes wonder if I should take my portfolio down. My best work is stuff I'll never be able to show people because IT'S THEIR COPY! I can't take credit for it.

When people ask me for examples for their market, I honestly tell them, "I don't have any examples I can show you due to confidentiality. However, here's what we can do for you..."

Always bring it back to what's relevant; what you can do for them!

Demonstrate your expertise, knowledge and awareness in every word you speak; every email you send.

Oh yeah, decide how much you want to charge... then add another 20% to your quote.

lemonarian · 07-02-2011, 03:32 PM

Yeah, I second what Ewen said.

Remember that you're not selling copy... you're selling results.

In regards to age, I'm 17 and have been writing copy since I was 13. My clients couldn't care less. I'm no top dawg yet, but I routinely quote fees in the mid 4-figures with no resistance.

From personal experience, age is completely irrelevant. If you're 18, 28 or 88, your clients won't care as long as you can deliver.

target1982 · 07-05-2011, 06:47 AM

I like these responses, very helpful so thank you. I have an idea of a market I would like to hit up so that is a start. I was considering specialising but probably won't broadcast that fact until I have a stack of experience.

target1982 · 07-05-2011, 06:48 AM

p.s. Lemon, what an inspiration to be so successful already!

Danielle Lynn · 07-05-2011, 07:24 AM

Hi Target,

Welcome to the fantastic journey that is copywriting.

Ewen made some great points - the difference between struggling and winning is in positioning yourself as the expert. And luckily, you're in a prime position to construct any image you want for yourself as a copywriter.

I figured I'd answer a couple of your questions since you and I are both females and close in age.

Not one client has cared that I'm a woman. Nor do they care about my age. But as Lemon said, they do care about results.

I brand myself as both Danielle Lynn and The Clear Copywriter.

Finding a niche is definitely a good move further down the road, but as you mentioned yourself, it's fine to be a little general for a while and pick up some experience for yourself

Good luck, and feel free to send me a message anytime if you have questions about anything copywriting/freelancing — I'm more than happy to answer them!

target1982 · 07-06-2011, 02:30 AM

Thanks Danielle ( I want to officially 'thank' but can't figure out how! I'll get there). It's really good to hear from someone in a similar boat and very generous of you to offer help

Cam Connor · 07-06-2011, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by target1982

Thanks Danielle ( I want to officially 'thank' but can't figure out how! I'll get there). It's really good to hear from someone in a similar boat and very generous of you to offer help

There's a "Thanks" button in the lower right hand corner of every post.

target1982 · 07-07-2011, 12:33 PM

Well, being no stranger to this WYSIWYG type of forum, that's exactly where I looked first - but I can't see the option!

Perhaps I'm just TOO new.

target1982 · 07-07-2011, 12:35 PM

AH! There it is.

07-02-2011, 12:29 PM	#3
Mark Pescetti This town needs an emema Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mt. Shasta Posts: 449 Thanks: 239 Thanked 366 Times in 183 Posts Contact Info	Re: Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie? Your first task at hand is shifting your mindset. Your age and gender are going to attract some amazing clients - people you can sincerely help make successful online entrepreneurs! Focus on that. On the lack of a portfolio: I sometimes wonder if I should take my portfolio down. My best work is stuff I'll never be able to show people because IT'S THEIR COPY! I can't take credit for it. When people ask me for examples for their market, I honestly tell them, "I don't have any examples I can show you due to confidentiality. However, here's what we can do for you..." Always bring it back to what's relevant; what you can do for them! Demonstrate your expertise, knowledge and awareness in every word you speak; every email you send. Oh yeah, decide how much you want to charge... then add another 20% to your quote.
	You can't create converting copy by chasing the money. Watch your conversions massively increase when you shift your focus to HELPING as many people as you can with your product or service.

07-02-2011, 03:32 PM	#4
lemonarian unstupid copywriter War Room Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 81 Thanks: 12 Thanked 16 Times in 14 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie? Yeah, I second what Ewen said. Remember that you're not selling copy... you're selling results. In regards to age, I'm 17 and have been writing copy since I was 13. My clients couldn't care less. I'm no top dawg yet, but I routinely quote fees in the mid 4-figures with no resistance. From personal experience, age is completely irrelevant. If you're 18, 28 or 88, your clients won't care as long as you can deliver.
	* Do You REALLY Need A Million Bucks? (Three-part crash-course in how to build a "minimalist" business online) * My "fix-all" solution to ANY marketing problem (whether you don't even have a website... or you're running a multi-million biz)

07-05-2011, 06:47 AM	#5
target1982 Warrior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 11 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie? I like these responses, very helpful so thank you. I have an idea of a market I would like to hit up so that is a start. I was considering specialising but probably won't broadcast that fact until I have a stack of experience.

07-05-2011, 06:48 AM	#6
target1982 Warrior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 11 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie? p.s. Lemon, what an inspiration to be so successful already!

07-05-2011, 07:24 AM	#7
Danielle Lynn Expert Word Weaver War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 479 Thanks: 222 Thanked 265 Times in 154 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie? Hi Target, Welcome to the fantastic journey that is copywriting. Ewen made some great points - the difference between struggling and winning is in positioning yourself as the expert. And luckily, you're in a prime position to construct any image you want for yourself as a copywriter. I figured I'd answer a couple of your questions since you and I are both females and close in age. Not one client has cared that I'm a woman. Nor do they care about my age. But as Lemon said, they do care about results. I brand myself as both Danielle Lynn and The Clear Copywriter. Finding a niche is definitely a good move further down the road, but as you mentioned yourself, it's fine to be a little general for a while and pick up some experience for yourself Good luck, and feel free to send me a message anytime if you have questions about anything copywriting/freelancing — I'm more than happy to answer them!
	The Clear Copywriter Get Emails that Train Your List to Click 'n Buy

07-01-2011, 09:35 AM	#1
target1982 Warrior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 11 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie? I am about to follow in my fantastic father's footsteps and launch a copywriting business. I have woven my way through various wordy jobs during the past decade and am finally ready to try going it alone. I'm knee-deep in books and really enjoying finding out more about the business. I'm just starting out so please be gentle with me. But also be honest! I have a few questions for you seasoned pros: 1. Aforementioned wordy jobs didn't produce any portfolio items I can legitimately use. What is the best way to build a list of samples and should I offer my services for free to speed the process up? 2. I am 28 years old and female. Having fallen victim to both gender and age prejudice in the past, I am looking for experienced copywriters' opinions on how this affects business, if it all. On that note, should I put up a picture of myself on the website? 3. Finally, when it comes to choosing a business name is it best to go with One's Own Name Copywriting or would you recommend trying to create a brand? I think that's it for now. I'll really appreciate any tips you might have for me and I hope to become a regular contributor to this forum.

07-01-2011, 10:59 PM	#2
ewenmack Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 2,092 Thanks: 790 Thanked 1,027 Times in 558 Posts	Re: Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie? Welcome aboard Target! To answer each question... #1 Portfolio: You won't need one if you position yourself right in the right market. Here's what I mean...You pick an area/market where the ads and sales letters are weak and a good deal of money is been spent on them. The idea is you know you can easily improve the response to them with simple changes. You go in with your offer to fix them. You give reasons why the changes will increase response and sales. You are the expert. Not an order taker who has a writing job farmed out to after being selected after seeing your samples. Totally different positioning. I think you know which scenario you would like. #2 Your gender and age won't affect you when you position yourself right as advised in #1. #3 Name: Depends on your goal. A common approach is the copywriter gets known by their name and have a separate business name which is mostly known only to their clients. We live in a age of the cult of the personality. Lady Gaga, that Justin fella, that guy called Frank Kern, the grumpy Dan Kennedy. Behind them, out of site, are companies owned by them. Also for accounting, taxation and asset protection the right business structure is important. The first part is not your usual advice...then again, if you do what the majority do, you get what they get...which is probably less than what you want. Best, Ewen

07-06-2011, 02:30 AM	#8
target1982 Warrior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 11 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie? Thanks Danielle ( I want to officially 'thank' but can't figure out how! I'll get there). It's really good to hear from someone in a similar boat and very generous of you to offer help

07-07-2011, 12:33 PM	#10
target1982 Warrior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 11 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie? Well, being no stranger to this WYSIWYG type of forum, that's exactly where I looked first - but I can't see the option! Perhaps I'm just TOO new.

07-07-2011, 12:35 PM	#11
target1982 Warrior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 11 Thanks: 10 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Toot toot! Care to help this Newbie Rubie? AH! There it is.