Using Article Marketing Experience to Break Into Copywriting

[JustSomeWarrior]

Hey Everyone,

I love this part of the warrior forum the best. I always liked writing and wrote a few successful direct mail sales letters for a computer repair company I used to manage (I'd generally pull an up front profit and then recurring revenue over the next several years.)

I've studied many copy writing books and sales books, including some listed on the mega thread stickied at the top of this forum.

I recently got into article writing as a way to make money and be at home with my kids. I love it, but it's not the kind of writing I want to do. I'm tired of vomiting words on the screen and checking for SEO density.

I do a hell of a job, but it's not really providing the kinds of earnings I'd like to see. I'm also not proud of what I am putting together and don't showcase it to anyone.

I know that I could get started with copy writing here on the warrior forum by starting with a WSO and then moving on to better prices after I've established myself. I have seen others do the same.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get started and build a good portfolio?

I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much.

[JustSomeWarrior]

Don't mean to bump, but I realized I made a mistake in my title. I meant "Article Writing" experience. I guess a good place to start would be to review my forum posts before submitting!

[Mark Andrews]

Chuck the article writing out of the window. There is no corelation between article writing and copywriting.

Article writers do not naturally or typically make excellent copywriters.

If you want to hit the ground running...

Look at the 'junk direct response mail' which comes through your letter box and offer those companies (the better ones at least) the chance to beat their current control.

You could offer to do this for free but maybe charge a very small 0.05+ cents if and when you can beat their current control. Small price for them to pay if you can prove your copywriting skills.

For example on a print run of 500,000...

If you can beat their current control in terms of responses or conversions you receive 1/2 cent for every circular distributed in your city or state.

Do the sums, those little cents will soon add up.

Learn from the masters of direct response, hang onto their every word. They don't usually make utterance without their being some meaning behind their words. Sometimes it's obvious. Other times you have to work to know exactly the point they're striving to get across. Some of them will make you work for the knowledge and skill you desire.

Analyze carefully, scrutinize highly successful direct mail pieces of copywriting. Dissect them. Find out what is working and why it's working. Not just the contents but the envelope or packaging too.

Good luck,


Pete

[Alex Cohen]

Originally Posted by JustSomeWarrior

Hey Everyone,

I love this part of the warrior forum the best. I always liked writing and wrote a few successful direct mail sales letters for a computer repair company I used to manage (I'd generally pull an up front profit and then recurring revenue over the next several years.)

I've studied many copy writing books and sales books, including some listed on the mega thread stickied at the top of this forum.

I recently got into article writing as a way to make money and be at home with my kids. I love it, but it's not the kind of writing I want to do. I'm tired of vomiting words on the screen and checking for SEO density.

I do a hell of a job, but it's not really providing the kinds of earnings I'd like to see. I'm also not proud of what I am putting together and don't showcase it to anyone.

I know that I could get started with copy writing here on the warrior forum by starting with a WSO and then moving on to better prices after I've established myself. I have seen others do the same.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get started and build a good portfolio?

I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much.

You don't need a portfolio... you have a track record of success writing copy for the computer repair company. Nothing attracts clients better than success.

In your WSO (or other promotion) dimensionalize your results and explain that you can do the same for others.

Alex

[TrustedCopy]

I remember reading --I think it was in a Bob Bly book--that even a brain surgeon has to have a first patient.

It's really true-- you'll be surprise who will be willing to give you a try as a copywriter if you convince them you can do the job...which you can.
________
Jeremy

[amo992]

Great responses.

The copy that gets you your first copywriting gig is proof. I look forward to reading your WSO's copy.

[RRMarketing]

You know who would make for a kick-butt copywriter?

STEPHEN KING!

I mean ... that guy kept me reading 600 pages in 2 days. That's more than what I can say for most copywriters.

So there is a correlation between writing (even article writing) and copywriting.

Especially if you know how to write short stories that hook the reader into finding out more.

When you write copy ... you should have three personalities:
1. The salesman.
2. The story teller.
3. The prospect.

Razvan

[arfasaira]

I too started out writing articles for not very much. The easiest way to get yourself into copywriting if you're really serious is get hold of a good course which will teach you the basics. Since you've already done a good job with your mail for the computer shop, you probably need something that will just fine tune your skills.

Jason Fladlien does a good course which can get you up to speed pretty quickly - Stopwatch Copywriting

Try and see if this doesn't help you brush up your skills. You can always get more in-depth courses or coaching if you feel you need it, but because you already have good results with your mailouts, you might be fine with this.

best of luck!
Arfa

[RobCopywriter]

I agree. Although you do have a stronger article marketing background, the fact that you have a successful track record with at least 1 company in regards to sales letters is what you should be building on.