What are some creative ways to get copywriting jobs?

[natebunger]

Hi I would like to start a list of ways to get tons of copywriting projects. List as many as you can think of..

Here are some of mine:

LinkedIn - create a nice sales page then contact people one by one to inquire about jobs. B2B

Seek out other copywriters on the forum who are totally swamped and looking for good ghost writers to help them...

Anyhow list as many ideas that you can think of, thanks

[thekeetch]

Well, this one goes without saying, but referrals are my best source of new business.

Networking at industry events and mingling with the attendees as if you were one of the on-stage experts is another great way.

By this I mean, don't gush over how awesome the speakers were and how green you are. Talk about how so-and-so is on the cutting edge by taking an idea to the next level.

Also, don't say "I'm a copywriter" but instead tell them, "I help my clients during their website into cash-producing virtual real estate." (Or something similarly interesting.)

Last - if you're really desperate, you could offer to write against an existing control on spec (without pay) on the understanding that if your copy out-pulls the control, you get your full fee.

Looking forward to hearing more ideas!

[abugah]

You might find this useful:
Making $3,000 In 30 Days From Copywriting…

[Courage]

Well here's a creative way...

Go onto ebay and look for a really big ticket item (like a boat or car.) Contact the owner, ask him if he's sold it yet - then offer to write an advert.

Tell him that if you sell it you want 5% commission.

[tomokun]

The easiest and best way to get copywriting jobs is to be a copywriter.

If you've never written anything before, if you've never sold anything before, you are not a copywriter.

So start selling.

Find something on Clickbank, Warrior Forum, etc., and write a better sales page for it.

Then GIVE IT AWAY TO THAT PERSON.

If it IS better, tell them you want to get paid for it.

If it isn't better, no harm no foul.

Here's the best part.

Once you finally write a better sales page than what someone already has, you are a PROVEN copywriter, and that person will likely hire you for their next project, or recommend you to other people.

The only way to be the best is to BE THE BEST. It ain't bragging if you can do it.

[Tedel]

Originally Posted by Courage

Well here's a creative way...

Go onto ebay and look for a really big ticket item (like a boat or car.) Contact the owner, ask him if he's sold it yet - then offer to write an advert.

Tell him that if you sell it you want 5% commission.

Has that worked for you before?

[Derek Pankaew]

1) Use the Warrior For Hire section. I've made easily $20K+ from writing gigs just on the warrior Forum.
2) Use eLance.

Don't need to get all fancy with your marketing tactics. Most of those things are hit or miss. Find the consistent methods of getting clients. The WF and eLance aren't glorious or super out of the box, but they work consistently.

[Steve The Copywriter]

Have a chat with the advertising managers at your local newspapers.

Tell them you’re an ace copywriter who gets results. And do everything you can to prove this beyond any doubt.

Ask to be referred to the advertisers so you can write (or re-write) their Ads.

It becomes a strong "selling" point for the papers - they now have a top rated copywriter available who is able to write exceptional ads.

Also help with their in-house ad team who rarely know and aren’t trained to write effective Ads.

Everyone wins – the clients get a much higher response (and usually want you to write more copy for them – sales letters, web copy, auto responders etc).

And the newspapers get a massive amount of new and repeat business because at long last the Ads are working extremely well.


Steve


P.S. If a newspaper ridiculously says “no” be diplomatic and thank them anyway. And just go directly to the clients.

[The Copy Nazi]

Originally Posted by natebunger

Hi I would like to start a list of ways to get tons of copywriting projects. List as many as you can think of..

Here are some of mine:

LinkedIn - create a nice sales page then contact people one by one to inquire about jobs. B2B

Seek out other copywriters on the forum who are totally swamped and looking for good ghost writers to help them...

Anyhow list as many ideas that you can think of, thanks

Instead of the tired old "I create killer copy" - (Google it - every man and his dog says he's a "killer copywriter" or writes "killer copy") why not capitalise on this bit of info I found on your site - "In 2006 Nate won the World Internet Challenge when he made over $12,000 online in 72 hours in front of a live audience in a Las Vegas hotel". Turn it into something like -

"Five years ago I blew everyone away when I made over $12,OOO online in just 72 hours - in front of a live audience - all going "No way!"

[miserman]

For your copy writing projects I would suggest you to hire copywriters and assigned them test jobs. If they perform well then hire them on permanent basis. Simple it is

[Derek Pankaew]

Originally Posted by miserman

For your copy writing projects I would suggest you to hire copywriters and assigned them test jobs. If they perform well then hire them on permanent basis. Simple it is

... Did you even read the first post? It's about finding jobs, not hiring copywriters.

I still stand by what I said - The goal should be to find CONSISTENT ways of generating clients, not creative ways. Creative ways might be really fun to execute and might land you a few gigs, but in the long run you really want a CONSISTENT system that works day in day out.

[JamesBrine]

I have found elance to be a really great source. As Derek said, it's not glamorous or creative and you have to earn your keep. But if you produce results these clients will come back again and again.

If your new to elance and don't have much of a portfolio behind you, you will have to put in low bids and really create a great proposal to get started, but once you build your reputation work will follow and so will higher fees.

[marknel]

Though Im not a copywriter , but I think you can start by writing a free ebook on "corporate writing" and get that exposed on Google books,Amazon with your adverts displayed there.

[100bucksaday]

You may get copy writing projects as for free lance and they will pay handsome amount, you need to search "Freelancer" and "Click Bank"..,send your articles and get a attractive payment..

[Rachel+Richard Riley]

Originally Posted by Derek Pankaew

1) Use the Warrior For Hire section. I've made easily $20K+ from writing gigs just on the warrior Forum.
2) Use eLance.

Don't need to get all fancy with your marketing tactics. Most of those things are hit or miss. Find the consistent methods of getting clients. The WF and eLance aren't glorious or super out of the box, but they work consistently.

Thanks Derek! Great and simple suggestions. Great blog too.

[ECTally]

Originally Posted by tomokun

The easiest and best way to get copywriting jobs is to be a copywriter.

If you've never written anything before, if you've never sold anything before, you are not a copywriter.

So start selling.

Find something on Clickbank, Warrior Forum, etc., and write a better sales page for it.

Then GIVE IT AWAY TO THAT PERSON.

If it IS better, tell them you want to get paid for it.

If it isn't better, no harm no foul.

Here's the best part.

Once you finally write a better sales page than what someone already has, you are a PROVEN copywriter, and that person will likely hire you for their next project, or recommend you to other people.

The only way to be the best is to BE THE BEST. It ain't bragging if you can do it.

Exactly! If you are fresh off the production line, this is the way to go. Even if you're a worn-out ol' belt, this is still the best way to get a gig.

Sure, it's tough. You are, after all, pitting your skills against a proven copywriter.
But imagine the kind of confidence boost you will get if you succeed, never mind about getting paid.
(But please don't expect to close the deal on your first try, regardless of how talented you think you are.)

I used this strategy many a moon ago, and it worked like a charm. Not only did it provide me with regular work, it also made me a better copywriter. I only stopped after I found my last and best client - the one I still am writing exclusively for today.

[StephanieMojica]

Join a leads networking group like LeTip or Business Networking International (BNI.) Go every week. And focus on what you can do for your target client.

Good luck!

Stephanie

[JamesBrine]

Originally Posted by ECTally

Exactly! If you are fresh off the production line, this is the way to go. Even if you're a worn-out ol' belt, this is still the best way to get a gig.

Sure, it's tough. You are, after all, pitting your skills against a proven copywriter.
But imagine the kind of confidence boost you will get if you succeed, never mind about getting paid.
(But please don't expect to close the deal on your first try, regardless of how talented you think you are.)

I used this strategy many a moon ago, and it worked like a charm. Not only did it provide me with regular work, it also made me a better copywriter. I only stopped after I found my last and best client - the one I still am writing exclusively for today.

There is nothing that will get you more work than creating a few solid control packages for well known marketers. Word spreads quickly in this market and if you can get results then you will never be short of work.