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Can I get work as Copywriter Sans Portfolio?

by eQuus
8 replies
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?
#copywriter #portfolio #sans #work
  • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author ArticlePrince
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
    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
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  • Profile picture of the author Oxbloom
    If you can't sell yourself, you can't sell anything.

    If you can sell yourself, that's all the proof you need.
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  • Profile picture of the author eQuus
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sam Mlambo
    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
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  • Profile picture of the author writeright
    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!
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