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Common Practice, Writing Samples

by Jeremey
7 replies
Is there a common method to sharing copywriting samples with potential clients? I understand copywriting is a much more delicate situation than sharing simple article samples, etc that are generic and serve no "sales" purpose. I want to make sure I can provide quality (unsearchable, no-index PDF) samples of my work history without violating any of the original client's privacy. What's the common practice of providing these samples?

Any advice here?
#common #practice #samples #writing
  • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
    I want to make sure I can provide quality (unsearchable, no-index PDF) samples of my work history without violating any of the original client's privacy. What's the common practice of providing these samples?
    Ask the clients' permission to share samples. Many will happily provide such permission.

    If you don't have the clients' permission, you shouldn't share your samples. Period.

    Marcia Yudkin
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
      Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

      Ask the clients' permission to share samples. Many will happily provide such permission.

      If you don't have the clients' permission, you shouldn't share your samples. Period.

      Marcia Yudkin
      I always ask my clients if I can show their stuff.

      But most have me sign NDA's.

      I had one client this whole year let me show his stuff.

      Honestly though...

      I don't show a portfolio, regardless.

      I focus always and only on what I can do for the potential client reaching out to me and nurturing a connection between us.

      If that doesn't prove effective, screw it.

      Not interested.

      Mark
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      • Profile picture of the author Jeremey
        Great points, everyone. I personally think "samples" are pointless, especially if I have a 3000 word website with my own sales copy on it, or the sample requests are generated by a 700 word ad on the WFH forum...If you want to see samples of my writing, look at the writing on my site or my ad, LOL. But starting out I wasn't sure how to handle the requests to see "proof" of what I can offer for my writing. It hadn't occurred to me the confidential nature of "copywriting" versus "article" type samples, so I'll take all this advice moving forward for sure.
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    • Profile picture of the author NYC Partners
      Definitely a good suggesiton... better to avoid the legal gray areas altogether, you never know when they can come back to bite you.
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    • Profile picture of the author No Bullshit Articles
      98% of your clients would have no problem with you using the copy you wrote for them as a work sample. Chances are that you had to show that same client some kind of work sample before they decided to work with you themselves.

      I've never had a problem with this. You'll be fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    Hi Jeremey,

    Ask yourself why do people demand samples? And why would you want to give them out?

    Is it to prove how good you are? (what proof is there that you actually wrote it).

    And what if it does prove that you are outstandingly brilliant (but the "new" client hates the "style" or says "do my copy exactly the same")

    Or do they want to swipe the best bits? (help themselves to your work).

    How thrilled are your existing clients going to be if you tout their (c) work to potential clients? (with the chance that it could be ripped off).


    Yes, I know you're thinking, but I simply must have a portfolio of my scintillating work - so the people can see just how incredible I am and the marvellous results I produced for others...

    I used to think that, and my ego used to think it - until some of my super duper stuff got plagiarised and I had to send cease and desist letters.

    So, my rule is - if a client is going to very kindly pay me a chunk of money, the copy is (c) to them with a full non - disclosure agreement from me.

    I'm not going to run around town shouting "Look here, I've written for ... and ... and... I am sooo good, surely you think I'm fantastic, look at these names and the breathtakingly great copy!"

    But...

    Nobody cares what I did for the "others." They only care about what I can do for them.

    So...

    I can't show any samples, and you know what? I've never had a "good" new client ever complain.

    They feel safe in the knowledge that the work I do for them is always going to be theirs.


    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author George Lee
    One way to avoid both swiping of your content and violating client privilege is to give the potential client a list of past satisfied customers (make sure that you have the customer's permission) that they can contact for references.
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