37 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
37 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

What I Do INSTEAD of Writing For Clients

by Harlan
27 replies
These days, I don't accept too many private clients.

Instead, I focus on growing my business.

A month ago, I held a copywriting content to find someone to write a piece for the exercise niche.

In the end, the winner wasn't available so I had to roll up my sleeves and do it myself.

I wanted to create an exercise / fitness product.

But there are a lot of them out there.

What I needed was a killer USP.

I wanted a USP that was going to absolutely crush the market.

In fact, I found the USP before I decided to create the product.

If you've traveled, you've probably seen ads for the four minute exercise machine.

It looks like the bicycle from hell.

You get all your exercise in for the day - in just 4 minutes.

The only problem is that they charge over $14,000 for the machine.

And if you return it, they keep around $1500.

That's not exactly an impulse buy.

But that USP was great. Do all the exercise you need in 4 minutes.

So I found me USP by accident.

I wanted to see if they were still selling that machine...

and instead of typing in Four Minute Exercise Machine - I typed in Four Minute Exercise.

OOOPS!

But I discovered the work of Izumi Tabata who designed an exercise protocol that gets done in four minutes.

No gym memberships.

No monthly payments.

No personal trainers.

No equipment.

Hello product idea.

From start to finish of product idea inception to creation took about a month.

I won't bore you with the details.

The first webinar I did to my list closed at 24%.

Now I just mailed part of my list and I expect orders to come in for weeks and months.

Guys - stop trolling for clients.

Create your own products and get rich.

That's what I've been doing for years.

I went from a 7 Figure copywriter for others to a 7 figure copywriter for myself.

You can do it!

Happy New Year
#clients #writing
  • Profile picture of the author Jeremey
    Harlan, since a lot of people followed the contest can you share a link to your final sales letter?
    Signature
    Is Your Copy Jumpin', Jack?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7544718].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Harlan
      Originally Posted by Jeremey View Post

      Harlan, since a lot of people followed the contest can you share a link to your final sales letter?
      That would violate forum rules. :-(
      Signature

      Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
      Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
      http://overnight-copy.com
      Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
      Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7544723].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
        Originally Posted by Jeremey View Post

        Harlan, since a lot of people followed the contest can you share a link to your final sales letter?
        Originally Posted by Harlan View Post

        That would violate forum rules. :-(
        I'm only guessing, but if you click that link in his sig about getting fit in four minutes you might find his approach.
        Signature

        Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7547629].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Jeremey
          Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

          I'm only guessing, but if you click that link in his sig about getting fit in four minutes you might find his approach.
          Yes, thanks Dennis, I saw that about 10 minutes after I first made my post, it either wasn't there when the first post was made or I totally missed it until Daniel's post shortly after mine. I did review the website and also signed up for the mailing list.

          I didn't know if there was an actual sales letter that could have been compared as a "final product" versus the contest entries that were discussed here on the forum. From what I've seen, there's several avenues Harlan has taken to promote the product but I haven't seen an actual "sales page" with a letter comparable to what the contest entrants were asked to submit.

          Thanks!
          Signature
          Is Your Copy Jumpin', Jack?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7549702].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
    How would that violate any rules?

    -Daniel
    Signature

    Always looking for badass direct-response copywriters. PM me if we don't know each other and you're looking for work.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7544836].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
    It's done all the time for critiques and other assorted uses. And even if it wasn't, you could easily put it in your signature - no rule against that.

    -Daniel
    Signature

    Always looking for badass direct-response copywriters. PM me if we don't know each other and you're looking for work.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7544853].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    Originally Posted by Harlan View Post

    These days, I don't accept too many private clients. ...

    I went from a 7 Figure copywriter for others to a 7 figure copywriter for myself.
    Shouldn't that last statement be "for myself and others" since you
    still accept private clients?

    -Ray Edwards
    Signature
    The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7545352].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      To keep the topic on track, well done Harlan for spotting the opportunity.

      Couple of things I would like to know if you don't mind sharing...

      Have you structured a partnership agreement with the originator?

      You mentioned a list you sent out a promo to,
      was it built or rented?

      Thanks in advance.

      Best,
      Ewen
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7545431].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author BrightShinyObjects
        That's impressive. You're sure right, that's a unique selling point. I'm going to google it, find out how it works! Just four minutes a day, hard to blow off exercise.

        I write for myself some, but I'm just beginning my affiliate marketing life. Nice to know there's the potential for seven figures.

        Mary
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7545517].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Harlan
        Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

        To keep the topic on track, well done Harlan for spotting the opportunity.

        Couple of things I would like to know if you don't mind sharing...

        Have you structured a partnership agreement with the originator?

        You mentioned a list you sent out a promo to,
        was it built or rented?

        Thanks in advance.

        Best,
        Ewen
        There was no need to get a partnership agreement on a concept.

        His teachings are all over the Internet.

        I mailed this out to my list but will begin testing outside lists as well.

        Of course, for list building purposes, I've added a quiz at the beginning to encourage involvement.

        I haven't even promoted that entry point but the sign up rate is about 40%.

        I haven't even finished that section of the site.
        Signature

        Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
        Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
        http://overnight-copy.com
        Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
        Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7545845].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
          I've wondered about quizzes as an involvement device before
          because I've seen them as paid ads repeatedly.

          Thanks for openly sharing how you've gone about it.

          Best,
          Ewen


          Originally Posted by Harlan View Post

          There was no need to get a partnership agreement on a concept.

          His teachings are all over the Internet.

          I mailed this out to my list but will begin testing outside lists as well.

          Of course, for list building purposes, I've added a quiz at the beginning to encourage involvement.

          I haven't even promoted that entry point but the sign up rate is about 40%.

          I haven't even finished that section of the site.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7546168].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
    Great info. I've noticed many well-known copywriters move fairly quickly to primarily writing for their own projects.

    I like the pitch--I know I get much better results with HIT instead of long runs.
    Signature
    Marketing is not a battle of products. It is a battle of perceptions.
    - Jack Trout
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7545591].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jennie Heckel
    Hi Harlan,

    I totally agree with you! Loved your idea, it is so sweet and unique!

    (That's an interesting story about how your new USP popped up!)

    The fact is...

    The 'smart copywriters' who become top money earners...

    Learn how to write copy that SELLS... And then partner/JV with others to use their copywriting skills to make even more money! And SPLIT THE PROFITS!

    (Rather than chasing around for freelancing copywriting jobs... and earning a base copy fee + a measily 3% gross commission on the sales when your copy sells really well...)

    STOP stuffing the pockets of other marketers full of money!

    Instead... Start creating your OWN products to SELL like Harlan suggests. He is right on how to make more money in your copywriting business, especially in this rocky economy.

    Treat your copywriting business like a 'business' -- not a freelancing gig!

    Making your own products is easy (or hire a Warrior to do it for you...) and you write the copy for your OWN stuff! And then... Guess what happens?

    You don't have to SPLIT the MONEY with ANYONE!

    Remember to PAY yourself first!

    In other words, work on your own projects at least 2 days a week. (Save the other 3 days a week to do freelance copy projects until your own products are profitable.)

    Or better yet, do your own copy in the mornings when you are freshest.
    Then, work on your client's copy jobs in the afternoons. That way you prioritize your 'copywriting business' as a business instead of just focusing on providing freelancing copy services where you are only paid once.

    Create and market your own products and get paid again and again for that same copy! It's simple and makes common sense once you think about it, right?

    I have two of my own products testing right now...
    The preliminary testing converted very well for both packages but the net income was low (over ppc costs) since the price point was low. I wanted to verify there was a need for this product and that consumers would buy and at what price point first.

    Now I am working on two higher end packages to market at a higher price point. It should be easy to make good money with both of these now that I know they tested out well.

    I can't wait for it these to launch!

    In case you were wondering...
    Yes, I do write copy for others, and I still do copy jobs for the top Warriors like Neil Bostrum and his guys from the Mobi Crew. But I only write for the Warriors who know the value of what a copywriter brings to the table and are willing to pay for high conversion rates accordingly.

    But here's a hint... Mobile apps are hot and are incredibly easy to make money on!

    Here's wishing all Warriors a Successful and Profitable 2013!

    Jennie Heckel
    Sales Letter Copywriter
    Signature
    ******* WSO & JV ZOO COPYWRITER -- VLS & SALES LETTERS PROVEN TO CONVERT ******* Get Higher Profits From Launches That SELL! Proven Copywriter with 17 Years of Copywriting Experience. Contact Me Via Skype: seoexpertconsulting Copywriting Website: http://www.VideoScriptCopywriter.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7546321].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
      Originally Posted by Jennie Heckel View Post

      Hi Harlan,

      I totally agree with you! Loved your idea, it is so sweet and unique!

      (That's an interesting story about how your new USP popped up!)

      The fact is...

      The 'smart copywriters' who become top money earners...

      Learn how to write copy that SELLS... And then partner/JV with others to use their copywriting skills to make even more money! And SPLIT THE PROFITS!

      (Rather than chasing around for freelancing copywriting jobs... and earning a base copy fee + a measily 3% gross commission on the sales when your copy sells really well...)

      STOP stuffing the pockets of other marketers full of money!

      Instead... Start creating your OWN products to SELL like Harlan suggests. He is right on how to make more money in your copywriting business, especially in this rocky economy.

      Treat your copywriting business like a 'business' -- not a freelancing gig!

      Making your own products is easy (or hire a Warrior to do it for you...) and you write the copy for your OWN stuff! And then... Guess what happens?

      You don't have to SPLIT the MONEY with ANYONE!

      Remember to PAY yourself first!

      In other words, work on your own projects at least 2 days a week. (Save the other 3 days a week to do freelance copy projects until your own products are profitable.)

      Or better yet, do your own copy in the mornings when you are freshest.
      Then, work on your client's copy jobs in the afternoons. That way you prioritize your 'copywriting business' as a business instead of just focusing on providing freelancing copy services where you are only paid once.

      Create and market your own products and get paid again and again for that same copy! It's simple and makes common sense once you think about it, right?

      I have two of my own products testing right now...
      The preliminary testing converted very well for both packages but the net income was low (over ppc costs) since the price point was low. I wanted to verify there was a need for this product and that consumers would buy and at what price point first.

      Now I am working on two higher end packages to market at a higher price point. It should be easy to make good money with both of these now that I know they tested out well.

      I can't wait for it these to launch!

      In case you were wondering...
      Yes, I do write copy for others, and I still do copy jobs for the top Warriors like Neil Bostrum and his guys from the Mobi Crew. But I only write for the Warriors who know the value of what a copywriter brings to the table and are willing to pay for high conversion rates accordingly.

      But here's a hint... Mobile apps are hot and are incredibly easy to make money on!

      Here's wishing all Warriors a Successful and Profitable 2013!

      Jennie Heckel
      Sales Letter Copywriter
      Thanks Jennie. You also inspired me. You are right. I have to take time out of my day to work on my own stuff as well as do work for others. I actually have one product online now. I haven't had time to market it. So the first step is to market that heavily.
      Signature

      -----------------------------------------------------------
      Harry Husted
      http://www.creatingwords.com
      With 20+ years’ experience, I can help YOU stop struggling to stand out, with a more dynamic marketing message, SEO, an attention-getting e-book, or a catchy jingle of your own to reel in those prospects.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7546892].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
    Originally Posted by Harlan View Post

    These days, I don't accept too many private clients.

    Instead, I focus on growing my business.

    A month ago, I held a copywriting content to find someone to write a piece for the exercise niche.

    In the end, the winner wasn't available so I had to roll up my sleeves and do it myself.

    I wanted to create an exercise / fitness product.

    But there are a lot of them out there.

    What I needed was a killer USP.

    I wanted a USP that was going to absolutely crush the market.

    In fact, I found the USP before I decided to create the product.

    If you've traveled, you've probably seen ads for the four minute exercise machine.

    It looks like the bicycle from hell.

    You get all your exercise in for the day - in just 4 minutes.

    The only problem is that they charge over $14,000 for the machine.

    And if you return it, they keep around $1500.

    That's not exactly an impulse buy.

    But that USP was great. Do all the exercise you need in 4 minutes.

    So I found me USP by accident.

    I wanted to see if they were still selling that machine...

    and instead of typing in Four Minute Exercise Machine - I typed in Four Minute Exercise.

    OOOPS!

    But I discovered the work of Izumi Tabata who designed an exercise protocol that gets done in four minutes.

    No gym memberships.

    No monthly payments.

    No personal trainers.

    No equipment.

    Hello product idea.

    From start to finish of product idea inception to creation took about a month.

    I won't bore you with the details.

    The first webinar I did to my list closed at 24%.

    Now I just mailed part of my list and I expect orders to come in for weeks and months.

    Guys - stop trolling for clients.

    Create your own products and get rich.

    That's what I've been doing for years.

    I went from a 7 Figure copywriter for others to a 7 figure copywriter for myself.

    You can do it!

    Happy New Year
    I like what you said. Very encouraging. You stated something someone else told me to do recently. I have now begun doing just that. I am putting the finishing touches on a book that I will hope to sell on Kindle.

    Thanks for sharing that info.
    Signature

    -----------------------------------------------------------
    Harry Husted
    http://www.creatingwords.com
    With 20+ years’ experience, I can help YOU stop struggling to stand out, with a more dynamic marketing message, SEO, an attention-getting e-book, or a catchy jingle of your own to reel in those prospects.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7546882].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SashaLee
    There's an interesting article on that particular workout here:

    Can You Really Get Fit in 4 Minutes with Tabata? | bcliving

    Turns out you have to be super-fit in the first place to take advantage of such a regimen.

    Harlan, had you promoted fitness products to your lists in the past? Did you know them to be of a fitness bent?

    Best,

    Sasha
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7557231].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Harlan
      Originally Posted by SashaLee View Post

      There's an interesting article on that particular workout here:

      Can You Really Get Fit in 4 Minutes with Tabata? | bcliving

      Turns out you have to be super-fit in the first place to take advantage of such a regimen.

      Harlan, had you promoted fitness products to your lists in the past? Did you know them to be of a fitness bent?

      Best,

      Sasha
      You don't have to be superfit. You have to have the brains to modify the routine so you can do it.

      Tabata himself discussed this and it's easy for people - even those out of shape - to get started on the program.

      Fitness products to my list?

      You miss the point here.

      Fitness in 4 minutes has mass appeal. It's selling pretty well and I've already made back all my expenses and we are profitable.

      If it won't sell to my list - it won't sell anywhere.
      Signature

      Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
      Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
      http://overnight-copy.com
      Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
      Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7563580].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author copyassassin
    Originally Posted by Harlan View Post


    I went from a 7 Figure copywriter for others to a 7 figure copywriter for myself.

    Happy New Year
    Harlan,

    I agree your approach is the "bench mark" model.

    But, don't you miss talking with clients?

    Or, does your coaching practice fulfill that need to interact with people?

    Adam
    Signature

    The Most Bad-Ass Tax Reduction Strategist for Internet Marketers who HATE paying taxes. See my happy clients

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7558217].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Harlan
      Originally Posted by copyassassin View Post

      Harlan,

      I agree your approach is the "bench mark" model.

      But, don't you miss talking with clients?

      Or, does your coaching practice fulfill that need to interact with people?

      Adam
      Miss talking with clients?

      Not really.

      I don't do copy coaching anymore. Too expensive for most folks.

      Even after the string of successes I had. People can't afford my rates.
      Signature

      Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
      Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
      http://overnight-copy.com
      Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
      Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7563582].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ShannonC
        I've been mostly lurking and ready for a while, but wanted to jump into this thread.

        I work pretty much strictly in the health and fitness niche, mostly as an information content writer (ebooks, articles, etc).

        I've done a number of Tabata projects for clients before - it's definitely not the newest of concepts, but great to hear you are having such high success with it. Doesn't surprise me as everyone is looking for the 'quick fix' in that industry. Or the easiest solution. The Cheat To Lose program did incredibly well for similar reasons.

        I'm looking to learn more on copywriting, more so I can do work for clients on projects (possibly sales letters for ebooks I write them), but maybe to do my own projects down the road.

        Problem is, I am not so great at marketing. So for this situation, would hiring someone be beneficial?

        I can write/design the products, come up with some ideas, shortly (hopefully) do the copywriting to sell it, but getting people to a site, that's a whole other story.

        What's my best path? Partnering with someone who specializes in marketing perhaps? I've been approached by a few clients before to do JV, but they never seem to follow through so it just leaves me frustrated.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7568768].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Harlan
          I'm honored that this was your first post.

          Marketing is something that can be learned.

          If I were you, I'd quickly read Jay Abraham's First book and everything of Dan Kennedy.

          For free, I'd go through the Gary Halbert Letters for a crash course.

          Do those 3 things and you know 99% more than anyone on marketing.
          Signature

          Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
          Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
          http://overnight-copy.com
          Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
          Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7569178].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Harlan
          Originally Posted by ShannonC View Post

          I've done a number of Tabata projects for clients before - it's definitely not the newest of concepts, but great to hear you are having such high success with it. Doesn't surprise me as everyone is looking for the 'quick fix' in that industry. Or the easiest solution. The Cheat To Lose program did incredibly well for similar reasons.
          Please track me down - I know you can't PM me. Try Facebook or one of my email addresses.
          Signature

          Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
          Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
          http://overnight-copy.com
          Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
          Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7569182].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
          Originally Posted by ShannonC View Post

          I've been mostly lurking and ready for a while, but wanted to jump into this thread.

          I work pretty much strictly in the health and fitness niche, mostly as an information content writer (ebooks, articles, etc).

          I've done a number of Tabata projects for clients before - it's definitely not the newest of concepts, but great to hear you are having such high success with it. Doesn't surprise me as everyone is looking for the 'quick fix' in that industry. Or the easiest solution. The Cheat To Lose program did incredibly well for similar reasons.

          I'm looking to learn more on copywriting, more so I can do work for clients on projects (possibly sales letters for ebooks I write them), but maybe to do my own projects down the road.

          Problem is, I am not so great at marketing. So for this situation, would hiring someone be beneficial?

          I can write/design the products, come up with some ideas, shortly (hopefully) do the copywriting to sell it, but getting people to a site, that's a whole other story.

          What's my best path? Partnering with someone who specializes in marketing perhaps? I've been approached by a few clients before to do JV, but they never seem to follow through so it just leaves me frustrated.
          I've been working in the Internet marketing arena for nearly 20 years and still don't know a lot about it. The field is constantly changing. What worked two years ago doesn't work today. You have continue learning to keep up.

          Glad to see you posting. I've seen you on Elance. Nice picture.
          Signature

          -----------------------------------------------------------
          Harry Husted
          http://www.creatingwords.com
          With 20+ years’ experience, I can help YOU stop struggling to stand out, with a more dynamic marketing message, SEO, an attention-getting e-book, or a catchy jingle of your own to reel in those prospects.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7570435].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hhhusted
    Harlan,

    This doesn't relate to the original post, however, I am curious. At the end of your name you have Ed.D. I looked it up. This means you are a doctor of Education. Is this one step up from being a Ph.D? What career direction can you go into when you earn an Ed.D?

    Thanks.
    Signature

    -----------------------------------------------------------
    Harry Husted
    http://www.creatingwords.com
    With 20+ years’ experience, I can help YOU stop struggling to stand out, with a more dynamic marketing message, SEO, an attention-getting e-book, or a catchy jingle of your own to reel in those prospects.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7570422].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Harlan
      Originally Posted by hhhusted View Post

      Harlan,

      This doesn't relate to the original post, however, I am curious. At the end of your name you have Ed.D. I looked it up. This means you are a doctor of Education. Is this one step up from being a Ph.D? What career direction can you go into when you earn an Ed.D?

      Thanks.
      I'm a doctor of education. I was previously the head of several schools.

      It was the doctoral degree offered by my institution.
      Signature

      Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
      Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
      http://overnight-copy.com
      Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
      Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7570462].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ShannonC
        Thanks for the replies (and picture comment ). Okay, I'll check out those resources then and just keep reading. I know my niche is one of the very competitive ones, so I'm up against stiff competition.

        I've tried previously a little to learn more on marketing, but got pretty frustrated. I guess it's just hard not to feel overwhelmed at times. Way back I tried doing some affiliate marketing for a few of the products my clients put out, but wasn't having so much luck. I just found it earlier to earn income writing instead, so put my focus there.

        Oddly enough the greatest success I had with affiliate marketing was on a Chicken Coop book, of all things! That niche sold really well for a while it seems.

        I'd really love to start doing a bit more on my own, not only for income purposes, but also to gain more credibility for my writing work.

        Would you say it's the best approach to start with a solid blog site first and develop a list and then eventually release a product, or just go straight for the product, do the sales page, and work on marketing that?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7573272].message }}

Trending Topics