How to land your first copywriting job?

deanjeffery

9 years ago

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thewritestyle 9 years ago

Thank you Dean. That's what I have been doing lately (with lately encompassing merely the last two days) so I'm hopeful that, given enough time, this marketing strategy will work. Apart from sharing my work, do you have any other ideas in terms of directly targeting possible clients?
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Steve Mark42

9 years ago

i'm still confuse with copy-writing job what actually we need to done in this job.

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DKCopywriter 9 years ago

Originally Posted by Steve Mark42

i'm still confuse with copy-writing job what actually we need to done in this job.

You need to communicate clearly your potential customer's pain points and to show them EXACTLY how you can get rid of them and WHY you're the best person/company to do it.

No offense Steve, but I wouldn't trust you to clearly communicate my needs to my prospects based on that sentence. You need to be able to communicate clearly through the written word.

Of course, you could have typed that on your phone and auto-correct screwed with it. It's happened to me before!
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angiecolee

9 years ago

You need to start digging through Joe's excellent post in the stickies:

http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...pywriters.html

You are not the only one who's asked these questions. They've been answered a hundred times over with a hundred different perspectives. Find one that resonates with you and try it out.

You have to put yourself out there. 1) start familiarizing yourself with researching. If you can't find a client, you'll struggle to find the client's client. 2) asking clarifying questions after doing a little research is infinitely better than asking questions trying to get all the answers.

We can give you answers all day long on how to find clients but if none of them make sense, you'll wind up even more confused than when you started.

So do a little digging. Find a few things that make sense to you. Dig a little deeper on those things. Bring your questions on THOSE THINGS back to us so we can help guide you a little better.

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thewritestyle 9 years ago

Hi Angie,

Thank you for the forthright advice but, more especially, I thank you for the link to Joe's posts. Obtaining that sort of practical information was actually the motivating factor behind my question because, believe it or not, I do value the benefits of research.

Thanks again!
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gjabiz

9 years ago

Originally Posted by thewritestyle

Hi everyone,
First off, thank you in advance for any advice you are willing to share to assist me in my drive to enter the world of copywriting.

From your experience, what would you suggest be the best method for me to land a paying copywriting gig? I have created a website (Home) within which I have a short writing portfolio. I have created social media networking on facebook, twitter, linkedin and instagram, so I have been putting in the grunt work to launch my business.

Now, however, I find myself at a loss as to how to actually land a client who is in need of my services. Any advice/direction will be greatly appreciated.

Once again, I thank you for your consideration in taking the time to assist me in this endeavour.

Lubaina

The past year I have offered a few stored value products (off market, revisions and updates) to Warriors at this forum.

The offer was the same to all, write a promotion, set a price, keep all the profits, learn by doing. 10 Warriors asked to join in.

The most recent on Jan. 28, who asked for 3 weeks to write his copy, and today, crickets in the mist.

10 wannabee copywriters. None of whom, to my knowledge has reached a part time job income to date BECAUSE they can't find clients.

And my response: Write copy.

Make sales, show your copy which has made sales, THEY (clients) find you.

My opinion. The dream of a 6 figure a year lifestyle business from writing copy is, for most...

a wishful hobby, a modern day take on the Mail Order Riches offers from decades ago.

MOST of you won't make it, Writers write.

And keep writing. And keep writing until the Universe succumbs to their persistance and the floodgates open.

Want to get work? Write.

Write something that sells something, THEN you begin your "magnetic client pull".

No results yet? Why not?

gjabiz

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ewenmack

9 years ago

Originally Posted by gjabiz

The offer was the same to all, write a promotion, set a price, keep all the profits, learn by doing. 10 Warriors asked to join in.

The most recent on Jan. 28, who asked for 3 weeks to write his copy, and today, crickets in the mist.

10 wannabee copywriters. None of whom, to my knowledge has reached a part time job income to date BECAUSE they can't find clients.

I had a similar experience.

A few years ago on the Offline forum I offered members to listen in as I made cold calls
using the exact same script that got Puma and some of the biggest brands in New Zealand as clients.

Some of the more experienced recommended lesser experienced one's take up the offer.

There were about ten who contacted me to listen in.

Not one showed up, even when I went out of my way to fit into their time schedule.

Go figure!

Best,
Ewen

Thanks
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gjabiz

9 years ago

Originally Posted by ewenmack

I had a similar experience.

A few years ago on the Offline forum I offered members to listen in as I made cold calls
using the exact same script that got Puma and some of the biggest brands in New Zealand as clients.

Some of the more experienced recommended lesser experienced one's take up the offer.

There were about ten who contacted me to listen in.

Not one showed up, even when I went out of my way to fit into their time schedule.

Go figure!

Best,
Ewen

Not a total cynic at this point, but, my mommy once told me...

after giving my popsicle to my older brother, who came back for my tootsie roll...

"No good deed goes unpunished".

OR, as Dan Kennedy might say, "Pay me first." And they do.

gjabiz

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thewritestyle 9 years ago

Hey gjabiz,

I am in complete agreement with the advice offered. There is no substitute for writing. Apart from practising one's craft, it creates a definiteness of purpose and a confidence in one's ability. It has been my experience that writing - a lot - makes it that much easier to be able to call yourself a writer.

Also, I appreciate the question you posed as to why I have not been able to figure out how to land a client yet. It's time for self-analysis, marketing and writing.

Thank you so much.
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SamNuku

9 years ago

hey bud,

wishing you the best of luck with this journey. here's my advice man:

i wouldn't put up 'sample pieces' i'd write actual pieces. More specifically in whatever area you feel you're strongest at.
then, go to different places like upwork freelancer etc & look for people looking for that style writer.
send them not only the completed article/write up but also do one for what they're actually requesting.

I know its not a full time gig. But its a start that could lead to anything. you never know.

Finally what i'd do is go to LinkIn & get involved in pages & groups. This is a professional network people go there to prospect work.

Get involved, give advice, provide value, & share your latest write ups there to show the quality of your work man.

To your success! Make it Happen. Coach Sam

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Sara20

9 years ago

Hello, it is very good that you want to develop your writing skills and knowledges! Copywriting it is very needed thing for all marketing, thanks for this, you can sell your product only to affecting in cosciousness! Also, I can recommend the best site, as Elance! It is the best way to find a good order for you and make a money of it!

Thanks

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Quality Copywriter

9 years ago

hey there.

I would say the first thing is to get a RESULT for someone.

maybe you have results already.

if not. go cheap. find bottom feeder clients who need your help. odesk is full of em.

don't work for free.

be a shameless whore (Carlton's words) for any work. then as you build your results you have something to sell to potential clients.

decide who you want to work with. decide what niche you want to work with.

then email those people and sell yourself to them.

all the other stuff is good too like social media etc. and you have a website which is a good start.

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For 12 ways to sell more stuff to more people today...go to...www.peterbrennan.net

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ArtisanCodesmith

Banned 9 years ago

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angiecolee

9 years ago

Originally Posted by ArtisanCodesmith

Create a profile and go on Freelancer - it's an amazing place to work!

For coding, maybe. For copywriting that's a solid do NOT recommend.

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RichBeck

9 years ago

Here's what I would do after you've registered on the "freelancing" websites....

Step #1 - Figure out which "evergreen" niche (weight loss, dieting, dating, etc.) interests you.
Step #2 - Find "high quality" PLR that has a sales page and an ebook on a topic in your "evergreen" niche.
Step #3 - Rewrite the sales page.
Step #4 - Edit the ebook.... to reflect your personal style.
Step #5 - Buy a "keyword rich" $1 domain.
Step #6 - Setup the product's website.
Step #7 - Add this to your portfolio on your Copywriting website and the "freelancing" sites.
Step #8 - Sell the product on JV Zoo.

Rinse.... and repeat.

This will help you establish yourself as a Professional Copywriter. As your portfolio improves, it will be easier to land Clients and eventually move from the "freelancing" sites to higher paying Clients.

I'd also run an ad here in the "Warriors For Hire" section and Craig's List.

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thewritestyle

9 years ago

Originally Posted by RichBeck

Here's what I would do after you've registered on the "freelancing" websites....

Step #1 - Figure out which "evergreen" niche (weight loss, dieting, dating, etc.) interests you.
Step #2 - Find "high quality" PLR that has a sales page and an ebook on a topic in your "evergreen" niche.
Step #3 - Rewrite the sales page.
Step #4 - Edit the ebook.... to reflect your personal style.
Step #5 - Buy a "keyword rich" $1 domain.
Step #6 - Setup the product's website.
Step #7 - Add this to your portfolio on your Copywriting website and the "freelancing" sites.
Step #8 - Sell the product on JV Zoo.

Rinse.... and repeat.

This will help you establish yourself as a Professional Copywriter. As your portfolio improves, it will be easier to land Clients and eventually move from the "freelancing" sites to higher paying Clients.

I'd also run an ad here in the "Warriors For Hire" section and Craig's List.

Hey RichBeck,

Thanks for the point-by-point account of what I should do. It makes a sense and I appreciate the practicality of your advice.

Will definitely give it a go...starting right now, actually.

Much appreciated.

Thanks
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Bailey Belmont

8 years ago

Originally Posted by thewritestyle

Hey RichBeck,

Thanks for the point-by-point account of what I should do. It makes a sense and I appreciate the practicality of your advice.

Will definitely give it a go...starting right now, actually.

Much appreciated.

Actuaally, you'd better go ultimate guide and start educate yourself

Thanks

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Joshua Loke

9 years ago

I differ from the other posters on this thread. Here's some generic advice that I followed that has allowed me to make $12,000 in my first 22 days:

(note- Unlike the rest of the pack, I sell high-priced copywriting services to mostly Local Businesses aka Small and Medium Businesses. Much fewer competition.)

1) Pick the 'right' niche

If you're intending to charge high prices for copywriting, (I charge about $9,997 per squeeze page) then picking the right niche is very important: generally, I angle for high margin service-based industries, no material costs, big-ticket products (easier to justify high prices) and ideally quickly scalable.

This means that F&B, retail, is out of the question. Ironically, that's also where most of the digital marketing agencies are competing in.

2) Don't sell copywriting, sell consulting- Dan Kennedy

The value add of copywriting services to most SMBs is extremely small. What most SMB owners want is for someone to solve their marketing problems (think of this as Jay Abraham/Dan Kennedy + copywriting) and NOT just copywriting. In fact, from what I've onserved from the top Copywriters like Gary, Dan, Clayton Makepeace etc... they act more as consultants than copywriters.

3) Sell LEADS and sales, and NOT copywriting

What SMB owners want are leads and sales... and NOT copywriting. Copywriting is a FEATURE, leads & sales is the desired outcome that SMBs want!

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thewritestyle 9 years ago

Hi Joshua,

First off, let me express the first thought that came to mind when I read your introductory paragraph: "WOW!"

But I am sure you get that response all the time, so let me skip on being sycophantic and go straight on to thank you for your advice. I have been in the process of narrowing down a niche, knowing that specialisation is key to garnering authority in the field of content/copywriting. At the moment, it is a toss up between Personal Development, Love and Relationships and "On writing". However, being decisive is difficult as I am partial to each of the above.

I do particularly like your advice on not restricting my services to copywriting, but to view the profession holistically i.e. consultancy as opposed to mere copywriting.

Again, though, the practically of getting started is the biggest hurdle, but I am pleased to announce that in the last week of actively seeking clients, I landed two well-paying projects. Moreover, the clients were more than happy with the finished product and that is all we can really ask for in this field: to know that we did justice to the client's needs and that we have earned our due in return.

Once again, thanks for the information. But thank you also for showing us that it can be done, if we are willing to put in the effort, develop our craft and think outside the box.

Best regards,
Lubaina
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- DKCopywriter 9 years ago
  
  Congrats on your succes TheWriteStyle! How exactly did you reach out and what did you say to your prospects to get them to agree to take you on?
  
  Thanks
  
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thewritestyle

9 years ago

Hi DKCopywriter,

One was a blog post on the psychology of ageing and the other was an article on the practicalities of relocating. In both instances, I simply replied to an advert, one on this site and the other on Problogger. In my response, I first took the time to speak about the topic. I wrote on what I thought the client was interested in...almost like a blog post in itself. Only after establishing my ability to write on the topic, did I offer my services and, thankfully, I was hired. It took a bit of time and a few revisions on my part, but it was well worth the effort.

I am sure that I will, over time, hone my application skills, but that was what worked thus far.

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DKCopywriter 9 years ago

Good job! However, it doesn't sound like you were hired for copywriting per say, but for content writing, which is different.
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- thewritestyle 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by DKCopywriter
  
  Good job! However, it doesn't sound like you were hired for copywriting per say, but for content writing, which is different.
  
  Oh, yes, sorry. I should have clarified. It was content as opposed to copywriting. Still working on the copy aspect, but holding thumbs nonetheless
  
  Thanks
  
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itsweb

9 years ago

Copywriting is way to start your writing career in the best way. You need to take care of your portfolio before landing before a client’s requirement.
You can take the help of social media by sharing your work on different social sites. Try to interact with the small businesses. To entice first client is very difficult and for that you need to put really quality content.
All the best

Thanks

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max5ty

9 years ago

Guess I think a little different about this. Don't remember how many posts I've done expressing this opinion...even gave step by step instructions.

Your site says you're a professional copywriter. That's nice. I'd wonder why you're out looking for clients and not selling your own product. The best way to get clients is to first prove you can do for yourself what you say you can do for others.

Are you just wanting to practice with other people's money?

I've used copywriters and I can't think of one of them that hasn't made themselves a fortune writing for themselves.

I understand writing for others is fascinating to some writers, but I'd suggest you hit a home run with your own thing first.