What problems do you face as a copywriter?

9 years ago

Really, the only problems are dealing with clients.

Everything else, if you're a professional, is just part of your job. What you're supposed to be good at.

But, clients on the other hand....sigh....

[ 4 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Free eBook =>
The Secret To Success In Any Business
Yes, Any Business!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11088647].message }}

sethczerepak

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Enfusia

Really, the only problems are dealing with clients.

Everything else, if you're a professional, is just part of your job. What you're supposed to be good at.

But, clients on the other hand....sigh....

Awesome. And true. The client's stubbornness is their biggest obstacle to their success in hiring you.

It amuses me to see wet behind the ears copywriters who are just getting into this pretend they can change this. Hell, I predict we'll see some such "How to Win Friends and Influence People," dreamers on this thread. That's why those of us who have been doing this long enough become our own clients.

Hint, hint newbies.

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

See My Copywriting Portfolio and Testimonials

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11144064].message }}

jessegilbert

Banned 9 years ago

I suppose it comes down to setting expectations

[ 1 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11088813].message }}

NJeffu Mwaura

9 years ago

Clients who go "AWOL" on me after I deliver 2 or 3 top-notch content..then they order for more having not settled the previous. Haloo...

[ 2 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11089002].message }}

Princess Balestra 9 years ago

2 things I do not love so much -- massively.

a) I bite myself offa my own face on convulsively incendiary frickin' hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooobris -- an' BOMB.

2) Mission Creep passive voices the **** outta my volatilica -- an' shit I never dreameda dumbs down hard a la unwanted insert up my eventyoool copy assh*le.

Paddle. Waddle. Straddle. Gad.

Get offa the chumps & onto the GLAD.
- [ 1 ] Thanks
Signature

Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11089139].message }}

jessegilbert

Banned 9 years ago

I see.

Other than issues dealing with clients...(which is a problem some copywriters wish they had)

What challenges are there in terms of the actual researching and writing process?

This goes for people writing copy for their own products too...

P.S. Balestra...Can you explain "Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff together."

It sounds fun but not sure if I got the meaning. is it missing the word 'up'?

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11089376].message }}

Marcus W K Wong

9 years ago

re: 'formatting copy with HTML because I'm not a designer'

Most email marketing services will have an email builder built in - whereby you can export the HTML code from, even from a free account.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11089796].message }}

SARubin

9 years ago

Well Jesse,

My answer might not help you if this thread if for some type of market research, for an upcoming book you're writing.

But you did ask the question, so here's my answer (although, I never liked the word "problem," because in my life I don't have any "problems"... I only have challenges that need to be conquered)

Anyway...

I've been doing this for a lot of years. And one thing I (and some other copywriters I know) still have to look out for is "falling in love with our own words."

Of course, when I sit down to write a sales piece I'm fully aware that I'll need to go back and edit the piece, to cut out all the useless fat.

And consciously I understand I'm writing copy to sell something to OTHER people, and me loving what I wrote doesn't matter (All that matters is if the market loves it)

But sometimes I'll write a piece that I think is great. It has a bunch of powerful words, and the structure of the piece looks like a winner. I may even give myself a "pat on the back" because of how brilliant I am.

But if it doesn't convert, then I have to decide what to rearrange... what words to replace... and what sentences to cut out altogether.

If I cut one line, will the next line even make sense anymore? Or do I need to cut that line out also? And I love that next line... it's perfect! (or is it?)

Also, there's the possibility that the whole piece needs to be scrapped, and started over from scratch?

But if it can be saved, which of my children do I kill off so the others can live, and flourish? (OK... that might be just a touch melodramatic)

Anyway, to make a short story just a little longer... falling in love with my own words is one challenge I sometimes face, when it comes to writing sales copy.

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Grow Your Copywriting Skills & Network with Other Copywriting Professionals - Join us at the Copywriters Forum

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11090528].message }}

jessegilbert

Banned 9 years ago

Originally Posted by SARubin

Well Jesse,

My answer might not help you if this thread if for some type of market research, for an upcoming book you're writing.

But you did ask the question, so here's my answer (although, I never liked the word "problem," because in my life I don't have any "problems"... I only have challenges that need to be conquered)

Anyway...

I've been doing this for a lot of years. And one thing I (and some other copywriters I know) still have to look out for is "falling in love with our own words."

Of course, when I sit down to write a sales piece I'm fully aware that I'll need to go back and edit the piece, to cut out all the useless fat.

And consciously I understand I'm writing copy to sell something to OTHER people, and me loving what I wrote doesn't matter (All that matters is if the market loves it)

But sometimes I'll write a piece that I think is great. It has a bunch of powerful words, and the structure of the piece looks like a winner. I may even give myself a "pat on the back" because of how brilliant I am.

But if it doesn't convert, then I have to decide what to rearrange... what words to replace... and what sentences to cut out altogether.

If I cut one line, will the next line even make sense anymore? Or do I need to cut that line out also? And I love that next line... it's perfect! (or is it?)

Also, there's the possibility that the whole piece needs to be scrapped, and started over from scratch?

But if it can be saved, which of my children do I kill off so the others can live, and flourish? (OK... that might be just a touch melodramatic)

Anyway, to make a short story just a little longer... falling in love with my own words is one challenge I sometimes face, when it comes to writing sales copy.

I don't know if truer words have been spoken.

Sometimes I write something and find myself rereading what I've written and falling in love with my work - only to realize again and again it is shit for CR.

My first client letter was written up as Genius on a very famous copywriter's site but maybe it was a curse because my ego got big from it.

Your post actually does help for research.

You gave me an idea. Instead of a shark tank, I will make a copywriter's pirannha tank - We're copy gets ripped to shreds and abused. A fat cow enters, a trimmed down lander emerges - cut the copy to the bone and leave a scrap of it left after 5 or 6 copywriter's chew them up.

The app itself allows for multi-person collaboration on mobile phones so that might help trim down some of the backpatting with ruthless feedback from more than one business partner or copywriting braintrust member.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11091018].message }}

TrickyDick

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jessegilbert

I don't know if truer words have been spoken.

Sometimes I write something and find myself rereading what I've written and falling in love with my work - only to realize again and again it is shit for CR.

My first client letter was written up as Genius on a very famous copywriter's site but maybe it was a curse because my ego got big from it.

Your post actually does help for research.

You gave me an idea. Instead of a shark tank, I will make a copywriter's pirannha tank - We're copy gets ripped to shreds and abused. A fat cow enters, a trimmed down lander emerges - cut the copy to the bone and leave a scrap of it left after 5 or 6 copywriter's chew them up.

The app itself allows for multi-person collaboration on mobile phones so that might help trim down some of the backpatting with ruthless feedback from more than one business partner or copywriting braintrust member.

Unfortunately, you're solving a problem that has been solved.... right here... in Warrior Forum's Copywriting Forum you're posting in.... and in dozens of Facebook groups.

Also, your idea is fatally flawed....

We're copy gets ripped to shreds and abused. A fat cow enters, a trimmed down lander emerges - cut the copy to the bone and leave a scrap of it left after 5 or 6 copywriter's chew them up.

Having a bunch of people provide disjointed and critical feedback is useless and counterproductive. People will be running away from your service or deleting your app in droves. What you need is Copywriters who provide specific ways to improve the piece... in a constructive manner.

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11129604].message }}

angiecolee

9 years ago

Originally Posted by TrickyDick

Unfortunately, you're solving a problem that has been solved.... right here... in Warrior Forum's Copywriting Forum you're posting in.... and in dozens of Facebook groups.

Also, your idea is fatally flawed....

Having a bunch of people provide disjointed and critical feedback is useless and counterproductive. People will be running away from your service or deleting your app in droves. What you need is Copywriters who provide specific ways to improve the piece... in a constructive manner.

That was my thought here.

First - leading questions. OP, it's clear to me you already have an answer in mind and you're hoping someone will pipe up with it. But if you're doing true market research and trying to find a problem you can solve, you're asking open-ended questions and paying attention to the market, even if they're saying something you don't want to hear.

Second - putting all your time, effort, talent, and money into solving a problem the market didn't ask you to solve. It's about the same as falling in love with your own words. You can fall in love with your own product too, and wind up disillusioned and angry when the market tells you they don't want it.

I have a whole host of challenges as a solopreneur. Critiques and finding other words are not problems I need solved.

Billing. Tracking. Project management. Client management. Scheduling. Documentation. Research. Planning.

The things you ask about Jesse are simply things most copywriters do not actually need.

Pay attention to what they say. Make something they need.

Stop trying to cram your invention into an ill-fitting box and convincing people they need it.

[ 4 ] Thanks

Signature

Aspiring copywriters: if you need 1:1 advice from an experienced copy chief, head over to my Phone a Friend page.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11136903].message }}

Beehelp

9 years ago

Devoting time to the marketing activities!!! I'm a freelance copywriter. While you may prefer to spend all of your days doing nothing but writing, the truth is you won't survive in this field if you don't know how to sell your services.

[ 1 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11094259].message }}

Rosalind Writes

9 years ago

Clients don't understand that I can't make up the content for their website or sales letter. I need content from them first which I can turn into effective copy for them -- but only based on their outline, bullet points, answers to my questions -- first!

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11102733].message }}

Diana S

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Rosalind Writes

Clients don't understand that I can't make up the content for their website or sales letter. I need content from them first which I can turn into effective copy for them -- but only based on their outline, bullet points, answers to my questions -- first!

Exactly! While a copywriter can typically research and provide general information about a product/service, filling up the entire page in this fashion will sound insincere and too generic. You need the client to at least explain the "feel" of their business - unless this is outlined on their website.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11111409].message }}

Darlene Florrie 9 years ago

Yeah, to feel the vibes is really important!
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11112863].message }}

Daniel+

9 years ago

For example some projects gets delayed / Clients does not pay / You finish all your projects and after that discover you have N0 Leads !

[ 1 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11103819].message }}

notregu

9 years ago

As a copywriter, you are getting people to buy something. Put more correctly, you are trying to convince them to buy what they wouldnt normally. You need the best of persuasion and being able to hit the point with as few words as possible!

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11106303].message }}

copybyraffy

9 years ago

I'd have to agree. Clients are my main problem. Some of them are unpredictable af. But don't get me wrong, most of my clients are professional and generous.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11111904].message }}

copybyraffy

9 years ago

I'd have to agree with clients. Some are unpredictable, really.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11111909].message }}

Darlene Florrie

9 years ago

When writing an article on a new topic research may take much time and you can't neglect this step as you should prepare information that will be valued by your readers. As for clients, I had experience with different "types" of them, both tough and nice. What is great about tough clients is that you really learn from each case becoming wiser

The more challenges you face, the more experienced you become.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11112882].message }}

technicky

9 years ago

there's not much of a problem . The problems that I always encounter are just dealing with clients that is hard to communicate with.

Thanks

Signature

http://www.supremesupportservice.com/

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11129417].message }}

sunnybunny

9 years ago

To my mind the most difficult thing sometimes could be the subject of the article. For instance, sometimes I have to write on topics, which I am completely unaware. In this case, I need to do an investigation first and only then start writing. And it can take much time to create a good piece.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11130775].message }}

Marketing4life

9 years ago

Clients are the biggest issue for me as well. Most of them are awesome, but you sometimes get the problematic ones, or even those that just outright rob you of your work.

Thanks

Signature

Ultimate Secrets Revealed Using Legitimate and Proven Ways to Make Money Online!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11133889].message }}

technicky

9 years ago

there's no such main problems in copy writing only the clients that are hard to communicate with are the problems that I always encounter.

Thanks

Signature

http://www.supremesupportservice.com/

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11136385].message }}

alrenpages

9 years ago

As for me, the problem is correct grammar and spelling. Writing in English is our second language... so I need something to correct my writing. I used Grammarly online program proofreader... I don't know if there is another online proofreader that is free... Grammarly is limited if you are not a premium member.

Thanks

Signature

My Book which is sold and listed in the Best Seller Books on Amazon The POWER of 5 To Make You RICH | Making 5K into 20M + in 10 Years.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11143486].message }}

Eesha

9 years ago

various of copy write issue we were face in copy writting

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11143583].message }}

What problems do you face as a copywriter?

Trending Topics

Is sleep overrated ??

How to make affiliates sell my product??

;) Why Mystify Intelligence? It's Not Magic. It's Mechanics. :D

Do backlinks from old pages lose value if the page is never updated?

Agency level tools?