Advice For Start-Up Copywriter

by Snlde
19 replies
Dear Warriors,

I am an individual who has done some work for advertisements, articles, company profiles, etc. Recently however, I have decided to specialise in copywriting and drop the other projects. I would like to start offering my services but am unfamiliar with where I should post this.

I would very much like to respect the rules of this forum and being a new warrior, would prefer to start off without treading on anyone's toes. Some advice on where I can start offering my services in this forum would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

P.S.

I believe that my understanding of the various target audiences combined with my intermediate writing skills, will achieve decent results for jobs like sales letters. I will of course constantly be reading up on how to sharpen these skills.
#advice #copywriter #startup
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Schwenk
    Originally Posted by Snlde View Post

    Dear Warriors,

    I am an individual who has done some work for advertisements, articles, company profiles, etc. Recently however, I have decided to specialise in copywriting and drop the other projects. I would like to start offering my services but am unfamiliar with where I should post this.

    I would very much like to respect the rules of this forum and being a new warrior, would prefer to start off without treading on anyone's toes. Some advice on where I can start offering my services in this forum would be very much appreciated.

    Many thanks in advance.

    P.S.

    I believe that my understanding of the various target audiences combined with my intermediate writing skills, will achieve decent results for jobs like sales letters. I will of course constantly be reading up on how to sharpen these skills.
    You can start offering your services in the Warriors for Hire section of the forum. I can't remember for sure, but I believe there is a one-time fee. There may also be a prerequisite in regard to post count.

    I'm sure someone else can clarify.

    Regards,
    Mike
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  • Profile picture of the author dtendrich
    Originally Posted by Snlde View Post

    I am an individual who has done some work for advertisements, articles, company profiles, etc. Recently however, I have decided to specialise in copywriting and drop the other projects.
    Piece of advice #1:

    When dropping the other projects - don't drop the advertisements!

    David
    Signature
    Copywriting Tips, internet marketing jargon, thoughts, and rants by me.

    Atlanta Copywriter, serving clients worldwide.

    Write your life.
    David Tendrich
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  • Profile picture of the author martinglover
    Make sure you read and re-read your post when advertising your services. I've seen a couple of ads where the advert for the copy writing service has spelling mistakes and missing words. Not a good start...
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  • Profile picture of the author Snlde
    Thank Mike and Mike,

    dtendrich, the reason I should keep the advertisements is to beef up my portfolio?

    Martinglover, that's a darn good point. I keep telling myself to do that because considering the services I'm providing, typos and spelling errors pretty egregious errors.
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  • Hey snlde,

    First, I would add some vowels to your username. I can't figure out how to pronounce it.

    Second, I would post here and other places where people who hire copywriters hang out and demonstrate your in-depth expertise in a particular area of copywriting. Run some of your own tests and publish the results for others. When people see your expertise--even if it is in just one area of copywriting--they will be much more likely to hire you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Snlde
      Originally Posted by Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter View Post

      Hey snlde,

      First, I would add some vowels to your username. I can't figure out how to pronounce it.

      Second, I would post here and other places where people who hire copywriters hang out and demonstrate your in-depth expertise in a particular area of copywriting. Run some of your own tests and publish the results for others. When people see your expertise--even if it is in just one area of copywriting--they will be much more likely to hire you.
      Thanks for the information Kevin,

      Ha! Duly noted on including the vowel. It's just an old way I spell Snide in the past to stand out from the list of nicknames.

      Publishing the results of my tests? As in I provide my works for reviews then post the positive reviews?
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      • Profile picture of the author copyassassin
        Snlde-

        Write. Write. Write.

        And then write a little more.

        Offer your services in Warriors for Hire. Play around with price. There are takers for writers without experience if the price is right.

        Now, the projects will be crap, but if you need the experience, then hey, do it.

        The bottom line: write. Because...

        Remember the 10,000 hour rule?

        Of course you do. Get your hours in.

        If you're in need of building your portfolio (and getting those needed hours), consider:
        • Go to local town paper, look at the adverts, call a couple of them, offer to rewrite their ad, track results
        • Go to toastmaster, and tell them, "I'll get you more customers or the next round is one me".
        • Go to your local business school, join a student group in the entrepuernial area, offer some creatives

        Once you're ready, get a mentor (they might even throw some bones your way)

        And of course, have fun!

        The Copy Assassin

        p.s. Did I mention tracking your results? Nah, don't do that.
        Signature

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

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        • Profile picture of the author Snlde
          Originally Posted by copyassassin View Post

          Snlde-

          Write. Write. Write.

          And then write a little more.

          Offer your services in Warriors for Hire. Play around with price. There are takers for writers without experience if the price is right.

          Now, the projects will be crap, but if you need the experience, then hey, do it.

          The bottom line: write. Because...

          Remember the 10,000 hour rule?

          Of course you do. Get your hours in.

          If you're in need of building your portfolio (and getting those needed hours), consider:
          • Go to local town paper, look at the adverts, call a couple of them, offer to rewrite their ad, track results
          • Go to toastmaster, and tell them, "I'll get you more customers or the next round is one me".
          • Go to your local business school, join a student group in the entrepuernial area, offer some creatives

          Once you're ready, get a mentor (they might even throw some bones your way)

          And of course, have fun!

          The Copy Assassin

          p.s. Did I mention tracking your results? Nah, don't do that.
          Ah yes, the 10,000 hour rule. Also, I like the idea of approaching people who have already posted printed ads.

          Thanks copyassassin
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      • Originally Posted by Snlde View Post

        Thanks for the information Kevin,

        Ha! Duly noted on including the vowel. It's just an old way I spell Snide in the past to stand out from the list of nicknames.

        Publishing the results of my tests? As in I provide my works for reviews then post the positive reviews?
        I was just kidding about the vowels, your user name is fine.

        About the second part:

        Let's say you decided to be the email open rate guy--you want to position yourself as an expert on open rates. To get this done approach some people who have lists and ask if you can split test their original emails against some you create to see if you can increase their open rates, click-thrus and conversions.

        You offer to do it for free if you can publish the results.

        Once you have the data, you can write it up as a forum post, a blog post or syndicate it as an article.

        This will give you credibility in the market place.
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        • Profile picture of the author Snlde
          Originally Posted by Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter View Post

          I was just kidding about the vowels, your user name is fine.

          About the second part:

          Let's say you decided to be the email open rate guy--you want to position yourself as an expert on open rates. To get this done approach some people who have lists and ask if you can split test their original emails against some you create to see if you can increase their open rates, click-thrus and conversions.

          You offer to do it for free if you can publish the results.

          Once you have the data, you can write it up as a forum post, a blog post or syndicate it as an article.

          This will give you credibility in the market place.
          Thanks for the tip Kevin. Gaining credentials at the start will definitely smoothen my path to success.
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  • Profile picture of the author sacredhoops
    Where would you suggest to get a mentor at copyassassin?
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    • Profile picture of the author copyassassin
      Originally Posted by sacredhoops View Post

      Where would you suggest to get a mentor at copyassassin?
      sacredhoops-

      Depends on your field and what sub-niche you're looking for?

      Now, there are two approaches with mentors:
      1. Get a mentor that is a 2-3 notches above you
      2. Get an industry leader/authority to mentor you

      I'd suggest a combo, with the reason being this:

      A mentor that is developmentally 2-3 stages ahead of you will provide a lot more empathy and inspiration for your next baby step. You'll also be able to have more of a friendship, and in doing so, you'll be able to share your emotional feelings, etc.

      However, you'll also want a top dog in your corner. Kinda like a angel.

      Authorities tend to know the market, the players, and the big picture. They can also introduce you to the right people.

      So I'd get both.

      Now, I know you're smart. And you're probably thinking...

      "How do I do it".

      Well, consider this:

      To get a mentor 2-3 notches above you, first you need to know where you are at. As in, which results am I getting TODAY. Next, ask yourself where you'd like to be in 1 year. That's the mark. What EXACT results would you like to be getting in 1 year. Then email that person, and ask questions. And if they reply, then maybe it might be a match.

      To get an authority, you'll need a different approach. Without writing a huge post, here's the idea: The authority needs to see himself in you at an early stage of their development.

      PM me if you're interested more in this area. It just takes to long to write this stuff out.

      One more thing...

      A mentor is different than a coach. A mentor wants to help you; a coach wants to help you AND charge for it. Huge Difference.

      You'll never fire a mentor.

      Food for thought at least.

      The Copy Assassin

      P.S. Love your handle. Very phil jackson. GO LAKERS!!!
      Signature

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

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  • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
    Originally Posted by Snlde View Post

    Dear Warriors,

    Some advice on where I can start offering my services in this forum would be very much appreciated.
    Here's something you probably DON'T want to do...offer to write for FREE, then when someone takes you up on your offer, you don't follow through or finish the project.

    With that being said, if you think you can write a letter that a c t u a l l y sells something,
    I think you'll find plenty of Warriors who will give you a chance to prove it.

    As a matter of fact, to "put my money where my mouth is", I have a new invite for Copy Cubs...I have several products being updated for a new web site...I'll make you or anyone else the same offer (those who are looking to get established)...

    I'll send you the old product, you write copy, you will be ONLY affiliate, you get 50% of any sales your copy makes? Fair? It seems so to me, but, if you decide to DO IT, then you'll need to finish your work. OK?

    But, if you don't want to find out if your writing can sell, and you only want someone to PAY you to do copy, then the Warriors for Hire (as has been stated) is probably your best bet and this forum also.

    Why not write for an eBay product or Craigslist item you have laying around the house?

    Write to sell something. Right from the start. It's the best and fastest way to learn.

    gjabiz
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    • Profile picture of the author Tammi Kibler
      Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post

      I'll send you the old product, you write copy, you will be ONLY affiliate, you get 50% of any sales your copy makes? Fair? It seems so to me, but, if you decide to DO IT, then you'll need to finish your work. OK?

      gjabiz
      Do I understand correctly, you will provide the site and the traffic and I have to write the copy?
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      • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
        Originally Posted by Tammi Kibler View Post

        Do I understand correctly, you will provide the site and the traffic and I have to write the copy?
        Tammi,

        Good question. Here's what has happened so far.

        I have several products that are being updated. These have already been sold in relatively small numbers. NOW, with my new web site, I want to expand on these.

        But, some of the "cubs" and I use that word only to designate the "more than newbie", would prefer some guidance on their own projects, and I can do that within certain time restrictions.

        My "forte" is to draw out the good ideas from others and the better copy too.

        What I'll do is let you pick one of the products, write a total online campaign and we'll set up a split test A/B on traffic and IF anyone buys from your copy, I'll give you half. You won't get rich, because, I have very low cost products to small lists. I expect to sell only 3 to 5,000 copies of any given product at between 14.95 and 24.95 It has worked well for me.

        As for my background, if you have time, you can learn alot from reading the sig file link on turning 60 bux into 2000 in 60 days, I think, you'll find some interesting background.

        So, yes, I have the web sites, all I'm interested in is helping you write copy that actually sells something.

        Gordon Jay Alexander gjabiz@yahoo.com

        PS. I prefer email because I don't always log in when skimming the WF.
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    • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
      Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post

      I'll send you the old product, you write copy, you will be ONLY affiliate, you get 50% of any sales your copy makes? Fair? It seems so to me, but, if you decide to DO IT, then you'll need to finish your work. OK?

      gjabiz
      I have no affiliation with Gordon but I thought I'd weigh in before someone slams him, especially if they do not know who he is.

      I rarely recommend deals like this one but you could do far worse than working with Gordon Jay Alexander, as he has one of the deepest knowledge base I've come across for direct response marketing and copywriting.

      His posts on Warrior Forum, the Copywriting Board and even the since defunct Michel Fortin's copywriters board have been extremely helpful to many.

      Over the last 30 years (maybe longer) Gordon's "rubbed shoulders" with a number of high-level marketers including Ben Suarez, so if any new(er) copywriters decided to work with Gordon, it could be very beneficial to developing your professional bag of tricks.

      My 3 cents,

      Mike
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      • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
        Originally Posted by MikeHumphreys View Post

        I have no affiliation with Gordon but I thought I'd weigh in before someone slams him, especially if they do not know who he is.

        I rarely recommend deals like this one but you could do far worse than working with Gordon Jay Alexander, as he has one of the deepest knowledge base I've come across for direct response marketing and copywriting.

        His posts on Warrior Forum, the Copywriting Board and even the since defunct Michel Fortin's copywriters board have been extremely helpful to many.

        Over the last 30 years (maybe longer) Gordon's "rubbed shoulders" with a number of high-level marketers including Ben Suarez, so if any new(er) copywriters decided to work with Gordon, it could be very beneficial to developing your professional bag of tricks.

        My 3 cents,

        Mike
        I'll second that.

        Heck, I'm not exactly a newbie, but if I wasn't working now I'd take him up on his offer.
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    • Profile picture of the author Snlde
      Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post

      Here's something you probably DON'T want to do...offer to write for FREE, then when someone takes you up on your offer, you don't follow through or finish the project.

      With that being said, if you think you can write a letter that a c t u a l l y sells something,
      I think you'll find plenty of Warriors who will give you a chance to prove it.

      As a matter of fact, to "put my money where my mouth is", I have a new invite for Copy Cubs...I have several products being updated for a new web site...I'll make you or anyone else the same offer (those who are looking to get established)...

      I'll send you the old product, you write copy, you will be ONLY affiliate, you get 50% of any sales your copy makes? Fair? It seems so to me, but, if you decide to DO IT, then you'll need to finish your work. OK?

      But, if you don't want to find out if your writing can sell, and you only want someone to PAY you to do copy, then the Warriors for Hire (as has been stated) is probably your best bet and this forum also.

      Why not write for an eBay product or Craigslist item you have laying around the house?

      Write to sell something. Right from the start. It's the best and fastest way to learn.

      gjabiz
      Hey gjabiz,

      We're definitely on the same page about fulfilling promises. It's something I always make sure I do because I wouldn't want to be on the other end of a broken promise.

      With regards to the project for copy cubs, I would love to have such an opportunity. I'm not sure if I can PM you yet with my stats but I'll try after this post.

      Thanks
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