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Questions

by cwilson26
12 replies
Hi, I am new here. My name is Clarissa and I have some questions about breaking into Copywriting. For the last 5 years I have been an article writer for content. Just a few months ago I learned build my rank writing and have been doing that. Now I would like to get into Copywriting and would like to know how I could go about doing that. How do I go about getting my first copywriting job? Do I need to take a special course to get started on this? I have looked at jobs on Odesk but they don't pay very good and you need experience. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
#copywriting advice #questions
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Create your own product and then write the copy to sell it. That's what I did. Then when you have had some success actually selling something with your copy you can add your own letters to your portfolio.

    I wouldn't say you need a course just yet. Take a look at the sticky threads at the top of the copywriting forum page. There are tons of free resources to get you started.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
    Banned
    Originally Posted by cwilson26 View Post

    I have looked at jobs on Odesk but they don't pay very good and you need experience.
    Well of course you need experience. Some credibility behind you. A reason for people to trust you. Without any experience copywriting at all, how can you even think to charge someone else good money when you haven't got any direct experience in the field?

    You're going to find out very quickly indeed... copywriting is much more specialized than simply churning out content or articles.

    As Travlinguy stated, start off by first creating your own product and sell this before you think about trying to do something which you're not 'qualified' to do yet on behalf of other people.

    Every week someone comes on here thinking, copywriting must be the next logical step up the ladder from article writing. They post for a few days, a week or two maybe or in exceptional circumstances a few months and then inevitably disappear again when they realize all the work and research involved in this specialized craft.

    Why do you want to transition away from content writing to copywriting?


    Mark Andrews
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    • Profile picture of the author Tinkerbell
      Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post

      Well of course you need experience. Some credibility behind you. A reason for people to trust you. Without any experience copywriting at all, how can you even think to charge someone else good money when you haven't got any direct experience in the field?
      How much is enough experience, Mark? What equals credibility?

      By "direct experience in the field," I assume you mean writing to sell -- whether you're talking about selling a product, selling someone on signing up to a list, or selling them on clicking a link -- in short, persuasion.

      I ask because I've had experience selling my own product. From a sales letter some have told me is less than good, I've sold a couple thousand dollars of product.

      I have experience with using my writing to get a specific response. Did it work? Yes, it did. Every time I seriously tried it. I also have experience (24 years worth) using my words and persuasive efforts to elicit a specific response from others in a "live environment."

      Does this make me credible? Does this give others a reason to trust me? To pay me for the service of copywriting?

      I have a very low tolerance for "boring" but if you're looking for copy that says 'fun' and oozes personality in a simple, conversational style...that's me.

      This coming year, I'll make myself available to others as a copywriter for their products and/or services. But I would like to do it "right," if there is such a thing as a "right way" to do it.

      Already I've had someone say selling myself through my skill as a copywriter isn't the "right way" to go about introducing myself as a copywriter. Yet it was those skills which drew the attention of other copywriters to me as a potential writer for potential clients they could not service for one reason or another.

      Tell me, what's the best way (if there is no "right" or "correct" way) to do this?
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
        Clarissa,

        Now I don't want to put you off... (lol)

        But in the copywriting world - there are lots of opinions, personalities and arguments.

        I try and stay away from the argument bit.

        But to reassure you - no copywriter in the world ever started with any copywriting experience.

        You only get it by doing it.

        Steve
        Signature
        http://www.warriorforum.com/warriors...right-now.html
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  • Profile picture of the author cwilson26
    Thanks for all of the advice. I will look into creating my own product and try that. The reason I want to get into copywriting is because I heard it is better money. I also would like to try something new. Thanks again!
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
      Banned
      Originally Posted by cwilson26 View Post

      The reason I want to get into copywriting is because I heard it is better money.
      Somehow I just knew this would be your reply.

      Wrong answer but good luck with your quest.
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      • Profile picture of the author Pusateri
        Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post

        Somehow I just knew this would be your reply.

        Wrong answer but good luck with your quest.
        Why is that the wrong answer? Have there been any great copywriters who were not in it for the money?

        Hell, Shakespeare was in it for the money. Did that motivation blunt the development of his skill? Samuel Johnson said it best: "No man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money."
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        • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
          Hi Clarissa,

          I agree with travlinguy - at this time you don't want to spend fortunes on courses.

          Not until you're convinced that the wonderful world of copywriting is definitely for you.

          You could start by reading a few good copywriting books.

          There's a "sticky" on the forum with a huge list - "Top Copywriting Books ...Ever"

          One that's constantly recommended is "The Ultimate Sales Letter" by Dan Kennedy.

          It's a good read and gives clear workable ideas.

          And only cost a few dollars on amazon.


          Steve
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Pusateri View Post

          Why is that the wrong answer?
          Why? Did this poster express any interest in any facet of copywriting at all?

          Or the art of persuasion through the written word?

          An interest in consumer buying psychology?

          Or print ads?

          Or emotional triggers?

          Or anything in fact concerning an avid interest in any of the old masters of copywriting?

          No. Just... "I want more money."

          Seen it all before.

          Now... if this poster had replied with any other answer but just money for herself, I could perhaps show a little more patience. But these posters who say they wish to transition away from content writing to copywriting just for the money, believing falsely copywriting is going to be a very easy transition...

          ...both you and I know... this is about as far removed from the truth as it's possible to be.


          Mark Andrews
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  • Profile picture of the author focused
    Clarissa, besides the Dan Kennedy book "The Ultimate Sales Letter",
    which has been recommended already, you might also benefit from
    "Magic Words that Bring You Riches" by Ted Nicholas.
    Best of success to you in expanding your skill set and breaking into
    the copywriting biz.
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  • Profile picture of the author inkkognito
    I'm new here, but there's so much wisdom in all of those responses. I've got over two decades of magazine writing under my belt, plus a few years of content writing and a psych degree and counseling license, but I still consider myself a baby when it comes to copywriting. I'm currently experimenting with it to sell some Kindle books, which is one of the reasons I'm here. I don't know if I'd ever do it professionally or even if I'll ever be good at it. Clarissa, take the advice you got here and experiment with it yourself. If you get sales (and enjoy it), then maybe it's for you. If not, you avoid turning down a disastrous, time-wasting path.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
      Banned
      Hey up Clarissa...

      Check your inbox, I just sent you
      a message with the offer of a free
      gift from me to you with no strings
      attached.

      If you want it, I'll pay for it
      on your behalf.

      The link is in the private message.

      Best,


      Mark Andrews
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