Taking It To The Next Level

11 replies
I currently write sales letters for Warriors here on the Forum for less than $200... less than $150 even!

I've gained a lot of experience over the years, have worked with some truly awesome people, and learned a lot.

In fact, the biggest lesson I've learned is that I'm charging much less for my work than I should. I've been told by some experienced marketers that they have paid well over $1,000 for work inferior to mine.

I've been feeling like I've been selling myself short, and to be honest, I'm ready to make copywriting a full-time income. This is something I want to do for the rest of my life.

I want to step it up and go to the next level but I'm not sure how to start. I was hoping a high end copywriter could give me some advice either here on in PM.
#level #taking
  • If your existing clients are deliriously happy - you should be able to bump up your fees.

    Or have them pay your usual fee but add royalties or further payments on results.


    But if (and often they are) "conditioned" with low fees and won't agree to an increase...

    The good news is - if you have stacks of experience, an excellent portfolio of work with proven results - you can easily attract "new" higher paying clients.

    Do this with a website, email, networking and sending out sales letters, flyers or postcards to the clients you most want to work for.


    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
      You just need to believe in yourself and your copywriting abilities more.

      And charge higher fees from the start.

      If you don't believe you're worth more, how can you expect your prospects to believe that?
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      • Profile picture of the author CabTenson
        Originally Posted by ThomasOMalley View Post

        You just need to believe in yourself and your copywriting abilities more.

        And charge higher fees from the start.

        If you don't believe you're worth more, how can you expect your prospects to believe that?
        True. Keep in mind that business owners NEED copywriting. It earns them tons of money, so don't be afraid of selling your abilities.
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        • Profile picture of the author arfasaira
          Sounds like a confidence issue coupled with not having a clearly defined niche - pick a niche you want to work and try and stick to it!

          Also, start raising your fees and bumping them up after each client - and don't be afraid to tell clients you are raising your fees. Trust me when I say that if you have the right client who understands and values what you do, they will willingly pay what you ask because they know that their return on investment will be many-fold.

          I've had similar issues and my mentor really had to push me to get me to raise my fees - but it hasn't put people off working with me at all. I'm booked until May

          As they say, feel the fear and do it anyway!
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  • Profile picture of the author sethczerepak
    The secret to charging high fees is finding clients who are value focused instead of cost focused, which takes a new level of negotiation skills.

    How you find your clients also makes a big difference. When customers come to you, it's a lot easier to get paid what you're worth than if you're going after them. Finally, and this is just my personal preference, I no longer write for people on the Warrior forum.

    You might want to check out design firms and marketing firms, particularly ones who offer print services and do direct mail for clients. That's just the tip of the iceberg, I could go on but I already created a years worth of newsletters and a copywriting course on the subject.

    If you'd like to know more, check my signature.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Yes, we are talking about a sales process now.

    You are going to screen out a lot of your previous client types now. They simply aren't going to be able to afford you.

    This is going to scare you in the short term. That's understandable. Stick to your guns and find those prospects who value copywriting and your skill...they are out there. You may have to change the places and ways you're looking for work.

    I screen out a lot of prospects and work less than I could on copywriting. That's just fine with me. The clients I want:

    a) value copywriting skill and me--and pay me appropriately
    b) have an urgent need for what I offer
    c) treat me well
    d) work by my rules, not theirs
    e) refer me to other people just like them (birds of a feather flock together).

    Sometimes it can feel the tiniest bit scary because a client that fits the bill hasn't appeared for awhile. But then they come along. Well worth the wait.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Mcalorum
    I recently listened to a interview with craig garber...

    When asked "How do you start charging 10k a sales letter?"

    He replied "Its simple, just charge 10k a sales letter!"
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    • Profile picture of the author videolover7
      Originally Posted by David Mcalorum View Post

      I recently listened to a interview with craig garber...

      When asked "How do you start charging 10k a sales letter?"

      He replied "Its simple, just charge 10k a sales letter!"
      Now, the rest of the story.

      Craig Garber has a glowing testimonial from Gary Halbert which he has used repeatedly over the years to position himself.

      The OP needs to do more than "just charge 10K a sales letter". She needs to position herself first.

      VL
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
    Originally Posted by QualityCopywriting View Post

    I currently write sales letters for Warriors here on the Forum for less than $200... less than $150 even!
    So let me ask you:

    What's a lot of money to you?

    In your very own sales letter, you compare yourself to $300 dollar writers.

    Do you REALLY believe $300 is a lot of money?

    Being able to charge more means you have to change your own beliefs about money.

    Right now, your perception of what's a lot is set way too low.

    And your copy is appealing to bottom feeders...

    ...Not people who have high-end product (or REALLY BIG THINKERS) who understand that copywriting is an investment.

    Personally speaking...

    I focus on resonating my marketing with people who understand the value and potential in niche-solutions.

    I also attract a lot of clients who connect with my mindset rants from a blog that costs me ZERO dollars.

    I put out the "vibration" of abundance...

    ...And I'm ALWAYS compensated well by the clients I decide to take on.

    My point?

    You need to confront your limiting beliefs about money first.

    Then you change your marketing message to resonate with people who have big ideas, original solutions and an awareness about how to do business.

    You also need to establish yourself as an authority.

    What aspects of copywriting and marketing are you most passionate and excited about?

    Write about those ideas.

    Create a website that is your canvas to paint your unique perceptions on.

    FOCUS ON REVEALING YOUR UNIQUE ASSETS...

    ...And stop comparing yourself to other copywriters or try to compete with the low-end, scarcity thinking freelancers.

    A BIG-thinking copywriter can make people a lot of money.

    But if you allow your own limiting beliefs to get in the way of how much money you can make your clients, you'll never feel comfortable raising your rates.

    If you were already making your clients $100,000 on a $150 sales letter, you wouldn't have posted this thread.

    You'd already know your worth and be out there getting it!

    So there's you work.

    Discover your real worth.

    Stop entertaining your financial limiting beliefs and raise your bar for what's a lot!

    Mark Pescetti

    P.S. $1000 still isn't that much for a sales letter. Keep thinking bigger. The bigger you think, the bigger your clients will think...
    Signature

    Do you want a 9 figure copywriter and biz owner to Write With You? I'll work with you, on zoom, to help write your copy or client copy... while you learn from one of the few copywriters to legit hit 9 figures in gross sales! Discover More

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  • Profile picture of the author alfid
    Hi QualityCopyWriting,
    Interesting presentation.
    Could you show some sales letters examples with permission of your customers, please?
    Just a brief portfolio to check your writting level.
    I'm planning to launch a product, that's the reason.

    Kind Regards.
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