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Getting Started In Copywriting...When You Have Nothing To Start With...

by max5ty
22 replies
So many times I read posts from Warriors who have no experience in copywriting but want to get started in it...

I'll give you a tip on how to do it...with no resume...no portfolio and no experience with any big name.

I'll assume you've already studied copywriting in great detail...read all the books mentioned in the stickys at the top and you're yearning to get started. Here's what you do that will GUARANTEE you a fast tract to the big money.

1. Take an ad you see in your local publication that sucks....rewrite it...take it to them. Ask them if they would try it...tell them you will take a percentage of the responses that come in from the direct response medium that you've included.

Since you're good...the ad does good...you've started to build a portfolio.

It's simple...just do it.

Thought I'd keep this post short and sweet.

I started my career doing this...
#copywritingwhen #start #started
  • Profile picture of the author The One Eyed Man
    Exactly!

    I'm a young copywriter and this is how I got my first few clients. After that I went looking for Clickbank weaklings. Find a product that: (1) you're a solid prospect for; and (2) that has a sales page that doesn't sell you at all. Buy the product, study it, and re-write the sales page.

    It's great practice and the product cost . . . is an investment in your copywriting experience. And if your page converts better - you'll make your "bones" and you'll be off to the races.

    Also - this is my first post here - long time lurker. Great to finally post.
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    • Profile picture of the author jnoella
      Originally Posted by The One Eyed Man View Post

      Exactly!

      I'm a young copywriter and this is how I got my first few clients. After that I went looking for Clickbank weaklings. Find a product that: (1) you're a solid prospect for; and (2) that has a sales page that doesn't sell you at all. Buy the product, study it, and re-write the sales page.

      It's great practice and the product cost . . . is an investment in your copywriting experience. And if your page converts better - you'll make your "bones" and you'll be off to the races.

      Also - this is my first post here - long time lurker. Great to finally post.
      Hi,
      I like your idea but I'm not sure how this would work. When I rewrite the sales letter for the product, would I have to create a web page to post it on?
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      • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
        Originally Posted by jnoella View Post

        Hi,
        I like your idea but I'm not sure how this would work. When I rewrite the sales letter for the product, would I have to create a web page to post it on?
        Yes, you would.

        But don't waste your time... that train has left the station.

        Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author GtGatsby
    1. Build a portfolio of your work and send it to design agencies. That's how I started. Typically, designers just want to design but many of their clients expect them to provide the copy, too. Let the agency know that your skills could help them make more money as an additional service they can offer their clients.

    2. Build a personal blog. Once a week, deconstruct and improve a piece of copy. Show people what you can do.

    3. Emphasise the psychology behind great copy. It's not just pretty words strung together (which, in fact, often makes the worst copy). Show people the skill involved. One of the biggest frustrations about being a copywriter is that everyone assumes it's easy (most people can write, after all).

    4. Promote yourself on Twitter.

    I found these techniques successful. Ironically, I never wanted to be a copywriter but by doing the above, I was turning away work until I finally decided to quit and pursue something I was more passionate about.

    Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author BudaBrit
    Cheers, that's good advice

    My problem is that I do not know how good I actually am at copy. I studied it for one semester - one module - so learnt a little bit, but I have not read any books on copywriting, and I have not really attempted it before I now want to offer it as a service.

    I think I understand how to build the copy, but I do not know for sure, as I do not know the background to it, it's just little bits I remember and my own personal opinion of what works.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marc Rodill
      Originally Posted by BudaBrit View Post

      Cheers, that's good advice

      My problem is that I do not know how good I actually am at copy. I studied it for one semester - one module - so learnt a little bit, but I have not read any books on copywriting, and I have not really attempted it before I now want to offer it as a service.

      I think I understand how to build the copy, but I do not know for sure, as I do not know the background to it, it's just little bits I remember and my own personal opinion of what works.
      Hell, using this model, that's not actually a problem. You'll find out soon enough how good you are or not. As soon as they use what you give them.

      Think about this: What if what you give them does better... than what they got? Bingo. You're in. That's all it takes.

      I like this thread. But not turtles.

      Marc
      Signature
      Long Lost Warriors! The Secret Sales System! Act Now! Buy Now! Right Now!
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  • Profile picture of the author BudaBrit
    Cheers Marc.

    Reading back, that post sounded very unimpressive! I know I can sell - I managed 60% more than my peer group when I worked in B2B - it's just translating this into something that works. But you will get to see some of my copy soon enough, maybe I'll ask for some opinions: everyone loves a little ego stroking
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  • Profile picture of the author erin.banister
    This is how I started in web copywriting as well -- by finding websites that didn't have compelling copy and offering up some solid copy. Works like a charm!

    Erin
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  • Profile picture of the author NEWATT
    Hey, liked your post, but I didn't see what books you mentioned "in the stickys at the top." What would those be? I have a BA in English but have not had courses or experience in copywriting ( I did buy Copywriting for Dummies though). Any advice on material would be appreciated HUGELY, as I hate my current job and need to get out doing something that looks much more interesting and more lucrative.
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  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    You mean those books in the link at the top that says "Top Copywriting Books Ever"?
    Signature

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

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

      You mean these books in the link at the top that says "Top Copywriting Books Ever"?
      The force is strong in this one.
      Signature

      Do You Want To Make 5 and 6-Figures A Month As A Freelance Copywriter? My Copywriting System Has Made Over 600 Million Dollars. Discover More

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    • Profile picture of the author NEWATT
      Originally Posted by angiecolee View Post

      You mean those books in the link at the top that says "Top Copywriting Books Ever"?
      Ouch! I got zinged! Sorry, but nowhere at the top of what I see says anything like that; there is no link on my screen for Top copywriting books ever. Anyway, just got back from being abroad. Sorry for the long lapse to respond.
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    • Profile picture of the author JamesDLayton
      I feel smart today.

      Just today mind.

      James
      Signature
      "We are what we think about
      all day long." - Earl Nightingale
      One of the easiest transformations I ever undertook as a copywriter was reading that quote every day.
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  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee


    Hope this helps.
    Signature

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

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  • Profile picture of the author OUTFOXED
    Excellent post!
    Now even the newbies don't have any excuses not to get out there and do it!

    I love this place...people helping each other.
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    • Profile picture of the author StarkContrast
      At the risk of asking a really dumb question, here goes.

      Much of the material I've been reading here is geared toward the long form Clickbank/WSO/Direct Marketing Sales Letter. 3 to 12 pages. Hook, testimonies, proof, features/benefits, and on and on and on.

      What Max has written about is local publication ads. 1/4 page, 1/8 page, 2x2, 1x1, whatever.

      But, where does all of the above fit into a small print ad? I'm not trying to make excuses (outfoxed), but I'm not seeing the connection. It's one thing to write a kazillion word sales letter for a great WSO, but how to translate to the smaller, condensed page is what's eluding me. Different medium with different audiences. What am I missing here?

      Thanks.
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      • Profile picture of the author Tim R
        Originally Posted by StarkContrast View Post

        What am I missing here?
        Have you read the books in the stickies section that Angie highlighted above?

        If you read the classics you'll get an education in sales psychology and direct marketing principles that can be applied to any medium.

        There's a ton of information out there, you just gotta look for it.
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        • Profile picture of the author StarkContrast
          Yes, I'm wading through the sticky posts now.
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  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    Persuasive writing is persuasive writing is persuasive writing.

    The same basic techniques apply to all of these media. You just have to pick the most impactful ones when faced with space constraints.

    And don't be fooled. Short writing can be a lot ******* harder than long form.
    Signature

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

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  • Profile picture of the author ryanmilligan
    Banned
    Originally Posted by max5ty View Post

    So many times I read posts from Warriors who have no experience in copywriting but want to get started in it...

    I'll give you a tip on how to do it...with no resume...no portfolio and no experience with any big name.

    I'll assume you've already studied copywriting in great detail...read all the books mentioned in the stickys at the top and you're yearning to get started. Here's what you do that will GUARANTEE you a fast tract to the big money.

    1. Take an ad you see in your local publication that sucks....rewrite it...take it to them. Ask them if they would try it...tell them you will take a percentage of the responses that come in from the direct response medium that you've included.

    Since you're good...the ad does good...you've started to build a portfolio.

    It's simple...just do it.

    Thought I'd keep this post short and sweet.

    I started my career doing this...
    That's how I got started, granted it was a WSO I bought which was a really good product but had terrible copy. After that the same guy hired me to write a 20 email auto responder sequence for him.
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    • Profile picture of the author cmthompson22
      I have heard of some people doing this. I actually did a variation of this on some of the jobs I went to while I was in college. I would go through the newspaper's classifieds and advertisements and then make changes to help them look better. I thought it helped me to stand out. As most people know, it is hard to make a good newspaper advertisement since you are dealing with such a small space, poor paper quality, and some bad ink. I tried to keep it within the same space, but did have to change the paper so that did help. I think this is a great thing to do even if you have a portfolio because it helps you to stand out and is some real life experience. I would suggest anyone, whether a copywriter or some other kind of business try to use this tactic.
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