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Stepping Outside of the Box

by rjweaver10
10 replies
I am at a point in my copywriting and writing career that I want to step out of the box. You do not have to giveaway your secrets, but I was wondering what the craziest thing you have done to get clients?

I feel as though there is so much competition in this market that we REALLY have to stick out in order to get noticed.
#box #stepping
  • Profile picture of the author twersk
    I sent a client a big birthday cake once and out popped a stripper! I also enclosed a sheet of paper with spaces for him to fill out referrals...
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  • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
    Originally Posted by rjweaver10 View Post

    I am at a point in my copywriting and writing career that I want to step out of the box. You do not have to giveaway your secrets, but I was wondering what the craziest thing you have done to get clients?

    I feel as though there is so much competition in this market that we REALLY have to stick out in order to get noticed.
    You definitely want to be proactive to attract copywriting clients.

    However, avoid the approach that you desperately need clients...potential clients sense this and will run the other way.

    Cultivate an attitude of expecting great clients to work with etc.

    I like Mark Pescetti's approach on this subject.

    Plus, I highly recommend you review The Wealthy Freelancer.

    Best of luck with your business.

    Thomas O'Malley
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  • Profile picture of the author Ross Bowring
    Jess...

    Forget "crazy"... the most sensible thing I ever did was take the time to create a sales page that sold my services well... and write a report that positioned me as an expert deserving of higher-end compensation.

    Your site literally screams, "Will work for $16/hour."

    But what if you studied how other copywriters position themselves so they can regularly earn $16/minute.

    It usually starts with a dedicated website that sells their services fully... overcoming typical objections and showcasing their power with words.

    And it often involves penning a PDF report (or three) that positions you as a "thought leader" in your field.

    --- Ross
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    • Profile picture of the author rjweaver10
      Thanks for the tips and honest approach

      Originally Posted by Ross Bowring View Post

      Jess...

      Forget "crazy"... the most sensible thing I ever did was take the time to create a sales page that sold my services well... and write a report that positioned me as an expert deserving of higher-end compensation.

      Your site literally screams, "Will work for $16/hour."

      But what if you studied how other copywriters position themselves so they can regularly earn $16/minute.

      It usually starts with a dedicated website that sells their services fully... overcoming typical objections and showcasing their power with words.

      And it often involves penning a PDF report (or three) that positions you as a "thought leader" in your field.

      --- Ross
      Signature

      Experienced writer, copywriter, and blogger. Hire me!
      {Your Blog on Auto Pilot 4 Blogs (1 per week) for $80 a month!}

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    • Profile picture of the author rjweaver10
      Thanks Ross for the tips.


      Originally Posted by Ross Bowring View Post

      Jess...

      Forget "crazy"... the most sensible thing I ever did was take the time to create a sales page that sold my services well... and write a report that positioned me as an expert deserving of higher-end compensation.

      Your site literally screams, "Will work for $16/hour."

      But what if you studied how other copywriters position themselves so they can regularly earn $16/minute.

      It usually starts with a dedicated website that sells their services fully... overcoming typical objections and showcasing their power with words.

      And it often involves penning a PDF report (or three) that positions you as a "thought leader" in your field.

      --- Ross
      Signature

      Experienced writer, copywriter, and blogger. Hire me!
      {Your Blog on Auto Pilot 4 Blogs (1 per week) for $80 a month!}

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  • Profile picture of the author jakebvs85
    Hi, I'm also working it out I mean try to write a good article and get noticed by big clients. I just comment cause' I feel the same way like you right now.
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  • Profile picture of the author shawnlebrun
    hey Jess,

    I'm with Ross on this one... on every level he mentioned.

    one, you don't need crazy... you need what works. and what works is to get samples and letters out there... circulating and getting results, so you can then present that as proof to future prospects.

    also, set up your self-promo better, so that it's a sales letter itself... selling yourself on why someone should hire you.

    people DO judge books by their covers... and right now, your cover doesn't really offer much benefit.

    your prospects will be thinking "why should i hire Jess" so you need to have a persuasive self promo letter, based on good principles of salesmanship, that answers that question your prospects will have.

    Also, i'd ditch the odesk graphic. the minute someone lands on your site and sees that your average rate is $16 an hour, 2 things will happen...

    1. you'll attract those who will pay you $16 an hour, and you'll pigeonhole yourself to jobs that pay that

    2. your perceived value will be so low, because of that pricing, that most business owners will just click away.

    bottom line, show prospects how you can help them get more business and increase their sales and profits... and then back it up with proof, and you'll attract all the clients you need.
    Signature
    MILLION Dollar Copywriter Offering Written Sales Letter or VSL Script Worth $5,000 - Just $500!
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    • Profile picture of the author rjweaver10
      Thanks for the tips. On oDesk I am not just a copywriter, but an admin assistant and social media expert, so obviously that would not apply to my writing.

      I agree that a good sales letter would work. For me, what I have is working at the moment because I am attracting the clients I want to attract. If that makes any sense. I was just curious if other people have used other marketing approaches besides the typical websites/sales letter.
      Signature

      Experienced writer, copywriter, and blogger. Hire me!
      {Your Blog on Auto Pilot 4 Blogs (1 per week) for $80 a month!}

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    • Profile picture of the author rjweaver10
      Thanks for the tips. Personally, I do have high paying copywriting jobs right now, but I do see what you are saying as far as "how my cover could look."

      Originally Posted by shawnlebrun View Post

      hey Jess,

      I'm with Ross on this one... on every level he mentioned.

      one, you don't need crazy... you need what works. and what works is to get samples and letters out there... circulating and getting results, so you can then present that as proof to future prospects.

      also, set up your self-promo better, so that it's a sales letter itself... selling yourself on why someone should hire you.

      people DO judge books by their covers... and right now, your cover doesn't really offer much benefit.

      your prospects will be thinking "why should i hire Jess" so you need to have a persuasive self promo letter, based on good principles of salesmanship, that answers that question your prospects will have.

      Also, i'd ditch the odesk graphic. the minute someone lands on your site and sees that your average rate is $16 an hour, 2 things will happen...

      1. you'll attract those who will pay you $16 an hour, and you'll pigeonhole yourself to jobs that pay that

      2. your perceived value will be so low, because of that pricing, that most business owners will just click away.

      bottom line, show prospects how you can help them get more business and increase their sales and profits... and then back it up with proof, and you'll attract all the clients you need.
      Signature

      Experienced writer, copywriter, and blogger. Hire me!
      {Your Blog on Auto Pilot 4 Blogs (1 per week) for $80 a month!}

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6755550].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author videolover7
    Originally Posted by rjweaver10 View Post

    I am at a point in my copywriting and writing career that I want to step out of the box. You do not have to giveaway your secrets, but I was wondering what the craziest thing you have done to get clients?

    I feel as though there is so much competition in this market that we REALLY have to stick out in order to get noticed.
    One thing you could do is niche yourself. For example, only write copy for women's products. Or only write copy for diet products. Whatever.

    And then create a memorable tag line for yourself.

    The combination would certainly differentiate you, that's for sure.

    VL
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