How to Get a Job As A Copywriter

52 replies
I am curious to how people actually start working and getting paid for writing copy? What is the Process if there is one?
#copywriter #job
  • Profile picture of the author briancassingena
    Hey Mike

    First comes all the home study courses, going to seminars, first get good. You don't have to be Gary Halbert but you must be able to write copy that can sell something. Luckily most marketing on and offline is terrible.

    One way to get experience is to offer to do something, an ad, a sales letter, for $1. Don't do free, its a small but important difference. Try this with people you network with, small businesses you shop at, facebook friends in business, etc.

    Another great way is sites like elance or rentacoder. Starting small, possibly $100 or less, you can build up to higher paying repeat jobs for a client. I haven't posted this reply to sell product but I am launching a course on this at rentacodercash.com, and you can have a free copy of the course when its done, just PM me. (And anyone else that thinks I posted this to sell the course can have a copy as well, just PM me)

    Whatever you do make sure you get testimonials from everyone. You might have to badger them a bit into using your copy so they can give you a results based testimonial. Anyone can say "Mike's sales letter looked really nice, he finished it on time, blah blah blah". But you want testimonials which say "Mikes sales letter pulled in $25,000 the first month I used it with only a thousand hits". Get one of these and people will contact you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Matt James
      Another great way is sites like elance or rentacoder.
      Wow Brian, you had a good time on there?

      Only thing I found at Elance is that it's full of low paying clients who don't value copy and are simply not worth the hassle.
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      • Profile picture of the author briancassingena
        Originally Posted by Matt James View Post

        Wow Brian, you had a good time on there?

        Only thing I found at Elance is that it's full of low paying clients who don't value copy and are simply not worth the hassle.
        Yeah Matt, I even had a program written that checks rentacoder for jobs with my keywords! I tried getting work on elance, but nobody was willing to pay my fees like you say.

        If you're ok with doing a sales letter for $100, then you can get work, but I get many times that on rentacoder. I don't know why. Plus RAC has no monthly fee.
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  • Profile picture of the author real2deal
    Hi Mike


    Before apply as copywriter you need a ready sample of your works. Most companies need a copywriter because for seo or search engine results.

    Check The website of:

    Simplyhired and Freelancewriting

    Hope It helps these samples.


    AL
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    • Profile picture of the author MontelloMarketing
      Mabuhay Al...

      You're completely wrong about SEO and copywriting. Companies may need SEO.. and they definitely need copywriting... but never the twain shall meet.

      SEO, while great for getting search engine placement, is a copywriter's nightmare.

      Originally Posted by real2deal View Post

      Hi Mike


      Before apply as copywriter you need a ready sample of your works. Most companies need a copywriter because for seo or search engine results.

      Check The website of:

      Simplyhired and Freelancewriting

      Hope It helps these samples.


      AL
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      • Profile picture of the author creativeblogger
        Originally Posted by MontelloMarketing View Post

        Mabuhay Al...

        You're completely wrong about SEO and copywriting. Companies may need SEO.. and they definitely need copywriting... but never the twain shall meet.

        SEO, while great for getting search engine placement, is a copywriter's nightmare.
        It needn't be a nightmare

        I have a very cheeky little trick to bypass spoiling copy in favour of popular keywords and the trick is simply to include all the best keywords but make them invisible to humans.

        Google bots see them, humans don't.

        The copy delivers so the human isn't disappointed, but all those crap little phrases remain unseen thus the copy isn't spoiled.

        How do I make them invisible?

        Simple, I change the font to white, assuming my background is white. Hey presto..invisible.

        If the reader hovers their cursor over the blank spaces they'll see them but chances of them doing that are remote.
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        • Profile picture of the author firegold21
          Originally Posted by creativeblogger View Post

          It needn't be a nightmare

          I have a very cheeky little trick to bypass spoiling copy in favour of popular keywords and the trick is simply to include all the best keywords but make them invisible to humans.

          Google bots see them, humans don't.

          The copy delivers so the human isn't disappointed, but all those crap little phrases remain unseen thus the copy isn't spoiled.

          How do I make them invisible?

          Simple, I change the font to white, assuming my background is white. Hey presto..invisible.

          If the reader hovers their cursor over the blank spaces they'll see them but chances of them doing that are remote.
          Isn't that a tactic Google frowns on and demotes sites for using? I could be wrong, but I thought it was ...

          Then again, I'm still newish to copywriting online.

          Joshua
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          • Profile picture of the author creativeblogger
            Originally Posted by firegold21 View Post

            Isn't that a tactic Google frowns on and demotes sites for using? I could be wrong, but I thought it was ...

            Then again, I'm still newish to copywriting online.

            Joshua
            I'm not sure?

            I guess it depends how you do it. If the bulk of the copy is genuine content and the invisible words are written as part of basic sentences it may be undetectable to a bot.
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        • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
          Originally Posted by creativeblogger View Post

          It needn't be a nightmare

          I have a very cheeky little trick to bypass spoiling copy in favour of popular keywords and the trick is simply to include all the best keywords but make them invisible to humans.

          Google bots see them, humans don't.

          The copy delivers so the human isn't disappointed, but all those crap little phrases remain unseen thus the copy isn't spoiled.

          How do I make them invisible?

          Simple, I change the font to white, assuming my background is white. Hey presto..invisible.

          If the reader hovers their cursor over the blank spaces they'll see them but chances of them doing that are remote.
          It's considered keyword stuffing and the search engines frown on it. It's been that way for about 4 years now so unless they had a sudden change of heart, I don't recommend the hidden words tactic.
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        • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
          Banned
          Originally Posted by creativeblogger View Post

          It needn't be a nightmare

          I have a very cheeky little trick to bypass spoiling copy in favour of popular keywords and the trick is simply to include all the best keywords but make them invisible to humans.

          Google bots see them, humans don't.

          The copy delivers so the human isn't disappointed, but all those crap little phrases remain unseen thus the copy isn't spoiled.

          How do I make them invisible?

          Simple, I change the font to white, assuming my background is white. Hey presto..invisible.

          If the reader hovers their cursor over the blank spaces they'll see them but chances of them doing that are remote.
          You have GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!That is completely against Google's T.O.S. and is going to get you in deep doggy doo. Read this -

          Hidden Text & Links

          Hiding text or links in your content can cause your site to be perceived as untrustworthy since it presents information to search engines differently than to visitors. Text (such as excessive keywords) can be hidden in several ways, including:
          • using white text on a white background
          • including text behind an image
          • using CSS to hide text
          • setting the font size to 0
          If your site is perceived to contain hidden text and links that are deceptive in intent, your site may be removed from the Google index and will not appear in Search Results.


          Yeah, you're a real expert in Search Engine Optimization aren't you? Bit like your current spamming of this Forum with your bullshit "critique my site please".

          Perhaps the Mods need to step in here - your practices are out and out dangerous.


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      • Profile picture of the author MontelloMarketing
        Originally Posted by real2deal View Post

        Why am saying this? because most of my clients need to do copywriting to make a landing page. I'm not saying copywriting is for seo or seo is for copywriting. but mostly, copywriting is for advertising. and seo is part of advertising. We are in online marketing not in manual marketing, That's why most companies do it for seo to make it crawl by google, or produce a good news and article if the site is already popular, like ezinearticle.

        Al... and all I'm saying is that is counter-productive to copywriting. Sure... do your seo stuff... get your seo optimized page a better ranking. Just don't attempt to sell on that page. (Copywriting is all about selling.)

        Have your nice articles and landing pages be portals to your selling page. But leave your selling page alone when it comes to SEO.
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        • Profile picture of the author ndcole78
          Listen to what Vin is saying--he's totally correct.
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  • Profile picture of the author colmodwyer
    Most companies need a copywriter because for seo or search engine results.
    That's not why companies need a copywriter...

    Colm
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  • Profile picture of the author creativeblogger
    Hi Mike

    I was offered writing work and that's how I got started.

    People read my work and then emailed me with their offers.

    The result is that now I make it clear (via my website) that I am available for offers, which before hand I wasn't.

    I wrote for pleasure alone.

    It was the interest in me and my work that led to me becoming a Freelance Writer/Marketer.

    If you want to create this type of buzz for yourself, write advice articles and humour ones (if you have the skill) and give of yourself freely. People will come to you if you are genuinely helpful and not in their face.

    I do a lot of bits for people freely. They mail me and if I like the project I'll help them out. It's rewarding and so we both benefit even if not always financially.

    Good luck
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  • Profile picture of the author Bigsofty
    Mike, paypal me $50 and I'll spill the beanz!

    Our SEO writing friend is correct about getting together a portfolio.

    Generally the most powerful way of getting well paid work is to just write to people that you know hire copywriters. I mean write, not email.

    You know all that junk mail you get in the post? Who wrote it?

    There ya go

    Research the company, find the marketing director, ask for a chance to prove yourself.


    B.
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    www.copywriter-ac.com

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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin Lam
    Please refer here for your answer:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...tml#post722255
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  • Profile picture of the author colmodwyer
    It needn't be a nightmare

    I have a very cheeky little trick to bypass spoiling copy in favour of popular keywords and the trick is simply to include all the best keywords but make them invisible to humans.

    Google bots see them, humans don't.

    The copy delivers so the human isn't disappointed, but all those crap little phrases remain unseen thus the copy isn't spoiled.

    How do I make them invisible?

    Simple, I change the font to white, assuming my background is white. Hey presto..invisible.

    If the reader hovers their cursor over the blank spaces they'll see them but chances of them doing that are remote.
    Yeah I'm pretty sure Google frown on that. If you're writing for clients like this you'd want to check up on that pronto.

    Colm
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
    Originally Posted by MikeMarin View Post

    I am curious to how people actually start working and getting paid for writing copy? What is the Process if there is one?
    I had been writing copy for my own businesses for over 10 years when I decided to start accepting copywriting clients. So it was just a matter of creating a marketing plan that used multiple methods and then putting it into action.

    Took me about 2 months until I was ready to do copywriting full-time. It's almost 3 years later and I'm still writing copy for clients full-time.

    So the cliffnotes version:

    1) Learn how to write fairly good copy to get started. The better your skills, the faster you can build a strong reputation.

    2) Market yourself extremely well.

    The clients who will gladly pay thousands for your services will only do so if they believe you are worth every penny and then some. That's a combination of showing you have strong copy chops and a good (or even great) ability to promote your business.

    If you don't know how to market your own business, then chances are you won't know how to help them with their marketing.

    Hope that helps,

    Mike
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    Copywriting is a talent. It usually begins with article writing. I'm an article writer who is becoming now also a copywriter.

    With article writing you mainly expose your offer with a somehow neutral, informative character, while copywriting is basically convincing and selling.
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Murdaugh
    Mike,

    I disagree with about everything posted here, at least the posts that relate to your question.

    First, you need to be able to sell. Putting some words together isn't copywriting...

    The majority of "great" writers in the world couldn't write copy. They can write the great American novel, but not great copy.

    My advice, put together some products, write your own copy and track your results. Until you can write something that pulls in sales no one will hire you anyway.

    Once you can market a product you have to market yourself.

    Prove that you can write copy that converts, and then get the word out. That's how you start making money.

    "Copywriters", as many people seem to believe, aren't article writers, they're not content writers, they have one job and that's to get people to take action and generate leads and sales.

    Persuasive writing that gets results is a talent that takes a lot of time to develop, and that's why copywriting pays well.

    The claims from AWAI and other places about "Anyone can make boat loads of cash writing a few simple letters a month" aren't true. Most people don't have the natural talent for it.

    Not saying that applies to you, but if you want to get hired show some value first.

    Hope that helps.

    -Scott
    Signature

    Over $30 Million In Marketing Data And A Decade Of Consistently Generating Breakthrough Results - Ask How My Unique Approach To Copy Typically Outsells Traditional Ads By Up To 29x Or More...

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    • Profile picture of the author MaskedMarketer
      Originally Posted by scottspfd82 View Post

      The claims from AWAI and other places about "Anyone can make boat loads of cash writing a few simple letters a month" aren't true. Most people don't have the natural talent for it.
      Hey Scott,

      Do you think to make a lot of money in copywriting you have to have a natural talent/ability for it?

      Or do you think it can be learned (if the persistence and desire is there)?
      Signature

      "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
      "


      "I Pay Less Attention to What Men Say. I Just Watch What They Do."
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin Lam
    You're a bit late on that; we've straightened her out in the other thread about the keyword spamming. She didn't know any better but she does now. So no, I don't think she's an SEO expert. I'm still hammering her about that in another thread but she thinks otherwise. It's a lost cause so I'm done.

    As for her copywriting, she seems to be turning around and taking advice. At least on the last one I gave her. Maybe if we give her some slack, she just might be willing to admit that she doesn't know as much as she claims and will finally grow. Who knows though, maybe I'm being too optimistic.
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    • Profile picture of the author OnlineMasterMind
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author bellis160
        Can anyone recommend a good program to learn copywriting? I recently signed up for the training at simpleology.com.

        I hope I'm not wasting my money?
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        • Profile picture of the author Hugh Thyer
          Plenty of DVD programs you can buy. I recommend Brett McFall and Allan Forrest Smith's programs. Very well presented.

          I personally disagree with the advice on doing rewrites of clickbank stuff. Not that its not good to practice but if you're already pretty good, you need real experience with REAL LIFE clients. There are a few posts from time to time where people are looking for cheap writers. Go for one of them. And if you've got no experience, tell them you'll do an alternate version of a piece someone has already written so they can try you out. Of course, you dont ask for the existing piece because you need to do it from scratch (like a real paying job).

          They've got nothing to lose. Because they've already got 'live' copy for that project then it doesnt matter how your copy turns out. There's no pressure on them for you to perform.

          Then, if they think you're OK they might start giving some paying jobs your way.

          If I was starting out again, I might do that.

          PS I went to a couple of copywriting seminars and hassled the presenters for the chance to write for them. If you're enthusiastic and you want to pay the cost its probably a better bet.
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          Ever wondered how copywriters work with their clients? I've answered that very question in detail-> www.salescomefirst.com
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      • Profile picture of the author Kevin Lam
        Originally Posted by OnlineMasterMind View Post

        I'm all about helping people but if you want to accept open and utter disrespect that's your business.
        Not that I want to accept "open and utter disrespect" I simply believe people can change. However, I just saw the thread where she "re-wrote" Vin Montello's headline... I gotta go over there! Come join.
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  • Profile picture of the author zauberer
    wow the question of how to get clients is age old and it seems that NOBODY agrees ... between complete rank beginning copywriters and pros....every one has a different answer...sad....because the answer to that question should be straightforward for those of you who are pros and have a steady stream of clients like clock work.... hmmm

    Something that has worked for myself... is that I would just pick out websites and businesses that had really, really crap copy on their site , that I knew I could beat for sure. I was just beginning and had not testimonials and no controls under my belt. I didn't care about getting money so much as I cared about getting something under my belt so that I could get the big $$ later on down the road.

    I know that there are some top guns in this forum that have been able to make the big money while just getting started all at the same time, but my self image and confidence was able to let me do that.. Plus I embarrassed myself a few times because my copy sucked and I had to rewrite the copy several times until it did alright ... .. had I known I was going to screw up like that I would have NEVER gotten started in copywriting, but now that I look back I'm glad I did... the point is...just go and pick out as many sites and business owners as you can that have copy that you KNOW you can improve upon. Introduce yourself let them know who you are, and turn the problem of having no previous experience into a benefit for them.

    And don't be afraid to screw up.... because you're going to make mistakes...many of them... we all do... and the best of the best will tell you it took a lot of mistakes and screw ups to get to where they are now. Good luck
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    • Profile picture of the author Matt James
      wow the question of how to get clients is age old and it seems that NOBODY agrees ... between complete rank beginning copywriters and pros....every one has a different answer...sad....because the answer to that question should be straightforward for those of you who are pros and have a steady stream of clients like clock work.... hmmm
      Want a simple, straight answer? Ok... write great, cash-pulling sales letters, make sure every potential client sees them and make doubly sure everyone knows YOU wrote the damn things. Simple eh?

      There's no straight answer because copywriters reach success in different ways.

      Also, I think since we're 'writers' most of use are introverted by nature. Bragging about how great our writing is doesn't come natural. It's far easier to write about someone else's product or service and make them look good.

      Writing copy and marketing yourself are two very different things.

      Some copywriters become successful because they write great letters and their clients have connections. Positive word of mouth spreads or the copywriter implements a referral system to make sure word of mouth spreads.

      Other copywriters may not even be that good at their job but they sure know how to sell themselves and command the big bucks, so they find success that way.

      Real success comes when you can balance the marketing and your copy skills.

      If you can create awesome letters that rake in the big bucks while also marketing yourself successfully and, finally, closing clients more often than not then... you'll be turning more jobs down than you take on.

      If you're after that first job however, why not create a webpage advertising your services (although the success of this depends on your copy skills) and pay for an Adwords ad. Sure, competition is rife but if you can learn how to close clients effectively, the Adwords outlay will seem small compared to the fees you'll eventually command.
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  • I have found it far more fruitful to work with one or two steady clients that constantly send you work instead of fighting for pennies over there on elance and rentacoder.

    Think outside the box when looking for work...Work LinkedIn actually it worked for me...
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  • Profile picture of the author Angela Kambarian
    Hi, Mike.

    You should spend some time cold-calling small businesses
    and entrepreneurs. Medium-size companies or large corporations
    pay well and have a lot of work. But they are looking for consultants
    with very specific skills. This might pose some problems for a rookie like you.

    If you get a lot of rejection, do not get discouraged. Some day
    someone is going to hire you. This will pave the way to
    bigger and better opportunities. Perseverance is the key to
    success.

    Never work for free!! EVER!! Remove the word "FREE" from your vocabulary.
    Why?
    People you work for will not treat you with respect.
    And they will eventually say that your work is not up to par.
    This will have a negative impact on your self-esteem and
    eventually might discourage you from pursuing your dream.
    You have to be psychologically equipped to succeed as a
    copywriter. Don't let anyone deprive you of your dignity
    and throw you off track.

    Last but not least. Do NOT work for FREE.
    It bears repeating.
    Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author mrechichi
      [quote=Angela Kambarian;739122]Hi, Mike.

      You should spend some time cold-calling small businesses
      and entrepreneurs. Medium-size companies or large corporations
      pay well and have a lot of work. But they are looking for consultants
      with very specific skills. This might pose some problems for a rookie like you.

      If you get a lot of rejection, do not get discouraged. Some day
      someone is going to hire you. This will pave the way to
      bigger and better opportunities. Perseverance is the key to
      success.

      Agree.

      I would start with small to local businesses in your area. People in business you know very well or businesses you currently use. For example, a dentist, mechanic, retailer, trades person, etc. In this case you could offer them your services for substantially less, however if you get great results maybe build in a performance bonus.

      Better still, get plenty of testimonials. Do smaller jobs, whereby the turn around time will be shorter to get faster results. But I guess it all depends on what type of copy you will offer the client. Overall, this will give the confidence and leverage to build a quality portfolio of testimonials.

      Another tip: when you call the businesses make sure you stick to a pre defined script. Ask them about there current copy, and find out their ROI. If they have current copy on hand, tell them how you will improve it and get a far better ROI. Then go to work.

      After this, arm yourself with your portfolio of testimonials, brush up on your marketing skills and head hunt bigger clients.

      Good Luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bald Brit
    Mike,

    How to Get a Job As A Copywriter

    Great question. Here's my humble two cents' worth:

    First of all, call yourself a writer. Mind set is vitally
    important. So get some business cards printed up.

    You don't need anything fancy, just your name,
    the word copywriter, and your contact details.

    Set up a simple website that shows your wares.
    Include testimonials. Simple PDFs are fine. Just
    make sure that visitors can read things like body
    copy.

    Who you wind up writing for will depend on
    where you want to write. In an ad agency, or
    as a freelancer? You haven't indicated which
    it might be, so here are two possibilities.

    If it's the former, approach writers you admire
    and ask for help. Explain that you're just starting
    out and that you're looking for ways to improve.

    If your intention is to go it alone, pull together samples
    of your writing for real clients and pound the pavement.
    Bang on doors. Strut your stuff, state your rates, and ask
    for work.

    DO NOT WORK FOR FREE.

    If I'm going to pay you to write my sales letters I want
    to know that you can write. If you undervalue yourself,
    people will under pay you. I want quality for my money.
    If you can't prove this to me with stuff you've written for
    other people you're about as much use as a chocolate
    screwdriver.

    But either way, pull together examples of your
    work and get out there and sell yourself.

    If your work sells and if you can sell yourself,
    you'll get work. To begin with the jobs will be
    small, but each one will bring with it the chance
    to work on real stuff, the chance to learn, and
    the chance to fatten your book.

    As your prospective client or boss, I want to
    see what you've done for other people. As my
    writer it's your job to make me look good.
    If you can make other people look good,
    you'll get work.

    I hope this helps.

    Keep us posted, and good luck to you.
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  • Profile picture of the author browse15
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    • Profile picture of the author Scott Murdaugh
      Originally Posted by browse15 View Post

      Try bidding on writing sites like Odesk, getafreelancer, scriptlance etc.
      I guess it depends on what specific kind of copy you do, but I'm not a fan of bidding sites.

      Just the bidding structure encourages going with the lowest bidder... And there's always a lower bidder.

      The key is to prove yourself, and then to seek out clients who truly understand the value in great copy... Not many people do, and that's why most webmasters (I write primarily online) are broke... They can't look at copy as an investment, they see it as an expense that they can't afford.

      To be fair, I've never pursued work on the bidding sites, I could be way off base but I doubt it.

      Just my .02 on the bidding sites.

      -Scott
      Signature

      Over $30 Million In Marketing Data And A Decade Of Consistently Generating Breakthrough Results - Ask How My Unique Approach To Copy Typically Outsells Traditional Ads By Up To 29x Or More...

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      • Profile picture of the author 1 Marketing
        Thanks for motivating to get the Copywriter Job. I am sure we all work to make some living. And working for free will creat a sense of substandard material...

        But for last couple of months I am trying on all the sites like elance, scriptlance, getafrelancer and rentacoder I tried all and posted on almost all important jobs/projects, But all in vain. I haven't got any solid work from there.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Ramsey
    This report from Ryan Healy (A+ Copywriter) really helped me get started.

    Get Copywriting Clients | How to Get Your First Real Client

    I stand fully behind it.
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  • Profile picture of the author webmatic
    @ Scott... I am myself not a fan of bidding sites as its quite unfair most of the times and hard for newbies to get projects too but still if you get a hold of it then its a jackpot for any one trying to build their skills on these freelance sites.
    Thanks
    Webmatic
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    • Profile picture of the author Treborrevo
      The LAST thing you should do is randomly cold call on small businesses.

      1. They are not looking for copywriting
      2. Unless they are seriously growth minded - they aren't going to give you a lot of repeat business.

      At a minimum, ONLY target business that currently are running ads, flyers etc.

      Even here - most advertisers don't track their ads, so even if you do a free rewrite - you'll never get a case study to shop.

      And you are going to get more business in the offline world positioned as a marketer or advertising consultant than a copywriter.

      Here's the master key: Getting a successful case study under your belt is THE most important thing you can have. That first one. Get it any way you can.

      If that means doing something for free for a friend that owns a business or website or charity - whatever. Do it. Get the success. You'll be a more confident writer. Success attracts success.

      In the old days there was something called "apprenticeship". They should bring it back. It's the best way to increase your skills as a writer and build your confidence and build your portfolio.

      Me? I'd contact Vin or Mike or any of the other full time, proven, well respected copywriters and offer to write, research, etc. FREE. You'll gain lessons you can't get out of a book. You'll become a better writer faster. And if you are not becoming a better writer - you'll learn that faster as well.

      Oh, pet peeve rant:

      Guys that sell "how to get copy business" books that have never honestly built a system. They got one client paying steady, picked up some referrals - and frankly, hung out at seminars and met folks and got business that way. Then they are now pimping books using systems they've never used, tested or proven.

      There's no wrong way to get clients. Case in point: I know of $25,000 up front against .5 cents a letter mailed writers that have never prospected a day in thier life. They have an agent that hands them business and they hand him a check for 10% of on-going revenue.

      But the foundation that makes it all work is being a master of your craft.
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  • hey pal,

    my advice that is the real answer. Learn from the 3-5 best, forget the rest

    Halbert
    Carlton
    Kennedy

    Read:

    Collier Letter book, How to write a good ad, The caples book, boron and halbert letters.

    Then go thru their swipe files

    Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite all of their ads until you can almost remember them

    Then create your own copy for a product. Read some sugarman, bly, nicholas for some new stuff, maybe some cialdini too.

    you will then be better then 99% of copywriters and ill have a rich best friend

    ps you can just work for me ill pay u

    chris
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    • Profile picture of the author Raydal
      Originally Posted by Christopher_Stella View Post

      hey pal,

      my advice that is the real answer. Learn from the 3-5 best, forget the rest

      Halbert
      Carlton
      Kennedy

      Read:

      Collier Letter book, How to write a good ad, The caples book, boron and halbert letters.

      Then go thru their swipe files

      Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite all of their ads until you can almost remember them

      Then create your own copy for a product. Read some sugarman, bly, nicholas for some new stuff, maybe some cialdini too.

      you will then be better then 99% of copywriters and ill have a rich best friend

      ps you can just work for me ill pay u

      chris

      And how long does all this take? It's like saying if you want to
      be a doctor go to medical school.

      -Ray Edwards
      Signature
      The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
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      • Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

        And how long does all this take? It's like saying if you want to
        be a doctor go to medical school.

        -Ray Edwards
        Hey I think i forgot to click post for my last one. You know what thats a good point. I been trying to really figure that out (im in the process) i heard from kennedy and carlton if ur doing the right things and are truly dedicated 3months to a year.

        But Ray Id love to hear what your opinion is and what you have to say. Your in a position id love to be in shortly down the road with a really successfull copywriting business. How long did it take you to really get it?
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  • Profile picture of the author Christie Love
    Hi Mike,

    Since you are now on the topic of actually marketing your copywriting services, I trust your skills are already up to par.

    The next suggestion is to study "the art of marketing." Funny thing, there's a lot of people that get into copywriting to get paid on the higher end of a writer's salary range. However, it's a fact that if you want to make the "big bucks" you've got to learn to market yourself.

    I would get hooked up with well-known writer who can guide you along. There's lots of information to read upon this topic in the Copywriting Board. Oh, and I just read a post from Mike H., on the same forum, that helps new copywriters establish a stable business of high paying clients.

    The idea about marketing your services is to find a few marketing methods you're comfortable with and circulate your efforts on each.

    Hope this helps!
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    • Profile picture of the author K. Rondo
      Christie would you or someone else mind posting or PMing
      me the link to Mike H's post about marketing your services?

      Originally Posted by Christie Love View Post

      Hi Mike,

      However, it's a fact that if you want to make the "big bucks" you've got to learn to market yourself.

      I would get hooked up with well-known writer who can guide you along. There's lots of information to read upon this topic in the Copywriting Board. Oh, and I just read a post from Mike H., on the same forum, that helps new copywriters establish a stable business of high paying clients.

      The idea about marketing your services is to find a few marketing methods you're comfortable with and circulate your efforts on each.

      Hope this helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author Dima Kritchevski
    Find sales pages on the net by browsing through clickbank than when u find a poor one... contact it's owner and offer to rewrite the copy for him for $1 but than if it beats his control he pays you $300 or whatever...

    Heck if you get them results you deserve the money right?

    It's not incredibly easy to get clients this way but if you beat an existing control you can bet that you'll get a nice testimonial and even a long term client
    Signature
    Shin Splints Treatment - Stop Shin Splints Forever
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  • Profile picture of the author ragnartm
    I think that the best incentive you can have to get someone to hire you is if you actually create a product, write your own copy, and it sells like crazy. But that's just me, too straightforward I guess.
    Signature

    Ragnar.

    Quality over quantity. Hire me to write highly shareable, user focused blog posts or articles.

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  • Profile picture of the author mavischan
    offer free copy writing first then the order will come.

    so you will know
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    • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
      Originally Posted by mavischan View Post

      offer free copy writing first then the order will come.

      so you will know
      The problem with offering free copywriting is everyone can afford it. Once you put a price tag on your services, the line of people willing (and able) to pay gets a lot shorter. If you start charging $10K and up, then the line gets even shorter.

      Never work for free. Your mortgage company or landlord doesn't accept free work as payment. They don't take IOUs either. Get paid something for your efforts even if it's a nominal amount.

      Good luck,

      Mike
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    • Profile picture of the author MikeMarin
      Thanks for the Advice. Everyone has been helpful on this forum

      Here is my plan. Tell me what you think

      1.Follow Halbert's Advice here Hands on Experience
      2.Start Freelance Article Writing - to become a better writer and gain experience freelancing.
      3.Write my own sales letter for a product as an affiliate using affiliate cloner.
      4.Take results and letter in portfolio and try to get a job.

      What I have done so Far:

      I have Read:
      1.Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins
      2.Robert Collier Letter Book
      3.How to write good Advertisment by Vic Schwab
      4.The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert
      5.The Lazy Man's Way to Riches by Joe Karbo
      6.Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz

      I have copied by hand:
      Do you make these mistakes in English
      Coat of Arms Lettery by Gary Halbert
      How to Burn off Body Fat, Hour by Hour by Gary Halbert
      At 60 miles an hour the loudest noise in the rolls royce ad by David Ogilivy
      Why Men Crack
      How to Collect From Social Security at any age by Gary Halbert
      The Admiral Bryd Transpolar Expedition by Gary Halbert

      I have also began to freelance as a article writer. This is my site articlewritingmike.com. And I have two clients.

      What I still have to do:
      1.Read 7 Steps to Freedom by Ben Suarez
      2.Copy by Hand The Lazy Man's Way to Riches ad by Joe Karbo
      3.Copy by Hand What Everybody should know about this stock and bond
      4.Write my own sales letter

      My Question is am I on the right path? If not, What changes should I make to my plan?
      Signature
      Do you feel stuck in the TRAP of "internet marketing"? Are you sick of Spinning Your Wheels Trying To Make Money Online? Were you promised easy earnings yet have been struggling for YEARS?

      Truth is you've been left in the dark!

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  • Profile picture of the author Ronak Shah
    This thread is amazing.

    I did not know that you could land up a sales copywriting gig without a portfolio as well.

    However, everyone starts at 0. So, my biggest question "how to get started off without a portfolio?"

    Is it necessary to read the above books?

    It's a newbie sales copywriters question.
    Signature
    I AM YOUR Direct Response Ninja Kick-Ass Sales Copywriter.

    Now, Here's The REAL DEAL:
    Either I make YOU at least 10 times of what I charge YOU OR
    I'll Write YOUR Sales Copy AGAIN Till YOU Make MUCH MORE Than THAT. Guaranteed*.
    *Terms & Conditions Apply. Email me at ronak[at]ronakshah[dot]name right now.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ross Bowring
      Back in yonder day, I read all the books, but at the same time, I was writing a ton of practice letters. Taking the sometimes grinding time to figure out how to apply the book lessons is where you get good.
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