(Q) Becoming a Copywriter - From A to Z | Warrior Forum - The #1 Digital Marketing Forum & Marketplace

11 years ago

Hi there,

You should start by finding out if any of your local ad agencies have an opening for a copywriting position. Working in an agency can give you tons of experience and having some "in-the-trenches" experience will increase your confidence and will also boost your credibility in the freelance market.

I'm no expert, but my offline references have played a key role in scoring my first few online projects. My writing chops aren't that great, But my previous job as a door to door salesman and my experience in telemarketing helped me understand the art of selling in a much better way. I'm still a student and always will be.

The best way to get new clients is to offer your expertise to local businessmen. Just walk in, ask them about their advertising and show them how you can help make their advertising more effective. Its not easy but its effective.

Plus, If you do a good job , you might even get a few references.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

-Kunal

Thanks

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Jonwebb

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Livelifelove

Hi guys,

I looked at the sticky area here on this forum and there is a wealth of free info on learning good copy writing skills... What a goldmine!!!!

But once you have had some practice and have some confidence in being able to write some decent copy how to go from there when "new & fresh"

Personally for me the only option is to only find copy writing "jobs" through the internet.

What would be the right way to go to create a portfolio and get my name and work out there and get my first few jobs (maybe for free) and go from there?

I'd love to hear some ideas / stories form your personal experience...

Many thanks,
Love

Start creating cheap WSOs. Create a 5-20 page report, create the sales page and your off. Maybe you will break even, maybe you won't but the point isn't to make tons a money off your wso, its to build your portfolio and to get real world experience - its a bonus when because you can list a wso for 40$ so ur not even breaking the bank

Thanks

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sethalexander

11 years ago

You could always post up Fiverr gigs. You'll make a couple $ and get experience. Plus every Thumbs up is a positive review for you that you can use in the future. I snagged a damn good copywriter once on Fiverr solely because the guy was looking for more social proof on his skills so he could charge more as a freelancer.

Thanks

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KingOfContentMarketing

11 years ago

Good stuff here:

How to Start Making a Living Writing Copy
A proven path to freelancing success
How to Find More Clients
If you want a big time gig, don't do this...
How to become a highly paid Independent Marketing Analyst...
For newer copywriters, a few bits of advice for getting paying clients.
How to beat out other copywriters and land more jobs
Best Place to seek High Caliber Copywriting jobs?
What's the Best Way to Break Into the Copywriting Business?
Just Started a Copywriting Firm - Need Some Advice In Promoting My Services
How did you get your first few clients, and break into this industry. (Age old question, I know.)
How to command the fees you deserve as a pro copywriter
When are you ready to launch a copywriting career?
22 'Nearly Fine' Insights For New Copywriters To Complete The Puzzle
Simple easy method to get more clients than you can handle
How To Get Business Right Now
Shut up...get going...
What are some creative ways to get copywriting jobs?
Help Me Understand the Copywriting Biz: From Zero to Money
How To Get More Copywriting Clients From The Warrior Forum
Making $3,000 In 30 Days From Copywriting...
Writing for your own services....
Do you want to know the big problem with new-to-copy ...writers?
Books on Getting Copywriting Clients
My first-ever PAYING copy writing client... I need advice.
Free Copywriting?
Where Exactly Did You Get Your First Copywriting Job?
Warriors for hire section -- How to compete?
Where do I start?
Which Would You Rather Be: An In-House Copywriter Or A Freelance Copywriter?
Are there any good guides or WSO's that teach you how to become a copywriter?
How did you get started?
Copywriting Jobs on Demand - How Many Do You Want?
How To Get Clients When Starting Out...Dan Kennedy Style
Where to Find Clients that Will Pay a Respectable Rate for Writing
How To Establish Yourself As A Copywriter, Without Previous Credibility, Testimonials or Experience
How I got my first Client
I'm a good copywriter, but ... I have no portfolio.
Need tips on how 'not' to sell your work for pennies !
Wanna Be Copywriters...Be Careful What You Wish For
Start charging $3,000 per sales letter with no experience
Getting Started In Copywriting...When You Have Nothing To Start With...
I'm done with being a "shameless whore"!
How Did You Get Your First Copywriting Assignment?
Copywriters - something to remember
Anyone bought 'Getting Your First Client' from AWAI?
Starting a freelance copywriting business
Here's How To Get Lots Of "Recommended" Clients Quickly...
Can you help me become a Copywriter??

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verial

11 years ago

^^^ Good post.

Here's my advice:

1. Do some free copy for local businesses.
2. Study while you work on their copy.
3. Get evidence of results and testimonials, if you want them.
4. Make a webpage.
5. Use your learned copy skills to sell your service.
6. Run ads (with good copy) to get immediate traffic (see: google adwords)
7. BOOM! YOU'RE A COPYWRITER.

Of course, many nuances complicate the path, but that's one easy route to take. There's also the "direct" route which I mention in my guide (not free, by the way, just letting you know). But the above should be a decent list of stepping stones to get your career in order.

Thanks

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ThomasOMalley

11 years ago

I would generally avoid approaching local businesses. Most of them don't even know what copywriting is and you'll be swimming upstream...tiring yourself out very quickly.

Target businesses who already appreciate the value of good copy.

If you have to educate your market on the value of copy, you'll burn out very quickly.

The only caveat is to get some testimonials from local businesses at the start of your career by doing some or free or low-paid work.

Thanks

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(Q) Becoming a Copywriter - From A to Z

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