If you had to start again with copywriting...

Flyers or Postcards - low cost, up and running in hours, start today and welcome your first client(s) before Friday.

Steve

Have you gotten results with your copy before? Even just in your own business?

--- Ross

I'd go back to cold calling and asking people I know who might know people! I've found it's been the best to grow my business this year.

Along the lines of what Ross said... if you have success in a certain niche, that may be where you'll want to start.

That's what I did YEARS ago... I had done very well in the fitness niche, so when I got into copywriting... I went after fitness marketers who I KNEW I could help.

In fact, back when I first started, I'd email a few marketers/sites that I knew of, who had contacted me in the past for whatever reason, and I'd send them an email something like...

-----------------------------

Hey ______,

I noticed your program in the Clickbank marketplace.

Like you... I also have a business on Clickbank.

Actually... I used to. I recently sold it to one of my
competitors for a VERY large amount.

These days, I'm copywriter for other health and fitness
businesses.

That's why I'm contacting you.

I'd like to help you sell more of your fitness ebook... so you
make more from it.

When I was actively promoting my businesses on Clickbank, each of them
made six figures a year before I sold them.

In fact, one of my best-selling ebooks sold over $2.2
million in the last ____ years.

And I've helped my clients sell over $24.5 million worth of their
programs.

I only mention this because I want you to feel comfortable
following my advice.

Now, I've been studying your site http://www.yoursite.com

And I have some ideas to share with you that could immediately
increase your conversion rate and profits.

On my site, I'm offering a free copy critique and marketing consult.

I'll look at your site in depth and send you over some steps
you can use to immediately increase your sales and cash flow.

There's no charge or obligation and I can usually get it done
in 48 hours or less.

I can also do your critique over the phone, together as I go
through your site.

You can call me 207-XXX-XXXX.

We'll go over your business and talk about some things you can do to
get more sales and profits coming in.

Again, no strings attached.

So go ahead and visit www..com for your free critique

Shawn Lebrun
-----------------------

That email alone, in just one year, landed over 48
clients.

So I know it works.

But the only thing... you'll get the best results if you
have results yourself, i.e. some successes in a certain
niche.

Then, target those who may know you, or you know,
in that niche. Go where you've been and have had
success.

Then, when someone responds to the email, treat
them like gold.

Try to go out of your way to help. Back then, I'd
offer 15 to 20 minutes on the phone, or a free
critique, without asking for anything in return, other
than a shot to help them further.

but don't just make it about trying to land clients
or pitch them your services... they'll sniff it a mile
away.

Instead, REALLY try to help them, and get there where they need
to be. Chances are, you'll be able to show them that they need you
to get there.

You want to help, but also show your expertise and how that can
help them get what they want.

After all, what you're trying to do is get real world clients so you can
get real world samples and results circulating... so often times, you'll
have to work for lower than you will in the future... but you want
those samples and feedback.

So, if you have success in a certain niche, start there, and then
contact people you may know... people who could possibly invest
in your services.

Send an email offering up your help, and not anything other than
your help.

That should get you at least a few responses.

If you are a new copywriter with no clients. It's seems more difficult.

Bit like an actor not being able to work because they need an equity card. But can only get the card after they have worked.

So, what do you do?

What not to do is write for free - when you get results somehow they are always devalued if you wrote the epic masterpiece for nothing.

Tell your new clients you are have studied the noble art of copywriting extensively and you know the techniques methods and persuasion tactics to get a high response. The fact that they responded to your ad, sales letter, email, postcard or flyer proves you know what you are doing.

It may be a lot easier if...

You write your own portfolio - if the copy is excellant nobody really cares if the clients are real or imaginary (providing you are honest and explain).

You just say "Here's a standard Ad that you see all the time for the blah blah service. Here's my improved version can you see how much better it is?"

If they are impressed there's a strong chance they will hire you.

And you charge what you feel you are worth - this is always the best way.

Or if the client is unsure of your abilities and worried about your lack of experience - offer to write for a low fee and a further payment(s) on results.

You could offer to write on a results basis - but you really do have to trust the client (it's not a certainty but longstanding owner owned businesses are less like to rip you off. Make sure you have a way of tracking the response - and sadly, always be prepared for some financial wounds).


The greatest thing about copywriting is - every business and service needs it.

So there are literally tens of millions of worldwide clients. Virtual (make that billions) and bricks and mortar.

There never has and never will be a shortage.

Just concentrate on getting the good ones - they take a touch more effort to find but with such an incredible volume to aim at it doesn't take long.


Steve

The answer totally depends on how good you are.

You don't have any proof, right?

So take a control you're confident you can beat, write the copy and offer it to the business owner to test.

At worst, you'll have a "sample" to show prospects - if the business owner doesn't respond or flat out declines.

If the business owner likes what he or she sees, you'll be able to tangibly watch how your copy performs with proven traffic. Win/win.

Keep in mind...

A lot of copywriters don't show a portfolio - even when an NDA isn't present. And yet, they have NO problem getting business. And I mean top-shelf clients - who pay big bucks.

Start positioning yourself right now - for the long term - while you work on short term ideas to get people in the door today.

Write a For Hire thread.

Put an ad up on Craigslist.

Run an Adwords campaign (Don't have a website? Build the bugger, today.)

Flyers? Postcards? Maybe. Depends on your local area or how well you research to select your mailing audience.

Mark

P.S. I've made over $40,000 on Craigslist this year. People who say it's all bottom feeders are full of sh!t. Believe it or not, some big names troll on that site. And don't do the posting yourself. Pay someone a couple bucks per (live) post.

Here's an example of what makes me money on CL:

Have you ever watched Mad Men?

That's what I do - minus most of the adultery, excess smoking and heart-exploding drinking.

I make a living staring off into the distance - waiting for that big idea to hit me over the top of the head like a 2x4.

And when that big idea hits me, I make my clients a lot of money.

Is that what you're looking for?

Are you searching good 'ol Craigslist - hoping that by some random chance you'll actually find someone who knows what they're doing?

Have you been pulling your hair out trying to find someone who knows how to advertise your business in a HUGE way?

Well...

Congratulations. You did it.

Now that you found me, what do you need?

A brand?

Sales letter?

Video script?

Emails?

Copy for your brochure website?

Someone to create and build your voice for authority blogs?

Oh my, the possibilities, right?

I've made people and companies millions of dollars.

And no...

I ain't cheap.

However...

I'm The Unfair Advantage to exploding your profits and giving your business the sustainable foundation it needs to thrive for years to come.

After all...

Without sales copy creating a conversation with your audience and leading them to your solution, you don't have a business.

Can I get an Amen?

(Link)

To Steve: Why not post ads to CL yourself?

I could (actually I couldn't because I am too technically dense).

But the best possible way to get Postcard clients - yes you've guessed, is to send them one.


Steve

I made a mistake and asked a question directed at Mark to Steve. I apologize.

Kevin,

It was more my fault when you said CL I thought you meant "sell" (there are times even I can't believe just how dense I am when it involves anything online).

I'll let Mark answer the Craigslist question.


Steve

Steve, you really need a page branding yourself as "the postcard & flyer guy" (ideally designed as a postcard or flyer).

Hey Johnny,

One thing I would do differently is decide on a particular industry or niche to focus on first. This could be something you're interested in more than other things, or an area in which you have experience the past.

I branded myself as more of a generalist because I was afraid of getting locked in to a single niche. Don't worry about that. Start with a targeted niche, build your portfolio and expertise in it, and you can branch out later if/when you get bored.

I wouldn't do any work for free, unless it's a mock-up ad you do on your own to bolster your portfolio. I can't give you exact prices, but I believe you should charge what you honestly feel you're worth. If someone isn't happy with your work, you can offer a guarantee and get it how they want it.

And I strongly recommend studying anything and everything by Gary Halbert. His advice is gold.

Hope this helps. Good luck,

Corey