I want to break into the copywriting field

Hey Katya!

Congrats on taking the LEAP.

You're in for a wild, whacky, character-filled ride.

Let's talk about your website real fast.

One thing you've gotta think about...

People (prospects) are looking at your website to see if you're an authority.

They want to see if you can persuasively market yourself.

Right now...

You can't.

There's nothing on your website that's going to attract quality clients.

I read a few of your articles. You've got some genuine potential. But you've got to take the gloves off and start showing some personality.

And demonstrate that you have a unique perspective.

Your homepage: Says nothing.

Your about page: Doesn't tell a story.

Your blog: Literally nothing.

Your services page: No selling. Nothing to differentiate you... Nothing that implies or creates value (in your prospect's minds.)

You've done nothing to communicate who you're talking to (i.e. knowing your avatar,) what you offer, how you can help them or what they should expect by working with you.

Hit up Alex Cohen. See if he has a little time to mentor you.

Mark

P.S. Take the time to look at how other copywriters market themselves. Start there.

Yes, everything Mark said.

And start reading a few good books on the captivating craft of copywriting.

Here's a list -

http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...ooks-ever.html

Choose 2 or 3 that appeal to you.

Don't overload yourself with too much information (It makes your head spin).

Take it slowly but surely.


Steve


P.S. This is fun. And keeps you excited to be in the game.

Look at a few Ads in the papers, magazines, on the web and TV - and deconstruct them. What is good, what is bad?

Put yourself in the target audiences shoes and ask "What do I need to read and see to make me buy?"

Katya, women ad writers naturally speak in a voice that is
more appealing to women than men.

Lori understands this more than others.

Red Hot Copy

Selling her way, via the written word,
gets people to buy without the testosterone filled
stuff men gravitate to.

Connecting with Lori would be a great first start.

Best,
Ewen

Katya- also check out Chris Marlow- she has mentored many female students.

Chris Marlow | Direct Response Copywriter & Creator of the Marlow Marketing Method

You dont need clients to create a portfolio. Get studying all the classics linked to by Steve and then practice, practice, practice. Download some templates and create a few sales letters, web pages and a brochure. You need to have credibility if clients are going to hire you - you need to be able to demonstrate what they can expect to get. Also, make sure you have at last six months worth of savings in the bank if you're relying on copywriting as your main source of income and hunt for clients relentless.

In terms of whether to study courses, they cover the same universal principles as the books. It comes down to whether you'd benefit from a structured approach to studying or can be self disciplined to set yourself practical assignments.

You should start writing sales copy today...for almost anything.

You can also go to hardtofindads.com and start writing out some
of the most successful sales letter in history so you can get used
to the format.

If you've never done copy it won't hurt to do some copy for some
businesses free just to get rolling.

Any kind of samples are good if they're well written.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

Hi Katya,

Welcome to the Warrior Forum -- and to the growing ranks of copywriters!

There's some great advice above. But here's my 2 cents...

1. Read the classics of advertising: Claude C. Hopkins , David Ogilvy , Eugene Schwartz , John Caples , etc. These guys were the pioneers who developed the tactics and strategies still used today.

2. Also learn from the modern masters: Bob Bly's book The Copywriter's Handbook is a superb resource for new copywriters.

And be sure to check out Clayton Makepeace's blog, The Total Package. Clayton hasn't posted anything new in a while, but the archives are a treasure trove of actionable lessons from the trenches.

Two more solid sources of copywriting advice are Jack Forde and John Carlton.

3. Have fun. Possibly the greatest thing about copywriting is that you can have a job you love and still get paid very well. Embrace it!

Best wishes for success!

Len

I think we might have scared her away...