Why So Few Copywriters Are Successful

by Daniel Scott

Posted: 10 years ago 14 replies

COPY WRITING

As some of you know, I recently hired/trialed some cubs.

Out of the 20 - 25 responses I got, I think I got about a handful of people I was willing to give a shot.

One stood above the pack and currently has more work than she can handle.

Another is also pretty awesome and he's got a ton of work too... though even he's guilty of some of the sins I'm about to mention.

See, there are a ton of people on here busting their butts to build their businesses and become better writers...

But when it comes to delivering, they fall short.

I know copywriters are a moody, flighty bunch - I'm one of them.

But c'mon guys...

If you wanna succeed in this biz you need to give it your all.

That means meeting deadlines when you say you will (or at the very least, telling people why you'll be late...)

Busting your butt on EVERY project to make it the absolute BEST work you can...

And communicating with your employer to make sure you get all the help you can.

I've seen several people half-ass things, leave projects unfinished, or just plain miss deadlines.

Needless to say, those people don't get repeat work from me.

The guys I know in this biz who are consistently successful - and keep growing - are not only talented writers and salespeople...

They also take this business VERY seriously.

They hit deadlines. They study controls. And they work their damn asses off.

If you want to be successful, you've gotta do it too.

The good news is that if you're willing to apply yourself and work hard, the sky's the limit.

Just some thoughts that might help some people.

-Daniel

P.S. By the way... I'm still looking to add to my roster of cubs. If you are interested in doing some work together, PM or email me (danielscott13@gmail.com) with rates, samples, average turn around time, and a bit about yourself... samples being the major one there.

#copywriters #successful

Mark Pescetti 10 years ago

Ding ding ding ding ding...

Winner, winner - chicken dinner.

I know YOU know you're right about this. But I'm not so sure you know just how RIGHT you are.

I have NO respect for copywriters who don't meet their deadlines. I find it disgraceful.

Make sure you have your start and end dates on your contract. If something comes up... and you need more time, communicate it. Keep your clients in the loop. Don't make them chase you.

Mark
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- jwmccoy 10 years ago
  
  I am a newbie to writing. This gives me a lot of encouragement. I can use the same formula for success that has served me well.
  
  Keep your word.
  
  Do your best.
  
  Ignore the whiners and work hard.
  
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  Raymond Duke 10 years ago
  
  The 80/20 rule strikes again. Pareto principle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  
  Although in this case it's more like 98/2.
  
  98% of people buy on desire. The remaining 2% are the ones that will have the ambition to go through with something.
  
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  marciayudkin 10 years ago
  
  That means meeting deadlines when you say you will
  
  In my previous career as a freelance magazine writer, editors told me that they would take the okay writer who always met deadlines any day over the talented yet undependable writer.
  
  It's hard to imagine why any business owner would rehire a copywriter who didn't meet deadlines (unless the business owner was at fault, which sometimes happens!).
  
  Where do those beginning copywriters you are talking about get the idea that missing deadlines is OK? Did they get away with it in school? Is it acceptable if you're an employee? (I haven't held a job in more than 30 years, so I wouldn't know.)
  
  Marcia Yudkin
  
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marketingstatic 10 years ago

Good tips here thanks for the information being shared. I am newbie still trying to figure out what niche market is best to try for new folks if you have never written copy before.
Noteworthy stuff to consider as I learned here. Its funny as it was a primary question, that of "how does a new person know what time frame to quote when starting out with your first offers"?
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Alex Cohen

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Daniel Scott

If you wanna succeed in this biz you need to give it your all.

That means meeting deadlines when you say you will (or at the very least, telling people why you'll be late...)

Busting your butt on EVERY project to make it the absolute BEST work you can...

And communicating with your employer to make sure you get all the help you can.

That's true of all professions, isn't it?

Alex

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ThePromotionalGuy 10 years ago

Daniel,

What you and the rest of us have experienced I believe is a symptom of a far greater problem. We have people wanting to write but not wanting to conduct business. A business owner knows and goes out of their way to over deliver to their customers.

A business owner sees what they do as their vocation or "Calling" if you will. Those who are late on deadlines see themselves as merely writers and have no conviction that their reputation and their name are on the line.

They haven't learned that old saying, "you're only as good as your last job!"
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copyassassin 10 years ago

Daniel,

I've tried to hire a couple of copywriters on this sub-forum.

And they all flaked out for whatever reason. It's really sad.

What pisses me off even more is when these same people (who I really paid in advance) are writing these great replies trying to get more business when they can't even finish the work they've already been paid for.

Had this happen several times. Names you would know.

Oh well. Makes it easier for the professional copywriters. A killer USP could be, "I keep my deadlines or your money back!"

Adam
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- Mark Pescetti 10 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by copyassassin
  
  Oh well. Makes it easier for the professional copywriters. A killer USP could be, "I keep my deadlines or your money back!"
  
  Adam, I absolutely agree.
  
  I had the same problem.
  
  I put up a thread about it that got unfortunately deleted.
  
  Being a great copywriter is only one aspect.
  
  Knowing how to run a business, with integrity, is something else entirely.
  
  I lost all respect for a few people.
  
  Mark
  
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- The Copy Nazi Banned 10 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by copyassassin
  
  Had this happen several times. Names you would know.
  
  And now everyone's gonna post "Wasn't me".
  
  Thanks
  
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Steve The Copywriter

10 years ago

Yes, you must learn the craft, be professional (keep to deadlines), and run your empire with integrity. You can also have a dash of personal branding to differentiate you from the crowd.

Even if you do all this, there is still no guarantee of success, fame and fortune.

Because you must choose the products/services and the people you work for very carefully.

You need them to have the same attributes as you.

Steve

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ThePromotionalGuy

10 years ago

Steve,

Excellent observation. In my business experience my success has been from diligence. Fame and fortune are here today and gone tomorrow and then back to repeat the cycle.

Originally Posted by Steve The Copywriter

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Steve The Copywriter

10 years ago

Originally Posted by ThePromotionalGuy

Steve,

Excellent observation. In my business experience my success has been from diligence. Fame and fortune are here today and gone tomorrow and then back to repeat the cycle.

I have to say the "personal branding" bit is (c) M Pescetti (branding) inc.

(but don't start him off another branding expedition)

Steve

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Jennie Heckel 10 years ago

Hi All,

I have to admit that is the difference between the SUCCESSFUL COPYWRITERS (THE WINNERS) that HAVE IT ALL...

...and the ones that don't quite make the cut -- IS THEY SACRIFICE FOR THEIR LOVE OF COPYWRITING AND THE PRIDE IN THEIR WORK!

Which means they write copy and get that copy done on time and within budget...even if they are:

* over tired
* don't feel 100% but get it done anyway
* don't watch TV when they are supposed to be writing
* don't do anything else if they have a deadline to meet -- but get 'er done!

Now I will be the first person to say if you need a well deserved break -- TAKE IT.

You many want to use a timer and at least once an hour take a 5 minute break.

But don't write for 5 minutes and take an HOUR break, you'll never get that sales letter finished that way!

Persistence is the key.

Iron will helps.

Being just plain stubborn and bull headed -- and saying "I can't go watch T.V, play with my kids, go for a pizza (or whatever!) until I get this blankety blank sales letter done!"

I enjoyed reading the comments!

Jennie Heckel
Sales Letter Copwriter
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Why So Few Copywriters Are Successful

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