Simple Trick To Getting Clients...with ZERO Experience

23 replies
I assume that whoever reading this has about an ounce of education in the fundamental principles of salesmanship. If not I suggest you get the h*** out of here and get to work because there is no such thing as 'winging it' when it comes to writing effective copy.

I tried...it just doesn't work. You'll need to have the patience to grind at it and teach yourself the basics but trust me, you'll have a changed perception of the world around you.

But I'm getting ahead of myself here.

So how do you get clients when you have no experience, no portfolio and a burning desire to finally move out of your mother's house and call yourself independent?

I'll share with you one simple FREE trick that you can begin implementing immediately so you no longer have excuses.

Now this will require a bit of courage and confidence but you know what? You'll be way ahead of the other people who just whine and complain about how life has it out for them and how they deserve all the good things but aren't doing anything about it.

That means more potential clients for you which also translates to wider opportunities, more contacts and gets you one step closer to calling yourself a paid copywriter.

Alright now listen up:

Go pick up your local newspaper and see the ads that are just plain hilarious. I mean the ones that look like they were written in about 15 minutes by the boss' English Grad daughter.

Once you've written down their contact information pick up the phone and CALL THEM!...and while you're at it ask them why they love throwing their money away. Explain that you're a copywriter and you just can't understand why they're self sabotaging their business.

You'll have peaked their attention to such a high extent at this time that they'll be more than willing to milk you for what you have to say. Here's your perfect chance to prove your expertise by providing a free critique for the ad.

Suggest a few headlines, some recommendations for the body copy, get creative but don't give them the whole thing (of course).

You'll know when they'll be interested enough to work with you (it's like you'll feel them silently taking notes on the other end). At this point give them a deal they can't refuse. Offer to write the whole sales copy for them and land them smack on the head with your price. Negotiate a little and there you have it.

And what if they're not interested and decline my offer you ask?

Wish them a good day and go look for your next victim. The world is literally starving for good copy. There are opportunities EVERYWHERE and you're right in the middle of the storm.

Now go get busy.

P.S: I give credit where credit is due and I'm happy to. It may be my own version but I got a little inspiration. Thank you to the one who left the cramps for me to follow (you know yourself).
#clients #clientswith #copywriting #experience #simple #trick #zero experience
  • Have you done this? What are your numbers?
    Signature

    Join Next Live Mastermind Zoominar 100% Real World Secrets to Get Up And Running. Are you Stuck? Don’t miss it www.MonthlyMastermind.org
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9417015].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TJoseph
    Yes I have. It was rough I must say but getting out of your comfort zone usually is.

    At about 10 calls I pulled in 3 clients. Still better than doing nothing.
    Signature
    Want To Know How People Make A Full Time Living Off The Easiest Money Making Site In The World?
    Check out my new WSO
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9417057].message }}
  • I've done this in the past.

    And it does work - done well it works a storm.

    Couple of points.

    The best thing is you can choose the businesses you most want to work for.

    But be very diplomatic when you discuss the Ad (often the owner wrote it).

    Praise the good points (even if they are difficult to find).

    The OP suggested phoning the businesses which is the quickest way of reaching them.

    Fear not if you would rather not.

    You can send a sales letter, postcard or an email.

    Position yourself as an experienced "trusted adviser"

    Because this triggers the response.


    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9417133].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TJoseph
    The ''trusted advisor'' part is crucial. They'll need to know that you know what you're saying and by reaching out to call them you're going out of your way to help them. Thanks for the added info Steve
    Signature
    Want To Know How People Make A Full Time Living Off The Easiest Money Making Site In The World?
    Check out my new WSO
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9418505].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CaliCopy
    Great advice!

    I definitely think this can work to drum
    up some business during the slow times.

    And if you're just starting out, I can see this
    as a great way to build your portfolio. So I
    think this is the perfect time to put some
    copy writing tips to the test.

    I'll try this method out this week and post my
    results. Wish me luck!

    -CaliCopy
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9418637].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TJoseph
      Originally Posted by CaliCopy View Post

      Great advice!

      I definitely think this can work to drum
      up some business during the slow times.

      And if you're just starting out, I can see this
      as a great way to build your portfolio. So I
      think this is the perfect time to put some
      copy writing tips to the test.

      I'll try this method out this week and post my
      results. Wish me luck!

      -CaliCopy
      Exactly it's a win-win situation. I'd be happy to hear how it worked out for you, keep me updated
      Signature
      Want To Know How People Make A Full Time Living Off The Easiest Money Making Site In The World?
      Check out my new WSO
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9420253].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author wordwizard
        Thanks for the tips on getting local copywriting clients!
        Signature

        FREE Report: 5 Ways To Grow Your Affiliate Income

        Let Me Help You Sell: Sales Letters, Email Series, Pre-Sell Reports... PM me & we'll talk!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9420282].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author TJoseph
          Originally Posted by wordwizard View Post

          Thanks for the tips on getting local copywriting clients!
          No problem. Use them for your benefit
          Signature
          Want To Know How People Make A Full Time Living Off The Easiest Money Making Site In The World?
          Check out my new WSO
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9421436].message }}
  • I must add that under USA and UK regulations...

    When you meet a client.

    You must wear the official copywriters kit (applies to both men and women).

    (it's similar to screenwriters but you can change the T shirt to a white collared shirt)

    T shirt - must be white

    Jeans - used to be Levis but nowadays you can choose the brand you like the most

    Trainers - usually white but black is Ok

    Blazer - in recent times it's good fashion protocol to change the gold buttons to ordinary ones.


    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9418640].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
      Originally Posted by Steve The Copywriter View Post

      I must add that under USA and UK regulations...

      When you meet a client.

      You must wear the official copywriters kit (applies to both men and women).

      (it's similar to screenwriters but you can change the T shirt to a white collared shirt)

      T shirt - must be white

      Jeans - used to be Levi but nowadays you can choose the brand you like the most

      Trainers - usually white but black is Ok

      Blazer - in recent times it's good fashion protocol to change the gold buttons to ordinary ones.


      Steve
      You mean I can't wear my "Copywriter: because badass mother****** is not a job title" shirt?

      And as an aside re: how to dress, the answer is however the **** you want.

      People see my tattoos and piercings, and clients have come to gigs to drink with me and the band. Be you. After all, YOU are what you're selling.
      Signature

      Aspiring copywriters: if you need 1:1 advice from an experienced copy chief, head over to my Phone a Friend page.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9419613].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CaliCopy
    Thanks Steve. Duly noted.

    What about wearing a blazer with
    a white V neck and some assortment
    of dangling necklaces?

    You know, to give off that rock star
    effect?

    But in all seriousness, I noticed the
    blazer trend here in the states too.
    I always wonder what to wear when
    you go to that first meeting.

    Steve Jobs had the black turtle neck
    and Pee Wee Herman had the full on
    suit and bow tie.

    Guess I'll have to stick with my long
    sleeve button up shirts and dark jeans
    until I master the art of self branding.

    -CaliCopy
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9418707].message }}
  • Cali,

    You don't need to worry about the how to dress "branding"

    Hollywood scriptwriters took care of it.

    Just follow the rules (white shirt, jeans, trainers and blazer).


    Steve


    P.S. If it's pouring with rain you wear a medium length woollen coat (more common in the UK than the US of A)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9418738].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WebOutGateway
    The only thing that i can suggest do make it is to PRACTICALLY make friends. Do socializing and make other people comfortable working with you. It is also a plus if you can do things better and meeting your customers' expectations (more than just an expectation).

    This can work especially when you are new. Through this also, you can learn a lot.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9418785].message }}
  • Angie,

    Ink(the more the better!) is so f****** cool.

    But I am sorry the "clothes" rules is universal.

    It's the law and it would take decades and around $100,000,000 in legal costs to change it.


    Steve


    P.S. If you had a tattoo promoting copywriting what would it say?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9419716].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    Heh. People already joke that the right arm sleeve is just a sales letter. It's song lyrics in actuality.

    If I had a promotional tattoo, it'd probably say I can sell the shit out of your product, but I won't sell shit.
    Signature

    Aspiring copywriters: if you need 1:1 advice from an experienced copy chief, head over to my Phone a Friend page.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9419724].message }}
  • Sadly, someone on the forum already uses the word I would have.

    Word Slinger

    Underneath there would be a pic of a catapult at full stretch with a projectile, (maybe a $100 dollar bill), with "Ping!" written on it.


    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9419787].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
    [Look out, list post coming.]

    A couple of notes on working with offline Clients based upon my personal experience:

    1. If what they've got is already kinda sorta working, what you want to do is improve their copy. Resist the urge to rewrite because generally you'll be shot down. Because the copy is untested. Money's always tight and they don't want to spend money unless they know it will convert.

    2. If you're writing for newspaper and magazine insertion, placement is everything. Seek out Dan Kennedy materials on the best strategies. If your piece doesn't convert it may not be your copy.

    3. Don't bother with Yellow Page ads, no matter how tempting. The odds are stacked against you for several different reasons. None of them your doing.

    4. Always engineer in the agreement that you own the piece, the copyright. That way if/when it converts, you can take that same piece and and sell it to another guy in a non-competing area. Just keep in mind these guys may be friends.

    5. Smaller firms are generally easier to close than bigger firms. However, the bigger firms are willing to try something fresh. For instance, auto-dealers KNOW their advertising and numbers but if you've got a wild hair idea, they're willing to listen.

    6. Stay away from anybody who doesn't get it. They're a waste of time.

    - Rick Duris
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9421883].message }}
  • Wise words from RD.

    I've done hundreds of press ads over the years (many of them when the interweb wasn't even a concept) and yes placement is everything.*

    And as Rick said if a clients Ad is doing Ok don't do a complete rewrite (for all the reasons he mentioned).

    You are much safer improving, tightening and injecting the "missing" copy techniques.

    You'll boost the response - without risking a possible crash and burn.

    With a client screaming "Wtf have you done!"

    (having said all this you can "test" new copy, ideas and strategies on Postcards, they're much cheaper than newspapers or magazine Ads)


    Steve


    P.S. * you often pay a premium for the placement you need. But it is worth it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9421932].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TJoseph
    Thanks for the amazing stuff Rick and Steve.

    Something I've also noted: If you've done a bit of research on the client beforehand and taken note of their competition and what they're doing you can use that to your advantage if the client's started to 'lose interest' in what you have to offer.

    A little dirty but nothing spikes interest more than ''my competitor may actually see some value from this...I may regret letting this guy go''
    Signature
    Want To Know How People Make A Full Time Living Off The Easiest Money Making Site In The World?
    Check out my new WSO
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9422339].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
    One more tip: Unless you have a natural affinity for the prospect, I would avoid having face-to-face meetings.

    They're generally not productive. You spend a ton of time waiting in their lobby. You usually conduct the meeting out in the open with lots of distractions and interuptions around you. Plus obviously, the preparation and travel.

    Worst case? They forget about the meeting altogether.

    This all leads up to you being in a very poor position when it comes to negotiating.

    If you must do it, set up a lunch or dinner outside their offices.

    Good luck.

    - Rick Duris

    PS: My advice? Close deal first. Then go visit.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9422700].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TJoseph
      Originally Posted by RickDuris View Post

      One more tip: Unless you have a natural affinity for the prospect, I would avoid having face-to-face meetings.

      They're generally not productive. You spend a ton of time waiting in their lobby. You usually conduct the meeting out in the open with lots of distractions and interuptions around you. Plus obviously, the preparation and travel.

      Worst case? They forget about the meeting altogether.

      This all leads up to you being in a very poor position when it comes to negotiating.

      If you must do it, set up a lunch or dinner outside their offices.

      Good luck.

      - Rick Duris

      PS: My advice? Close deal first. Then go visit.
      Putting all the stacks in your favour. Making it look like a business meeting proposal with an equal rather than an interview with someone desperate.

      Very nice.
      Signature
      Want To Know How People Make A Full Time Living Off The Easiest Money Making Site In The World?
      Check out my new WSO
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9422753].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CaliCopy
    UPDATE:

    Hey guys, just wanted to let you know
    that I didn't forget to update you about
    my results. I grabbed a newspaper today
    and started cutting out ads that I can
    re-write or improve upon.

    The next step I'm going to take is calling
    to find out who is responsible for posting
    the ad, then asking if they would like my
    feedback. I'll let you know how it goes!

    -CaliCopy
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9434135].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JamesDLayton
    Rick is handing out $1000 bills right here.

    James
    Signature
    "We are what we think about
    all day long." - Earl Nightingale
    One of the easiest transformations I ever undertook as a copywriter was reading that quote every day.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9436362].message }}

Trending Topics