The Internet has single-handedly helped turn freelance copywriting into the success it is today. Copywriters looking to make more money should think about freelance copywriting. Freelancing frees you from the restrictions of a full-time employed job and allows you to dictate your workload, your schedule, and your paycheck.
Copywriting requires some skill; you must understand your audience, which marketing avenues effectively reach them, and you have to be able to write something that actually sells your product. Many copywriters go to seminars, attend workshops, and do personal research in order to help improve their copywriting abilities.
Freelance copywriters have many more opportunities than regularly employed copywriters. When freelancing your services you can work in many different fields at once, such as: commerce, web content management, publishing houses, advertising agencies, direct response ad campaigns, and many others. Freelance copywriters work on a project-to-project basis for companies in these fields in order to help them better sell their products.
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN BECOMING A FREELANCE COPYWRITER
Freelance copywriters can hand pick their projects, thereby maximizing their skill set and bringing in a greater income. Many experts think that freelancing gives you more freedom than most other occupations.
You must know how to give your customers what they want in a the most effective and creative manner. Here are a few pointers if you're considering starting a new freelancing career:
1. Set goals for yourself. If you don't have any goals you don't have anything to shoot for, you're like a ship setting sail with no heading. Therefore it is important to set goals for yourself. These goals should be tangible and attainable. Goals also give a practical way of measuring your success. Try to figure out what your strengths are as a writer and set up a business plan with goals to help you transition into your new career.
2. Build a portfolio. Your portfolio will function as a resume to potential clients. This will be one of the first things people see when considering your project bid. This means that it should have examples of your best work, a sales letter explaining your credentials, and some testimonials from past clients. It should also be neat, organized, and look professional.
3. You should construct a website. A website gives your potential clients an easy way to access your material and portfolio as they consider your bid. Also, many copywriters do not have a website, which gives you an advantage over some of your competition.
4. Create good relations with your clients. People like to feel like they are working with a real person, which is a feeling that is diminished when working on the Internet. There is very little person-to-person contact, so you must make an effort to build good working relationships with your clients. The more a client knows you, the more likely they are to hire you again and refer other people to you.
Talk to your clients by phone when possible and let them know they can contact you whenever they want. Also let them know that you can meet with them personally, if they live near you. Be sure to be friendly and personable. The more you seem like a real and friendly person, the more success you will see in your business.
5. Try to educate your clients. It is important to listen to your client when starting the project to see what they want, but don't let them completely dictate your end product. You're the expert and they are hiring you to sell their product. Their ideas may be terrible for marketing, so try and teach them about what works and what doesn't work. Don't be rude, be gentle and explain why you think your ideas might sell their product more effectively.
These were just a few ideas to help you get started thinking about your new freelancing career. Hopefully you found this article helpful. Freelance copywriting allows you to choose when you work, where you work, and how much you work. You can't find that kind of freedom in too many other jobs. Freelancing is a very liberating and exciting career. - 17943
Copywriting requires some skill; you must understand your audience, which marketing avenues effectively reach them, and you have to be able to write something that actually sells your product. Many copywriters go to seminars, attend workshops, and do personal research in order to help improve their copywriting abilities.
Freelance copywriters have many more opportunities than regularly employed copywriters. When freelancing your services you can work in many different fields at once, such as: commerce, web content management, publishing houses, advertising agencies, direct response ad campaigns, and many others. Freelance copywriters work on a project-to-project basis for companies in these fields in order to help them better sell their products.
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN BECOMING A FREELANCE COPYWRITER
Freelance copywriters can hand pick their projects, thereby maximizing their skill set and bringing in a greater income. Many experts think that freelancing gives you more freedom than most other occupations.
You must know how to give your customers what they want in a the most effective and creative manner. Here are a few pointers if you're considering starting a new freelancing career:
1. Set goals for yourself. If you don't have any goals you don't have anything to shoot for, you're like a ship setting sail with no heading. Therefore it is important to set goals for yourself. These goals should be tangible and attainable. Goals also give a practical way of measuring your success. Try to figure out what your strengths are as a writer and set up a business plan with goals to help you transition into your new career.
2. Build a portfolio. Your portfolio will function as a resume to potential clients. This will be one of the first things people see when considering your project bid. This means that it should have examples of your best work, a sales letter explaining your credentials, and some testimonials from past clients. It should also be neat, organized, and look professional.
3. You should construct a website. A website gives your potential clients an easy way to access your material and portfolio as they consider your bid. Also, many copywriters do not have a website, which gives you an advantage over some of your competition.
4. Create good relations with your clients. People like to feel like they are working with a real person, which is a feeling that is diminished when working on the Internet. There is very little person-to-person contact, so you must make an effort to build good working relationships with your clients. The more a client knows you, the more likely they are to hire you again and refer other people to you.
Talk to your clients by phone when possible and let them know they can contact you whenever they want. Also let them know that you can meet with them personally, if they live near you. Be sure to be friendly and personable. The more you seem like a real and friendly person, the more success you will see in your business.
5. Try to educate your clients. It is important to listen to your client when starting the project to see what they want, but don't let them completely dictate your end product. You're the expert and they are hiring you to sell their product. Their ideas may be terrible for marketing, so try and teach them about what works and what doesn't work. Don't be rude, be gentle and explain why you think your ideas might sell their product more effectively.
These were just a few ideas to help you get started thinking about your new freelancing career. Hopefully you found this article helpful. Freelance copywriting allows you to choose when you work, where you work, and how much you work. You can't find that kind of freedom in too many other jobs. Freelancing is a very liberating and exciting career. - 17943
About the Author:
For tips, tricks, and tactics of a top direct response copywriter, check out the blog of Copywriter Ray Edwards. Claim your free podcasts, marketing tips, videos and free copywriting advice.
