Sunday, January 4, 2009

An Introduction to Freelance Copywriting

By Ray Edwards

The Internet has dramatically altered the world of communications and business. It has endless amounts of information and created a multitude of new ways to generate money.

Copywriting is one field that is finding great success on the Internet. Freelance copywriting is attracting more of an audience because the freedom and control it offers.

Freelance copywriters want to be independent and control the destiny of their business. They can effectively mix their creativity and their desire to succeed into a successful freelance copywriting business. The Internet offers them this kind of freedom. Freelancers work and a project-to-project basis and generally make more money than regularly employed copywriters.

Copywriters write the written content on most advertisements. They help create most radio commercials, television ads, newspaper cut outs, direct response mail ads, web content, and Internet sales letters. Freelance copywriters work for a variety of different clients. They can handpick their work and structure their schedules around their lives.

Successful freelance copywriters need the Internet and skill. Good freelance copywriters see themselves as lifelong students, so continue to educate yourself and increase the quality of your product. Writing everyday and reading books from the experts will also help your business.

Successful freelance copywriting includes research into your target audience. You need to know what gets their attention and how to reach them. Research is a very important aspect of a successful copywriting business that is often overlooked.

You should also know which market you wish to write for before you start your new career. Some copywriters write many different markets, where others specialize into one small field like writing web content. No matter what you do, you should always a be a little flexible despite how specialized you become. Here are some more pointers on how to get started as a freelance copywriter:

1. Network With Other Copywriters. It is very important to get your name known in the industry and network with other copywriters. Attend seminars and get to know other copywriters. You need to also remember your local market as well. Watch for local businesses in your paper and join your local chamber of commerce to meet businessmen in your area.

2. Create Your Portfolio. Your portfolio gives potential clients something to look at while they consider your bid. It builds confidence and helps you win projects. It should include examples of your best work, a sales letter explaining why you're the best copywriter for the job, and testimonials from past clients. Make sure it is organized, professional looking, and neat.

3. Develop Unique Sales Techniques. Freelance Internet copywriters need to have a set of developed and proven advertising techniques. Your business will see success if you can sell a product well, but it will soar if you can do it creatively.

This article was supposed to help you see what is involved with freelance copywriting. Hopefully it was helpful. Freelance is a very flexible and rewarding career, go ahead and look into it more to see if it's the right move for you. - 17943

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