I've actually done some writing for print magazines but very little for online websites etc. I was wondering if some experienced copywriters could drop some tips on how one can get into the business successfully. Any advice from your own experience would be much appreciated... thanks!
Check out www.allfreelancing.com. A lot of the writers from around DP hang out over there and discuss topics like this one... Rebecca
I second Rebecca's statement above. Above all else though, you want to research the market and know what you are worth as a copywriter. If you intend to do this sort of work as more than a hobby, it's important to refrain from selling yourself short too early on in the game. If you do this and decide you wan to increase your rates substantially later, you'll find it quite difficult to do so.
You want to a) work on your writing skills (which it sounds like you have under control), and b) pick up some marketing basics, so you can learn a bit about buying habits, market research, and such. To be a good copywriter, you have to be able to understand the client's target market or audience and what will motivate them to your desired action. And yes, as Rebecca and Denise said, feel free to join us at www.AllFreelancing.com. Jenn
If you meant copywriter in the real term way (marketing/sales copy), then you'll need to start educating yourself on what makes people tick. As was mentioned, you'll need to know the target market well. Writing articles, like 10 things to do in Vegas, isn't too much help towards becoming a solid copywriter. If you meant that you wanted to be a freelance article writer, then you can start by picking a niche and becoming very knowledgeable in it. You'll be more valuable, more sought after and will make more money in the long run. The forum mentioned is a fun one, so check it out.
Yes. Jason tells us "stories" there. lol Something else that may help you is to focus on one particular area of copywriting in the beginning, become truly great at it, and then expand a bit if you want to later, rather than trying to learn it all at once. Once you get the marketing / sales aspect down it will come a lot easier for you though.
LOL I've been swamped. I can't believe all the orders that came in over the last two days... people are just going nuts with PR writing...I love it. I only pop in and out of here all day, b/c the green is soothing on my eyes when they need a break. lol Tomorrow I'll post like crazy at AF just to drive everyone nuts. And then I'll blame it on you when they're sick of it all in one day. And let's be honest Jason. If any of us curled up and died, you'd just spin it into one of your little morbid kill the froggie type of stories. lol
lol so nice to feel appreciated. Well if I die Jason, I leave you the forum and all of the smartass remarks permitted therein. See autorave? This is why you need to hang out with the rest of us on AF. Feel the love. lol Seriously, people there are great, and I believe we've actually got a few copywriters who pop in and out who would happily help you. Something else you can do is start looking at samples of various kinds of marketing copy, just to get a feel for what might work, and what doesn't. Pay attention to your own reactions to the writing, and whether it motivates you to want to take action. Your gut can be a good indicator of whether it's well-written copy or not, especially if you're in the audience it's targetting.
If you just want to get some work under your belt, post a thread about your services in the Content Creation forum. The jobs you're offered won't be high-paying, but it's an easy way to get some experience under your belt (and to also start building a portfolio).
They're asking about "copywriting" though. If they really mean copywriting, content gigs won't help them break into the industry at all.
There are people in the Content Creation forum who are looking for "copywriting" (you could also post in the Copywriting forum, but that forum is usually less service oriented), and their standards are normally less demanding, which means that it can be an easy place to get your feet wet.
Many of them say "copywriting" when they want content. The terms are extremely muddled here unfortunately. If they're already working in print magazines, chances are that they could have more luck starting with offline copywriting (especially if online audiences are completely new to them), or could at least make more by directly targeting companies rather than most forum gigs. The sad truth is that, while it might be good for "practice" it can cheapen a portfolio pretty badly, and it's how a lot of people get stuck having to take large quantities of low-paying gigs (leaving no time to improve their craft and find better clients). Something else to consider over that is well-known nonprofits. Most will need copywriting or copyediting work done, and even though you could do it on a voluntary basis, it would be worth a lot more as a portfolio piece coming from a known and respected organization. It's actually an excellent way to build an initial portfolio as a writer. So to the OP, if there's a local branch of a large organization in your area, after you learn a bit about the marketing side of copywriting, offer to edit some brochures or something to start, and then if it goes well, you can try completing a project from scratch for them. Actually, there's huge money in the nonprofit writing sector, so it would be a great focus if you have any interest in it just for that fact.
lol You do that. You're officially my AF "heir". Although Denise and Zainie still get to keep you in line. I don't think I could just blindly subject them to your "rule." lol Jason, you should have the OP post a short sample, and critique it briefly... you've been doing a lot of that lately. lol You're the resident copywriting expert. Also, just for fun, if you had to recommend one book for copywriters (other than the Elements of Style ), what would you suggest, especially in this kind of case where they're just starting out or making a career move?
Here is a good article about Starting your freelance writing career. There are plenty of articles about freelance writing where that one came from.
OT, but I would recommend getting rid of the dashed border around your ad unit (it's not the most attractive thing ever )