Avarian, first of all, they wouldn't go to "copywriters" for articles for their site if they have a clue as to what they're doing. Copywriters and content writers are quite different. Also, many webmasters do in fact hire very cheap writers to create the content for their sites, and not just article directories.
As Jenn mentioned, copywriters and content writers are entirely different. There are many webmasters who hire cheap content writers to produce content for their sites. These are general content writers, hired to produce scores of articles on whatever topic the site might be about. Copywriters on the other hand serve an entirely different purpose - to "sell" something, whether that be a physical product, an idea, or whatever. They are definitely not one and the same.
you should definitely draw the line between the content writers and the copywriters. If you are writing corporate content you should have both verbal skills and a certain level of technical understanding. Either the web technician must have a sensitivity to words (and such paragons do exist), or the wordsmith must learn the nuts and bolts of online publishing. And I really liked Denise's opinion. She is right by saying that copywriters are actually promoting a business, product or some sort of idea. Copywriting includes the creation of slogans, body texts and headlines.
Most of the time the person is looking for acceptable articles. The net is flooded with information and most people looking for info cannot assimilate this huge knowledge and will settele for moderate articles. So the webmaster may try to keep a tight budget. It all depends on the objective of the webmaster. You cannot hope to get the best articles at throwaway prices. Besides cheap may not be inferior. So if the trend is favourable to the business then why not! He will opt for a cheaper alternative!
Cheap articles may not be inferior... but the honest truth of the matter is that they are the majority of the time. Targeting the webmaster market is fine, if you're not serious about making a career out of writing. But anyone with the experience/talent/education who truly wants to be a writer can do so without compromising their worth.
Maybe its the jitters and lack of direction! Dont laugh but i am yet to convince myself to get into freelance. I am a bit scared you see!
There's no denying that making the transition from a full-time job to a freelance lifestyle can be scary at first. But if you do plan to write on a freelance basis (or start any freelance career, for that matter) you have to realize what you're worth beforehand so you don't end up stuck in a rut you can't get out of.
I have been contemplating to quit my job for quite some time but hesitent to take the plunge. What would you recommend me now that I have to take care of finance as well try to flourish my writing skills?
If you don't have the ability to just quit and freelance fulltime, start with part-time projects to get a feel for whether or not freelancing is for you. First though, do some reading.... find out what your state or country's rules are regarding freelancers, and study some business basics (like basic accounting, recordkeeping, billing issues, marketing, etc.). I wrote an article a while ago for bands, but it's somewhat relevant for any kind of independent or creative professional, so see if it gives you any ideas regarding a starting point: 10 Steps to Quitting Your Day Job - just tailor music references to writing. Jenn
forgive my lingo but that article was fundoo. Taking the discussion further how should i begin networking on the net? I hardly have a clue about it!
Well, if you don't understand the fundamentals and take them seriously (which probably 99% of wannabe freelancers don't), then you'll never make it. There's no magic, no trick... you just have to follow the process that's tried and true... at least if you want to make significant money w/o a lot of problems. Start talking with other freelance writers for starters. Learning from those that have been there and done that will give you a good start. Then if you specialize in a niche (which you will, if you want to work your way up to the highest income levels as a writer), start finding forums and such in that niche, not just for writers. Meet industry professionals who may later become clients. Don't outright advertise your services there though. Instead make quality posts on the forum, and then just include a link in your sig to your portfolio or such, and they'll come to you. Only advertise blatantly after you've built a reputation.
In my opinion, if someone has $100-dollar budget and 100 domain names, it is more likely he/she seeks for 100 articles quoted at $1 just trying to get caught up all content and begin monetizing.
Thank you so much for the advice. You have helped me to assess my current standing as well as given me a template to chalk out my strategies. I needed a starting point for networking. Rest I am sure I can carry it forward! Your advice is invaluable!
All a situation like that really says is that that particular webmaster obviously didn't put enough forethought or any serious business effort into their idea, and won't likely make it in the long run. Sites can be built up from nothing, and don't always require a big budget. But if you want to get into the content game, then you'd better be able to write it yourself going in, or you'd better be able to budget for it.