I have been doing copywriting for a few years now, almost all for myself on various websites, also some offline stuff. I have only ever done a few jobs for other people and they praise me for my efforts. Is there a way to tell if a customer is just a time waster or is genuinely interested in laying down hard cash for great copy? I ask this because I have had people getting quotes from me in the past seemingly time wasters, I am happy to give quotes but how much time should I invest into the person before they pay me something? I mean is it unreasonable to ask for a deposit after a quick quote before researching there enterprise proposal further? I put everything into copywriting treating the client site/product as my own, researching, devoting extra time getting everything perfect. I am about to start copywriting full time, taking on many new customers but I don't have time to waste, I know the value of good sales copy and am willing to devote much time to one project so long as the buyer is genuine. Thanks for helping with this question, appreciate your time. Regards, Jas.
If you're constantly giving quotes but not getting bites, chances are pretty good that your rates are too high for the majority of the market you're targeting. For instance, you're going to get a lot of "time wasters" as you called them if you're pushing copywriting services here on DP while charging higher professional rates. So make sure you're marketing and networking in the right places. Also, try to include some kind of rate structure on your business site, even if it's broad. That will immediately cut down on quote requests from people not willing to pay within your general range. Then, have them contact you for more specific quotes with their project specs. Jenn
hi jas, i offer a free consultancy. it takes about 45 mins to 1 hr of my time. during this i research and put together a prospectus for the client or prospect. during the presentation face to face or over the telephone i go through with them and advise them of prices and justify it with the benefits they will be getting. i then ASK for the business. Lead them to action and i bet you will get 95% of the quotes that you make. ps. if someone is using websites where people are willing to do an article for $5 i never touch them anyway. hope this helps. regards Stephen Doyle email: web: ccuk-ltd.com Killer Copy Writing Super Human Sales Training Direct Marketing
Thanks for the advice guys. There is certainly a lot to think about there. I have never thought about setting up a price structure, this sounds like a great idea. Stephen your tips were helpful, thank you. Regards Jas. ... Free IM Ebook: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=485927