Hi everyone! I joined DP recently as a content writer but I believe I have a real flair for copywriting and it's something that I'm very interested in. My questions to all you seasoned copywriters out there are these: 1. What is the best way to start getting work as a copywriter - considering that one has no track record or resume? 2.Which site is best to advertise copywriting services on? 3. Will it help to market myself if I have a website? 4. What would be a reasonable rate to charge for my work? Obviously I can't charge good rates until I have proven myself, but at the same time I don't want to work for nothing either. I know you guys have a wealth of experience. I need some of your Pearls of Wisdom, please. Thanks in advance AceWriter09
I'm in the same position as you are mate! Maybe a little bit better off because a few seasoned writers talked some sense in to me about what freelance writing really is! Check this site: Click Here! It will answer all your questions It's run by jhmattern, who is a mod at DP.
Ace, I'm not sure what your background is, but if you want to get into copywriting spend some time first researching marketing, sales, and consumer psychology. You'll want to get a feel for the various types of copy, how to understand and learn about a market, and how to use words to influence them. Those are the building blocks of great copy, and skipping the fundamentals shouldn't be considered an option. At a bare minimum pick up some books like AdWeek's copywriting handbook, Words / Phrases That Sell, anything by Bob Bly and other copywriters, etc.
Hi JH Thanks for the advice. I come from a business writing background (mainstream print, mainly magazines) and was an editor of a business magazine for many years, so I have quite a good grasp of marketing, sales concepts etc. Thanks for the tip on some good copywriter's handbooks to read, though. Much appreciated. Ace
Another one some folks seem to like is Web Copy That Sells (I think that's right). It's not one of my favorites, but it's good to have in your library if you want to focus on Web-based copy.
@ Ace, Also learn about "Persona's". It is very important to understand and to learn "how to target" your audience. Not all reader are the same Also listen to Jen above, She is really smart and knows this stuff well.
Go to brians site www.copyblogger.com he is a copywriter and you can see how successful copywriters can become. there are lot's of tips on copywriting as well
1. What is the best way to start getting work as a copywriter - considering that one has no track record or resume? - Create your portfolio, market your services. Since you're just getting started, I suggest you create spec works first. Write a sample brochure, sample sales letter, and just about any copywriting sample you want to cover. As for marketing, you could include having your own website, participating in forums as part of your marketing. 2.Which site is best to advertise copywriting services on? - It depends on the market you want to target. If you're looking for online clients, you could use DP or warriorrforum.com. But soft and subtle selling works in these forums. Don't hard-sell or you get kicked out. 3. Will it help to market myself if I have a website? - It works for me. Try and see if it also works for you. 4. What would be a reasonable rate to charge for my work? Obviously I can't charge good rates until I have proven myself, but at the same time I don't want to work for nothing either - Your rates would depend on a number things: how much your hourly rate is, and how many hours you typically spend on a project, among other things.