Hello, I'm a Copywriter with SEO experience. I'm branching out on my own after working for a marketing company for a few years. I'm trying out different methods of advertising my services, including sending out cold emails and posting ads on various sites. I'm getting some response from these but nothing phenomenal yet. So, here's my question for the established writers, what did you do to jumpstart your business? I would appreciate any and all tips you care to share. Thanks a lot!
Create and promote your LinkedIn profile (get connections first) Always provide a good amount of samples Don't EVER say that you can write about "anything". Find a topic and stick to it from the beginning. Always do your best -- if you work well, clients will come and you'll be able to raise your rate pretty soon. I went from $0 to $0.03-0.05/word in a matter of a couple months and it's getting better every week. Word of mouth is what's worked best for me so far.
Well ideally you would have been aggressively building your professional network even before going out on your own. The network is really the key - many of the better gigs are never advertised, and without a network (of colleagues, past clients, etc.) you aren't likely to hear about them or get referred for them. Focus on building visibility as much as possible.
I recommend becoming a freelance provider on sites such as www.scriptlance.com, www.elance.com, and creating a profile on www.mediabistro.com
There's no absolute answer. To be honest, the best contract I've yet to get was through... *gasp* Craigslist! It is a battlefield there, sure. There are many scams and low paying gigs...and even more that expect writers to work for free to get "established". JHMattern is very right. Networking should be a main concern. In fact, I was offered something today from a popular social networking place. Someone I just met today emailed me and they happened to be looking for a writer. Unfortunately, it wasn't my kind of thing, so I'm going to let some others know (who may be up to it).
It happens. One of my solid clients came to me through a forum like this one. That contact brought in about 6 figures. So, anything is possible. Of course, it's foolish to focus on the mechanism rather than the writer. I'm pretty sure that I could write my name and email on a piece of toilet paper, go to a convention/gathering, hand it out and get business. And if not, it would be a great story to tell, so I still win.
I've been sending out e-mail pitches to potential clients lately. I visit a potential client's site and make note of what could be improved or added to in terms of content. For example, I saw a site that had a few issues of a newsletter up, but then they dropped off into nowhere. I decided to offer my services as a newsletter writer for the company. Then I research some of the potential client's main competitors to find out what they are doing in terms of content. In my e-mail pitch, I focus on benefits to the potential client - no one cares about me, or my experience, or my skill, unless I can benefit them in some way. I also offer a free download of a report I wrote about the benefits of quality content on professional Web sites. Even if they don't have any immediate projects, I've had some people sign up for the free report and gotten projects from them at a later time because I've been able to send them my newsletter and keep myself in their minds.
Hi, Although I cannot term myself as an 'established writer', yet I can give you some advice. Try posting relevant threads that speak volumes about your writing and analytical ability. As Jh mentioned, you dont get high paying gigs JLT. Some one who is looking to pay you 10 times more than the ongoing rates woul read your posts and get an idea of your knowledge and skill level from there on. So keep participating, this is one mantra Marketjunction told me once, and I have been following it since then Regards, Jeewant
Thanks for the great responses, everyone. You've all given me some very useful tips that will get my business going in a big way. @Outspan - Yes, it's about time I put my linkedin profile to good use. @Jhmattern - So true. I've been talking to people in my network. They're getting the word out @Greentycoon - Thanks, I'll check these out. @Vgal - I've placed ads on Craigslist too. It's a battlefield there but I get good responses now and then. @Marketjunction - Nice! Do let us know how that goes if you decide to do it @Alexisarticles - Great tip! That's my next step. @Jeewant gupta - No offense meant, I welcome advice from all who have something to share Thank you.
I know everyone hates to do this, but I have found that the best way to get work is by using the phone. That's right...any good old fashioned phone will do. Here's why: 1. Everyone and their mom is sending out emails to the marketing managers. Some are sending out mail, FedEx packages and what not. But less than 1% are using the phone to reach them. Alot less competition 2. It gives you an opportunity to find out about their needs and problems might be. If, you do it right. And if you know what kind of problems you may be able to help them with, then you can put pen to paper and craft a sales letter that is exactly personalized to what they need, and want. Nick Xifaras Copywriter
Hi Catamo, I think one of my "top secrets" is writing customized pitch letters when responding to a job. Yes, there may be certain phrases I'll reach for to describe myself often -- but I really personalize my pitch. When someone puts a job up -- you need to make your cover letter stand out and really hit that WIIFE factor (What's In It For Me). I have to say to that some people really like to say "oh THIS place is better" or "that place is the best" when it comes to applying for gigs. I don't think it matters so much where you are as WHAT you do when you are there. I've found some WONDERFUL clients right here, on DP through the Buy, Trade, Sell forum just applying for gigs. I think when you are friendly, positive, natural and put yourself out there as "I want to be the solution to your writing needs" people respond to that. You aren't going to get every gig you go for. I get some gigs and others turn me down all the time. Don't take the "no's" so hard. Just keep swinging your bat and you'll get some "yes's" in no time! Good luck!!!! Abby
I've met solid clients in a lot of places. A couple have come from here. One of my best clients came as a referral from someone on here.