The Internet has single-handedly helped turn freelance copywriting into the success it is today. Copywriters looking to make more money should think about freelance copywriting. Freelancing frees you from the restrictions of a full-time employed job and allows you to dictate your workload, your schedule, and your paycheck.
There is skill involved when writing copy; you must know your audience, which mediums that effectively reach them, and you have to be able to motivate your reader into buying your product. A lot of copywriters go to seminars, take workshops, and perform some research in order to improve their skill level.
Freelance copywriters have a lot of opportunities not found in other vocations. Freelance copywriters can work in the world of commerce, web marketing, publishing houses, direct response mail ad campaigns, and many others. Freelance copywriters work on a project-to-project basis and are hired by clients in these fields in order to help them more effectively sell their products.
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN BECOMING A FREELANCE COPYWRITER
Freelance copywriters can hand pick their projects, thereby maximizing their skill set and bringing in a greater income. Many experts think that freelancing gives you more freedom than most other occupations.
The most important thing you need to know is what your customers want and how to give it to them in a creative and effective way. If you're an aspiring freelance copywriter here are some things you should know:
1. Set goals for yourself. Goals are very important, without them you're like a ship setting sail without a heading. In order for your goals to be effective, they have to be tangible and attainable. This way you have something to shoot for and a practical way of measuring your success. Take a look at your skills and try to develop a business plan to help you achieve your goals.
2. Construct a portfolio. Your portfolio will function as your resume in the freelancing world. It will be one of the first things that someone sees when they are considering hiring you for their project. Therefore make sure it has some of your best work in it and includes testimonials from past clients. It is important that your portfolio is organized, clean, and professional.
3. You should also have a website. A website allows clients to easily access your portfolio and see your work. Websites give your clients something tangible to examine as they consider your bid, which increases your chances of winning the project. Also, for whatever reason, many copywriters do not have a website, which gives you an edge over some of your competition.
4. Create good relations with your clients. People like to feel like they are working with a real person, which is a feeling that is diminished when working on the Internet. There is very little person-to-person contact, so you must make an effort to build good working relationships with your clients. The more a client knows you, the more likely they are to hire you again and refer other people to you.
Talk to your clients on the phone and let them know you are always available for questions or concerns. If they live near you, then let them know that you can meet with them in person of they like. Try to make yourself as personal as possible, the more your clients feel like they know you, the more success your business will see.
5. Try to educate your clients. It is important to listen to your client when starting the project to see what they want, but don't let them completely dictate your end product. You're the expert and they are hiring you to sell their product. Their ideas may be terrible for marketing, so try and teach them about what works and what doesn't work. Don't be rude, be gentle and explain why you think your ideas might sell their product more effectively.
These are just a few ideas to help you see what is involved in freelance copywriting and how to get started. Hopefully you found this article helpful and enlightening. Freelancing allows you to work whenever and where ever you want. You can also choose whomever you work for and how much work you take on. You are your own boss. Freelance copywriting is a very liberating and rewarding occupation. - 15275
There is skill involved when writing copy; you must know your audience, which mediums that effectively reach them, and you have to be able to motivate your reader into buying your product. A lot of copywriters go to seminars, take workshops, and perform some research in order to improve their skill level.
Freelance copywriters have a lot of opportunities not found in other vocations. Freelance copywriters can work in the world of commerce, web marketing, publishing houses, direct response mail ad campaigns, and many others. Freelance copywriters work on a project-to-project basis and are hired by clients in these fields in order to help them more effectively sell their products.
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN BECOMING A FREELANCE COPYWRITER
Freelance copywriters can hand pick their projects, thereby maximizing their skill set and bringing in a greater income. Many experts think that freelancing gives you more freedom than most other occupations.
The most important thing you need to know is what your customers want and how to give it to them in a creative and effective way. If you're an aspiring freelance copywriter here are some things you should know:
1. Set goals for yourself. Goals are very important, without them you're like a ship setting sail without a heading. In order for your goals to be effective, they have to be tangible and attainable. This way you have something to shoot for and a practical way of measuring your success. Take a look at your skills and try to develop a business plan to help you achieve your goals.
2. Construct a portfolio. Your portfolio will function as your resume in the freelancing world. It will be one of the first things that someone sees when they are considering hiring you for their project. Therefore make sure it has some of your best work in it and includes testimonials from past clients. It is important that your portfolio is organized, clean, and professional.
3. You should also have a website. A website allows clients to easily access your portfolio and see your work. Websites give your clients something tangible to examine as they consider your bid, which increases your chances of winning the project. Also, for whatever reason, many copywriters do not have a website, which gives you an edge over some of your competition.
4. Create good relations with your clients. People like to feel like they are working with a real person, which is a feeling that is diminished when working on the Internet. There is very little person-to-person contact, so you must make an effort to build good working relationships with your clients. The more a client knows you, the more likely they are to hire you again and refer other people to you.
Talk to your clients on the phone and let them know you are always available for questions or concerns. If they live near you, then let them know that you can meet with them in person of they like. Try to make yourself as personal as possible, the more your clients feel like they know you, the more success your business will see.
5. Try to educate your clients. It is important to listen to your client when starting the project to see what they want, but don't let them completely dictate your end product. You're the expert and they are hiring you to sell their product. Their ideas may be terrible for marketing, so try and teach them about what works and what doesn't work. Don't be rude, be gentle and explain why you think your ideas might sell their product more effectively.
These are just a few ideas to help you see what is involved in freelance copywriting and how to get started. Hopefully you found this article helpful and enlightening. Freelancing allows you to work whenever and where ever you want. You can also choose whomever you work for and how much work you take on. You are your own boss. Freelance copywriting is a very liberating and rewarding occupation. - 15275
About the Author:
For tips, tricks, and tactics of a sought-after web copywriter, check out the blog of Copywriter Ray Edwards. Claim your free podcasts, marketing tips, videos and free copywriting advice.