Saturday, January 3, 2009

How to become a Freelance Copywriter

By Ray Edwards

The Internet has changed the landscape of communications today. It has provided a seemingly limitless source of information and opened up a lot of opportunities in business.

Copywriting is one of the most lucrative businesses on the Internet. Today, more and more copywriters are looking into freelance copywriting because of the freedom it offers.

Freelance copywriters have a strong desire to succeed and steer their own career. They mix their own experience and skill with proven copywriting techniques to create a thriving freelancing business. The Internet offers copywriters this freedom. Freelance Internet copywriters can work on more projects and have more opportunities to generate a greater income than their regularly employed positions.

Copywriters are merely salespeople behind typewriters. They write the written content in radio commercials, television ads, newspaper cut outs, direct response mail ads, web content, Internet sales letters, and much more. Freelance copywriters work for clients on a project-to-project basis. They also get to handpick their assignments and mold their schedules around their lives.

In order to be successful you will need to constantly improve the quality of your product. There are always new things to learn about marketing, so you should continue to educate yourself to help you write better copy. Writing everyday and reading books from the experts will also help you write better copy.

A copywriter must be able to sell their client's products. In order to do that they need to do research on their client's target audience. Find out what motivates them and the most effective medium for reaching them. Research is a very important aspect of a successful copywriting business.

You should also know which market you wish to write for before you start your new career. Some copywriters write many different markets, where others specialize into one small field like writing web content. No matter what you do, you should always a be a little flexible despite how specialized you become. Here are some more pointers on how to get started as a freelance copywriter:

1. Network. It is very important to get your name out into the market and network with other copywriters. You can create strong networks by attending seminars and interacting with other freelance copywriters, exhibitors, and speakers. Even though you're working on the Internet, it?s important to remember your local market as well. Keep an eye on your local paper and take notice of any new businesses that may need your services. You can also join you local chamber of commerce and make connections with other local businesses.

2. Create Your Portfolio. Your portfolio gives potential clients something to look at while they consider your bid. It builds confidence and helps you win projects. It should include examples of your best work, a sales letter explaining why you're the best copywriter for the job, and testimonials from past clients. Make sure it is organized, professional looking, and neat.

3. Grow Your Own Set of Techniques. It is good to have your own set of copywriting techniques to help set you apart from other copywriters, but they have to be effective. Your ability to sell a product will determine your success, and your ability to do it uniquely will propel you to the top.

This article was supposed to help you see what is involved with freelance copywriting. Hopefully it was helpful. Freelance is a very flexible and rewarding career, go ahead and look into it more to see if it's the right move for you. - 15275

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