So You Want To Be A Copywriter?

Aus Salespoint

Wannabe copywriters typically examine out my website for information relating to my services and fees. And fairly proper too! I nevertheless give my competitor's websites a 'gander' each and every now and then, in situation they're doing some thing that I ought to be undertaking.

I obtain a lot of emails from students operating towards their marketing or other media degrees, asking for a handful of guidelines about securing perform in the 'Copywriting Industry' I did not realise we had an market! If we have, it's certainly a cottage market due to the fact most copywriters are freelancers who work on their own and typically from house.

"Nicely what about advertising and advertising agencies?", They enquire. "Well what about them?", I ask. And so it goes on and on until they realise that a copywriter who operates for a structured and institutional organisation, is a absolutely various animal to that of the freelancer.

Institutional versus Freelance

So what are the differences in between them? There are many. Let's appear at the agency writer. He or she is most likely a talented person with creative abilities and a great command of the English language. They will have learned, from their program function, the psychology of selling, aspects of communication and how to write in a flowing and fascinating style.

Each day, at the agency office, they will operate on their assignments, which have been delegated to them by their manager. Their operate will be scrutinised by their manager or team leader, who, in the interests of their organization, will determine whether or not it's worthy of publication.

Right after a couple of years, doing related 'run of the mill' stuff, they may possibly be presented the chance of coming up with a thing totally original. All by themselves, with no guidance, un-tethered by their mentor. And, in the interests of the firm, not to mention their job security, they will produce some thing as institutional as they have been undertaking previously. They'll play it secure. Well wouldn't you?

Sooner or later, their creative awareness and talent could break by means of the institutional membrane and they will want to move on. They will want to do one thing for themselves. They could even become a freelancer.

A freelancer is just about any individual with a passion and a flair for writing. Some have began out on their profession path by working for agencies, some have graduated in English and just feel 'qualified' to do the job, whilst others come into the 'industry' from a variety of other routes.

By whichever means, when they become a freelancer, they swiftly discover to survive. To survive and prosper as a freelancer you have to have the ability to adapt, diversify and develop the ability of writing in any and each style humanly attainable. But there's a lot more! You will have to meet deadlines, sometimes function for much less than the lower national wage limit and understand to turn your brain inside out. Sounds painful!

What does it all quantity to? What is the bottom line?

Let's summarise thus far.

A copywriter working for an agency will operate in a nice warm office with good friendly colleagues, writing simple institutional letters, brochures, ads and information packs. They will be paid somewhere among 18K to 26K, get 4 to 5 weeks annual paid vacation and get to slag off the boss at the workplace Christmas party.

Sounds pretty good to me. If you want to be a copywriter, I advise you go down this path. It gives a very good salary and a steady secure position.

The freelancer's life is not so clear cut. They mainly operate on their own, write all sorts of stuff about every thing and wonder exactly where their next packet of fags is going come from. They only take brief breaks, get stressed and slag every person off at any party.

They're self-employed, so have to keep accounts. They have to acquire all their own stationery, stuff their own letters and post off their mailings. They have to advertise or even worse, they have to compete to sell their services for a pittance to unknown clientele through some on-line freelance web site. The pits!

Sounds terrible doesn't it? Then why do we do it?

The uncovered truth about freelancing

Nicely, certainly I can't speak for everybody so I'll tell you why I do it and how I do it. "Listen up"

The primary purpose I create for a living is simply because I love it. I've often been a creative individual so writing comes as second nature. And let's face it, it's not quite challenging to do.

I really like the challenge that every assignment brings. I have ghost-written many books for clientele and every single has been on a totally different topic. The downside of ghost-writing is having to sign away all rights to the work, which implies you cannot showcase it or place it in your portfolio. The client gets all the credit for your masterpiece.

I've written a lot of articles for web sites, emails and sales letters. I write poetry, humor and boring stuff like FAQ's and product data. But I am by no means bored simply because the function can be so varied.

Then there's the cash of course. A good freelancer must be in a position to make about 50K a year. Some make much less but some can make over 100K a year. There actually is no limit. Make a name for yourself and not only will you be earning a great living, you could possibly locate yourself in the enviable position of becoming able collegebeddingforgirls.org, college bedding for girls, college bedding for girls: how to pick the right set to pick and decide on the work you do.

Nonetheless want to be a copywriter?

Great! Now let's dispel a few myths by answering a few questions that I get asked all the time.

The 6 Most Regularly Asked Questions

1. Do you need to have a formal education and a degree?

No way! Even though most agencies will only employ graduates, there is no cause why a freelancer wants something other than a good command of the English language, creativity and a flare for writing. There are a lot of copywriting courses readily available, if you're a little unsure or want to hone your skills, but make sure the course operate is set by an experienced and trustworthy copywriter.

2. Can previous perform encounter support?

Yes! Sales and advertising and marketing knowledge is quite useful if you intend to make a living as a sales copywriter. At the really least, you really should understand the sales process and the client service aspect.

3. I do not have a portfolio. How can I get work?

Create one particular! Write some articles, write a small book, write some sales letters, brochures and emails. Show what you can do. Create for totally free. Create for charities, magazines or newspaper letter pages. Use your imagination and write about anything.

4. Where are the finest places to get perform?

You could attempt contacting advertising agencies by way of a letter of introduction, but don't hold your breath. Magazines are always searching for fillers, so this would be a good spot to begin. Neighborhood modest companies might be interested in getting some leaflets written for door to door delivery. Get in touch with them by letter, listing your services and your rates.

When you have gained a tiny experience, go on the web and subscribe to some of the freelance web sites. Elance, Freelance Work Exchange and Getafreelancer are quite great, but be ready to compete with other bidders from all more than the planet. Some Indian freelancers will operate for as little #3 an hour, so you happen to be up against it. Nonetheless, I assume it is worth the experience. I get some of my assignments this way.

Create a internet site or have somebody do it for you. I am of the opinion that all corporations ought to have a website if they want to remain in organization.

Generate a mail shot and perform your way by means of your neighborhood Yellow Pages. Sell your self. It is what you will have to do anyway, so get utilized to it.

five. What really should I charge for my services?

This is just a guide. You will instinctively know when you've become established.

A one page letter consists of about 500 words and must take no far more than 2 hours to create, revise and finalise. If you want #ten an hour, that'll be #20 for the job. Don't bother quoting a cost per word as you'll uncover oneself writing a load of drivel in order to fill the pages.

Once more, the moment you are established you can charge what you feel your function is worth. It's not uncommon to charge #400 for a 6 page sales letter, if you are great.

6. What do you think is the most crucial ability of a successful copywriter?

If you cannot do this, you will not be extremely successful.

"Write as you speak"

That is it! You have to be able to communicate with your reader right off the page. Your words have to be conversational. You should be able to 'speak' to your reader and stir their interest, their emotions, their desires.

If you happen to be attempting to sell them some thing, you need to be convincing. Your letter has to be compelling and interest-grabbing. Lastly, your letter has to make them take some action. This could be filling in a form, generating a telephone contact or writing a cheque. It really is a call to action.

Nevertheless feel you have what it takes?

Then go forth and return with the bountiful harvest of your inventive genius!

If you want to know a lot more, and there is a lot more, subscribe to my newsletter.

Great luck and warm regards,

Bill Knight