So You Want To Be A Copywriter?

Wannabe copywriters typically examine out my web site for info relating to my services and costs. And very appropriate as well! I nevertheless give my competitor's internet sites a 'gander' every single now and then, in situation they are undertaking a thing that I should be doing.

I receive several emails from students working towards their advertising and marketing or other media degrees, asking for a few suggestions about securing function in the 'Copywriting Industry' I did not realise we had an sector! If we have, it really is certainly a cottage sector simply because most copywriters are freelancers who perform on their personal and normally from residence.

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

Institutional versus Freelance

So what are the differences in between them? There are numerous. Let's look at the agency writer. He or she is most likely a talented individual with inventive abilities and a very good command of the English language. They will have learned, from their program perform, the psychology of selling, aspects of communication and how to write in a flowing and interesting style.

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

After a couple of years, carrying out equivalent 'run of the mill' stuff, they could be offered the opportunity of coming up with some thing totally original. All by themselves, with no guidance, un-tethered by their mentor. And, in the interests of the company, not to mention their job security, they will produce something as institutional as they have been undertaking previously. They will play it safe. Well would not you?

At some point, their inventive awareness and talent could break via the institutional membrane and they'll want to move on. They'll want to do some thing for themselves. They might even grow to be a freelancer.

A freelancer is just about any person with a passion and a flair for writing. Some have started out on their profession path by operating for agencies, some have graduated in English and just feel 'qualified' to do the job, while other individuals come into the 'industry' from a assortment of other routes.

By whichever signifies, the moment they become a freelancer, they swiftly discover to survive. To survive and prosper as a freelancer you must have the potential to adapt, diversify and develop the ability of writing in any and every style humanly achievable. But there's more! You will have to meet deadlines, occasionally function for much less than the lower national wage limit and learn to turn your brain inside out. Sounds painful!

What does it all amount to? What's the bottom line?

Let's summarise thus far.

A copywriter working for an agency collegebeddingforgirls.org, college bedding for girls, college bedding for girls: how to pick the right set will perform in a good warm workplace with nice friendly colleagues, writing simple institutional letters, brochures, advertisements and info packs. They will be paid someplace in between 18K to 26K, get four to five weeks annual paid vacation and get to slag off the boss at the office Christmas party.

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

The freelancer's life is not so clear cut. They mostly perform on their personal, create all kinds of stuff about every little thing and wonder exactly where their subsequent packet of fags is going come from. They only take brief breaks, get stressed and slag every person off at any party.

They are self-employed, so have to hold accounts. They have to acquire all their own stationery, stuff their personal 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 via some on the internet freelance website. The pits!

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

The uncovered truth about freelancing

Properly, naturally I cannot speak for everybody so I'll tell you why I do it and how I do it. "Listen up"

The main cause I create for a living is simply because I love it. I've always been a creative person so writing comes as second nature. And let's face it, it is not very difficult to do.

I adore the challenge that each assignment brings. I have ghost-written many books for customers and each has been on a entirely diverse topic. The downside of ghost-writing is having to sign away all rights to the operate, which signifies you cannot showcase it or place it in your portfolio. The client gets all the credit for your masterpiece.

I've written several articles for web sites, emails and sales letters. I write poetry, humor and boring stuff like FAQ's and item details. But I am by no means bored due to the fact the work can be so varied.

Then there is the cash of program. A excellent freelancer must be in a position to make around 50K a year. Some make less but some can make over 100K a year. There actually is no limit. Make a name for oneself and not only will you be earning a great living, you could possibly uncover your self in the enviable position of becoming in a position to choose and select the function you do.

Still want to be a copywriter?

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

The 6 Most Frequently Asked Concerns

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

No way! Although most agencies will only employ graduates, there's no purpose why a freelancer demands something other than a excellent command of the English language, creativity and a flare for writing. There are several copywriting courses available, if you happen to be a tiny unsure or want to hone your skills, but make certain the course function is set by an knowledgeable and trustworthy copywriter.

2. Can preceding work knowledge assist?

Yes! Sales and marketing and advertising expertise is extremely valuable if you intend to make a living as a sales copywriter. At the very least, you really should comprehend the sales procedure and the customer service aspect.

three. I do not have a portfolio. How can I get perform?

Produce one particular! Write some articles, create a modest 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 something.

4. Where are the best areas to get work?

You could attempt contacting marketing agencies by way of a letter of introduction, but don't hold your breath. Magazines are often looking for fillers, so this would be a great location to begin. Nearby little businesses might be interested in having some leaflets written for door to door delivery. Speak to them by letter, listing your services and your rates.

When you have gained a tiny experience, go online and subscribe to some of the freelance sites. Elance, Freelance Work Exchange and Getafreelancer are quite good, but be ready to compete with other bidders from all over the world. Some Indian freelancers will operate for as small #three an hour, so you happen to be up against it. Nevertheless, I believe it is worth the encounter. I get some of my assignments this way.

Construct a website or have somebody do it for you. I'm of the opinion that all companies should have a web site if they want to keep in organization.

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

5. What must I charge for my services?

This is just a guide. You are going to instinctively know when you have turn out to be established.

A 1 page letter consists of around 500 words and should take no a lot 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 will discover yourself writing a load of drivel in order to fill the pages.

Again, the moment you happen to be established you can charge what you think your function is worth. It really is not uncommon to charge #400 for a 6 page sales letter, if you are very good.

6. What do you believe is the most essential ability of a successful copywriter?

If you can't do this, you will not be very productive.

"Write as you speak"

That's it! You should be able to communicate with your reader correct off the page. Your words should be conversational. You need to be in a position to 'speak' to your reader and stir their interest, their emotions, their desires.

If you are 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, creating a telephone contact or writing a cheque. It's a contact to action.

Nonetheless think you have what it takes?

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

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

Excellent luck and warm regards,

Bill Knight