So You Want To Be A Copywriter?

Wannabe copywriters usually check out my site for data relating to my services and charges. And rather appropriate as well! I nonetheless give my competitor's sites a 'gander' each and every now and then, in situation they are carrying out something that I should be performing.

I obtain numerous emails from students operating towards their marketing or other media degrees, asking for a few ideas about securing operate in the 'Copywriting Industry' I collegebeddingforgirls.org, college bedding for girls, college bedding for girls: how to pick the right set did not realise we had an business! If we have, it is surely a cottage sector due to the fact most copywriters are freelancers who function on their personal and usually from home.

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

Institutional versus Freelance

So what are the differences amongst them? There are several. Let's appear at the agency writer. He or she is likely a talented individual with creative skills and a excellent 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 exciting style.

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

Following a couple of years, undertaking comparable 'run of the mill' stuff, they might be provided the opportunity of coming up with some thing entirely original. All by themselves, with no guidance, un-tethered by their mentor. And, in the interests of the business, not to mention their job security, they will produce some thing as institutional as they have been undertaking previously. They will play it safe. Effectively would not you?

Sooner or later, their creative awareness and talent may break by way of the institutional membrane and they'll want to move on. They will want to do some thing for themselves. They may possibly even turn out to be a freelancer.

A freelancer is just about any individual 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, whilst other people come into the 'industry' from a assortment of other routes.

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

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

Let's summarise thus far.

A copywriter operating for an agency will perform in a nice warm workplace with nice friendly colleagues, writing straightforward institutional letters, brochures, advertisements and details packs. They'll be paid somewhere 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 fairly good to me. If you want to be a copywriter, I advise you go down this path. It provides a great salary and a steady secure position.

The freelancer's life is not so clear cut. They largely function on their personal, write all types of stuff about anything and wonder exactly where their subsequent packet of fags is going come from. They only take short breaks, get stressed and slag every person off at any party.

They're self-employed, so have to preserve accounts. They have to purchase all their personal 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 customers through some online freelance web site. The pits!

Sounds terrible does not it? Then why do we do it?

The uncovered truth about freelancing

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

The principal reason I write for a living is since I enjoy it. I've always been a inventive individual so writing comes as second nature. And let's face it, it really is not really tough to do.

I love the challenge that every assignment brings. I have ghost-written several books for clients and every single has been on a totally various subject. The downside of ghost-writing is possessing to sign away all rights to the function, which means you cannot showcase it or place it in your portfolio. The client gets all the credit for your masterpiece.

I've written many articles for internet sites, emails and sales letters. I write poetry, humor and boring stuff like FAQ's and product info. But I am never ever bored because the function can be so varied.

Then there's the income of program. A great freelancer should be in a position to make around 50K a year. Some make much less but some can make more than 100K a year. There actually is no limit. Make a name for oneself and not only will you be earning a excellent living, you could possibly locate your self in the enviable position of becoming able to pick and pick the work you do.

Still want to be a copywriter?

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

The 6 Most Regularly Asked Concerns

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

No way! Although most agencies will only employ graduates, there's no reason why a freelancer requirements something other than a very good command of the English language, creativity and a flare for writing. There are several copywriting courses available, if you are a little unsure or want to hone your abilities, but make sure the program function is set by an knowledgeable and reliable copywriter.

two. Can preceding perform experience help?

Yes! Sales and marketing experience is quite helpful if you intend to make a living as a sales copywriter. At the really least, you must comprehend the sales process and the consumer service aspect.

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

Create a single! Write some articles, write a modest book, create some sales letters, brochures and emails. Show what you can do. Write for no cost. Create for charities, magazines or newspaper letter pages. Use your imagination and write about anything at all.

4. Where are the best places to get work?

You could attempt contacting advertising agencies by way of a letter of introduction, but don't hold your breath. Magazines are constantly searching for fillers, so this would be a excellent place to commence. Nearby modest corporations could be interested in having 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 knowledge, go on the internet and subscribe to some of the freelance web sites. Elance, Freelance Work Exchange and Getafreelancer are rather great, but be prepared to compete with other bidders from all over the planet. Some Indian freelancers will operate for as tiny #three an hour, so you happen to be up against it. Nevertheless, I think it's worth the experience. I get some of my assignments this way.

Build a web site or have somebody do it for you. I'm of the opinion that all businesses really should have a website if they want to stay in organization.

Create a mail shot and work your way by way of your neighborhood Yellow Pages. Sell your self. It's what you will have to do anyway, so get employed to it.

five. What ought to I charge for my services?

This is just a guide. You will instinctively know when you've turn out to be established.

A 1 page letter consists of around 500 words and really should take no much more than two hours to write, revise and finalise. If you want #10 an hour, that'll be #20 for the job. Do not bother quoting a value per word as you are going to discover your self writing a load of drivel in order to fill the pages.

Once more, when you are established you can charge what you feel your perform is worth. It really is not uncommon to charge #400 for a 6 page sales letter, if you are excellent.

6. What do you feel is the most vital ability of a productive copywriter?

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

"Create as you speak"

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

If you are attempting to sell them something, you should be convincing. Your letter has to be compelling and consideration-grabbing. Finally, your letter has to make them take some action. This could be filling in a form, creating a phone call or writing a cheque. It is a call to action.

Nevertheless believe you have what it takes?

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

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

Excellent luck and warm regards,

Bill Knight