So You Want To Be A Copywriter?

Wannabe copywriters typically check out my internet site for details relating to my services and charges. And fairly appropriate also! I nevertheless give my competitor's web sites a 'gander' each now and then, in case they're undertaking something that I should be performing.

I receive several emails from students working towards their marketing and advertising or other media degrees, asking for a couple of ideas about securing perform in the 'Copywriting Industry' I did not realise we had an sector! If we have, it really is surely a cottage industry simply because most copywriters are freelancers who operate on their own and usually from residence.

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

Institutional versus Freelance

So what are the differences amongst them? There are a lot of. Let's appear 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 function, the psychology of selling, elements of communication and how to write in a flowing and exciting style.

Each day, at the agency office, they will perform on their assignments, which have been delegated to them by their manager. Their function will be scrutinised by their manager or team leader, who, in the interests of their business, will decide no matter whether it really is worthy of publication.

After a couple of years, performing equivalent 'run of the mill' stuff, they may be provided the opportunity of coming up with something fully original. All by themselves, with no guidance, un-tethered by their mentor. And, in the interests of the organization, not to mention their job safety, they will generate a thing as institutional as they have been undertaking previously. They'll play it safe. Well would not you?

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

A freelancer is just about anyone with a passion and a flair for writing. Some have began 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 means, once they become a freelancer, they speedily find out 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 single style humanly achievable. But there's more! You will have to meet deadlines, at times perform for less than the lower national wage limit and discover to turn your brain inside out. Sounds painful!

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

Let's summarise thus far.

A copywriter operating for an agency will perform in a good warm workplace with good friendly colleagues, writing easy institutional letters, brochures, ads and information packs. They'll be paid someplace 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 great to me. If you want to be a copywriter, I suggest you go down this path. It offers a very good salary and a steady secure position.

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

They are self-employed, so have to maintain accounts. They have to purchase all their own stationery, stuff their own letters and post off their mailings. They have to advertise or even worse, collegebeddingforgirls.org, college bedding for girls, college bedding for girls: how to pick the right set they have to compete to sell their services for a pittance to unknown customers by means of some on the internet 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 everyone so I'll tell you why I do it and how I do it. "Listen up"

The major purpose I write for a living is because I love it. I've always been a inventive person so writing comes as second nature. And let's face it, it really is not very difficult to do.

I love the challenge that every single assignment brings. I have ghost-written numerous books for customers and each and every has been on a fully various subject. The downside of ghost-writing is possessing to sign away all rights to the function, 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 sites, emails and sales letters. I create poetry, humor and boring stuff like FAQ's and product information. But I'm never bored because the work can be so varied.

Then there's the funds of program. A very good freelancer must be in a position to make about 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 yourself and not only will you be earning a good living, you could possibly locate your self in the enviable position of getting in a position to choose and select the perform you do.

Nonetheless want to be a copywriter?

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

The 6 Most Often Asked Questions

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

No way! Even though most agencies will only employ graduates, there's no purpose why a freelancer demands anything other than a great command of the English language, creativity and a flare for writing. There are a lot of copywriting courses available, if you are a small unsure or want to hone your skills, but make certain the course function is set by an knowledgeable and reputable copywriter.

2. Can preceding function knowledge aid?

Yes! Sales and marketing and advertising experience is extremely beneficial if you intend to make a living as a sales copywriter. At the really least, you should recognize the sales method and the consumer service aspect.

three. I don't have a portfolio. How can I get function?

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

four. Exactly where are the very best locations to get function?

You could attempt contacting advertising agencies by way of a letter of introduction, but do not hold your breath. Magazines are often seeking for fillers, so this would be a excellent spot to begin. Local small organizations could be interested in getting 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 expertise, go on-line and subscribe to some of the freelance sites. Elance, Freelance Perform Exchange and Getafreelancer are fairly excellent, but be ready to compete with other bidders from all more than the globe. Some Indian freelancers will operate for as tiny #three an hour, so you happen to be up against it. Still, I think it really is worth the knowledge. 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 corporations really should have a site if they want to stay in business.

Create a mail shot and work your way via your nearby Yellow Pages. Sell yourself. It's what you will have to do anyway, so get employed to it.

5. What should 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 one page letter consists of about 500 words and must take no more than 2 hours to write, 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 are going to discover oneself writing a load of drivel in order to fill the pages.

Once more, the moment you are established you can charge what you believe your work is worth. It really is not uncommon to charge #400 for a 6 page sales letter, if you happen to be good.

6. What do you think is the most essential skill of a productive copywriter?

If you cannot do this, you will not be very profitable.

"Write as you speak"

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

If you're attempting to sell them one thing, you must 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 call or writing a cheque. It is a call to action.

Still 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 far more, subscribe to my newsletter.

Good luck and warm regards,

Bill Knight