From the article: Seven Ways to Start Your Freelance Copywriting Career Off Right
Becoming a freelance copywriter can feel like an overwhelming task when you're out there on your own. What's your number one tip for freelance copywriters just getting started in the business?
Get Creative
- After all that's what we do - isn't it. You are your own client - sell yourself in the same way you'd help sell a client. One way I tried years ago when first starting up was to run a FREE help course for small business (a BBQ, a few drinks and some pizza at the office) then an informal chat about what we are doing right or wrong - out of this I got 4 new clients immediately and another 5 in the long run. I ran the same idea a year later with almost exactly the same sales occurring. Direct mailing clients wasn't going to work for me in a saturated market, so a free lunch was the next best thing - and it was sold as such to prospective clients.
- —Guest Earl
Expand Your Client Base
- Am in an odd position myself - have been freelancing for years but had one great client who took all of my time (does that still count?). Then along come these troubled times. I guess my tip would be don't put all your eggs in the same basket!
- —Guest Lance
Don't give up!
- I know a lot of people who just stopped trying to be a freelancer. That's where they failed. Sending out 25 or even 50 sales letters to prospects may get you a bite or two or it may not. You just keep on mailing your materials and you will eventually get many bites all at once.
- —Guest Jackie S.
Get a Website
- Buy a domain. Set up a website. Plaster your URL all over your sales materials. Your website is where clients will go first to see if they want to do business with you.
- —Guest Marty