Copy Tip Monday — Getting Your Start in Direct Response Copy
Because the results are always going to be measurable, writing good direct response copy is the most lucrative form of copywriting for the business you’re writing for and yourself, as well.
With that being said, where do you begin? How do you get your start? As many of you know, I truly advocate for the freelancer or digital nomad style when it comes to writing copy. Also, the chances are that if you’re not already working for another company or ad agency, you’re either in school or looking to get your start in a different career. Both of those situations make freelancing a great option to get started since time, money, and resources available will probably be minimal.
As a freelance copywriter you have the ultimate platform to show of your marketing prowess and your ability to generate sales. How? Simple.
Create a product or service of value. Develop a niche to write for. Maybe it happens to be a favorite hobby or passion. Create an e-book, sell something, or offer consulting services on an area of expertise.
Market the product. Here’s where you show your prowess. Create a newsletter with trackable results. In that newsletter, link up deals to your product. Hell, have them tweet @ you to be entered into a contest to win that free e-book or free hour of consulting time. Do something that you can measure and equate to direct response copy.
Use the measurable results as a part of your portfolio. Not only is it good practice, but as I stated above, it’ll also create another revenue stream, and an applicable job for your portfolio. When you go out to find more work, you’ll have something to stand on. You’ll have results to show. You won’t be just some guy who thinks he can write.
Go out there and have fun. Try different things; see what works and what doesn’t work. Did I mention have fun? It’s a lot of work but enjoyable work.
Feel free to share and recommend this article if you have found it to be valuable and if you know of others that would benefit from hearing this information. If you have questions, as always, tweet them to me @ErickHoxter. I look forward to connecting with you all!
