Copy Tip Monday — How to ‘Break into’ Copywriting
Copywriting is a much needed creative service which means copywriters will always be in demand. However, an industry that is always in demand wields a double-edged sword. There is a lot of competition and you really have to help your potential clients sift through the shit, if you will, in order to find a powerful and persuasive mind like yours. Here are a couple of tips to help you develop the skills you need to market yourself effectively in order to help you land your first gig. [Believe it or not — it’s not so easy to market yourself as you would a product for a company of which you are creating copy.]
Experience in Sales or telesales is a HUGE plus for a freelance copywriter or a freelancer of any trade! Having the confidence and ability to pick up the phone, cold call, and confidently sell your self and the value you can create for a company is literally 90% of the job as a freelancer. (In case you were wondering, the other 10% is delivering on your word!) If you’re wanting to break into the industry, chances are you will be doing it part-time at first. I’ve been around for quite some time and still only work part-time; there is nothing wrong with working your business that way. Since you will most likely be business building part time try to pick up a job in comissioned sales or telemarketing. Even moreso, do your best to become the best! It’s all for your benefit anyway. Use what you learn and apply it to your plan to canvass for clients.
Whether you have a few years under your belt or if you haven’t got a day, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your copywriting business is to create a content marketing strategy. The idea is to deliver content — of course — in order to do two things. First and most importantly, provide value to others about the industry that you are so passionate about. Secondly, it positions you as an expert. Not only are you a writer but you’re giving others advice on how to succeed in the same field. You’re helping to raise the bar AND quality of talent in your field. …and there aren’t many things more wonderful than knowing that you’re helping everyone succeed!
With these two things alone, aside from knowledge of the field, you’ll be able to really jump start your career as a copywriter! As an additional tip, whether it is this article, or a advice you found on while Googling, take what you learn and apply it consistently! Consistency is the key to everything.
Feel free to share or recommend this article to someone that wants to break into a freelance career of any kind. If you have any questions, shoot them over to me on Twitter @ErickHoxter, I’d be more than happy to answer them!
