So You Want To Be A Copywriter?

Wannabe copywriters often examine out my website for data relating to my services and charges. And very right also! I nonetheless give my competitor's websites a 'gander' every now and then, in situation they're undertaking a thing that I should be carrying out.

I get several emails from students working towards their advertising and marketing or other media degrees, asking for a few ideas about securing work in the 'Copywriting Industry' I didn't realise we had an industry! If we have, it is surely a cottage industry due to the fact most copywriters are freelancers who work on their personal and typically from residence.

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

Institutional versus Freelance

So what are the differences amongst them? There are many. Let's look at the agency writer. He or she is most likely a talented person with creative skills and a excellent command of the English language. They will have learned, from their course work, the psychology of selling, elements of communication and how to write in a flowing and exciting style.

Each and every day, at the agency office, they will perform on their assignments, which have been delegated to them by their manager. Their perform will be scrutinised by their manager or team leader, who, in the interests of their organization, will choose regardless of whether it is worthy of publication.

Immediately after a couple of years, carrying out related 'run of the mill' stuff, they may be provided the chance of coming up with a thing completely original. All by themselves, with no guidance, un-tethered by their mentor. And, in the interests of the company, not to mention their job security, they will produce something as institutional as they have been performing previously. They will play it secure. Nicely wouldn't you?

Ultimately, their inventive awareness and talent could break through the institutional membrane and they will want to move on. They'll want to do one thing for themselves. They might even turn into a freelancer.

A freelancer is just about anyone with a passion and a flair for writing. Some have started out on their career path by operating for agencies, some have graduated in English and just really feel 'qualified' to do the job, whilst other individuals come into the 'industry' from a selection of other routes.

By whichever means, the moment they turn out to be a freelancer, they speedily find out to survive. To survive and prosper as a freelancer you have to have the potential to adapt, diversify and create the skill of writing in any and every style humanly attainable. But there's a lot more! You will have to meet deadlines, occasionally 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 function in a good warm workplace with good friendly colleagues, writing basic institutional letters, brochures, ads and details packs. They'll be paid somewhere between 18K to 26K, get four to five weeks annual paid holiday and get to slag off the boss at the office Christmas party.

Sounds pretty great to me. If you want to be a copywriter, I recommend you go down this path. It offers a good salary and a steady secure position.

The freelancer's life is not so clear cut. They largely function on their personal, create all kinds of stuff about every little thing and wonder exactly where their next packet of fags is going come from. They only take short breaks, get stressed and slag absolutely everyone off at any party.

They're self-employed, so have to preserve accounts. They have to acquire 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 clients via some on the web freelance internet site. The pits!

Sounds terrible doesn't it? Then why do we do it?

The uncovered truth about freelancing

Properly, clearly I can not speak for everybody so I'll tell you why I do it and how I do it. "Listen up"

The primary reason I write for a living is since I love it. I've always been a creative individual so writing comes as second nature. And let's face it, it's not extremely hard to do.

I adore the challenge that each assignment brings. I have ghost-written numerous books for customers and every has been on a entirely different topic. The downside of ghost-writing is getting to sign away all rights to the function, which means you can't showcase it or place it in your portfolio. The client gets all the credit for your masterpiece.

I've written numerous articles for internet sites, emails and sales letters. I create poetry, humor and boring stuff like FAQ's and product info. But I am in no way bored since the function can be so varied.

Then there is the income of program. A excellent freelancer should be able to make around 50K a year. Some make less but some can collegebeddingforgirls.org, college bedding for girls, college bedding for girls: how to pick the right set make more than 100K a year. There genuinely is no limit. Make a name for oneself and not only will you be earning a very good living, you could possibly discover yourself in the enviable position of becoming able to pick and pick the function you do.

Still want to be a copywriter?

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

The 6 Most Frequently Asked Queries

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

No way! Despite the fact that most agencies will only employ graduates, there's no cause why a freelancer needs anything other than a excellent command of the English language, creativity and a flare for writing. There are many copywriting courses obtainable, if you are a tiny unsure or want to hone your skills, but make certain the course function is set by an experienced and trustworthy copywriter.

2. Can previous function experience aid?

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

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

Generate 1! Create some articles, create a little book, write some sales letters, brochures and emails. Show what you can do. Write for free. Create for charities, magazines or newspaper letter pages. Use your imagination and write about anything.

4. Where are the very best places to get work?

You could try contacting marketing and advertising agencies by way of a letter of introduction, but don't hold your breath. Magazines are usually searching for fillers, so this would be a great spot to commence. Nearby small companies might be interested in having some leaflets written for door to door delivery. Make contact with them by letter, listing your services and your rates.

When you have gained a small experience, go on the internet and subscribe to some of the freelance web sites. Elance, Freelance Function Exchange and Getafreelancer are fairly very good, but be prepared to compete with other bidders from all over the planet. Some Indian freelancers will function for as little #3 an hour, so you're up against it. Nevertheless, I believe it's worth the encounter. I get some of my assignments this way.

Develop a internet site or have somebody do it for you. I'm of the opinion that all companies really should have a web site if they want to remain in business.

Develop a mail shot and function your way by means of your local Yellow Pages. Sell your self. It really is what you will have to do anyway, so get utilised to it.

5. What ought to I charge for my services?

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

A one particular page letter consists of around 500 words and really should take no more than two hours to create, revise and finalise. If you want #ten an hour, that'll be #20 for the job. Don't bother quoting a price per word as you'll locate oneself writing a load of drivel in order to fill the pages.

Once more, once you are established you can charge what you believe your perform is worth. It's not uncommon to charge #400 for a 6 page sales letter, if you're good.

6. What do you believe is the most important skill of a successful copywriter?

If you can not do this, you won't be really successful.

"Write as you talk"

That is it! You have to be able to communicate with your reader correct off the page. Your words should be conversational. You need to be able to 'speak' to your reader and stir their interest, their feelings, their desires.

If you are trying to sell them one thing, you should be convincing. Your letter has to be compelling and focus-grabbing. Lastly, your letter has to make them take some action. This could be filling in a form, creating a telephone contact or writing a cheque. It really is a call to action.

Nonetheless think 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 a lot more, subscribe to my newsletter.

Great luck and warm regards,

Bill Knight