Thursday, January 1, 2009

Becoming a Freelance Copywriter

By Ray Edwards

The Internet has opened up many business opportunities not previously available. It is a seemingly endless supply of information and a great way to make more money.

Copywriting is one of the most lucrative businesses on the Internet. Today, more and more copywriters are looking into freelance copywriting because of the freedom it offers.

Freelance copywriters want to be independent and control the destiny of their business. They can effectively mix their creativity and their desire to succeed into a successful freelance copywriting business. The Internet offers them this kind of freedom. Freelancers work and a project-to-project basis and generally make more money than regularly employed copywriters.

Copywriters are merely salespeople behind typewriters. They write the written content in radio commercials, television ads, newspaper cut outs, direct response mail ads, web content, Internet sales letters, and much more. Freelance copywriters work for clients on a project-to-project basis. They also get to handpick their assignments and mold their schedules around their lives.

In order to be successful you will need to constantly improve the quality of your product. There are always new things to learn about marketing, so you should continue to educate yourself to help you write better copy. Writing everyday and reading books from the experts will also help you write better copy.

A copywriter must be able to sell their client's products. In order to do that they need to do research on their client's target audience. Find out what motivates them and the most effective medium for reaching them. Research is a very important aspect of a successful copywriting business.

You should also know which market you wish to write for before you start your new career. Some copywriters write many different markets, where others specialize into one small field like writing web content. No matter what you do, you should always a be a little flexible despite how specialized you become. Here are some more pointers on how to get started as a freelance copywriter:

1. Create a Network. Networking with other copywriters is very important if you truly want to be successful. It gets your name out there and it puts you around people that will stretch your business. Go to seminars and meet people. Don't forget your local market as well. Watch for local businesses that might need your help and you can also join your local chamber of commerce to make contact with other businesses.

2. Build a Portfolio. Your portfolio will give potential clients a chance to preview your work. It also helps build their confidence about hiring you. Make sure to include samples of your best work, testimonials from previous clients, and a sales letter explaining your credentials. Your portfolio needs to be neat and professional in order to be effective.

3. Develop Unique Sales Techniques. Freelance Internet copywriters need to have a set of developed and proven advertising techniques. Your business will see success if you can sell a product well, but it will soar if you can do it creatively.

This article was supposed to help you see what is involved with freelance copywriting. Hopefully it was helpful. Freelance is a very flexible and rewarding career, go ahead and look into it more to see if it's the right move for you.

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