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A Message from KellyWelcome to The Copywriting Connection! This week we are answering the question I get asked the most: "Where do I start?" If you've been dreaming about becoming a freelance copywriter, but are overwhelmed with indecision and aren't sure how to get started, this week's feature article will help answer some of your questions. Yesterday I was at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) here in Denver. My daughter was attending a get together for 13-15 year-olds to meet with "powerful leaders" and I was fortunate enough to be able to tagalong. Downtown Denver was packed with hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic democrats from all over the U.S. We rode the bus into downtown Denver and were immediately awed by the thousands of police everywhere. The police were all in groups with machine guns and tanks on their backs with oxygen and tubes coming around front (I think that's what it was anyway). We walked for a few blocks to look around, and were ready to take the shuttle down to where our event was, when we realized the shuttle hadn't been going for a while. We learned protesters were blocking the street (we ended up seeing the protesters) and the shuttle couldn't run. Needless to say we both have blisters from walking so far in our heels. :) At the event my daughter was able to overcome her shyness and introduce herself to several "powerful leaders". She met a lobbyist from New Hampshire, Jim Demers along with a few other people from Washington DC. Overall it was a good experience for both of us. Check out some pictures on our blog here. Happy Copywriting! Kelly
I want to break into freelance copywriting...where do I start?This is the one question I am asked more than anything else. However, the answer to this question is not the same for everyone. Individual copywriters are most often in different places with different experiences, and have a unique set of strengths when they are ready to start their copywriting business. Read below about Kari and Melody, two CWI copywriting students breaking into the freelance market, who come from two entirely different places. Some people are confident in their writing ability but they need direction on marketing, and help focusing on which clients to target. Take Kari Keller for example. She had experience working with an advertising agency for several years and was confident in her ability to write copy. She just wanted help getting her freelance copywriting business started quickly. People like Kari are searching for an experienced hand to point them in the right direction for attracting clients and creating their marketing materials quickly and efficiently. These are people looking for help creating and building a copywriting business. Other aspiring copywriters that ask the question "where do I start" are natural marketers and are looking for guidance writing the actual copy itself. They want to learn the practice of writing copy. They want to learn the art and craft of copywriting, not business building. One example of this type of copywriter is Melody Brooks. Melody came to The Copywriting Institute to learn what format is best to present copy to clients, and how to write specific mediums such as websites or advertorials. These copywriters may also be interested in creating copywriting samples for their portfolio. Copywriters like Melody may already have another business or have experience selling and marketing themselves – they are already entrepreneurs and are more uncomfortable with the idea of learning a new trade than starting and running new business. These people feel connected in the community and would rather learn the nuts and bolts of the craft itself. These people want to learn the ropes of copywriting. Both of these types of entrepreneurs learn by doing – not by reading 300 pages about how to do it. These entrepreneurs would rather jump into freelance copywriting feet first, get their feet wet and give their web site or marketing promotions a try, rather than read about what other people have done and not taking action to move towards their dreams. These entrepreneurs appreciate honest feedback on the work they've done. They take the feedback for what it is – constructive criticism – and improve what they have done, and in the process learn to write copy. If you've been dreaming about starting a business as a freelance copywriter and aren't sure where to start (I know you were about to send me an email and ask me – you know who you are), hopefully this week's edition of The Copywriting Connection answered it for you. Happy Copywriting! © The Copywriting Connection. All Rights Reserved. Want to use this article for your e-zine or web site? No problem! Just let us know at support@thecopywritinginstitute. We'll send you a short bio to include at the end of the article.
Copywriters ChallengeWe challenge you to stop thinking about starting your copywriting business or contacting that new prospect -- just do it. Moving is what changes things, not thinking about moving.
Word of the WeekThis week's word of the week is inamorata [in-am-uh-rah-tuh]. Inamorata means a woman with whom one is in love or has an intimate relationship. Tools for your Successwww.acmelogo.com - Are you looking for a great logo design for your business? Acmelogo.com can create the perfect logo for your business. AND they also guarantee their work. Special OfferBuild Your Copywriting Business In this course you will get your copywriting business off the ground and put systems in place to attract high paying clients that love you! You'll have homework, write your own marketing materials, learn what's important to your target market and how you can best help them. You'll learn how to get to know your ideal client, how to uncover what they need from a copywriter and how to get in front of them. You'll also learn what things you MUST do in order to be a high earning copywriter and learn what marketing methods work best for successful copywriters. Develop marketing materials – like your web site, business cards, a sales letter (and get feedback on them from those that have done it successfully!) And you'll create writing samples and learn how to get them published. The course also includes coaching and feedback on all assignments and written materials. Read more about this class here: www.thecopywritinginstitute.com/buildyourbusiness.html Learn the Ropes Copywriting Class A hands-on copywriting class that will both train aspiring copywriters to write phenomenal copy (with my personal guidance and feedback) AND help businesses that need copywriting help but are having a difficult time finding qualified copywriters. Writing these assignments and getting feedback from me and my clients will without question make you an experienced, well-qualified copywriter ready to take on much larger and complex assignments with confidence and joy! Read more about this class here: www.thecopywritinginstitute.com/learntheropes.html All content is copyrighted© 2008 |
