Some Advice

[JD7]

Good evening,

I'm interested in breaking into the Advertising\Copywriting scene and I'm starting out from nothing.
I understand that freelancing can be a very intimidating and competitive way of life, but I'm willing to take my chances and my talent along with me to pursue this desire. I've read a wide range of opinions on this subject and it seems that (Spec Ads) are the only way I can prove my writing\creative abilities to employers. If I could start out writing short print ads or thirty second radio spots, I would take the opportunity and run. I do need to market myself and I'm not exactly sure how to price my services. Would $500 be high for somebody who could write a quality ad in a day or two?
My theory on how to market myself is to make use of both the internet and say (the local newspaper) for example. Admittingly, I have more questions than answers at this point. There are just so many unknowns involved and I'm trying to figure out what to expect. Am I being realistic? It would be greatly appreciated if somebody could lend me a word of advice or two.

Thanks,

JD7

[annalaurabrown]

Well I am not really in this business but I do have quite a bit of experience using it for my own websites and the first piece of advice I would offer would be that you need to have some experience making copywriting work for you or else you won't have any proof for anyone else to be able to feel like they can feel confident hiring you.

I also put together a squidoo lens with resources on copywriting <live link edited out per forum rules>.

Good Luck.

[copywriter]

Anna is absolutely right. You may have to work for free for awhile until you build a portfolio. And yes, you will have to prove that your copy made some positive change for the client. Just writing the copy isn't good enough. Just having the client say they really liked the copy isn't good enough. You need to have definitive proof that your copy increased response, increased conversions or sales or search traffic or somehow made a positive impact for the client.

Maybe you can go to eLance for a bit just to pick up some projects and ask the clients to track their results. Work for cheap until you get some proof that what you're doing is worth more money.

You say you want to break into this. Are you a copywriter now or are you someone who wants to learn to be a copywriter.

As for your question, I wouldn't pay a newbie with no proof of performance $500 for a small print ad.

[JD7]

[quote]

Originally Posted by copywriter

Anna is absolutely right. You may have to work for free for awhile until you build a portfolio.

You say you want to break into this. Are you a copywriter now or are you someone who wants to learn to be a copywriter.

As for your question, I wouldn't pay a newbie with no proof of performance $500 for a small print ad.

Working for free is good enough for me as ultimately I would be receiving experience in return. However, I wouldn't mind making a small profit (Say $100) or something in that range. I say that I want to break into this because I haven't yet. If I had broken into this already I wouldn't have previously stated that I wanted to.

I'm currently focused on learning how to market my services and how to deal with clients and so on. My assumption is that most copywriters are contacted via E-mail or by phone. After that, they decide if whether or not they want to take up the project being offered to them. If so, they get in contact with the client and arrange a date where they can briefly discuss the project and then reach an agreement (by signing the copywriters contract). The more aggressive marketing strategy might be contacting your own clients. Due to the fact that I have no experience in this field, I would market my service price as "Negotiable" and I would list myself as a versatile writer who will create powerful and persuasive copywrite that sells.

So you wouldn't pay the beginning copywriter $500, well that's fair enough.
I hear that in copywriting (especially freelancing) one needs to keep a strong belief in they're ability and I'm remaining confident that my drive and ability will impress. If it means that I'll have to do a few projects for free, I can live that down. I'm mainly interested in print ads, slogans, radio ads and even billboard ads. I'm interested in it because advertising is everywhere, it speaks to people. It brings out the very best in ordinary things.

I thank both of you for the advice,

JD7

[CopySchool]

Truth is, you can see entry level copywriters getting at least $250 per letter to start, provided your doing all the hard work, research and study of other letters of merit that have converted before you write and of course building up your testimonials and experience points.

[Karri]

Could you start writing articles, case studies, etc. on your website? Sometimes you just need to "start somewhere." Show your writing muscle so to speak. Now, writing informational pieces is not the same as copywriting, but you need to put yourself out there. Generate interest in who you are, your approach, your style, whatever.

Then you have somewhere to point prospective clients/referral sources to. Of course, you don't have to go this route - it just seems like a good way to get some momentum going which I sense you need

I'd recommend picking up a couple great books on copywriting, including Bob Bly's Copywriter's Handbook which covers a lot of good stuff from actual copywriting strategies to business tips and advice for copywriters. And of course, sign up for the newsletters and resources of some good copywriters and entrepreneurial types online.

HTH,
Karri

[Feechi]

I'm a freelance graphic design. I started out 14 years ago and my experience is to start off at a low rate and as you build experience, good reputation and a larger portfoio, then you can go up on your rates. Good luck!

[JanJozef]

I am also agree with you that copywriting must be bended. some people have also rights. Every thing have some security reasons and other matters.

[icondosmanila]

You should build up your reputation first as a well known and respected copywriter before you expect someone to pay you 500$ for you work. Building your name and letting the public and the market of your excistence is the name of the game. Today is a very tight competition and will be much stronger tomorrow so make your work's quality the best over others.Prove them that your abilities overcome your competitor's talents.

[changelane]

you should prove yourself first bec. if you are applying for a copywriter they will ask for a sample of your work