AN EIGHT POINT PLAN FOR LANDING YOUR FIRST CLIENTS Isn’t it amazing how easy it is to go above the call of duty for a friend or a client, while completely neglecting our own needs? If you want a strong start in the freelance copywriting business, you’ll need to be swifter and more assertive than you might be under normal circumstances. Resolve to do your best work promoting a product you’re intimately familiar with – yourself. POINT ONE: SELF EVALUTATION Think of yourself as a product: who is your ideal customer and what unique benefits can you provide for them? What marketing skills do you bring to the table?  Are you a great article writer?  Can you produce stunning videos?  Are you photogenic or a good speaker?  Do you have a blog?  Do you already have deep knowledge of a certain niche? All of these things can deeply contribute your ability to find and impress clients, so take note of them. POINT TWO: TARGET MARKET What kind of clients are you trying to reach? It’s not enough to say “anyone with money” in the Web 2.0 world. People are more interested in customized solutions than ever before. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential client – if a hotel owner has to choose between a generic writer offering copy for a print brochure for $500, and someone who has branded themselves as a hotel copywriter who has contacts in the industry and experience creating material for the industry, they’ll pay twice as much for the privilege of working for the serious, dedicated copywriter in that industry. POINT THREE: LEVERAGE YOUR SKILLS There isn’t a single marketing plan that you can follow like a robot to connect a unique client with your unique skills. So look at your own skills and write down a plan that brings your unique skills and situation to play as often as possible. If you’re handsome and live in an exotic location, set up a camera. Take pictures and videos to build to your brand. If you’re a fast writer, or have a strong wit, hop on a forum and give help and advice. If you’re a bit more deliberate, pour your energy into blog posts. If you’ve got a telephone and free time, start sending calls and hand letters to local businesses in your target market. No matter who you are and where you are, there’s something unique that you bring to the table. It’s smart to work to your strengths and focus on marketing instead of forcing yourself to learn “new skills.” POINT FOUR: CREATE A CONVERTING WEBSITE Just any website isn’t acceptable. Your site doesn’t need to be flashy, but it does need to be professional and effective. Here’s how: First, remember that all the “rules” of good copy apply to your website too. It’s amazing how many copywriters stress providing benefits over listing features when talking to clients, but forget to do that when representing themselves. Talk directly to your client about problems they’re facing – emails that get unopened, ugly and ineffective website content, low conversion rates on sales letters, and how you can fix it. Second, give away your expertise for free to generate leads. Write a new article discussing an aspect of copywriting every day (unless you’re guest posting for someone else or doing paid work). Write a special report on how to optimize copy for the web or choose a copywriter, and ask potential clients to opt-in in exchange for it. Third, create credibility. Even if you don’t have experience, there are lots of small things you can do to create the appearance of professionalism. A picture of yourself emphasizes that you’re a “real person.” Testimonials from bosses, coworkers, and clients help too. You might have to use some creative wording if the experience wasn’t directly related to copywriting. WELL THAT'S HALF OF THEM - THE REST ARE ONLY $3

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