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Freelance Copywriting 101
By Ray Edwards | January 11, 2009
Copywriters are pursuing freelance copywriting more and more these days because of the great opportunities it offers. If you’re interested in freelancing, then here are some basic pointers to help you get an idea of what is involved.
1. Know when to say “no.” As a freelance copywriter you have to learn when to say no. Sometimes you have to say no to projects because you’re schedule is overloaded or sometimes you also have to say no to poor suggestions made by your clients. In this situation you need to remember that you are the advertising expert, not your client. They are hiring you to sell their product, so you have to learn when to say “no” gently enough not to make your client angry.
Sometimes a client will persist on a particular idea; if they don’t budge then you need to learn how to compromise without surrendering. Managing persistent clients will help ease your work experience. But there are always going to be clients who do not compromise and it is best to know when to get out of these situations. They are not worth the money or the trouble.
2. You should also be polite, persistent, and positive. You need to always communicate with your clients professionally and listen to their desires intently. You must persistently stand by your ideas on how to sell your clients’ products, and you must also look for work vigilantly.
3. Become a constant learner. The most successful copywriters understand that you can never stop learning. You must be learning how to improve the quality of your copy constantly. This keeps you competitive and will help you climb the ladder of success. There is plenty of material out there, so go out and start learning how to be the best at what you do.
4. Make sure to relax. It doesn’t make much sense to go from one stressful job to another. Therefore take time to relax. Rest is so important that you should even write it into your schedule to make sure you do it. This will not only help you be happier, but it will also help you write better copy. In the end, if you take time to relax, you’ll be happier and more successful.
5. Keep a positive attitude. Loving your profession is one of the keys to success. If you let the stress of your work consume you, then eventually you will come to hate your job and lose out on all the benefits freelancing has to offer.
6. Nurture your personal life. A successful person is also a well-rounded person. You need to have a well-nurtured personal life for you and your family’s emotional health. Even though you’re working to be more successful as a copywriter, your personal life is far more important than your occupation. If you become super successful but neglect your friends and family, then all you have is a really nice empty house.
7. Practice good work ethics. It is really important to be a person of honesty and integrity. Only make promises you know you can keep and don’t cheat your clients. Let them know if you’re falling behind and won’t be able to make good on your end of the agreement. And never compromise on your morals in order to secure financial gain.
8. Learn to manage your business well. Freelance copywriters are their own bosses and run their own businesses. Make sure to read up on how to run a small business and manage your accounts well.
Be up to date on the most recent ethical standards, laws, and tax reforms. Make sure you’re also aware of the current pricing structures. Learn new effective ways of negotiating and looking for better ways to keep your business organized.
9. Don’t take rejection personally. Your value as a person does not reside in what you do or how much money you make. Remember this when clients reject your bids. Keep a professional composure and know that there are plenty of reasons outside of your ability to write copy that someone would reject your bid.
10. Do not miss deadlines. This is very important. Missing deadlines will crush your chances at success. Therefore you have to learn to manage your time well.
Hopefully you found these pointers illuminating and helpful. If you’re interested in learning more about freelance copywriting, there is plenty of information out there that can help you become a successful freelancer. Just search the Internet for tutorials on copywriting, and start digging in.
Topics: Advertising |