Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Insights Into Freelance Copywriting

By Ray Edwards

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 clients will insist on a particular point, if this is the case then you have to learn how to compromise without surrendering. Learning how to manage persistent clients will make your life a lot easier. There are also situations from which you just need to walk away. These kinds of clients are not worth the money or the time.

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. Make sure that you are constantly increasing your skill and expertise. Learning is a never-ending process and the most successful copywriters out there see themselves as lifelong students. As a freelance copywriter, you must constantly learn new ways to write better copy. This will keep you sharp and competitive. There is a lot of material out there, so go ahead and dive headlong into improving the quality of your product.

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. Have fun even if the going gets tough. If you're going to be successful, you have to love your profession, so start learning how to keep a positive attitude now. If you let the stress of your work consume you, you will eventually burn out and miss out on the amazing opportunities in freelance copywriting.

6. Actively nurture your personal life. Your life should be well rounded. You need to take care of your personal health and spend time with your friends and family. Even though you're working to become more successful, what will it profit you to gain the whole world but spend your life alone? Your work is an important part of your life, but not the most important.

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. Never take a rejection personally. This is a business and your self worth should never be wrapped up in what you do. Try and maintain a level of professionalism and don't take rejection personally. There are plenty of reasons someone might pick another copywriter over you that have nothing to do with your ability to write good copy.

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. - 16747

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