Saturday, January 10, 2009

How to become a Freelance Copywriter

By Ray Edwards

The Internet has changed the landscape of communications today. It has provided a seemingly limitless source of information and opened up a lot of opportunities in business.

Copywriting is one of the most lucrative businesses on the Internet. Today, more and more copywriters are looking into freelance copywriting because of the freedom it offers.

Freelance copywriters are independent minded and have a strong desire to succeed. They mix their own vision with proven copywriting techniques to build a successful business. Copywriters now look to the Internet in order to gain the creative independence they desire. Copywriters freelance their services in order to gain more projects and opportunities to make more money than their current jobs.

Copywriters create the written content on most advertisements. They write radio commercials, television ads, newspaper cut outs, direct response mail ads, web content, Internet sales letters, and much more. Freelance copywriters work on a project-to-project basis and for a variety of different clients. Because of their independence they can handpick their work and structure their schedules around their lives.

Successful freelance copywriters need the Internet and skill. Good freelance copywriters see themselves as lifelong students, so continue to educate yourself and increase the quality of your product. Writing everyday and reading books from the experts will also help your business.

Successful freelance copywriting includes research into your target audience. You need to know what gets their attention and how to reach them. Research is a very important aspect of a successful copywriting business that is often overlooked.

As you enter the copywriting field, you should figure out what market you want to write for. Some copywriters have a wide range of client types, while others specialize into one field like writing web content. But a little flexibility is important no matter how much you specialize. Here are some more helpful pointers that will strengthen your freelancing career:

1. Network With Other Copywriters. It is very important to get your name known in the industry and network with other copywriters. Attend seminars and get to know other copywriters. You need to also remember your local market as well. Watch for local businesses in your paper and join your local chamber of commerce to meet businessmen in your area.

2. Make a Portfolio. Your portfolio acts as your storefront window and gives your clients a chance to preview your work before accepting your bid. Portfolios are a great way to build confidence with a potential client. It should include samples of your best work, testimonials from past clients, and a sales letter explaining why you're the best for the job. It should also be neat and professional looking.

3. Develop Unique Sales Techniques. Freelance Internet copywriters need to have a set of developed and proven advertising techniques. Your business will see success if you can sell a product well, but it will soar if you can do it creatively.

This article was supposed to help you see into the world of freelance copywriting. Hopefully you found it helpful. You should look more into this exciting field if it interests you as a possible new career course. - 16747

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