Hi,

My name is Joni and I'm very new to copywriting. In case you're wondering, I did introduced myself in the "Introduce Yourself Here" thread.

I've decided that non-profit or fundraising copywriting seems very intriguing. I was wondering if there is anyone who writes or has written in that area and if you have any advice or warnings or whatever for a complete beginner like me. I've got my website up (even though it still needs some tweaking) and a blog but I have no portfolio. I've created some spec pieces that I've put up on my website and I've written two articles that I've distributed to article directories. I plan on sending postcards to prospects in the non-profit sector. Am I missing anything?

I know I need more spec pieces and to perhaps do a couple of pro bono jobs to show what I can do but...

Any thoughts?

I'd love to hear from you.


Flying by the seat of my pants,

Joni H.

Ditch the postcards and go with a hard hitting letter! Going cheap isn't going to get past the gatekeeper at a large company or is it going to give the best impression.

How about writing a report titled something like

Free Report Reveals 10 Ways to Double Your Foundation's Gifts in the Next 6 Months
Visit www.blah-blah-blah to download...

Post that on websites that non-profit administrators visit. Place the ad in periodicals that they read. Send letters to the heads, with the ad torn like it came from a newspaper.

Include on the ad, a note or post-it that says "FYI....."

If they log in to the landing page that you've created, you've got a name and email address for drip-marketing purposes. This may not get you immediate work, but it may lead to opportunities that wouldn't otherwise be there for you.

Rob

Hi Joni,

I'm a budding copywriter and the director of a foundation,
but I don't do non-profit copywriting! I do write pieces
for my own work though.

I do need some help on a project if you want to jump into
something immediately

All the best,
Brian

Hi Brian,

I visited your website. It's very exciting.

I'd love to jump in to something right away! What did you have in mind?

Hi Joni,

That would be great I have a nice brochure... but I'm looking to put together a more extensive informational packet for UNIF USA Foundation. I'll PM you with details!

-Brian

Sounds good, Brian.

Hmmmm. Sure, I would go with a letter but I'm just starting out and it would probably be pretty short...

Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks for the tip, Prouddad. I'll check it out.