Techcopywriter, that's a terrific marketing tool you're using - great idea thanks.

Currently I'm working on putting together classes to teach people in my niches how to write more effectively. Helping/teaching others is something I enjoy doing and if nothing else, I know I'll learn a ton simply by teaching others.

Good post Tech.

Using a report can be a good way to get started.

As you get a bit more savvy about how to help brick and mortar
businesses with their online marketing just talking to the owners
working out where they're at and what their marketing challenges
are (or what they think they are) will get you a far higher response.

It will also get you a lot more referrals.

Every business owner wants a solution to what they perceive is
THEIR unique problem.

So you have a much higher chance of success just getting an owner
to talk about their "unique" problems then suggesting solutions you
can implement for them with very little work on their part.

Ultimately it doesn't really matter though.

If you talk to enough business owners you'll soon get all the clients
you need.


"At the end of my report my pitch is I will set up the software and email tools and give you 3 ways to build a list from your existing store traffic. I'll write the promotions to the list...and do list nurturing...etc. And I'll work on a commission basis. Turnkey...he just has to say yes.

"I charge an upfront fee of $500 to make sure he is serious. And if he balks at the $500, ask for $1000 in restaurant gift certificates (which cost him around 30%-35% in actual food costs) and will bring him new customers anyhow.

"It's great. His restaurant is full. His customers are happy. I'm happy.
And I make about $2,000 a month from this one guy for around 10 hours of work. (And I'm a VIP at the restaurant)"


Helping business owners use their already existing client foot traffic to
create a list is a very powerful marketing strategy and while it's really
obvious to anyone in online marketing circles it is usually a revelation
to a business owner.

So the owner will usually see you as a living breathing marketing genius
if you suggest it.


Asking for free products or services when you're just getting started
(like the restaurant vouchers in this example) is a great way to get
your foot in the door, get some experience and build some credibility
with real live clients.

You're also improving your lifestyle. I eat free at my local restaurant
too.

Again great post tech.

I'm sure many of the other members of the copywriting forum could
add some insights like this.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

P.S. It would also be great to hear more stories from professional
copywriters on their early struggles in the industry.

For anyone who can learn something from my mistake(s)...

Here's the story of my first copywriting client:

(Try not to laugh...

Business Growth for Freelance Copywriters | My First Copywriting Client : Business of Copy

Laugh? I almost cried. I loved your music, Jason. Tell me you still play. So you just shifted your talent to something that paid more.

Here's another insight new copywriters may find helpful.

When I was working with natural health professionals
helping them market themselves more effectively many
made one crucial error in calculating their potential income.

And it's the same error many new freelance copywriters make.

They would work out they could make $30 to $120 an hour
(depending on their modality).

The calculation seems simple enough.

Multiply 40 hours by $30 or $120 and you get
$1,200 to $4,800 income a week!

Looks like a solid business.

The problem here is you're thinking like an employee
instead of a business person.

There's no analysis of exactly the core prospect group
you'll market to, whether they have the money and the
willingness to spend it with you and how you'll market
to that core group of prospects.

(That's just one reason I recommend that copywriters
starting out go sell their internet marketing services to
local business owners. It's an easy to reach market
willing to spend money on a service you can provide
fairly easily).

A savvy business person will also tell you that at least one
quarter to one third of your time will be taken up in the
administrative tasks of your business so unless you hire
someone to do that and pay them your 40 hours of
being paid just effectively dropped to 27-30 hours.

And in the real world you need to invest a whole
pile of time and/or money in marketing yourself to
get clients.

Realistically when you're starting out you can expect to
invest one quarter to one third of your time there.

So now you're working 40 hours but the time you're
actually being paid for is down to 14-20 hours.

Over time you can get to the point where you spend
less time marketing yourself and you may also get
more effective at administrative tasks or hire an
assistant (these days you might hire a virtual assistant).

But just understanding that you'll only be paid for
one third to one half of your effort will give you a far
more realistic appreciation of what kind of income you
can expect as a freelance copywriter and how much you
need to charge to make a good living.

It should also bring home to you the reality that you're
actually in the business of marketing yourself as a copywriter
(or as an internet marketing consultant for small businesses).

Once you stop thinking like an employee and start thinking
like a business person your freelance copywriting career
takes on a completely different perspective.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

Perfectly well said.

As always, Andrew.

You may also find this FREE video on how you can sell your
online marketing/copywriting skills to local brick and mortar
business owners helpful...
YouTube - Offline Gold

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

I could use some help. Advice. Direction.

I am just learning about copywriting. Two weeks ago, I didn't even know what it was. Most of what I have learned has come from forums like these and free advice on private websites. Later, I plan to invest in Bly's Copywriter's Handbook*

After reading a Jay White interview, I am considering beginning my venture by way of catalogs* I am planning to find some potential clients that market to those who share my personal interests* Then I will pound out some samples and e-mail a few businesses, marketing my services* I have some advice to go on as far as writing the samples, but I am not too sure what to include in the body of my e-mail* Since I have no experience or website, should I reference my education?* I am looking for help in answering these questions as well as any others I may not have thought of. Anything at all would be helpful. Also, are there any threads on this forum pertaining specifically to catalogs that I may have overlooked? I have read many insightful posts from a number of experienced and successful people. I would greatly value anything offered.

*please make suggestions and/or advise

Thank you all!

Beautiful music Jason - do you have recordings available for us to buy?

Andrew you offer some sound advice, thank you.

When was that recorded? I am a classical violist and studied and worked for a couple of years in NY. Sounds like I've followed a similar path.

Regards,
Sheridan