Recently, I've come to the conclusion that I've done myself a disservice: I've pigeonholed myself into writing certain types of copy. Namely, websites, brochures, press releases, flyers and the like.

Mind you, years ago, I started out studying Robert Collier, Gary Halbert, Dan Kennedy and other masters of direct response, with every intention of diving head-first into the world of online sales letters. Then I got my first gigs writing web copy and brochures. Brochure work begets more brochure work, and before I knew it, I was the go-to gal for corporations and small businesses who wanted to infuse some zing into their marketing collateral.

It's not that I don't like writing these types of pieces. I do... to an extent. But my strength lies with copy that's more intense, more passionate, more emotive. I love the research and psychology that goes into direct response writing and have a knack for connecting with people through the written word. The online sales letters I have written for clients have been by and large successful. Not to mention, I had a blast writing them!

So if I wanted to break out of this "box" and start landing more direct response work, what would be my best approach? If you ever found yourself in this situation, what worked for you?

I have some ideas brewing upstairs which I haven't yet tried, but I was curious to hear others' thoughts on the matter first.

Many thanks in advance for the inspiration, if you have any to offer.

Hi, Susan.

You may find lots of tips in this thread:

http://www.copywritersboard.com/copy...opywriter.html

I'm sure there are others, so I'll keep on the lookout in case i come across more.

Cheers,

John

Sue

I wonder if you could mail your existing client list a persuasive offer that speaks for itself as to the effectiveness of direct response. They already know you--so less resistance.

Maybe you can customize several different offers based on what you already know about each particular company.

For example, if some have cruddy yellow pages ads...send them an offer for that.

If you know others could do well with a direct marketing campaign....offer them that.

Another idea is to introduce them to the world of cross marketing and list sharing with industries that have the same type of customers they do...

time to plant some ideas in your clients' minds....

Start with Jason's great book... Business Growth for Freelance Copywriters | Six-Figures Guide : Business of Copy

If that doesn't do it, his 60 day program is outstanding... Business Growth for Freelance Copywriters | 60 Day Business Building Bootcamp : Business of Copy

No affiliate links here, just a blatant pike for products that delivered 10X value for me.

Best of luck.

Hey Sue,

Adding to what others have already said...

It starts with positioning yourself. You've been around awhile, so I'm sure you know that. But practically speaking, your website seems very "corporate friendly," which is good since that's been your market.

I think you should consider a second website, more direct response oriented, to point new prospects to. You could then run traffic from Adwords, articles, forums and more to it.

You could also approach your current clients and let them know you've added a new arm to your current services. Explain what that means for your ideal prospect, tell them the type of people you're looking for, and offer a bonus or fee for referrals.

You get the idea. The important thing is you have an asset many "new" copywriters don't have that you can leverage... happy clients.

Of course this is probably already "cooking upstairs."

Hope that helps.

These are just suggestions, use at your own risk.

Probably do the same thing that worked for you in your current business; pick a niche, get a list or be a "parasite", go prospecting (give them a reason to contact you) and keep hitting them until they buy or die.

Confidence goes a long way in getting the projects you want. No client in their right mind wants a long sales letter, they want the results. Show how your way gets them those results through your own marketing and how you present your way.

Don't be willing to drop-back to what you're already doing because it's comfortable. Go for it all or be willing to walk away. Most ELance gigs are there for a reason, clients want a certain kind of solution. Don't be that solution. I guess I'm saying, don't just get out of the box. Burn it. GL

Hi Susan,

It's nice to see you here again! I'm basically agreeing with all the good advice you've already gotten here. But I wanted to add that I also strongly recommend Jason's ebook. It comes with one month of email assistance and Jason is just great. He really comes through and he's a great guy.

When I wanted to switch to sales letters, I did just what Chris suggested. I created new site in a sales letter format (Increase your profits with copy that has heart.). I haven't taken down my other site (Clear, persuasive copywriting) because by now it gets steady traffic just from having been around for a while.

Janet

Thanks, John, Suzanne, Kevin, Chris, Kawika and Janet for your insights and ideas - great stuff! I know that my existing site is very corporate-friendly. But since I don't want to discourage that flow of work - plus it gets decent traffic from the search engines - it makes the most sense to create a different site geared towards a different kind of audience. Next on my to-do list.

I'll also check out Jason's book for sure.

Susan

Write some samples of the type of letter you want to write and get to some seiminars!

You'll find that a lot of people there need copywriters...and it's very easy to strike a deal.

Many seminars are very inexpensive...I just got back from JVAlert in Philly and that only cost a few hundred bucks.

There are other benefits of attending a seminar but it could definitely kick-start your copywriting business. Make sure you bring business cards!

Hey Steve. Enjoyed meeting you in Philly, and welcome to the board!