Friday, January 2, 2009

An Introduction to Freelance Copywriting

By Ray Edwards

The Internet has opened up many business opportunities not previously available. It is a seemingly endless supply of information and a great way to make more money.

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 have a strong desire to succeed and steer their own career. They mix their own experience and skill with proven copywriting techniques to create a thriving freelancing business. The Internet offers copywriters this freedom. Freelance Internet copywriters can work on more projects and have more opportunities to generate a greater income than their regularly employed positions.

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. Create a Network. Networking with other copywriters is very important if you truly want to be successful. It gets your name out there and it puts you around people that will stretch your business. Go to seminars and meet people. Don't forget your local market as well. Watch for local businesses that might need your help and you can also join your local chamber of commerce to make contact with other businesses.

2. Build a Portfolio. Your portfolio will give potential clients a chance to preview your work. It also helps build their confidence about hiring you. Make sure to include samples of your best work, testimonials from previous clients, and a sales letter explaining your credentials. Your portfolio needs to be neat and professional in order to be effective.

3. Grow Your Own Set of Techniques. It is good to have your own set of copywriting techniques to help set you apart from other copywriters, but they have to be effective. Your ability to sell a product will determine your success, and your ability to do it uniquely will propel you to the top.

This article was supposed to help you see what is involved with freelance copywriting. Hopefully it was helpful. Freelance is a very flexible and rewarding career, go ahead and look into it more to see if it's the right move for you.

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