Tips To Sell Copywriting Services (cont'd from Home Page)

Be prepared to sell yourself

It's hard to start selling your copywriting service when you don't have a portfolio to share. To begin selling, prepare a strong portfolio of all the things you've ever written, then weed it down to the really good ones. Use this portfolio to showcase your abilities.
 
If your articles have been printed, indicate where and when. Finished samples are best, but use copies if you don't have them. These days, the internet gobbles up many copywriters' works, so include printouts and the URLs of websites on which your articles, reports or other write-ups have appeared.

Show proof of your skill

Your clients have different goals for hiring you as a copywriter. Some of them simply require relevant content to fill up space. Others want your copy to sell their products. If you have written copy that has contributed to an excellent advertising campaign, say so and use statistics whenever possible. 

Build a website for your copywriting service

So much copywriting is created for the web and that's where most communication takes place. Today, having your own website as a marketing tool is not optional help you build a clientele and promote your service. Many full-time and part-time copywriters have websites of their own where they regularly provide content, write blogs, advertise their services and communicate with clients.  Some of them even use their websites to sell content to their subscribers, thus supplementing their copywriting services.

Actively market for copywriting clients

Don't just rely on websites and advertisements to find your clients.  Go after them yourself.  Start with people you know to help you build your confidence level and then ask for referrals.

Get in touch with individuals, businesses, professionals, private organizations, clubs and associations who need copywriting services.  Bid for jobs posted online.

Set and standardize your copywriting fees

At first it's tempting to low-ball or take what you think someone will pay you, but it's best to set the rates for your services. That way, it will be easier for you to determine how much to charge. It's usually easier for your clients, too. 

Don't be embarrassed to ask for what you are worth. Take into consideration your qualifications, expertise and experience, as well as the type of writing required. Writing web content, for example, may not demand the same quality, style and expertise as writing a business proposal, press release or printed marketing material. 

If your writing is good, when starting out try to stay in a competitive range. Charge high enough to be taken seriously without scaring your desired clients away

Cultivate your satisfied clients

Clients who like your services are a good resource for selling your copywriting skills.  Always ask satisfied clients if you can use them as reference and always ask for referrals. Ask for testimonials.  Having real-life people to back up your claims will help you gain the trust of prospective clients.

Offer a sample copywriting project for free

Your excellent portfolio is sufficient to convince some of your prospective clients that you are the right copywriter for their job. For others, however, you will have to do more until you build up a reputation and long list of testimonials. A small job for free or on spec might tip the scale in your favor.