Do you want to be a copywriter?

Aspiring copywriters often visit my site for information regarding my services and fees. And pretty good too! I still take a look at my competitors’ websites from time to time, in case they are doing something that I should be doing.

I get a lot of emails from students working towards their degrees in marketing or other media, asking for some advice on how to secure a job in the ‘copywriting industry’. I didn’t know we had an industry! If so, it is surely a cottage industry because most copywriters are freelancers who work on their own and usually from home.

“Well, what about advertising and marketing agencies?” They ask. “Well, what about them?” I ask. And so it goes on and on until they realize that a copywriter who works for a structured and institutional organization is a totally different animal from the self-employed.

Institutional versus autonomous

So what are the differences between them? There are many. Let’s take a look at the agency writer. You are likely to be a talented person with creative abilities and a good command of the English language. They will have learned, from their course work, the psychology of sales, the aspects of communication and how to write with a fluent and interesting style.

Each day in the agency office, they will work on their assignments, which have been delegated to them by their manager. Your work will be reviewed by your manager or team leader, who, in the interest of your company, will decide if it is worthy of publication.

After a couple of years, doing similar ‘ordinary’ things, they may be offered the opportunity to create something completely original. By themselves, without guidance, without the tie of their mentor. And, in the interests of the company, not to mention their job security, they will produce something as institutional as they have been doing before. They will play it safe. Well, no?

Eventually, their creative conscience and talent can break through the institutional membrane and they will want to move on. They will want to do something for themselves. They can even become freelancers.

A freelancer is almost anyone with a passion and skill for writing. Some have started their careers working for agencies, some have graduated in English and simply feel “qualified” to do the job, while others enter the “industry” from a variety of other routes.

Whatever the medium, once they become autonomous, they quickly learn to survive. To survive and thrive as a freelancer, you must have the ability to adapt, diversify, and develop the ability to write in each and every humanly possible style. But there is more! You’ll have to meet deadlines, sometimes work for less than the lowest national salary limit, and learn to turn your brain upside down. It sounds painful!

What does this all amount to? What is the end result?

Let’s summarize so far.

A copywriter working for an agency will work in a nice, warm office with nice and friendly colleagues, writing simple corporate letters, brochures, announcements, and information packets. They will get paid between 18K and 26K, get 4-5 weeks of paid annual leave, and make fun of the boss at the office Christmas party.

Sounds pretty good to me. If you want to be a copywriter, I recommend that you follow this path. It offers a good salary and a stable and secure position.

The life of the self-employed is not so clear. They mostly work on their own, write all kinds of things about everything, and wonder where their next pack of fags will come from. They just take short breaks, get stressed, and tease everyone at any party.

They are self-employed, so they have to keep accounts. They have to buy all their stationery, fill out their own letters, and send their emails. They have to advertise or worse, they have to compete to sell their services for a pittance to unknown clients through some independent online website. The holes!
Sounds terrible, right? So why do we do it?

The Uncovered Truth About Freelance Work

Well obviously I can’t speak for everyone so I’ll tell you why I do it and how I do it. “Listen”

The main reason I write for a living is because I love it. I’ve always been a creative person, so writing comes naturally. And let’s face it, it’s not very difficult to do.

I love the challenge of each task. I have written several books for clients and each one has dealt with a completely different topic. The downside to ghostwriting is having to give up all rights to the work, which means you can’t display it or put it in your portfolio. The client receives all the credit for his masterpiece.

I have written many articles for websites, emails, and sales letters. I write poetry, humor, and boring stuff like FAQs and product information. But I never get bored because work can be so varied.

Then there is the money, of course. A good freelancer should be able to earn around $ 50,000 a year. Some earn less, but others can earn more than 100,000 a year. There really is no limit. Make a name for yourself and not only will you earn a good living, but you may find yourself in the enviable position of being able to choose the work you do.

Do you still want to be a copywriter?

Well! Now let’s dispel some myths by answering some questions that I get asked all the time.

The 6 most frequently asked questions

1. Do you need a formal education and a degree?
No way! Although most agencies only employ graduates, there is no reason why a freelancer needs more than a good command of the English language, creativity, and a taste for writing. There are many copywriting courses available, if you are unsure or want to hone your skills, but make sure the course work is set up by an experienced and reputable copywriter.

2. Can previous work experience help?
Yes! Sales and marketing experience comes in handy if you intend to earn a living as a sales copywriter. At a minimum, you need to understand the sales process and the customer service aspect.

3. I don’t have a wallet. How can I get a job?
Create one! Write a few articles, write a little book, write a few sales letters, brochures, and emails. Show what you can do. Write for free. Write for charities, magazines, or newspaper letter pages. Use your imagination and write on any topic.

4. What are the best places to work?
You can try contacting marketing agencies using a cover letter, but don’t hold your breath. Magazines are always looking for fillers, so this would be a good place to start. Small local businesses might be interested in having some brochures written for door-to-door delivery. Contact them by letter, listing their services and their rates.

When you’ve got a bit of experience, go online and subscribe to some of the freelance websites. Elance, Freelance Work Exchange, and Getafreelancer are pretty good, but be prepared to compete with other bidders from around the world. Some Indian freelancers will work for as little as the number 3 per hour, so you deal with it. Still, I think it’s worth the experience. I receive some of my assignments this way.

Create a website or have someone do it for you. I am of the opinion that all companies should have a website if they want to stay in business.

Create an email photo and work your way through your local Yellow Pages. Sell ​​yourself. It’s what you’ll have to do anyway, so get used to it.

5. What should I charge for my services?
This is just a guide. You will instinctively know when it has been established.

A one-page letter consists of around 500 words and should take no more than 2 hours to write, proofread, and finalize. If you want # 10 per hour, it will be # 20 for work. Don’t bother quoting a price per word, as you’ll find yourself writing a ton of nonsense to fill the pages.

Again, once you are established, you can charge what you think your work is worth. It’s not uncommon to charge # 400 for a 6-page sales letter, if you’re good.

6. What do you think is the most essential skill of a successful copywriter?
If you can’t do this, you won’t be very successful.

“Write while you speak”

That’s! You should be able to communicate with your reader directly from the page. Your words must be conversational. You must be able to “talk” to your reader and awaken their interest, their emotions, their desires.

If you are trying to sell them something, it must be convincing. Your letter should be compelling and eye-catching. Finally, your letter should get them to take some action. This could be filling out a form, making a phone call, or writing a check. It is a call to action.

Do you still think you have what it takes?
Then go out and return with the bountiful harvest of your creative genius!

Good luck and best regards.

Bill knight

(# indicates British pounds or US dollars)