Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Becoming a Freelance Copywriter

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 field that is finding great success on the Internet. Freelance copywriting is attracting more of an audience because the freedom and control it offers.

Freelance copywriters are independent minded and have a strong desire to succeed. They mix their own vision with proven copywriting techniques to build a successful business. Copywriters now look to the Internet in order to gain the creative independence they desire. Copywriters freelance their services in order to gain more projects and opportunities to make more money than their current jobs.

Copywriters write the written content on most advertisements. They help create most radio commercials, television ads, newspaper cut outs, direct response mail ads, web content, and Internet sales letters. Freelance copywriters work for a variety of different clients. They can handpick their work and structure their schedules around their lives.

In order to be successful you will need to constantly improve the quality of your product. There are always new things to learn about marketing, so you should continue to educate yourself to help you write better copy. Writing everyday and reading books from the experts will also help you write better copy.

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.

Before you decide to become a freelance copywriter you must know what market in which you want to write. Some copywriters write for a broad range of clients and try to appeal to many different markets. Others specialize down into one field, such as writing web content. In order to please your clients, you must be willing to be a little flexible no matter how specialized you become. Here are some tips 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. Develop Unique Sales Techniques. Freelance Internet copywriters need to have a set of developed and proven advertising techniques. Your business will see success if you can sell a product well, but it will soar if you can do it creatively.

This article was supposed to help you see into the world of freelance copywriting. Hopefully you found it helpful. You should look more into this exciting field if it interests you as a possible new career course. - 15790

About the Author: