Saturday, December 27, 2008

How to become a Freelance Copywriter

By Ray Edwards

The Internet has dramatically altered the world of communications and business. It has endless amounts of information and created a multitude of new ways to generate 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 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 are merely salespeople behind typewriters. They write the written content in radio commercials, television ads, newspaper cut outs, direct response mail ads, web content, Internet sales letters, and much more. Freelance copywriters work for clients on a project-to-project basis. They also get to handpick their assignments and mold 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. Develop Proven Advertising Techniques. Freelance Internet copywriters need to have a set of developed and proven advertising techniques. If your skill set is unique enough, then you can gain edge over competition and break into greater realms of success.

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. - 16755

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