Copywriters are pursuing freelance copywriting more and more these days because of the great opportunities it offers. If you're interested in freelancing, then here are some basic pointers to help you get an idea of what is involved.
1. Know when and how to say "no." Freelance copywriters have to know when to say "no." Sometimes your schedule is overloaded and you can't take on any new projects. Other times your clients have terrible ideas on how to market their product, so you have to correct them, gently of course. Remember that you're the professional and they are not, that is why they are hiring you, so don't be afraid to voice your ideas.
Sometimes clients will insist on a particular point, if this is the case then you have to learn how to compromise without surrendering. Learning how to manage persistent clients will make your life a lot easier. There are also situations from which you just need to walk away. These kinds of clients are not worth the money or the time.
2. You should also be polite, persistent, and positive. You need to always communicate with your clients professionally and listen to their desires intently. You must persistently stand by your ideas on how to sell your clients' products, and you must also look for work vigilantly.
3. Make sure that you are constantly increasing your skill and expertise. Learning is a never-ending process and the most successful copywriters out there see themselves as lifelong students. As a freelance copywriter, you must constantly learn new ways to write better copy. This will keep you sharp and competitive. There is a lot of material out there, so go ahead and dive headlong into improving the quality of your product.
4. Remember to relax. Most people switch to freelancing to escape their stressful work environment, so it doesn't make much sense to make your new work environment as equally as stressful! So make sure that you relax, put it in your schedule if you must, but just make sure to do it. Consistent relaxation also helps you write better and faster. So in the end, you'll be happier and more productive if you take time to relax.
5. Keep a positive attitude. Loving your profession is one of the keys to success. If you let the stress of your work consume you, then eventually you will come to hate your job and lose out on all the benefits freelancing has to offer.
6. Take time for your personal life. A successful businessperson also has a life outside of their work. You need to nurture your personal life for your emotional health, not to mention your friends' and family's emotional health as well. Even though you're making a career transition to make more money, your personal life is the most important part of whom you are. What gain is there if you spend your whole life making money but have no one to share it with? In the midst of growing your business, don't lose sight of the greater things in life.
7. Always practice honest work ethics. You need to be a person of love, honor and integrity. Therefore, don't make any promises you can't keep. Be honest with your clients. Tell them if you're failing to meet a requirement and try to make it up to them. Never give moral ground in order to gain economic prosperity, and always be ethical when conducting business arrangements.
8. Learn to manage your business. Freelance copywriters run every aspect of their business and need to know how to do it well if they are going to be successful. Read up on how to effectively run a small business and know the laws that can protect you.
Keep up on the most recent ethical standards, laws, and tax reforms. Make sure you're also up to date on all the current pricing models and searching for new ways to organize your business more effectively.
9. Never take a rejection personally. This is a business and your self worth should never be wrapped up in what you do. Try and maintain a level of professionalism and don't take rejection personally. There are plenty of reasons someone might pick another copywriter over you that have nothing to do with your ability to write good copy.
10. Do not miss deadlines. This is very important. Missing deadlines will crush your chances at success. Therefore you have to learn to manage your time well.
Hopefully you found these pointers illuminating and helpful. If you're interested in learning more about freelance copywriting, there is plenty of information out there that can help you become a successful freelancer. Just search the Internet for tutorials on copywriting, and start digging in. - 16069
1. Know when and how to say "no." Freelance copywriters have to know when to say "no." Sometimes your schedule is overloaded and you can't take on any new projects. Other times your clients have terrible ideas on how to market their product, so you have to correct them, gently of course. Remember that you're the professional and they are not, that is why they are hiring you, so don't be afraid to voice your ideas.
Sometimes clients will insist on a particular point, if this is the case then you have to learn how to compromise without surrendering. Learning how to manage persistent clients will make your life a lot easier. There are also situations from which you just need to walk away. These kinds of clients are not worth the money or the time.
2. You should also be polite, persistent, and positive. You need to always communicate with your clients professionally and listen to their desires intently. You must persistently stand by your ideas on how to sell your clients' products, and you must also look for work vigilantly.
3. Make sure that you are constantly increasing your skill and expertise. Learning is a never-ending process and the most successful copywriters out there see themselves as lifelong students. As a freelance copywriter, you must constantly learn new ways to write better copy. This will keep you sharp and competitive. There is a lot of material out there, so go ahead and dive headlong into improving the quality of your product.
4. Remember to relax. Most people switch to freelancing to escape their stressful work environment, so it doesn't make much sense to make your new work environment as equally as stressful! So make sure that you relax, put it in your schedule if you must, but just make sure to do it. Consistent relaxation also helps you write better and faster. So in the end, you'll be happier and more productive if you take time to relax.
5. Keep a positive attitude. Loving your profession is one of the keys to success. If you let the stress of your work consume you, then eventually you will come to hate your job and lose out on all the benefits freelancing has to offer.
6. Take time for your personal life. A successful businessperson also has a life outside of their work. You need to nurture your personal life for your emotional health, not to mention your friends' and family's emotional health as well. Even though you're making a career transition to make more money, your personal life is the most important part of whom you are. What gain is there if you spend your whole life making money but have no one to share it with? In the midst of growing your business, don't lose sight of the greater things in life.
7. Always practice honest work ethics. You need to be a person of love, honor and integrity. Therefore, don't make any promises you can't keep. Be honest with your clients. Tell them if you're failing to meet a requirement and try to make it up to them. Never give moral ground in order to gain economic prosperity, and always be ethical when conducting business arrangements.
8. Learn to manage your business. Freelance copywriters run every aspect of their business and need to know how to do it well if they are going to be successful. Read up on how to effectively run a small business and know the laws that can protect you.
Keep up on the most recent ethical standards, laws, and tax reforms. Make sure you're also up to date on all the current pricing models and searching for new ways to organize your business more effectively.
9. Never take a rejection personally. This is a business and your self worth should never be wrapped up in what you do. Try and maintain a level of professionalism and don't take rejection personally. There are plenty of reasons someone might pick another copywriter over you that have nothing to do with your ability to write good copy.
10. Do not miss deadlines. This is very important. Missing deadlines will crush your chances at success. Therefore you have to learn to manage your time well.
Hopefully you found these pointers illuminating and helpful. If you're interested in learning more about freelance copywriting, there is plenty of information out there that can help you become a successful freelancer. Just search the Internet for tutorials on copywriting, and start digging in. - 16069
About the Author:
For an inside look at the techniques of a sought-after web copywriter, visit the site of Copywriter Ray Edwards. Claim your free podcasts, marketing tips, videos and free copywriting advice.
