1. 1. The Real Truth About Being a Freelance CopywriterThey tell you to envision writing on a beach somewhere, drink in one hand, laptop in theother, while you service your many clients. They tell you that you can easily make sixfigures a year as a freelance copywriter, writing for various businesses while in thecomfort of your jamies and home.Well, Ive been one for the past two years and Im goingto reveal what its REALLY like as a beginning freelance copywriter. This is only myperspective and might not reflect your own experience. You probably wont make sixfigures the first year. The prima donnas of the business do their best to make you feel likeyoure just not with it if you dont measure up to the six-figure income the first year butmost freelance copywriters dont even come close. We spend our money on training andcoaching packages that make the six-figure gurus rich. Dont quit your day job and makesure you have plenty of cash in savings before you decide to go full-time.Copywriting JobBefore you head to the beach or pool with your laptop, do your homework and work out atime line for launching as a full-time freelance copywriter. High prices will make yourclients respect you. The truth is, you may have to take a Sharpie to a cardboard sign andwrite, I will work for practically free while Im getting started. Again, "they", the primadonna freelance copywriters who constantly brag of their six figures, will tell you not towork on spec or give away your services. The truth is, you might have to give away some"freebies" while youre getting started in order to build your portfolio and credibility. Bestrategic about it - you cant spend all your time giving away all your time - but if youwant testimonials and work samples to show your real prospective clients, do some probono work here and there. Itll pay off in the long run and its just a way to pay it forwardfor the favors others have done for you along the way.Self-confidence will see youthrough. Humbug.Freelance CopywritersOther days youll want to hide under a blanket and youll wonder why you ever decided todo this thing. The voices will say, maybe you dont have any talent. In time, youll realizethat just because a client isnt happy with your work doesnt mean youve failed; it simplymeans you need to take a different direction for that client. Even with my ClientQuestionnaire, some clients dont know what they want to say until you say it for them,based on their answers, and they realize thats not what they wanted to say at all. TheCopywriting Superheroes can write Anything, Anywhere, for Anyone. We look up tothem, we envy the income they tell us they have, and we think they can leap tall buildingsin a single bound.Direct Mail CopywriterThe top freelance copywriters boast of high fees for high and lofty clients - this is simplynot the case for a beginning freelance copywriter. Youll need to build and hone your skilllevel and you might even want to invest in some coaching before you can command the
2. 2. high fees. Develop a niche. While this is true as you progress and your business matures,youll want to start out as a generalist. This actually works as an advantage to a beginningfreelance copywriter because it helps get your feet wet by diving into a lot of differentindustries. Youll find that you dread doing projects for what you consider boring topics,while youre energized by stimulating topics and industries. Give yourself several monthsas a generalist before you decide on a niche. When you decide on what niche to focus on,start researching that industry and study the writing on websites to find the flavor of theindustry.