BREAKING INTO COPYWRITING AND OTHER FREELANCE WRITING OPPORTUNITIES

Some of you are asking, how can I break into the field of copywriting and gaining freelance writing opportunities? Here are some tips to consider:

• Place a classified or display ad in local business newspaper(s). I've been running one for years for only $21 a month. It has generated thousands of dollars in business for me. It's virtually the only advertising I do. I ran an ad in the yellow pages one year and only received one call. That was an expensive mistake. Since I work PT for an organization (20-25 hours a week), I don't need or want more work than I currently have.
  
• Have some business cards printed. You can get 250 beautiful 4-colored business cards printed for free (except shipping and handling) from VistaPrint online. Mine has my name and the title of Freelance Consultant, address, phone number and my website. I've given myself many titles in the past: President, Freelance Writer, Marketing Consultant, and settled for Freelance Consultant.
  
• Create your personalized letterhead for invoices, sales letters and other correspondence.
  
• One year I sent out postcards to a specific target audience. This included travel agents mostly, since that was my interest at the time. This was before web pages were hot, so I was soliciting for writing brochure and newsletter copy. When web pages came on the scene, I learned how to design them, and sent out postcards again, but this time to a more general audience.
  
• Study ads, brochure copy, newsletter copy, flyers and direct mail pieces you receive. Keep a file folder entitled IDEAS for future reference.
  
• Create a newsletter. One year I sent out a newsletter called Possibilities Unlimited to my clientsThis didn't really generate any additional clients. It served as a goodwill piece...good PR.
  
• Have a personal website. Mine includes samples of my work. This saves me and the client time. I'm rarely asked for a resume and people take my word that I know what I'm doing. Sometimes I carry a portfolio with me, but usually it isn't necessary.
  
• Keep three writing samples available to email or give to clients that ask.
  
  This is basically all I've done, but if I were to go full-time at it, I'd be much more assertive. Always remember that it takes approximately eight ads to really get someone's full attention. This can be expensive, but you can't expect to get a response from just running one ad. Be committed to a budget plan. Other things I've done over the years include:
  
• Hook up with printers, artists, and photographers. Let them know you're a writer and that you'd appreciate working with them on future projects.
  
• Get with ad agencies in town and let them know you're there to help with their "overflow" projects. Some agencies use freelancers exclusively, while others have their own copywriting staff. Sometimes there are overflows.
  
• If you have a special talent or interest (martial arts, travel, cooking, insurance) be sure to target into that market to promote your copywriting services.
  
  Copywriting is fun. It gives you the opportunity to write for many markets. You become a Jack-of-all-trades and a master of one or two.