Okay, you’re ready to write the ad of a lifetime. The one that will pull like crazy and leave them begging for your product like Somalians for food. So, do you whet their appetite with a short and sweet ad? Or write a long-copy ad that’s stuffed with information?

The 80-20 rule says 80% of the people only read the headline (and maybe a caption, if you have one). But the fact is, readers will read a long-copy ad. One McGraw-Hill study looked at 3,597 ads in 26 business magazines. What they discovered was that ads with 300 or more words were more effective that shorter ads in creating product awareness, inducing action and reinforcing the decision to buy. Another ad for Merrill Lynch crammed 6, 450 words into a single New York Times page. It pulled over 10,000 responses&ndasheven without a coupon! The truth is, the reason people read ads has nothing to do with copy length.

“Nobody reads long ads…” and other urban ad legends

People shun too many of today’s ads&ndashlong or short&ndashbecause several misleading myths have stubbornly remained with us. Things like “negative headlines are a downer since people want to feel good when reading your ad.” Or “show the product or they’ll never know what you’re selling.” Then there’s the stuffy axiom, “there’s no place for humor in business advertising. “ Or the ubiquitous saw, “all your ads should look the same, blend in or be swallowed up.” The list goes on and on. Presented with unabashed hubris by the high priests of advertising. The basic fact is, ads really fail for three reasons.

Your ads are all about you

You’re telling customers what you want to hear, not what they want to know. Impressive sounding features are fine to motivate your sales force, but your customer is only interested in one thing: “What’s in it for me?” This offense is particularly egregious in business-to-business advertising, which is infamous for its addiction to phrases like “the XP90 does it all” or “now with Duo-Pentium Processor”&ndashwithout a hint of what these features do. Also contaminating many of today’s ads are such chest-pounding headlines as “Taking the lead,” “The promise of tomorrow, today,” or “A tradition of quality.” They sound good but say nothing.

Your ads are boring

You’ve got to break the boredom barrier&ndashbig time. Many ad gurus say blend in, be one of the pack and survive. No wonder so many ads look alike, proudly showing big pictures of their products, or worse yet, featuring a giant photo of the company’s CEO&ndashusually with a caption that’s been scrubbed clean of originality or compelling information. If you want people to stop and read your ad, you have to make the ad more interesting than the editorials in the publication you’re in. Give them real news, a fresh new way to look at what you’re offering them. Stand out from the crowd. Start trends, don’t follow them. One of the most interesting car ads I ever saw showed the car only sparingly; instead, it featured an animation of a human heart beating furiously to the soundtrack of an accelerating engine. Breakthrough stuff.

Your ads don’t make human contact

They’re not reaching readers on an emotional level. We all want to be liked, appreciated and loved. We want to feel secure in our lives and our jobs. So be a mensch. Create ads that touch the soul. Use an emotional appeal in your visual, headline and copy. Don’t just show a car on the road; show the guy captivating his sweetheart with the car. If your buyers were on the moon, would they care about your car’s styling? No. They’d get an ugly, crawly vehicle that got them from crater to crater. Selling computers to business? Show the guy getting a raise or promotion for selecting your latest model. You’re selling the emotional end result, the human need-based bottom line, not a box, or vehicle with four wheels and an engine.

So if you’re struggling with the notion of whether to write a long- or short-copy ad, you can do both and still get results. The key is not length or lack of it, but information, interest and involvement in your customer’s needs. These are the ingredients to creating a successful ad.

Okay, you’re ready to write the ad of a lifetime. The one that will pull like crazy and leave them begging for your product like Somalians for food. So, do you whet their appetite with a short and sweet ad? Or write a long-copy ad that’s stuffed with information?

The 80-20 rule says 80% of the people only read the headline (and maybe a caption, if you have one). But the fact is, readers will read a long-copy ad. One McGraw-Hill study looked at 3,597 ads in 26 business magazines. What they discovered was that ads with 300 or more words were more effective that shorter ads in creating product awareness, inducing action and reinforcing the decision to buy. Another ad for Merrill Lynch crammed 6, 450 words into a single New York Times page. It pulled over 10,000 responses&ndasheven without a coupon! The truth is, the reason people read ads has nothing to do with copy length.

“Nobody reads long ads…” and other urban ad legends

People shun too many of today’s ads&ndashlong or short&ndashbecause several misleading myths have stubbornly remained with us. Things like “negative headlines are a downer since people want to feel good when reading your ad.” Or “show the product or they’ll never know what you’re selling.” Then there’s the stuffy axiom, “there’s no place for humor in business advertising. “ Or the ubiquitous saw, “all your ads should look the same, blend in or be swallowed up.” The list goes on and on. Presented with unabashed hubris by the high priests of advertising. The basic fact is, ads really fail for three reasons.

Your ads are all about you

You’re telling customers what you want to hear, not what they want to know. Impressive sounding features are fine to motivate your sales force, but your customer is only interested in one thing: “What’s in it for me?” This offense is particularly egregious in business-to-business advertising, which is infamous for its addiction to phrases like “the XP90 does it all” or “now with Duo-Pentium Processor”&ndashwithout a hint of what these features do. Also contaminating many of today’s ads are such chest-pounding headlines as “Taking the lead,” “The promise of tomorrow, today,” or “A tradition of quality.” They sound good but say nothing.

Your ads are boring

You’ve got to break the boredom barrier&ndashbig time. Many ad gurus say blend in, be one of the pack and survive. No wonder so many ads look alike, proudly showing big pictures of their products, or worse yet, featuring a giant photo of the company’s CEO&ndashusually with a caption that’s been scrubbed clean of originality or compelling information. If you want people to stop and read your ad, you have to make the ad more interesting than the editorials in the publication you’re in. Give them real news, a fresh new way to look at what you’re offering them. Stand out from the crowd. Start trends, don’t follow them. One of the most interesting car ads I ever saw showed the car only sparingly; instead, it featured an animation of a human heart beating furiously to the soundtrack of an accelerating engine. Breakthrough stuff.

Your ads don’t make human contact

They’re not reaching readers on an emotional level. We all want to be liked, appreciated and loved. We want to feel secure in our lives and our jobs. So be a mensch. Create ads that touch the soul. Use an emotional appeal in your visual, headline and copy. Don’t just show a car on the road; show the guy captivating his sweetheart with the car. If your buyers were on the moon, would they care about your car’s styling? No. They’d get an ugly, crawly vehicle that got them from crater to crater. Selling computers to business? Show the guy getting a raise or promotion for selecting your latest model. You’re selling the emotional end result, the human need-based bottom line, not a box, or vehicle with four wheels and an engine.

So if you’re struggling with the notion of whether to write a long- or short-copy ad, you can do both and still get results. The key is not length or lack of it, but information, interest and involvement in your customer’s needs. These are the ingredients to creating a successful ad.

The headline is undoubtly the most crucial factor of the sales copy. You could have the best sales copy ever written but a poorly written and not thought out headline will almost single handly ruin your business.The following points should insure your headline is quality and will force to read on.

1. Ultra Specific

You need to be as specific as possible. For example. Instead of “how an ebook author make thousands every month”,change it too “how an ebook autor makes $2,678.85 every month”.Its more specific and alot more believable.

2. Keep it unique and original

You really need to come up with your own original headine.For example im sick of seeing this headline. “Finally,the simple way to get free to your site. Its this word “finally”,its been totally overused.

3. Keep the urgency

This really forces the reader to view the sales page further.Give the headline a sense of urgency. For example, giving a special offer for reading on,deadline dates or total amounts available.

This techniques have personally been proven by myself, they work some better than other, the key is to keep tweaking and testing with the above points always in mind.

I use these tips in the headlines I create. I ALWAYS MAKE SURE MY HEADLINES GRAB THE ATTENTION. My website ebookprofitmaker.com currently has a conversion rate of 3.3% and 76% of my vistors read past the headline.

The headline is undoubtly the most crucial factor of the sales copy. You could have the best sales copy ever written but a poorly written and not thought out headline will almost single handly ruin your business.The following points should insure your headline is quality and will force to read on.

1. Ultra Specific

You need to be as specific as possible. For example. Instead of “how an ebook author make thousands every month”,change it too “how an ebook autor makes $2,678.85 every month”.Its more specific and alot more believable.

2. Keep it unique and original

You really need to come up with your own original headine.For example im sick of seeing this headline. “Finally,the simple way to get free to your site. Its this word “finally”,its been totally overused.

3. Keep the urgency

This really forces the reader to view the sales page further.Give the headline a sense of urgency. For example, giving a special offer for reading on,deadline dates or total amounts available.

This techniques have personally been proven by myself, they work some better than other, the key is to keep tweaking and testing with the above points always in mind.

I use these tips in the headlines I create. I ALWAYS MAKE SURE MY HEADLINES GRAB THE ATTENTION. My website ebookprofitmaker.com currently has a conversion rate of 3.3% and 76% of my vistors read past the headline.

“Learn one FREE technique that INCREASES PROFITS by $1,000s or more in under two minutes!’

Did that headline grab your attention? Are you anxious to learn what this amazing free technique is?

Why, it’s the headline itself!

You have one chance and one chance only to grab your audience’s attention like our headline grabbed yours. If your heading doesn’t draw readers in, odds are that they will never even get to the second sentence. Instead, they’ll move on&ndashright to your competitor.

A strong headline guarantees that you will never lose a visitor before they stop to learn more. More people stopping translate directly into more sales and more profits!

By keeping just a few key points in mind, you can start writing engaging, money-making headlines in minutes. The sooner you improve your headlines, the sooner you can enjoy the wealth that has been waiting for you inside them.

Key Point #1: Be Specific!

 Stand out from the competition!

 Real numbers and dollar signs attract the most attention.

Chances are you have some competition selling something similar to the same people you are targeting. Get ahead of your competitors by specifically telling customers what they have to gain&ndashand lose&ndashfrom you right upfront.

In our example headline above, we didn’t simply say that our technique increases profits. Instead, we said it increases profits “by $1,000s.” By adding this tiny detail, it immediately changed from a generic headline to an enticing offer.

It’s easy to overlook the thousands of messages we come across each day. They all promise to create undisclosed amounts of money in undisclosed amounts of time. However, it’s hard to pass by a headline promising to reveal how to make $1,000s in under two minutes. (This second headline detail drives home the idea that our technique is *really* fast!)

Leave the vague promises that everyone else is trying behind. Today, start to attract customers’ curiosities with headlines full of concrete facts and figures.

Key Point #2: Choose Your Words!

 Choose positive (”winning”) instead of negative (”not losing”) language.

 Headlines should always be upbeat and inspiring.

Always keep your headlines positive, upbeat, and full of inspiration. By the time a visitor gets to the end of that very first line, they should not only want to keep reading&ndashthey should be *eager* and *excited* to keep reading!

Think carefully about how you word each portion of your heading. Focus on the verbs, or action words. How are you currently describing the action? How else could you describe that same action? Which wording sounds most attractive?

For example, say that you stay home to watch a football game instead of going out to the grocery store. You could describe your action in two ways: “staying home to watch the game” or “not going out to the store.”

The former (”staying home to watch the game”) is the more upbeat of the two and makes a better headline. It involves a positive action (”staying”) and a positive result (”to watch the game”). In contrast, the second option involves a negative action (”not going”) and a boring result (”to the store”). Negativity and boredom will not interest the reader, and they’ll quickly be headed elsewhere.

Key Point #3: Longer Is Better!

 Never skimp on the critical first sentence.

 Highlight key points.

 Use a sub-headline if necessary.

 Four key questions your headline MUST answer.

In most writing, we are taught to be “short and sweet.” In other words, to say as much as possible in as few words as possible.

Not with headlines!

You only have one sentence to hook a reader&ndashmake it count!

By the end of that first line, the reader should know what they stand to gain; how easily they can benefit; and how fast they can start benefiting!

Touch on as much of the following as you can:

- What your product is (i.e. “an e-book,” “a technique”)

- How it’s used (i.e. “right from your browser,” “effortlessly”)

- What’s required to use it (i.e. “less than two minutes of your time”)

- Benefits from using it (i.e. “increases profits,” “doubles memory”)

Make the main ideas of your heading stand out! Pepper your headline with uppercase letters, underlines, italics, and/or bold text.

Too many important details? Consider adding a sub-headline. The real headline should include the most captivating points, but a sub-headline can add information to really seal the deal. When positioned close together, many readers can be “tricked” into reading both sentences right off the bat!

Your headline is ultimately what makes or breaks a sale. If it cannot capture your readers’ attention, it cannot bring in sales. If you think your current headline is doing its job, think again. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much success you’ll enjoy&ndashall from taking just two minutes to incorporate the above key points into your headlines.

“Learn one FREE technique that INCREASES PROFITS by $1,000s or more in under two minutes!’

Did that headline grab your attention? Are you anxious to learn what this amazing free technique is?

Why, it’s the headline itself!

You have one chance and one chance only to grab your audience’s attention like our headline grabbed yours. If your heading doesn’t draw readers in, odds are that they will never even get to the second sentence. Instead, they’ll move on&ndashright to your competitor.

A strong headline guarantees that you will never lose a visitor before they stop to learn more. More people stopping translate directly into more sales and more profits!

By keeping just a few key points in mind, you can start writing engaging, money-making headlines in minutes. The sooner you improve your headlines, the sooner you can enjoy the wealth that has been waiting for you inside them.

Key Point #1: Be Specific!

 Stand out from the competition!

 Real numbers and dollar signs attract the most attention.

Chances are you have some competition selling something similar to the same people you are targeting. Get ahead of your competitors by specifically telling customers what they have to gain&ndashand lose&ndashfrom you right upfront.

In our example headline above, we didn’t simply say that our technique increases profits. Instead, we said it increases profits “by $1,000s.” By adding this tiny detail, it immediately changed from a generic headline to an enticing offer.

It’s easy to overlook the thousands of messages we come across each day. They all promise to create undisclosed amounts of money in undisclosed amounts of time. However, it’s hard to pass by a headline promising to reveal how to make $1,000s in under two minutes. (This second headline detail drives home the idea that our technique is *really* fast!)

Leave the vague promises that everyone else is trying behind. Today, start to attract customers’ curiosities with headlines full of concrete facts and figures.

Key Point #2: Choose Your Words!

 Choose positive (”winning”) instead of negative (”not losing”) language.

 Headlines should always be upbeat and inspiring.

Always keep your headlines positive, upbeat, and full of inspiration. By the time a visitor gets to the end of that very first line, they should not only want to keep reading&ndashthey should be *eager* and *excited* to keep reading!

Think carefully about how you word each portion of your heading. Focus on the verbs, or action words. How are you currently describing the action? How else could you describe that same action? Which wording sounds most attractive?

For example, say that you stay home to watch a football game instead of going out to the grocery store. You could describe your action in two ways: “staying home to watch the game” or “not going out to the store.”

The former (”staying home to watch the game”) is the more upbeat of the two and makes a better headline. It involves a positive action (”staying”) and a positive result (”to watch the game”). In contrast, the second option involves a negative action (”not going”) and a boring result (”to the store”). Negativity and boredom will not interest the reader, and they’ll quickly be headed elsewhere.

Key Point #3: Longer Is Better!

 Never skimp on the critical first sentence.

 Highlight key points.

 Use a sub-headline if necessary.

 Four key questions your headline MUST answer.

In most writing, we are taught to be “short and sweet.” In other words, to say as much as possible in as few words as possible.

Not with headlines!

You only have one sentence to hook a reader&ndashmake it count!

By the end of that first line, the reader should know what they stand to gain; how easily they can benefit; and how fast they can start benefiting!

Touch on as much of the following as you can:

- What your product is (i.e. “an e-book,” “a technique”)

- How it’s used (i.e. “right from your browser,” “effortlessly”)

- What’s required to use it (i.e. “less than two minutes of your time”)

- Benefits from using it (i.e. “increases profits,” “doubles memory”)

Make the main ideas of your heading stand out! Pepper your headline with uppercase letters, underlines, italics, and/or bold text.

Too many important details? Consider adding a sub-headline. The real headline should include the most captivating points, but a sub-headline can add information to really seal the deal. When positioned close together, many readers can be “tricked” into reading both sentences right off the bat!

Your headline is ultimately what makes or breaks a sale. If it cannot capture your readers’ attention, it cannot bring in sales. If you think your current headline is doing its job, think again. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much success you’ll enjoy&ndashall from taking just two minutes to incorporate the above key points into your headlines.

Wannabe copywriters often check out my site for information relating to my services and fees. And quite right too! I still give my competitor’s websites a ‘gander’ every now and then, in case they’re doing something that I should be doing.

I receive many emails from students working towards their marketing or other media degrees, asking for a few tips about securing work in the ‘Copywriting Industry’ I didn’t realise we had an industry! If we have, it’s surely a cottage industry because most copywriters are freelancers who work on their own and usually from home.

“Well what about advertising and marketing agencies?”, They enquire. “Well what about them?”, I ask. And so it goes on and on until they realise that a copywriter who works for a structured and institutional organisation, is a totally different animal to that of the freelancer.

Institutional versus Freelance

So what are the differences between them? There are many. Let’s look at the agency writer. He or she is likely a talented person with creative skills and a good command of the English language. They will have learned, from their course work, the psychology of selling, aspects of communication and how to write in a flowing and interesting style.

Each day, at the agency office, they will work on their assignments, which have been delegated to them by their manager. Their work will be scrutinised by their manager or team leader, who, in the interests of their company, will decide whether it’s worthy of publication.

After a couple of years, doing similar ‘run of the mill’ stuff, they may be offered the opportunity of coming up with something completely original. All by themselves, with no guidance, un-tethered by their mentor. And, in the interests of the company, not to mention their job security, they will produce something as institutional as they have been doing previously. They’ll play it safe. Well wouldn’t you?

Eventually, their creative awareness and talent may break through the institutional membrane and they’ll want to move on. They’ll want to do something for themselves. They may even become a freelancer.

A freelancer is just about anyone with a passion and a flair for writing. Some have started out on their career path by working for agencies, some have graduated in English and just feel ‘qualified’ to do the job, whilst others come into the ‘industry’ from a variety of other routes.

By whichever means, once they become a freelancer, they quickly learn to survive. To survive and prosper as a freelancer you must have the ability to adapt, diversify and develop the skill of writing in any and every style humanly possible. But there’s more! You will have to meet deadlines, sometimes work for less than the lower national wage limit and learn to turn your brain inside out. Sounds painful!

What does it all amount to? What’s the bottom line?

Let’s summarise thus far.

A copywriter working for an agency will work in a nice warm office with nice friendly colleagues, writing simple institutional letters, brochures, ads and information packs. They’ll be paid somewhere between 18K to 26K, get 4 to 5 weeks annual paid holiday and get to slag off the boss at the office Christmas party.

Sounds pretty good to me. If you want to be a copywriter, I recommend you go down this path. It offers a good salary and a steady secure position.

The freelancer’s life is not so clear cut. They mostly work on their own, write all kinds of stuff about everything and wonder where their next packet of fags is going come from. They only take short breaks, get stressed and slag everyone off at any party.

They’re self-employed, so have to keep accounts. They have to buy all their own stationery, stuff their own letters and post off their mailings. They have to advertise or even worse, they have to compete to sell their services for a pittance to unknown clients through some online freelance website. The pits!

Sounds terrible doesn’t it? Then why do we do it?

The uncovered truth about freelancing

Well, obviously I can’t speak for everyone so I’ll tell you why I do it and how I do it. “Listen up”

The main reason I write for a living is because I love it. I’ve always been a creative person so writing comes as second nature. And let’s face it, it’s not very difficult to do.

I love the challenge that each assignment brings. I have ghost-written several books for clients and each has been on a completely different subject. The downside of ghost-writing is having to sign away all rights to the work, which means you can’t showcase it or put it in your portfolio. The client gets all the credit for your masterpiece.

I’ve written many articles for websites, emails and sales letters. I write poetry, humor and boring stuff like FAQ’s and product information. But I’m never bored because the work can be so varied.

Then there’s the money of course. A good freelancer should be able to make around 50K a year. Some make less but some can make over 100K a year. There really is no limit. Make a name for yourself and not only will you be earning a good living, you could possibly find yourself in the enviable position of being able to pick and choose the work you do.

Still want to be a copywriter?

Good! Now let’s dispel a few myths by answering a few questions that I get asked all the time.

The 6 Most Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you need a formal education and a degree?

No way! Although most agencies will only employ graduates, there’s no reason why a freelancer needs anything other than a good command of the English language, creativity and a flare for writing. There are many copywriting courses available, if you’re a little unsure or want to hone your skills, but make sure the course work is set by an experienced and reputable copywriter.

2. Can previous work experience help?

Yes! Sales and marketing experience is very useful if you intend to make a living as a sales copywriter. At the very least, you should understand the sales process and the customer service aspect.

3. I don’t have a portfolio. How can I get work?

Create one! Write some articles, write a small book, write some sales letters, brochures and emails. Show what you can do. Write for free. Write for charities, magazines or newspaper letter pages. Use your imagination and write about anything.

4. Where are the best places to get work?

You could try contacting marketing agencies by way of a letter of introduction, but don’t hold your breath. Magazines are always looking for fillers, so this would be a good place to start. Local small businesses might be interested in having some leaflets written for door to door delivery. Contact them by letter, listing your services and your rates.

When you have gained a little experience, go online and subscribe to some of the freelance websites. Elance, Freelance Work Exchange and Getafreelancer are quite good, but be prepared to compete with other bidders from all over the world. Some Indian freelancers will work for as little #3 an hour, so you’re up against it. Still, I think it’s worth the experience. I get some of my assignments this way.

Build a website or have someone do it for you. I’m of the opinion that all businesses should have a website if they want to stay in business.

Create a mail shot and work your way through your local Yellow Pages. Sell yourself. It’s what you will have to do anyway, so get used to it.

5. What should I charge for my services?

This is just a guide. You’ll instinctively know when you’ve become established.

A one page letter consists of around 500 words and should take no more than 2 hours to write, revise and finalise. If you want #10 an hour, that’ll be #20 for the job. Don’t bother quoting a price per word as you’ll find yourself writing a load of drivel in order to fill the pages.

Again, once you’re established you can charge what you think your work is worth. It’s not uncommon to charge #400 for a 6 page sales letter, if you’re good.

6. What do you think is the most essential skill of a successful copywriter?

If you can’t do this, you won’t be very successful.

“Write as you talk”

That’s it! You must be able to communicate with your reader right off the page. Your words must be conversational. You must be able to ’speak’ to your reader and stir their interest, their emotions, their desires.

If you’re trying to sell them something, you must be convincing. Your letter has to be compelling and attention-grabbing. Finally, your letter has to make them take some action. This could be filling in a form, making a phone call or writing a cheque. It’s a call to action.

Still think you have what it takes?

Then go forth and return with the bountiful harvest of your creative genius!

If you want to know more, and there is a lot more, subscribe to my newsletter.

Good luck and warm regards,

Bill Knight

Wannabe copywriters often check out my site for information relating to my services and fees. And quite right too! I still give my competitor’s websites a ‘gander’ every now and then, in case they’re doing something that I should be doing.

I receive many emails from students working towards their marketing or other media degrees, asking for a few tips about securing work in the ‘Copywriting Industry’ I didn’t realise we had an industry! If we have, it’s surely a cottage industry because most copywriters are freelancers who work on their own and usually from home.

“Well what about advertising and marketing agencies?”, They enquire. “Well what about them?”, I ask. And so it goes on and on until they realise that a copywriter who works for a structured and institutional organisation, is a totally different animal to that of the freelancer.

Institutional versus Freelance

So what are the differences between them? There are many. Let’s look at the agency writer. He or she is likely a talented person with creative skills and a good command of the English language. They will have learned, from their course work, the psychology of selling, aspects of communication and how to write in a flowing and interesting style.

Each day, at the agency office, they will work on their assignments, which have been delegated to them by their manager. Their work will be scrutinised by their manager or team leader, who, in the interests of their company, will decide whether it’s worthy of publication.

After a couple of years, doing similar ‘run of the mill’ stuff, they may be offered the opportunity of coming up with something completely original. All by themselves, with no guidance, un-tethered by their mentor. And, in the interests of the company, not to mention their job security, they will produce something as institutional as they have been doing previously. They’ll play it safe. Well wouldn’t you?

Eventually, their creative awareness and talent may break through the institutional membrane and they’ll want to move on. They’ll want to do something for themselves. They may even become a freelancer.

A freelancer is just about anyone with a passion and a flair for writing. Some have started out on their career path by working for agencies, some have graduated in English and just feel ‘qualified’ to do the job, whilst others come into the ‘industry’ from a variety of other routes.

By whichever means, once they become a freelancer, they quickly learn to survive. To survive and prosper as a freelancer you must have the ability to adapt, diversify and develop the skill of writing in any and every style humanly possible. But there’s more! You will have to meet deadlines, sometimes work for less than the lower national wage limit and learn to turn your brain inside out. Sounds painful!

What does it all amount to? What’s the bottom line?

Let’s summarise thus far.

A copywriter working for an agency will work in a nice warm office with nice friendly colleagues, writing simple institutional letters, brochures, ads and information packs. They’ll be paid somewhere between 18K to 26K, get 4 to 5 weeks annual paid holiday and get to slag off the boss at the office Christmas party.

Sounds pretty good to me. If you want to be a copywriter, I recommend you go down this path. It offers a good salary and a steady secure position.

The freelancer’s life is not so clear cut. They mostly work on their own, write all kinds of stuff about everything and wonder where their next packet of fags is going come from. They only take short breaks, get stressed and slag everyone off at any party.

They’re self-employed, so have to keep accounts. They have to buy all their own stationery, stuff their own letters and post off their mailings. They have to advertise or even worse, they have to compete to sell their services for a pittance to unknown clients through some online freelance website. The pits!

Sounds terrible doesn’t it? Then why do we do it?

The uncovered truth about freelancing

Well, obviously I can’t speak for everyone so I’ll tell you why I do it and how I do it. “Listen up”

The main reason I write for a living is because I love it. I’ve always been a creative person so writing comes as second nature. And let’s face it, it’s not very difficult to do.

I love the challenge that each assignment brings. I have ghost-written several books for clients and each has been on a completely different subject. The downside of ghost-writing is having to sign away all rights to the work, which means you can’t showcase it or put it in your portfolio. The client gets all the credit for your masterpiece.

I’ve written many articles for websites, emails and sales letters. I write poetry, humor and boring stuff like FAQ’s and product information. But I’m never bored because the work can be so varied.

Then there’s the money of course. A good freelancer should be able to make around 50K a year. Some make less but some can make over 100K a year. There really is no limit. Make a name for yourself and not only will you be earning a good living, you could possibly find yourself in the enviable position of being able to pick and choose the work you do.

Still want to be a copywriter?

Good! Now let’s dispel a few myths by answering a few questions that I get asked all the time.

The 6 Most Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you need a formal education and a degree?

No way! Although most agencies will only employ graduates, there’s no reason why a freelancer needs anything other than a good command of the English language, creativity and a flare for writing. There are many copywriting courses available, if you’re a little unsure or want to hone your skills, but make sure the course work is set by an experienced and reputable copywriter.

2. Can previous work experience help?

Yes! Sales and marketing experience is very useful if you intend to make a living as a sales copywriter. At the very least, you should understand the sales process and the customer service aspect.

3. I don’t have a portfolio. How can I get work?

Create one! Write some articles, write a small book, write some sales letters, brochures and emails. Show what you can do. Write for free. Write for charities, magazines or newspaper letter pages. Use your imagination and write about anything.

4. Where are the best places to get work?

You could try contacting marketing agencies by way of a letter of introduction, but don’t hold your breath. Magazines are always looking for fillers, so this would be a good place to start. Local small businesses might be interested in having some leaflets written for door to door delivery. Contact them by letter, listing your services and your rates.

When you have gained a little experience, go online and subscribe to some of the freelance websites. Elance, Freelance Work Exchange and Getafreelancer are quite good, but be prepared to compete with other bidders from all over the world. Some Indian freelancers will work for as little #3 an hour, so you’re up against it. Still, I think it’s worth the experience. I get some of my assignments this way.

Build a website or have someone do it for you. I’m of the opinion that all businesses should have a website if they want to stay in business.

Create a mail shot and work your way through your local Yellow Pages. Sell yourself. It’s what you will have to do anyway, so get used to it.

5. What should I charge for my services?

This is just a guide. You’ll instinctively know when you’ve become established.

A one page letter consists of around 500 words and should take no more than 2 hours to write, revise and finalise. If you want #10 an hour, that’ll be #20 for the job. Don’t bother quoting a price per word as you’ll find yourself writing a load of drivel in order to fill the pages.

Again, once you’re established you can charge what you think your work is worth. It’s not uncommon to charge #400 for a 6 page sales letter, if you’re good.

6. What do you think is the most essential skill of a successful copywriter?

If you can’t do this, you won’t be very successful.

“Write as you talk”

That’s it! You must be able to communicate with your reader right off the page. Your words must be conversational. You must be able to ’speak’ to your reader and stir their interest, their emotions, their desires.

If you’re trying to sell them something, you must be convincing. Your letter has to be compelling and attention-grabbing. Finally, your letter has to make them take some action. This could be filling in a form, making a phone call or writing a cheque. It’s a call to action.

Still think you have what it takes?

Then go forth and return with the bountiful harvest of your creative genius!

If you want to know more, and there is a lot more, subscribe to my newsletter.

Good luck and warm regards,

Bill Knight