Copywriting Success: If You Can Write A Letter, You Can Write Copy


Writing copy is the easiest and fastest way to make a great income as a writer. With other forms of writing like novels, non-fiction books, articles and screenplays, it's a buyers' market, and you're at the whim of editors. But when you write copy, you're in demand and it's a seller's market: when the word gets out that you write copy, you'll be booked solid for weeks and months ahead.

So becoming a copywriter is the way to go if you want to make a consistently high income writing.

Copywriting Basics - What Do Copywriters Write?

Copywriters write "copy". Copy is usually marketing-related material of some kind, like brochures, flyers, Web site content, advertisements, and so on. Essentially, it's business writing. Copywriting commissions can also be for longer material, like books and manuals, as well as audio-visual material, like scripts for TV, radio and video.

How Do You Get Copywriting Commissions?

You start by creating some samples for your portfolio. The people who buy your services want to see what you can do. So write a couple of advertisements, a review or two (pick products for review which you already own), and you're done. Until you get some "real" commissions, these samples are your portfolio.

Once you've created a few samples, you've got many options for promoting your new copywriting business - and yes, copywriters are in business, just like the companies for which they write copy. It's important that you create a business mindset: you have a skill, that skill is worth money, and your aim is to be paid well for that skill.

The easiest option is simply to create a small Web site, and promote the site. You can also visit some of the many out-sourcing sites online, and bid on the projects. The main point to remember here is: don't bid too low. While it's tempting to do so, you're likely to get more work if you set an appropriate rate for your services.

There you have it - you'll find it's true: if you can write a letter, you can write copy. You've been exposed to copy your entire life, so writing it comes naturally to writers. I wish you much copywriting success: it's a skill that can keep bringing in the dollars for your entire writing career.

You'll discover how YOU can become a successful copywriter with "Seven Days To Easy Money: Copywriting Success" by Angela Booth at http://abmagic.com/Copywriting/copywriting.html Angela has several blogs for writers who want to increase their freelance income, including http://copywriter.typepad.com/ and the Fab Freelance Writing Blog at http://fabfreelancewriting.com/blog/

The Secret To Making Your Website Visitors Buy From You


Would you like to know one of the biggest secrets to persuading more of your website visitors buy from you?

Then keep reading. Because in this very article I’m going to tell you how.

But first, you need to understand something…

One of the biggest mistakes I see people making when writing their own sales copy, is to go straight into selling… when they should first be bonding.

What do I mean?

Simply this: Before you try to sell to someone… you need to win them over as a friend first. Until you bond with your visitor…you’re just another marketer trying to take his money.

When your visitor sees you as a friend, your suggestion to buy something isn’t seen as trying to make a profit from him. Instead, you’re merely offering your advice and helping him out with his problem.

So how can you apply this to your sales copy?

Here’s an effective way of doing it: Send all of your traffic to an opt-in “name squeeze” page. Don’t try to sell your visitor on your product just yet. Just get their email address so you can follow-up with them. Give your visitor value first. Show him you know what you’re talking about. Win a friend.

This is the most effective way to convert first time visitors into customers in the long run.

You can also apply this idea in all of your sales copy. Here are a few suggestions on how to implement it.

The vast majority of people are simply looking for information. So give it to them. You don’t need to sell right from the get-go. A good way to get into this groove is to write a headline that forces you to give information. “How To” headlines are a good starting point.

Side note: A common rookie mistake is to try to sell the product in the headline. But realize this: The headline has only one purpose. And that purpose is to convince your visitor to start reading your sales copy.

Another useful technique you can use to bond with your visitor is storytelling.

Tell a story about where the inspiration for your product came from.

Or tell a story that highlights the problem your prospect is facing. Bring the problem to the surface of their mind. Then segue nicely into a pitch for your product.

This will ease your prospect into trusting you. It will seem natural to start talking about the solution to his problem. You’re not forcing anything upon him. You’re just talking about a problem and offering the solution.

The power of a good story should never be underestimated. Stories will keep people reading, and will slip under his anti-selling radar.

By using these simple techniques, you will be well on your way to showing your visitor that you’re not just a money-grabbing marketer.

You’re someone who has the solution to their problem, and appears to have their best interests at heart.