Do you offer a great copywriting service, but spend all your time talking up your clients’ products instead of yourself? This week, take the time to work on your OWN sales copy. Spend time writing the copy that sells your services, and developing a killer brand. Brainstorm some great company domain names, and check to see what’s available. If you’re just getting started, launch your copywriting business under your own name or your chosen company name. Make it memorable, easy to say, and snappy - something that your clients can keep on the tip of their tongue.

You want to set yourself apart from the pack, so take time to invest in quality graphics and web design, and get yourself a web presence set up to go with your domain name. You may even be able to find designers and programmers who will barter with you, exchanging your writing skill for their programming skill. Spend some time networking on forums - you’ll be surprised what you may be able to turn up if you just ask for the help you need.

Invest in your own company this week - take time to develop your brand. As you build a client base, a brand is essential to being recognized and successful.  After all, very few people will remember writerwoman007 as a screen name, but we’ve all heard of names like Tiffany Dow, Brain McElroy, and Vince Runza.  Take time to develop your brand today, and see where it takes you as a writer. You’ll be glad you did.

Popularity: 43% [?]

If you’re attempting to break into writing for the web, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Beginning copywriters often struggle with where to find jobs, how to show clients that they are available, and how to get those first few testimonials. Establishing yourself as a copywriter doesn’t have to be a difficult process, however, and can actually be done with very little money up front.

First, you should develop a few copywriting samples. Begin to build a swipe file, and study master copywriters to get ideas of what types of copy sells well. Your clients will want to see what you can do, so have samples available for them, as well as a general idea of what type of rates you’ll be charging.

When you begin, charge lower than market value. You may want to do your first few copywriting jobs on a barter basis,  in exhange for web design, advertising, or testimonials. This can be a good way to gain experience, without expecting clients to spend a large amount of money on an untested writer.

To showcase your services, you may want to set up a website with rates and samples. Blogger and wordpress both allow you to build sites for free, or you could pay or trade services with a web designer. This will allow you to have your rates, portfolio, and basic information in one central location. You can then link to your website from your signature file in forums, and enable potential clients to find you quickly.

Establishing yourself as a copywriter takes time and effort, but it you’re willing to start with low paying jobs and work your way to the top, you have an excellent chance at success. Learn everything you can in the process, and you’re well on your way to writing your own paycheck!

Popularity: 43% [?]

Yes, that’s right. Does your copy make your reader truly uncomfortable? (And no, I’m not talking about spelling and grammatical errors, here!)

In order to sell a product, you have to prove that it meets a need. To prove that it meets a need, you need to show the reader how truly uncomfortable they are without it, and how much better their life would be if they owned it.

For example, let’s say you’re an affiliate for software that converts speech to text. You don’t just want to rave about all the great features of the program and how much easier it will make life for the client….first, you have to show them how much their life sucks without it - how truly miserable they are without this program to help them on a day to day basis.

So, let’s say you decide to target busy work at home mothers. Before  you go into all the great features of your product, take time to empathize with how painfully stressful their lives are - how hard it is to find uninterrupted time to sit down at the computer, how difficult it is to write with children running through the house and climbing on your lap, how much of a struggle it is to juggle various appointments and find time to work at home. Really play it up - show the reader how hard their life is- emphasize how much they struggle.

Then show how your product can make life easier, and you’ve just found another paying customer. People don’t like to be uncomfortable. Turning discomfort into comfort is a quick and easy way to make your copy sell!

Popularity: 47% [?]