Newbie Looking For Clients...

[mr_kyle]

Originally Posted by Han Poelstra

What am I looking at locally? In the Netherlands we have a market of 16.3 million consumers, toss in another 6 million Belgians who speak Dutch, and that’s it, peanuts!

What you need is some kind of huge international network of interconnected people, all using a common platform to communicate, something that would break down international borders and open the world up like never before.... if only such a place existed!

[Han Poelstra]

Hi mr-kyle

We already have a international network of interconnected people.
It is called "The Total Package Forum"...

[mr_kyle]

I was thinking more along the lines of the "Internet"

[Han Poelstra]

But Kyle, we already have the "Internet".
Why re-inventing the wheel?
All we have to do is using it.
Besides, the Total Package Forum is "Internet" or am I missing something here?

[mr_kyle]

Originally Posted by Han Poelstra

or am I missing something here?

Indeed.

My point was there is no need to limit yourself to the physical boundaries of your country when there is a whole world available at the click of a mouse.

[Han Poelstra]

My apologies Kyle, that was exactly the point I was making!
Somehow, I must have lost your train of thought.

My point to “jezhunt” was; all the devices and means for global marketing and copywriting acquisition are already in place.
All we have to do is to use them.
So, why screw around in Old Blighty, or Holland, for that matter, or any other backwater.

This planet of ours has already and truly become a “ Global Village”, like Wyndham Lewis predicted it would be.
Lets get the most out of it.

Kyle, I’m signing off, wishing you and your loved ones, a happy Easter Holliday.
I’m sure (and hope) we’ll meet again on this forum, someday.

g`day mate

[davecoyne]

I think it's counter productive to try and market to people who don't understand the value of copywriting (or even know what copywriting is). You burn up an enourmous amount of your valuable time trying to educate people who are poor prospects.

I would approach companies that use direct mail. They know and value copywriting. You can purchase "Directory of Major Mailers and What They Mail" at http://www.majormailers.com. Yes, it's pricey but it may be worth your investment.

You can also ask them about their "Hot List" program. It's only about $150 a year. They email you a spreadsheet each quarter of about 100 companies that have recently mailed promotions. It also lists the contact person at the company, website address, etc.

Best of luck,
Dave Coyne

http://www.healthcopywriter.net
http://www.b2bcopywriter.net

[TerriD]

Wow. I'm glad I didn't stumble upon this type of thread when I was first starting!

All this talk of Major Mailers and Big Business...that would've been waaay too intimidating for me as a new copywriter.

My story has very humble beginnings. I was a school secretary before embarking on a copy career. Not everyone comes to this arena in the traditional ways.

My advice? Don't overlook what are obvious opportunities.

Every small business needs help. Their current promotions are copy -- do they have an attention-grabbing headline -- do they have bullet points -- how about testimonials?

It's a simple way to get started. You'll learn (and earn) a lot. Also, if you've been attentive and smart about your ongoing copy education, you'll blow whatever competition there is out of the water.

-Terri

[blackstone]

Terri, I find myself where you described.
If you would please give some info on how you approached these small businesses, I'd appreciate it.
I've seen ads, websites... that I'd love to say "your stuff sucks" or how much response are you getting to this?
Larry

[TerriD]

Blackstone,

In response, even contacting people who have left flyers at your door can be beneficial. It's not great money. but it is good practice. Both with becoming fluid in your approach, as well as writing copy -- they're small projects so there's not much time involved -- and you also get used to talking to people.

Give an "opener"

"Hi my name is Terri and I just received your ad/flyer/coupon. Looks like you have a great product/service, but it's not really reflected in this promotion." (you get the idea)

If I may explain...

Just like any business's TA you'll be writing copy for, there's only a small number who are ready to buy. The same holds true for businesses needing a copywriter.

My experience is that the ones who are likely to buy are already spending money -- yes even if it's just on a door-to-door flyer -- but it's also newspaper ads etc.

You can bet they are not getting the response they want. You can also bet that they'd love a better response.

Hint: Those who are more likely to buy your service and pay well offer a product or service with a high profit.

So, focus on businesses who are spending money -- have lame promotions and the potential for return is high.

Now...

You also need to know exactly "what" to say and "how" to say it in order to land these higher paying clients.

I took a program that taught me how to do that, as well as pointed me in the direction of a very responsive market.

These may seem like baby steps, but all you need is 1-2 clients and you're off and running.

-Terri