Top 10 Things new Copywriters should know
Having been a new copywriter, I am painfully aware of the frustrations and setbacks that you are experiencing. Having always been interested in processes and improving efficiency, I kept a lot of notes during the first few years that have helped me in recent projects. These 10 tips are built from reflections on my own copywriting experiences and lessons I have had to learn alone. Enjoy!
1. Distinguish yourself. There are hundreds or perhaps thousands of new copywriters trying for exactly the same thing you are, so distinguish yourself in some way. I chose speed with quality. I earned and kept customers because of my ability to finish projects ahead of schedule and with exceptional quality. Whatever you are best at, focus on that aspect when submitting proposals. Then, follow through.
2. Don't be afraid to ask for money. Employers are there to get the project done for as little money as possible, so it is your job to ask for a reasonable amount of money for the project. Make a realistic estimate of how long the project will take you to complete and how much you need to earn per hour. Though you are new, you have talents that deserve to be compensated, and no one but you will fight for that right.
3. That being said, be willing to take the low-paying jobs. When you are just starting, you will probably have to take jobs that pay lower than you would like, simply to pay the bills and gain some credibility. As you build your portfolio and improve your skills, raise your rates, by all means. In the beginning, however, humility will get you far.
4. Always use project agreements. Define what you understand the project to entail, and ask the employer to look over the document and agree to it. In this document, you should lay out a timeline, a payment schedule, deliverables, and any other relevant information.
5. Manage expectations. No one appreciates being deceived, so make your situation clear from the beginning. Set realistic deadlines and keep them. Lay out all your costs up front. Once you have laid out the agreements of your project, stick to them. Many employers will want to expand the scope of a project after you get started, but few suggest increasing the budget. It is your job as a professional to manage the expectations of your employer and let him or her know that the bid you submitted was for the amount of work originally specified and nothing more.
6. Build relationships. What begins as a singular contract piece may turn into a standing agreement, but only if you build a relationship with your employer from the beginning. Permit the employer to contact you by phone, IM, or email, however they prefer. Listen to their requests and offer them an honest assessment of the project. Stay in constant communication about the project and offer frequent updates.
7. Always under-promise. This goes along with managing expectations, but it is always better to under-promise than over-promise. Give a timeline, but allow yourself extra time in case something goes wrong or communication is slow. Then, if everything goes as originally planned, you will finish the project ahead of schedule. Employers will be more impressed if you promise a week and deliver in 4 days than if you promise 4 days and deliver in a week.
8. Take notes. Things are bound to go wrong when you start out, so keep a journal about what went wrong. If you get walked all over by an employer, reflect on why you let it happen and how you can prevent it the next time around. Pay very close attention to how long it takes you to complete projects. Try to come up with an average for different documents. This will be invaluable when creating timelines and setting expectations.
9. Be patient. Jobs will come and go, and there will be times that you can't seem to land a project to save your life. Just remember that the tides will turn and you will find more work. Keep submitting proposals and follow up on those projects on which you have already bid.
10. Follow up! One thing sets newbies apart from experienced professionals. Follow up. Take notes when you have a sales call and email the person a few hours later with a summary of your notes. Send emails about proposals you have already submitted, reminding the employer of your interest and offering to answer any questions or provide work samples. Never go more than a few days without contacting a possible employer.
