Do You Have What it Takes to Become a Successful Freelance Copywriter?

by The Editorial Team on November 15, 2014

Do not be afraid to ask questions.

Unlike article-writing or blogging, copywriting is a difficult craft to master. Good copywriters can be some of the highest-paid writers in the world, and good Freelance Copywriters can make a very good living. But they must know what they are doing.

If you choose to embark on this challenging career, here are some tips to help you along.

According to Copyblogger.com, ‘The art and science of … copywriting involve strategically delivering words (whether written or spoken) that get people to take some form of action.”

Put another way, a Freelance Copywriter has to deliver a promise and have consumers (or the target audience) believe in that promise.

More and more, businesses are turning to Freelancers to tackle their difficult copywriting tasks. A client may need to get additional people coming to their website, they may want to sell their new and improved widgets, or they need someone to develop a really good campaign pitch.

Whatever the task, they will need your talents to “sell” their product, idea, or services.

As a Freelance Copywriter, when you receive an assignment, you must try to thoroughly understand the needs of your client. What do they really want? If they are selling a product, then you will have to research that product. Are they advertising some kind of service?

The Freelance Copywriter will have to discover what it is that will make the target audience want that particular service. Before you begin the project, it is important that you get as much information as possible from your employer.

“Communication is the cornerstone to a good working relationship, and could be the most important tool used by a Freelancer.”

Experts in the area of copywriting offer the following tips.

1. Determine the media that will be used

How is this message going to be delivered? Are you going to be creating copy for a mass-mailing, for a PowerPoint presentation, or for an internet ad? As a Freelancer, this information will dictate the copy you will produce, and the way in which you approach your work.

2. What is the objective of the work

What is the end result that the client expects? Does your employer want the consumer to buy something, or to do something? Again, the projected end result dictates your work.

3. Yelling is not selling

Or less is more. However you want to say it, if you come on too strong, you will alienate your target audience. Your copy will be the equivalent of that annoying guy with the Australian accent who is always shouting about some cleaning product. Everybody hits the “mute” button when that guy comes on. If your copy headlines “shouts” at the consumer, they will probably ignore it.

4. Know your target audience

Do not write copy as though you addressing a room full of techies if you are trying to “sell” a wonderful sight-seeing trip to the “Red Hat” Ladies. The message should be individualized and personalized. The consumer wants to feel as though you are speaking directly to him/her.

5. Use the proper voice (see above)

CEO’s don’t want to be talked down to, farmers don’t want to hear Wall Street jargon or Silicon Valley techie double-speak.

6. Make sure that the product (or the offer) generates excitement

The deliverable needs to be compelling. Create a sense of urgency. When dealing with today’s younger consumers, creating a sense of “I gotta have it NOW” is especially fundamental to effective copywriting.

7. Communicate the benefit of the item/idea

In order for your copy to be effective, you have to offer something to the target audience that they want. Or that they think they want. It can be a tangible (newest I-phone) or an intangible (better sleep habits). It may not be something they can put in their hands, but it is still the Freelance Copywriter’s job to create a desire for the thing.

In this busy, busy world, most people or companies just don’t have the time (or the talent) to be able to create an effective copy. They are turning to Freelance Copywriters – the experts – to perform these important businesses function for them.

As a Freelance Copywriter, if you utilize these elements and steps on our list, you will have a great and profitable career.