This is Bonus Video 5.3 in the course: Get Paid To Write Copy Module 5: 17 strategies for building strategic alliances and finding new clients

Learning Outcomes: How to: Find copywriting work Create strategic alliances ‘Pull it all together’ Build your personal profile

How to find copywriting work and create strategic alliances: Business cards Website Database marketing Personal networking Article Marketing Publicity

How to find copywriting work and create strategic alliances: Brochures Testimonial letters Paid Advertising – print, AdWords, Joint Ventures/Alliances/Affiliate Marketing Blogs Social Media

1. Get business cards: You need to be able to exchange details quickly and elegantly. That’s what business cards are for Get your business cards printed now

1. Get business cards: This is THE main source of your new copywriting work and the sooner you get the cards printed, the more work you’ll get Are cards still being used? Yes. Don’t just offer to connect on LinkedIn. You want to build your database. Give your card and get theirs too!

2. Invest in a website: Get on board the information super- highway and invest in a basic website You can direct them somewhere that gives them more information about you

2. Invest in a website: Here’s what should be on your website: (minimum) Home page – who you are, what you do, who you work with, special abilities –Why this – Why you – Why now

2. Invest in a website: Portfolio page – a sample of the work you’ve created, even if it’s speculative About Us – what work you’ve done before, even if it’s not directly related to copywriting

2. Invest in a website: Former clients – if you have any. If not, list what organisations you have worked for. Use logos Testimonials – ask a former boss or colleague to write something nice about you

2. Invest in a website: A photo – people like to know who they’re dealing with and it lends an air of credibility to your business as well

2. Invest in a website. “But I haven’t got anything for my portfolio?” “Yes you have!” Maybe not ‘copywriting’ but you’ve written something …reports, newsletters, s People don’t want to see dozens of pieces – they just want confirmation that you can write better than they can Reduce the risk of purchase

3. Don’t target advertising agencies: You’ve already decided that you want to work as a freelancer, so don’t bother targeting advertising agencies Save your energy and focus on direct clients who really need the work done

4. Create a database of prospects: You’re in this for the long haul so treat it like a business and start building your database You’ll be surprised how quickly you can build up a list of names and addresses of potential clients

4. Create a database of prospects: Start recording these details now Use an package or just Excel to record all your contacts

4. Create a database of prospects: Why have a database? You can’t assume that just because somebody doesn’t need your services now, they won’t need them next week

4. Create a database of prospects: Keep in touch with them every month with newsletters, articles of interest, a referral or anything that keeps you uppermost in their mind Buyers come in and out of the market

5. Work to your strengths: There’s an old saying: ‘do what you know’. What this means is - target industries in which you have an interest or those in which you have experience

5. Work to your strengths: If you’ve been a lawyer in a former career, target law firms. You’ll be looked upon more favourably than another copywriter with no legal background who has two years, or even five years, more copywriting experience than you

5. Work to your strengths: If you love snow skiing, choose a ski manufacturer or a ski resort as your potential clients. If they need work done but can’t afford it, you can be paid in kind. Do you have to work in this industry forever? No. But this strategy will fast track your career and create momentum (and referrals) that’ll lead to further work

6. Network strategically: Most people cringe at the mere mention of the word ‘networking’ But really, all it involves is talking to people. Have a clear objective about what you want to achieve from the event and a script to follow

7. Target existing networks: You will get more business through your existing networks than by cold-calling The easiest and quickest way to find new clients is to tell your friends, colleagues, relatives – anyone and everyone – that you are now a copywriter

7. Target existing networks: Once people start to think of you as a copywriter, they will contact you when they need copywriting work done Tell everyone what you are doing – send an to your contacts:

7. Target existing networks: script to promote your business: Hi there This is to let you know that I have created a new business. It’s called Kate’s Copywriting Shop. I help time-poor small business owners write the words for their websites, brochures, blogs and ers so they can sell more, get found on Google and overall, make more money. If you or your clients or friends need help crafting persuasive words that sell, please call me or forward this link to my new website.

7. Target existing networks: Continued/- And please help me get the word out by sharing this link on your social media sites. Thank you for your assistance in getting the word out about my new business. I really appreciate it. Kind regards Kate PS: As a special introductory offer, I will write 5 blogs for free with every website re-write I am hired to complete. This offer is valued at $2000.

8. Offer to write an article for your local newspaper or industry journal: Offer to submit a column every month about how to write copy for small businesses for an industry journal Don’t go broad and target mass media – go narrow and target your niche industry

8. Offer to write an article for your local newspaper or industry journal: Work with your strengths: Teacher: Principals Association – How To Write Grants That Win (10 Tips from A Professional Copywriter)

8. Offer to write an article for your local newspaper or industry journal: Engineer: Engineers Association – How to Write Tenders That Win (5 Mistakes Most Tender Writers Make) Yoga Teacher: Natural Therapies Association (How To Market A Yoga Studio and Get More Clients)

8. Offer to write an article for your local newspaper or industry journal: Legal Assistant: Law Society Journal (How To Market Your Family Law Firm) Builder: How To Convert Web Visitors Into Paying Clients (SEO Secrets To Getting On Page One of Google)

8. Offer to write an article for your local newspaper or industry journal: Or pick an industry you have a passion for so you can get paid to write about something you love e.g. skiing, food, fashion, music

8. Offer to write an article for your local newspaper or industry journal: Tip: Don’t invest too heavily in PR and media releases at this stage It’s hard to get, it’s competitive and too broad Focus your time and efforts on article marketing for niche publications

9. Be A Guest Blogger: Similar to article marketing, but targets websites with large databases: Benefits of guest blogging: Gets you to the top of Google quickly Positions you as an expert quickly Drives people to your site Builds your database Here’s how guest blogging works:

10. Guest comment on other blogs: Place a clever comment on the forum of a large network and promote yourself “I really enjoyed your article Richard (Branson) and as a copywriter specialising in airline marketing, I would add to your tips by saying that all airlines should consider….” – insert your expert advice

10. Guest comment on other blogs: Add your website link Your ‘blog’ gets out to Richard’s followers – genius!

11. Become a public speaker: Speaking at events will position you as an ‘expert’ Take every opportunity to give tips or hints on how business owners can improve their copywriting. Rotary Club Chamber of Commerce

11. Become a public speaker: Benefits of a High Profile 1. People think of you first 2. Your comments get wider airplay 3. Drives more traffic to your sites 4. You can charge more for your services 5. You get invited more often

12. Learn and earn: Attend courses to help you build your business and develop networks while you’re there Find like-minded people who need your services

12. Learn and earn: Choose short courses related to business that interest you and are relevant to you: –Web marketing –Small business marketing –SEO copywriting –Entrepreneurship

13. Offer a website audit or free copy review: Create an irresistible offer that helps potential clients. Free SEO website audit Free copy review of marketing collateral Free print advertisement review Free LinkedIn profile assessment

13. Offer a website audit or free copy review: Tips on how to make it work: Make it easy to do – don’t offer ‘reports’ unless they’re automated Schedule a phone session – build rapport

13. Offer a website audit or free copy review: Be strategic - Don’t give everything away and have a ‘package’ to offer at the end that’s easy to buy OR charge a small fee – “Discovery Session”

14. Develop strategic alliances: Link up with graphic designers, photographers, printers and other allied suppliers These suppliers are complementary to your business. They have clients that could use your services

15. Take small jobs: Like most things, you can’t get work until you have experience and you can’t get experience unless you can get work. The old chicken and the egg syndrome So what’s the answer? It’s very simple. You pretend! Only for a little while What’s the alternative?

16. Write a demonstration piece: If a prospect asks to see your portfolio, and you don’t have anything to show, offer to write a sample piece of copy If they like it, you get the job and get paid

16. Write a demonstration piece: If they don’t, no hard feelings Helps get people over the fear of using an untried and untested copywriter – no risk

17. Fake it ‘til you make it: There’s always a steep learning curve in copywriting, and generally a bit of time- consuming labour Treat working for free as an internship or work experience

17. Fake it ‘til you make it: Don’t fall into the trap of focusing on what you don’t know and what you haven’t done Say ‘yes’ and work out how to do it later

17. Fake it ‘til you make it: Having confidence in your copywriting abilities is a must Remember that everyone feels daunted at the start of a new copywriting job

This is the end of Bonus Video 5.3 in the course: Get Paid To Write Copy Module 5: 17 strategies for building strategic alliances and finding new clients