Reprinted Articles

I often speak at seminars and conventions. One of the most common questions I am asked by copywriters is, “How can I find clients?” It’s a question that plagues many copywriters.

It seems strange that copywriters and marketers, experts in their field, would have problems finding clients. Still, the biggest problem facing copywriters, both new and experienced, is lack of customers.

You can attract more clients and get all the work you can handle. That’s the good news. Of course, you will have to develop some new skills, skills that will help you to find and keep more clients. These skills aren’t difficult, but they could make all the difference in the world to your business.

As writers, we are skilled at writing clear copy that sells. If writing skills were all that was required to be successful, we would all be rich! In fact, attracting clients calls for new skills - personal skills, business skills, even sales skills.

The most important skill to develop is your sales skills. If you learn how to sell, you will attract more clients. Jeffrey Gitomer is the premier sales trainer in America. Through his website, www.Gitomer.com, you too can learn how to sell effectively, attracting more clients.

Now, here is a 5 Step System For Getting Copy Clients:

1. Develop your marketing site. Your website needs to market you. Write some copy that sells you. Don’t make your own copy your lowest priority, like most copywriters. Take some time and make it the best copy you can possibly write. After all, you are your most important client!

2. Choose a sales process that works. Do this as though you were doing it for your best client (which you are!). Develop a plan to bring clients closer to asking for a quote. You can choose from several different tools, all designed to get your client’s attention. Your lead-generation page may include an autoresponder, a forced opt-in page, even (ethical!) opt-in bribes to gain attention and clients.

3. Carefully screen your clients. This is not to imply that I don’t like my clients or prefer not to work - just the opposite, in fact. I like to work. By posting my rates on my website, I can weed out the customers who can’t afford my service. If you’re a copywriter, chances are your skills will improve over time. Word will get out, and soon you will be deluged with work. You have two options - either turn down some jobs, or raise your rates. This, of course, assumes that you provide an excellent return for your client’s money, which we will discuss in a future article.

4. Follow up with your clients! Use your autoresponder to keep in contact and check that all is well. Don’t ever forget to make your clients feel special!

5. Attend seminars and network like crazy. Last year, I spent about $50,000 traveling to various seminars. Was it worth it? Of course! You don’t need to spend that much to have a huge impact. Look for a few key events and get there. You will find it jam-packed with potential clients, all crying for help. One of the best places for copywriters to network is through Armand Morin’s Big Seminar (for more details, go to his website at www.NewBigSeminar.com). This may be the best thing you do for your business!

It doesn’t matter if you are a web designer, copywriter, marketing consultant, or other service professional. The important thing is that you try these five steps. If you use them, your client list will grow, and you will have no problems finding clients.

Last 5 posts by Ray Edwards

• Jobs for Copywriting - July 30th, 2008
• Automatic Testimonials - Forever! - May 6th, 2008
• Using Audio to Boost Conversions - May 6th, 2008
• Copywriting Mistakes, and How to Avoid Them - May 6th, 2008
• Cash In With the Power of Niche Marketing - May 6th, 2008

Tags: Copywriting