Marketing your copywriting business
Posted by Theda K. on 30 May 2007 | Tagged as: Copywriting, Marketing
As a copywriter (or any other type of business owner), it’s important to market your services. Even when business is going well.
Recently, I’ve gotten a little complacent. One of my anchor clients may not be able to outsource anymore, and I hadn’t been marketing in the meantime. Not a good move.
Putting all of your eggs in one basket is not the best idea. And that includes using only one method of marketing.
So what are some different marketing techniques?
Read the classified ads. I use Craigslist, as well as the usual suspects. Even if an ad isn’t looking for a copywriter, the company obviously needs help. This might be an opportune moment to see what other needs they have.
Contact former employers. They know you have good skills (unless you were fired, of course).
Contact other copywriters. Busy competitors may have an overflow of work. Instead of turning it down, they may be grateful to outsource it to you.
Peruse websites, look for the company’s partners, and contact them. Also, almost any company with a website has a need for copywriting occasionally (whether or not they know it). Contact the webmaster to find out.
Memorize your “elevator speech.” Be ready to tell anyone who asks, “So what do you do?” exactly what it is you do. It should be a 15 second (or less) spiel that’s basically a commercial.
Don’t forget the obvious marketing methods: Networking events, cold calling, cold emailing, and advertising in local newspapers and phone directories.
Do you have any other marketing hints to share?
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In addition to Craigslist, what other “usual suspects” are you currently using?
One of your subscribers, my friend Jennifer sent this post to me
Thanks, Jennifer! And thanks, Theda!
Hi Nia!
I consider the “usual suspects” to be Careerbuilder.com, Jobing, Monster.com, and the good-old-fashioned print newspaper. Actually, in reverse order. After Craigslist, I like newspapers first. And then any popular online job finder.
Sometimes they don’t leave a company name, but for those that do, I figure they’re fair game.
On Craigslist, if they say not to contact them about services, I don’t reply to the post directly. Instead, I go to the company’s website and find an email address or phone number. If there’s no company name, I generally move on.
If they’re looking for a copywriter (or whatever business you’re in), I think it’s okay to reply and pitch the idea that they outsource rather than hire an employee for that job.
Thanks for taking the time to drop by. I hope you join us again!
And Jennifer, thanks for spreading the word.
Networking. Friends have friends who have a business an might need you. Also, I’d say focus on communication/advertising/PR agencies because they often outsource that kind of job.
Marie, good suggestions. I need to reach out to my friends (now that they believe I’m actually in business…LOL). I’ve tried agencies, but I think I need to be more persistent. They already have freelancers, but no one stays forever, and it’s important to remind them that you’re out there. Thanks for the hints!
These have been really helpful — thanks, Theda. On top of craigslist, I also have used getafreelancer and recently browsed through simplyhired. I really think they’re pretty good sources, too.
Theda,
I have given you the Thinking Blogger Award: http://lillieammann.com/blog/?p=192
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