I get this question a lot: How to get copywriting clients. More often than not, people ask me this after they’ve already come up with an idea for an eBook or a web content piece. They’ve got a good concept, but now they need someone to help them turn it into compelling written material.
The truth is copywriting is not as easy as it seems. There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. That’s why so many businesses go through multiple iterations before they land on a content plan that does the trick.
But that’s also why you need to put in the legwork. That’s why you need to know how to get copywriting clients. Because as long as you’re not putting in the effort to land the clients, you’re leaving your window of opportunity open to your competition.
I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how to get copywriting clients. If you follow this advice, you’ll be able to close the deal and start reaping the benefits of a content plan in no time.
Step 1: Create a Hypothetical Scenario
The first step is to create a hypothetical scenario. What would your perfect customer look like? What would her experience be like? Think about all the steps that would need to be taken to make the customer feel comfortable enough to live her life exactly how you’d like her to live it. Take some time and visualize what her day to day life would look like if she purchased your product or service.
Now, go through each step and write it out. How would the customer get in touch with you? What would the conversation look like? What would the delivery look like? You get the idea.
Step 2: Define The Goal
The next step is to define the goal. What do you hope to see from this content? What is the end goal of your copywriting project?
This will change depending on the project. Some goals are pretty open-ended. For example, you might write web content to generate more leads or increase sales. Other goals are much more prescriptive, like educating the reader on a certain subject or encouraging them to make a certain purchase.
Once you have your end goal in mind, you can start to work backwards and figure out the key steps to getting there. It can be challenging to figure out how to get the results you want without wandering down the path to nowhere. Defining the goal upfront will help keep you on track.
Step 3: Match The Audience
You need to match the audience to your message. Think about the people you’re trying to reach. What do they need? What are their struggles?
This is one of the most important steps. You should never write for the sake of writing. You should write for a specific audience. You don’t want to write for everyone, because then you end up with copy that seems trite and unfeeling. You also don’t want to limit yourself to one demographic, because then you’re not going to be reaching anyone.
Now, you don’t want to pigeonhole yourself. There are plenty of niches out there that you can target. But you should have a clear understanding of who you’re writing for and why. Are you writing for men or women? Young adults or seasoned adults?
Step 4: Create Multiple Options
There are always options. You can’t please everyone, so you need to decide how you’re going to approach your target audience. This is where your creativity comes in. You need to begin to think of different ways you can say the same thing in a variety of ways. What’s important is that each option paints a different picture in the reader’s mind. One of the best things about having options is that you can test out different messages and hone in on the one that works best for your niche.
Step 5: Distinguish Between Needs And Wants
The key to effective copy is understanding the difference between needs and wants. Needs are what you need to fulfill to be able to satisfy your desires. For example, you may need a vehicle to get to work, but you also want a vehicle that’s fun to drive. Your needs drive your wants. They cannot exist without each other, but they’re not the same.
Your needs should be consistent with your goal. You want your readers to understand what you’re saying and why you’re saying it. Your needs should be clearly defined so that everyone on the team can understand what they are and how they fit into the puzzle. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself wasting time and resources going in circles, with no end result in sight.
Step 6: Create Killer Headlines
A good headline is a magical thing. It’s the first thing your reader sees, so it has the power to either hook or turnoff your audience. To create a killer headline, you need to start with a compelling question. Most headlines begin with “What is”, “Why is”, or “How is”. These are all interesting questions, and once you’ve asked them, you can begin to craft a powerful headline. Remember, a good headline should draw the reader in and make them want to read the rest of the article. That’s why you need to make sure that your headline is short and sweet.
Step 7: Find The Right Niche
A good place to start when looking for a niche is the search bar of Google. Type in the first few letters of whatever topic you’re looking for and hit enter. You’ll see a list of all the results. Each one will be an article or a blog post on the subject you entered. Look at the first few results and see which ones seem the most compelling to you. Those are the blogs you want to read. Those are the articles you want to get involved in.
There are hundreds of niches out there. The closer you get to the top of the search results, the better. That’s when you know you’re on the right track.
Step 8: Customize Your Blog
Blogs are like onions – they stay fresher for longer if you keep them in the fridge. Write a few articles on your chosen topic, and then move onto the next. When you’ve got a sizable audience, take the time to connect with them. Respond to comments and engage with your readers. The more you do, the more people will notice you.
To make your blog stand out, use tools like hootsuite to schedule and post regularly. You’ll get all the benefits of a consistent presence in the form of a nicely branded blog. The more you put in, the more you get back. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Step 9: Distribute Your Blog To Influencers
Once you’ve got a sizable audience, it’s time to distribute your blog to influential people in your niche. This is where you’ll start to see the benefits of a blog. Those who already have large followings in your niche will be able to help you gain more credibility and popularity. They’ll share your content, help you grow your audience, and maybe even mention you in their articles.
Step 10: Monetize Your Blog
Blogs can be monetized in so many ways. You can put ads on your site along with your affiliate links, sell and display affiliate products through affiliate marketing, or become a virtual salesperson to people in your niche. There are plenty of options for monetization, but you’ve got to be prepared to put in the work to succeed.