While it is always great to have a steady source of income, being a freelancer can be a bit of a pain when it comes to finances. You are your own boss and you set your own hours, so there is no safety net (at least, not traditionally). Being a freelancer also means you have to learn to be resourceful and to rely on yourself rather than on other people. It can be a tough balance; you can always find yourself in the hole, but there is no quick (or easy) way out.
If you are looking for ways to earn quick cash, you might consider free-lance copywriting as a way to make some extra money. What is copywriting, you might ask?
Simply put, copywriting is the art of creating articles, press releases, and other content for publication in newspapers, magazines, and online media. The term “copy” refers to the words contained in the written material; the “writing” refers to the manner in which the content is presented.
While there is no exact science to copywriting, there are some tried and true techniques that can be followed to produce top-notch content that will help your career advance. With some careful planning and the use of a few tools, you will be able to set yourself up for professional success as a copywriter.
Why Is Copywriting a Popular Choice for Freelancers?
If you’re looking to break into the field and you haven’t found a steady job yet, you might consider copywriting as a way to make some quick cash. Although there are many reputable copywriting firms out there that specialize in creating content for businesses, many freelancers choose to write for themselves or in collaboration with other writers. The flexibility of being a freelancer in today’s world means you have the opportunity to choose your own projects and to be selective about the clients you take on.
That being said, it can be a bit challenging to find the right clients if you don’t have a steady stream of work to offer. It is a balancing act: while you want to take on as much work as possible, you also want to be selective about the projects you take on so as not to overload yourself.
Set The Right Tone From The Start
If you are new to copywriting, it is important to establish a good tone for your work. Before you begin writing, take a few minutes to think of different articles you have read or listened to on the topic you will be covering. This will help you determine the right level of language and will guide your choice of words. It also helps to familiarize yourself with the topic matter so that you can approach it from a creative and intelligent standpoint. When establishing this tone, keep in mind that your client will probably not be familiar with the field you are writing about so it is essential that you choose words and phrases that are easy to understand.
If you want to appear competent and professional, it is important that you establish a consistent tone throughout your copy. Starting with a series of articles or a blog post about the same topic can help create a smooth transition from one piece of content to the next. When establishing this tone, be careful not to use too many big words or technical language as this will make your articles appear intellectual and might even discourage potential clients from reading your work. An easy way to achieve this goal is to write a short story about an entrepreneur who built his company from the ground up; this can help you choose your words wisely and also gives you the opportunity to display your creative side while still writing financially-sound content.
Practice Before You Publish
Even experienced writers can benefit from writing practice. Before you begin pitching your articles to clients, it is important to develop your skill in writing creatively and coherently. The more you write, the better you will get at it; however, you should not rush your practice either. Find a few minutes each day to write, whether it is a short story, an email, or even a blog post. By doing this, you will be able to establish a rhythm and a style that will make your work stand out. When honing your craft, do not get discouraged if your work does not sound perfect the first time you write it; instead, find a new way to phrase it and try again.
Choose The Right Platforms
A lot goes into creating content that will generate interested parties; one mistake many new writers make is thinking that just because they have something to say it will automatically translate to interest from a customer or prospective customer. In actuality, you have to find the right platform for your content and then use all the right tools to disseminate it. One way to find the right platforms is to look for publications that are a good match for your content and that can also provide you with suitable backlinks.
When choosing the right platforms, it is important to think about the type of content you are trying to create and the target audience you are trying to reach. If you want to write for magazines, it is advisable to start a blog as it is easy to set one up and it is also a place where you can build a community. Alternatively, if you want to write for entrepreneurs or companies, then you might want to consider publishing an article on a social media website or even on a platform like Medium or LinkedIn. In general, the more your target audience trusts the source you are writing from, the more interested they will be in what you have to say. When selecting platforms, it is also important to think about whether you want to use your personal voice or a more corporate voice when speaking to your audience.
Choose The Right Words
Although the purpose of your article is to provide information to your target audience, it is still essential to choose the right words. One of the basic rules of copywriting is to select simple, everyday words and phrases that your audience will understand and connect with. When establishing this tone, be careful not to use too many big words or phrases as this will make your work seem intellectual and might even discourage potential clients from continuing on in your direction.
In general, when choosing words, it is important to think about whether you want to use your personal voice or a more professional one. For example, if you are writing for an entrepreneur who is also the founder of a company, you might want to choose words that reflect the founder’s experience and the challenges he overcame to get where he is today; on the other hand, if you are writing for a magazine that caters to women, you might want to consider using words that are more feminine and that evoke a sense of romance or beauty. Remember, your article is being viewed by potential clients who might not share the same background as you do; by using the right language, you can ensure that they are still left with a positive impression of your work even if they cannot understand everything you say.
Key Points
Creating content for publication is a great way to earn a living, but it is also important to find the right platform and to use the right tools to promote your content. While it is always great to have a steady source of income, being a freelancer means you have to learn to be resourceful and to rely on yourself rather than on other people. In order to establish yourself as an expert in your industry, you have to practice, practice, and practice some more; by doing this, you will be able to choose the right words and establish a consistent tone for your work that will make your articles stand out. Finally, be sure to practice before you publish so that your work does not come off as overly rehearsed or canned.