Landing copywriting assignments is quite different from writing articles, stories, or books. When you write for publication you usually write a query, wait for a response, endure rejection, then move on to your next targeted publication. When you work for businesses, you usually contact them, find out what they need, give it to them, make a revision or two, and then get paid – some times a lot of money.

You know the basics of good copywriting and if you keep studying this fascinating branch of writing you could wind up making an excellent living. But with what you already know from this book, you’re certainly ready to start attracting local business clients. Here are six tips I used to draw clients towards my copywriting business:

First… you’re a letter writer. Pull everything you’ve learned from this book and draft a killer letter promoting your writing services. I’ve written a “generic” letter that I customize for each business I contact.

Coming from a small community, I don’t have many large corporations or mail order companies nearby. In other words I can’t afford to send them anything but my best work. If I make a bad impression, word spreads fast and I’m out of business.

So I do my homework. I study their past mailings and ads and shoot off my generic letter filling in the paragraphs that deal with their specific needs without offending them – after all, the person you contact may very well have written those letters you studied.

Second, never tell anyone your phone number. GIVE it to them. Print up a bunch of business cards and whenever anyone asks for your phone number, give them your card instead. For example, when I took our dog to the vet for a minor surgery, the receptionist asked for my phone number so she could call me when they finished. I handed her my business card. Voila. Another contact. From what she tells me, I just may get some work from them.

Third, build your portfolio by working for friends and relatives – then ask them to refer their friends, relatives and customers. For example, my first business writing assignment came from a local upholstery shop who needed me to write a brochure for them. Ok… you got me. They were my parents. But the exposure I get every time my mother hands a brochure to one of her upscale clientele is worth gold. Sometimes she even distributes my business card when a customer wants to know who writes her promotional materials.

Fourth, you can place a small display ad in your local newspaper. These ads are inexpensive and after a while are a virtual workhorse. However, if you decide to run an ad be prepared to run it for a prolonged period of time. Running a regular ad on a frequent basis establishes your credibility and gives your customers a sense that you’re a part of a stable company.

Fifth, you can write a column for your local newspaper. Write for trade magazines. Get your name in front of your prospects. Writing articles is a quick way to get yourself established as an expert. The topics of your articles are limited only by your imagination and drive to succeed. Grab a current copy of the Writer’s Market and start looking for prospects. It won’t take long before you have a list as long as your arm….

Sixth, plant yourself directly in front of your community’s business leaders by preparing a short presentation and speaking at the local Chamber of Commerce meeting. While you’re at it, you can hit every civic club as well. Speak with authority, and before you know it, you’re viewed as an expert and the best source for their copywriting needs.

Each of these methods are low-cost (some even are paying propositions) and can be an important part of an effective advertising plan. And as with all advertising, slow and easy wins the race. Become a stable fixture in your community – keep your advertising efforts at a stable level – and you’ll eventually have as much work as you’d like. If you don’t give up.

Today’s assignment: Breeze through your yellow pages and target a couple businesses that look interesting to you. Write their names in your journal and decide how you’ll contact them. Then do it.

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