You nailed this one. Good job.

I had the good fortune of starting my copywriting career as a mail order business owner. I couldn't afford to hire a copywriter so I had to learn how to become one.

That was a great experience. When my own money was on the line for an ad or direct mailing I HAD to learn how to write good copy or risk going broke.

After many years of only writing copy for my own businesses I thought freelancing sounded really sexy. I only had to focus on writing copy for other people and they take care of all the business details. That was fun for a while, too.

Then I got burned out on client work and went back to exclusively running my own direct response/online business.

Then I got burned out on only writing copy for the market I'm in. So just this year I started taking some client work again so I could research and write for other markets to have a little variety. I've found that has been a big help in avoiding that “Oh crap, I gotta write another sales letter” thing. Variety.

Even if you're not interested in running a business, I suggest all copywriters create a report or info product, write the copy for it and start selling it in direct mail, space ads and online.

You'll learn a lot about direct response marketing which will make you a better copywriter… and GREATLY increase your value (and fees!) to your clients.

And you'll also have another income stream.

And frankly, if you can't create your own product, write the copy for it and sell it… you're not much of a copywriter and have no business taking a client's money.

Just my humble (but accurate) opinion. :)

Best,
Dan

You nailed this one. Good job.

I had the good fortune of starting my copywriting career as a mail order business owner. I couldn't afford to hire a copywriter so I had to learn how to become one.

That was a great experience. When my own money was on the line for an ad or direct mailing I HAD to learn how to write good copy or risk going broke.

After many years of only writing copy for my own businesses I thought freelancing sounded really sexy. I only had to focus on writing copy for other people and they take care of all the business details. That was fun for a while, too.

Then I got burned out on client work and went back to exclusively running my own direct response/online business.

Then I got burned out on only writing copy for the market I'm in. So just this year I started taking some client work again so I could research and write for other markets to have a little variety. I've found that has been a big help in avoiding that “Oh crap, I gotta write another sales letter” thing. Variety.

Even if you're not interested in running a business, I suggest all copywriters create a report or info product, write the copy for it and start selling it in direct mail, space ads and online.

You'll learn a lot about direct response marketing which will make you a better copywriter… and GREATLY increase your value (and fees!) to your clients.

And you'll also have another income stream.

And frankly, if you can't create your own product, write the copy for it and sell it… you're not much of a copywriter and have no business taking a client's money.

Just my humble (but accurate) opinion. :)

Best,
Dan

Coming back to this post (the 3rd time…) has me bouncing between stage 2 and 3 and back…

I love the industry of copywriting, but love internet marketing even more…and although they are tied together…it’s interesting.

Coming back to this post (the 3rd time…) has me bouncing between stage 2 and 3 and back…

I love the industry of copywriting, but love internet marketing even more…and although they are tied together…it’s interesting.

Ryan

Ryan

It was a good read (again).

Joe

It was a good read (again).

Joe

Yes I have a couple of clients that could become more of a profit-sharing deal. And I think it’s great that you are only working 35 to 40 hours a week. That’s my goal over the next year.

I’ve bookmarked your blog so will drop by regularly.

Yes I have a couple of clients that could become more of a profit-sharing deal. And I think it’s great that you are only working 35 to 40 hours a week. That’s my goal over the next year.

I’ve bookmarked your blog so will drop by regularly.