How To Transition Into Copywriting By Moonlighting – Even If You Already Have A Full-Time Job
How To Transition Into Copywriting By Moonlighting – Even If You Already Have A Full-Time Job
There’s a lot of overtly self-serving marketing taking place in the “new copywriter’s space” of the Internet, and I don’t want to add to that.
So permit me to give you my very considered perspective on the question “Can I transition into copywriting by moonlighting?”
I’m happy to report that the answer to that question is “yes”…but with caveats.
Many people who want to transition into copywriting hold full time jobs and have the responsibility of families. That doesn’t leave much time for copywriting, and copywriting is time-intensive.
Although I frequently advise my coaching students to look for national and international clients, I’d advise a moonlighting copywriter to look for local clients.
It’s often easier to land a local client simply because you can meet with him. (This eventually becomes a liability, however, because meetings are unnecessary time-wasters, and the client will often tell you to “stop by and pick up the check.”)
Another question you’ll need to ask yourself if you want to moonlight is whether you can communicate with your client during working hours.
If you’re absolutely unable to return a call or respond to an email during regular working hours, it’s going to be really tough to create a relationship that works.
That said, most people have at least a lunch break where communication needs can be handled.
Another reason I suggest local clients for the moonlighter is that to work for non-local companies you need good marketing materials, and today it’s almost essential to have a Web site. By working locally you can get by with letterhead and business cards.
If you’re thinking about just “throwing a site together,” don’t do it! A hastily conceived site will look it, and will damage your “portfolio”… because it’s a reflection of the kind of work you’ll do for the client. Best to do it right the first time.
Many new copywriters fail to think of people they know who have businesses that could use a Web site or sales letter.
Friends and family are more likely to be flexible and understanding about time and career-transition issues. So be sure to consider opportunities that are even “closer to home” than local prospects if you want to moonlight.
I’ve also been asked if there are particular markets that have longer turn-around times so a copywriter would feel confident about never missing a deadline.
My Answer: Business-to-Consumer (B2C) copywriting has more order-generating work than Business-to-Business (B2B), and that usually requires longer copy.
Companies that need long copy to sell their product or service usually understand that it will take weeks or months to compete a large project.
But you still have to put the hours in. And it’s a lot harder to estimate your time on a large job than a small one.
What’s a small job?
There’s lots of jobs you can do in direct response copywriting that you can do in a day or two. For instance, in the Business-to-Business space, you’ll find a preponderance of lead-generating work.
Lead-generation work is much lighter work because all you have to do is get the prospect to raise her hand. In fact, there’s a rule of thumb to tell only enough to get interest…you don’t want to give so much information that the prospect can decide without the aid of a “next step” (usually contact by a salesperson).
You can get paid a tidy sum for a 2-page lead-gen sales letter (say ,000) and knock it out in a day or two.
The most important thing to remember when you pick up moonlighting jobs is to estimate your time, and then double it.
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Common Copywriting Mistakes That Even Expert Copywriters Make
Common Copywriting Mistakes That Even Expert Copywriters Make
None of us are perfect. As the old saying goes, even monkeys fall out of trees sometimes. And even an expert copywriter may make a mistake from time to time. Here are some mistakes every copywriter has made at one time or another.
1. Forgetting your audience. When you are copywriting, you are writing it for someone. That person may be your client, but ultimately the audience is the person you want to act based on what they have read. It does no good to write to make a particular client happy if the audience will not respond to what you have written. Hopefully you have found yourself a client who knows the audience he is trying to reach.
2. Not knowing your product. When you are trying to write about something that you do not know, it shows. Nothing is worse than reading about a product when it is clear that the author did not know what they were talking about! Not every writing job can be in your most knowledgeable subject field, but you must take the time to know something about the product you are writing about.
3. Too much detail, or not enough. It is sometimes hard to know just how much detail to write about. You have to give the audience enough information to grab their attention, but not so much information that they feel overwhelmed.
4. You write too much. People today do not have a lot of time to read, so if you can not capture their attention with your message quickly, you will lose out on your chance. You need to make sure your first words are attention grabbing and then the reader will stay to see what you have to say to them.
5. You do not make it easy for people to do what you want them to do. If you want someone to buy something from you, you have to make it easy for them to find the price of your product, and buy it. If you want someone to subscribe to your newsletter, you have to offer them an easy way to subscribe, hopefully more than one way. If you really want someone to do something, make it easy for them to do it.
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Why I Hate My Blackberry Even Though I Love It
Why I Hate My Blackberry Even Though I Love It
I hate my Blackberry. No, don’t get me wrong â I love Difficult to understand, eh? Well, readJit, but then I hate it on⦠Sometimes I hate my Blackberry so much that I just cannot stand the face of that machine. Who am I? I am your everyday, commonplace 9 to 5 working employee in the office. The person who is very conveniently found slinking to the coffee machine almost every one hour, the person who has recently started smoking because it is the only way you can get into the pantry every hour â no questions asked. That is right; I am the legendary, common and perfect work-shirker. Life was going on fine until the regular cell phone came into the picture. With the advent of the cell phone, I could no longer tell the wife to take the call from the office and tell them that I was out of the house. All of a sudden, like the Big Brother’s eye, people who wanted to contact me, and people whom I had no intention or inclination to contact, could contact me simply by pressing ten digits on a device that had come straight out of hell â if you ask the procrastinator at least. But life was still cool enough to live with the cell phone. I could say that my cell phone did not have the network, or that I find it difficult to text with the mobile keyboard and of course â what email? I am sure; it must be someone like that geeky colleague I had in my first office, who used to spend after work hours playing Counter Strike on LAN that must be responsible for this simply inane piece of communication â the Blackberry. And it must be my wife that gave him company to actually buy this dumb piece of luck to rein me in. From a free bird to a shackled beast â I had this transformation within minutes of receiving the Blackberry as my office communication device. Okay, at first it was a love affair. Who doesn’t love a gizmo? At times I even thought the wife would be getting envious of my new “girlfriend”, but she kept on her mystic smiles. I should have known then what I was putting myself into. I was putting myself into an unpardonable Blackberry black hole! Imagine my utter frustration when I found that I could actually type with as much ease as a keyboard with the QWERTY keyboard on the Blackberry â surely the devil had come back to take his due back from the time when I was a project manager. And oh, did I tell you about the suicidal movement when I found out about the one touch email? There went the ‘Oh, my Internet wasn’t working at home and I couldn’t access the email!’ excuse, and of course I forgot to tell you about the one touch attachment opening with the blackberry â that moment really made me feel useless and gave me nightmares about having to actually work. It is a strange conundrum I am in. I cannot throw away my Blackberry which I feel like doing very often (It has made me a slave! I am a slave of the machine!) but I cannot keep it either. Are all Blackberry owners like that? I would really wish to know.
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2 Basic Methods to Acquire an World wide web Marketing Plan at a Lower Selling price Or Even For Free of charge
2 Basic Methods to Acquire an World wide web Marketing Plan at a Lower Selling price Or Even For Free of charge
The reputation in Net Advertising is huge. But did you know there is a way to get several of these plans at a cheaper selling price or even much better yet-for totally free? Stick to a long and I will display you a couple of Straightforward Ways to Invest in an Web Marketing and advertising System or Report at a Cheaper Price tag or Even for Free of charge.
Some Truths about Web Marketing
* It is accurate that some Web entrepreneurs do make a good deal of money in this enterprise.
* It is also correct that this is a rapidly altering current market. As an example of how this industry is swiftly transforming, the FTC not too long ago came out with numerous new regulations that every single Internet Marketer requires to be aware of.
* One more reality is that due to the fact the Net marketplace is so swiftly adjusting, what worked a few years back is not as powerful these days.
* Right here is nevertheless one more reality: some of the software programs that appear out are legit and can genuinely bring a particular person downs a path, step-by-phase, to turning into quite prosperous.
.
* Unfortunately this also is a reality: some applications are total scams and waste materials of time.
If you are interested in finding out how to make funds on-line or you are already required in this as an enterprise, you ought to remain aware of all the new software programs.
Like with any business you will need to stay existing and on top of what is new, particularly in an industry location that modification as quick as World Wide Web Marketing and advertising does.
Most World wide web Entrepreneurs will tell you that to be productive you need to maintain your head down and focus on what you are doing work on.
Give what you are working on time and steer clear of getting distracted by the most recent new marketing idea or system.
Nevertheless, that is easier stated than accomplished.
Some of the newer software programs just seem so darn enticing. And who knows one of them may be just what you are seeking for. In the least, as described above you may possibly discover one thing new that will help your existing company grow, If you are proceeding to be prosperous in the World wide web Promoting market just like any market, you have to continue to keep up with what is going on in your marketplace.
The following is How You Can Invest in a Net Advertising System For a Lower Cost as you go via the revenue letter you will see a selection of areas wherever you are prompted to just click to make a buy. You will be taken to the web site where you are asked to set in your info related to how you will pay.
Don’t do this.
Instead simply click on the x that makes it possible for you to exit the page.
In most situations you will be used to a web page that permits you to acquire the identical software for a lower selling price. Go ahead and x out of that web site. Occasionally you will be provided a 2nd lower price tag. Maintain performing this right up until it closes.
Now when you are prepared to acquire go through this small physical exercise until you get to the web site that allowed the obtain for the lowest price tag. Most applications operate this way; however you will come across a couple of that only provides a single price. But for the small time it requires to locate out, it is worth it.
Here is How to Get a World Wide Web Advertising Plan for No cost
in most cases there will be a website link that claims online. Click on this website link and you will be taken to a revenue web page that explains what is required in turning out to be an affiliate. An internet marketer is a man or woman that resells an additional person’s item. Usually anything will be there that shows you how to come to be a reseller or online of their merchandise.
Press on the website link that says get in touch with us.
There you will come across an e-mail address or a form that you can use to make contact with the creator. Inform them that you like to be capable to give a fair a truthful evaluation of the merchandise to aid produce a ton of income. Ask if they wouldn’t mind sending you a complimentary duplicate of the system for you to evaluate. In many situations authors will be a lot more than pleased to deliver you a duplicate at no charge. I have bought several Web Advertising goods more than the many years. Some are excellent others are comprehensive waste materials of time. Lately, I arrived around a plan that I am really pleased with. It is so thorough and detailed and will take you stage-by-step by means of exactly what wants to be done to be effective. I wish I had arrived throughout this plan a couple of a long time back.
It would have saved me a great deal of time.
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Is The Apple Ipad A Lot Better Than Netbook Computers Or Even Tablet Pcs?
Is The Apple Ipad A Lot Better Than Netbook Computers Or Even Tablet Pcs?
Apple is going to release a brand new gadget named iPad. You’ll be able to make use of it to browse the net, check electronic mail, and also watch video clips and photos. You may also choose from several thousands of user developed applications to set up.
Click Here To Grab yourself one free Ipad Voucher Courtsey of Ticket Machine (Multiple claims not allowed)
The actual iPad is not on the market at this moment. Although Apple released the Software Development Kits along with the iPad simulator so folks can start developing apps for this, the iPad will be released in March 2010, and an additional variation released in April ‘10. The iPad is a really slim and light device, therefore it is unquestionably a thing you might take on the road. Its sleek style and design is certainly typical of Apple items.
However the iPad possesses a great number of points working against it in comparison against many other devices. For example, netbooks provide really much more than the iPad Netbook computers are really noticeably more inexpensive when compared to the Apple iPad The lowest cost edition of Apple iPad should cost 0 The latest mini netbook coming from a highly regarded brand name could run you somewhere between 9 up to maybe 0. Although seeing that we’ll be contrasting the Apple iPad along with other high quality devices, why don’t we go with the most advanced edition of the Apple iPad, that has 64giga bytes worth of drive space. Even though this iPad will carry a price tag of over 0, any mini netbook computer which has a 150Gb hard disk may well cost approximately two hundred and fifty dollars That is certainly an additional advantage of a new mini netbook, it has far more hard disk drive space compared to a Apple iPad.
The iPad will certainly contain a chip that is significantly slower when compared with the one the majority of netbook computers contain. In many instances a new netbook computer could possibly be more than twice as fast as the Apple iPad. And what about screen size? The actual Apple iPad incorporates a 9.7 inch screen, regular netbook computers have different display dimensions, although generally they’re close to 13 in. In this case, the actual winner wasn’t really apparent mainly because that depends on your own choice: portability or perhaps screen size. Apple has spoken a good deal regarding all the applications that exist for an Apple iPad, since their own products have been recognized to bring in numerous designers. But netbook computers are actually ordinary computer systems, including a lot of diverse applications accessible as well as prepared to be purchased. Netbook computers benefit from almost all of a broad selection of equipment and hardware choices, and considering that mini netbook computers possess universal serial bus (usb) connectors, you’ll find countless products that can be connected into them. Additionally, considering this is a machine that is promoted as being the best to experience video playback as well as photos, it is certainly odd that it does not have a photographic camera.
To finish things off, the Apple iPad launching can be a large landmark for Apple. It has already been highly expected and also acclaimed. But for this sort of cost, one can’t help but ponder if it is deserving of it. Again, if you’re looking for mobility as well as usability, the Apple iPad will likely give you happiness. But a netbook computer can cost a third of the Apple iPad price and provide a lot more functionality and already established platforms, and also it can easily link directly together with other computers, while also providing you with transportability. To my opinion it’s obvious, mini netbook computers are the champions in the fight between iPad vs netbook.
It appears that the iPad will be more of a rival for some other smaller products like the tablet PCs and even the Apple iPhone, because it seriously does not measure up to mini netbooks, especially taking into consideration its price tag.
Big Growing Even Bigger: Mobile Advertising and Internet Advertising
Big Growing Even Bigger: Mobile Advertising and Internet Advertising
Advertisers these days have many options for advertising, but Mobile Advertising and Internet Advertising are the two most thrilling, as advertisements look very attractive when displayed on phone screens and on computer/laptop screens. Since much potential and scope lies in mobile and Internet advertising and it tends to deeply appeal to the viewers. Mobile Advertisement and Internet Advertisements have come in focus.
Mobile Advertising is closely related to online or Internet Advertising, though its reach is far greater – mobile advertising’s estimated targets say that by end 2008, there would be global total 4 billion. Global estimates of computers, including desktops and laptops, is at 800 million. Therefore exclusive advertising on web pages meant for access by mobile phones is a great idea.
It would be easier for an advertiser to convince people to buy their product when people would receive and view ads while there are already out for shopping. Giving them the relevant information needed can do this and supplying them with added details could also influence them to the extent that they straightaway proceed to buy product after seeing its ads.
As essential needs of all humans are very similar, a person who has received an advertisement through Mobile or Internet may not be in need of the service or product advertised but might know someone who is in need of it and so can pass on the advertiser’s message through word of mouth, forwarding the link or the advertisement. A major benefit of Internet Advertising is that the information and content can be accessed in any country even at late odd hours. Internet Advertisements are often interactive advertising so if the Internet Advertiser opts for a response, the viewer may like to visit the brand’s website, or try to contact them through email, phone, etc.
Mobile Advertising and Internet Advertising in future are predicted to become the major sources of advertising.
Copywriting – Get Paid, Even As A New Copywriter
Copywriting – Get Paid, Even As A New Copywriter
If you’d like to develop a great career with unlimited opportunities, look no further than copywriting. It’s ideal for anyone with marketing and/ or writing experience.
Copywriting is a business writing: writing to promote and persuade. It’s been called salesmanship in print, and that’s precisely what it is. I’m often asked by people considering copywriting whether they have the talent for it.
Do you have the talent to become a copywriter? Talent isn’t as important as application. If you enjoy writing, and you’re prepared to practice your skills you can become a copywriter. I should warn you however, that when you start writing copy you’ll never look at advertising in the same way again. You’ll develop a critical eye for what makes good copy and what doesn’t.
Let’s look at the two requirements for copywriting first, and then we’ll discuss how you can get started.
* You enjoy writing
It’s important that you enjoy writing. In your copywriting career you’ll do a lot of it, and if you enjoy it, you’ll be more creative. You’ll also enjoy practicing your skills.
* You’re prepared to practice your skills
Copywriting is fascinating because you get feedback for your writing. That feedback is almost instant in Web copywriting.
As a new copywriter, you’ll get lots of practice when you write copy to promote your own business. If you can sell yourself, you’ll know how to sell others’ goods and services too.
Please notice that I said “practice YOUR skills.” Especially online, there’s a huge tendency to turn out cookie-cutter copy. While modeling your copy on what’s worked in the past will show you structure, it’s fatal to use this as a blueprint for writing copy.
The best copywriters past and present are aware of famous pieces of copy, but they don’t follow them slavishly. Your aim is to lead the read (or listener or viewer) to take action; use your own instincts based on research of your audience and product.
How to Advertise Yourself As a New Copywriter
When you’re just starting out, you have an advantage over an established copywriter. Many clients prefer to work with someone new for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, as a new copywriter, you don’t have a big stable of clients to keep happy, so you can focus on those clients you do have – you’ll get the copy written quickly. This is appealing to clients who’ve worked with copywriters before and are told that their favorite copywriter won’t be able to tackle the job for three months because he’s too busy.
Secondly, new copywriters are less expensive than established pros. While it’s true that you get what you pay for, many people are happy to work with someone new and save money.
As a new copywriter, you’ll charge less than someone who’s been writing for years. You can use these initial jobs for your a portfolio, to help you to get highly paid copywriting gigs as your experience develops.
Therefore, don’t be shy about admitting that you’re new – people will be glad to hire you, for precisely that reason. Go ahead and advertise yourself as a new copywriter.
Here’s a fast way to get started. Write some sample copy: just write some copy either for existing products, or for fictitious products. Then get in touch with a graphics’ design company. They’re always looking for copywriters, and will be glad to give you a try.
Want copywriting instruction? Angela Booth’s “Copywriting Master Class – Ten Weeks to Copywriting Genius” teaches you copywriting secrets of the masters. Angela Booth’s ebook “Seven Days To Easy Money: Copywriting Success” takes you from novice to pro copywriter in just seven days. You could be signing up your first clients within two days.
Drama Sells, Even When It’s Bulloney!
Thanks to the iPad, I can access anything I want on the web, watch videos, write a blog post, create a presentation, run a spreadsheet, read my book or magazine and email as I like. I can carry one small iPad onto the plane or in the car and do everything I need to do. Wow -I just lost ten pounds of luggage!
Too bad some smaller minds had to show up at the party.
As soon as Steve said the name ‘iPad‘ – they started attacking. ‘Bad name’ screamed the cynics. ‘iMaxi’ or ‘iTampon’ joked these brilliant gurus.
You have to be kidding me?
The iPad changes the way we can work and play. It obsoletes netbooks, Kindles and Nooks and more. Apple just delivered the answer to many of us travelers’ dreams. Just think what it can do for our work life, our personal life and our kids! Star Trek – here we come!
So why are ‘experts’ so focused on dissing the name?
They’re doing what they are paid to do. They can’t find a major flaw – but they have to create negative drama to get attention, to earn their paychecks. After all - a vendor can’t deliver a product that hip experts say is GOOD, right? Hip experts are always cynical and sarcastic. So they create conflict, look for anything negative. If it means attacking the name iPad – so be it. After all, drama sells, right?
We are better than this!
Why do we listen to and even pass along such drivel? Those comments were rude, vulgar and unprofessional at best. They certainly had nothing to do with an expert opinion (even a hip expert) on a new product offering.
I’m ditching the drama. I’ve had enough.
I stopped watching the news because of drama and manipulation by supposed ‘experts’. As of today I’ve stopped listening to the new generation of sarcastic, negative experts in all aspects of my life. I’m reclaiming my power to decide for myself, based on real facts that matter, not on petty drama.
I’m surely not listening to self-adorned experts who resort to crass name-calling.
I’ll buy my iPad, enjoy the innovation and laugh all the way to the plane. And for those who don’t like the name – WHO CARES? Shame on you! I’m not using the name to do my work, watch movies, send email, write a note or surf the web, now am I?
Let’s focus on what’s important – creating positive value.
Google Should Obey Us Even if They Leave, Says Chinese Government
Maybe I missed the point of the whole China/Google kerfluffle, but I could have sworn the reason Google was pulling out of China was because they didn’t want to obey China’s rules on censorship anymore. Apparently China has decided to conveniently ignore that fact as they remind Google to continue to obey China’s Internet rules, even if Google does decide to leave the country.
Riiight.
According to Reuters:
“On entering the Chinese market in 2007, it clearly stated that it would respect Chinese law,” the spokesman, Yao Jian, told reporters in answer to a question about Google.
Google opened its Chinese search portal in 2006.
“We hope that whether Google Inc continues operating in China or makes other choices, it will respect Chinese legal regulations,” Yao told a regular news conference.
“Even if it pulls out, it should handle things according to the rules and appropriately handle remaining issues,” he said.
Yes, of course Google should continue to obey the law for remaining “issues” within the country (possibly its other services, if Google decides to only pull its search engine). However, although I’m not in favor of China’s censorship, I don’t think Google should wage a direct Internet war against the country.
China’s admonition seems a little like a parent expecting a child to keep the same curfew when they leave the house. Google is leaving precisely because they just can’t abide those rules anymore. They’re going to live their life the way they want to now.
Or, for another analogy that might hit home a bit more with the Chinese government, maybe this is more akin to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton telling China to investigate the hack attacks (to which China said Clinton damaged the countries’ relations, and basically she should mind her own business).
What do you think? Could China seriously expect to dictate to a company even if they won’t have any jurisdiction to do so?
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