Being a freelance copywriter can be lonely at times. Many of us work from home, and unless you’ve got rugrats running around the house, or a dog (!), you only have the radio to keep you company during the day.
That’s why AWAI’s FastTrack to Copywriting Success Bootcamp is such a joy to attend each year. I received my copywriting training from AWAI, and each year, I head to Delray Beach, FL to hear professional copywriters talk about how to perfect our craft, and how to build our business. That’s certainly a big part of why I go. I always learn something new to take back that I can use to help my clients.
But the other reason I love coming back here year after year is the chance to connect with old friends and meet new people who are just starting out on the copywriting journey. A few short years ago, I was one of those newbies and wondered if I would ever be able to make a living at copywriting. But now, I’m pleased that I can share my experiences with the new folks and let them know that yes, it is possible to earn a living as a copywriter!
Day one of this year’s bootcamp featured keynote speaker Brian Kurtz, the executive vice president of Boardroom, Inc., a $100 million a year newsletter and book publisher. Brian is not a copywriter, but his experience as a marketer is invaluable. During his speech, he shared some of his direct marketing secrets such as “Don’t define yourself by a channel.” There are so many ways to market products and services today, that it doesn’t make sense to say that you’re a “direct-mail copywriter” or even an “internet marketer.”
Another piece of advice he offered was the fact that you should never send anything in email that doesn’t achieve something. Kurtz added that a good practice would be to send out emails that offer value the first couple of times, then you can email a “sales letter” and then send your prospects more valuable information again.
Finally, another a great secret, which I try to adhere to in my business is to “give the customer more than they ever would have expected.” If you follow that advice, you are sure to be a success.
Gloria, this was my first Bootcamp and it was a truly awesome experience. Great information and valuable insights every day from so many skilled and successful copywriters. Job fair was amazing. The energy (Josh) was dynamic and being surrounded by 350 participants that get it was simply extraordinary. I now have a group of copywriters to bounce ideas off of and mastermind with…forgive the dangling prepositions. So the work begins to put all this into practice, get my specs done and submitted…oops, shouldn’t use that word…sent in, and begin attracting clients.
Alan,
So glad to hear about your positive experience. It never ceases to amaze me how much I learn each year that I can take back with me to improve my skills, and help my clients get better results for their businesses. Good luck on the spec assignments, and if I can ever be of any help, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Gloria