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“Applying” for freelance copywriting gigs is a totally different process from pitching editors or applying for a fulltime writing job.
I thought I'd explain how I do it... (thread)
I thought I'd explain how I do it... (thread)
First, there is no central portal for freelance copy gigs.
Jobs can come to you in many ways.
You might cold email someone, or get referred, or connect on social media or a freelancing platform...
The sky's the limit. And clients often aren't sure what the next step is.
Jobs can come to you in many ways.
You might cold email someone, or get referred, or connect on social media or a freelancing platform...
The sky's the limit. And clients often aren't sure what the next step is.
When there's a potential gig on offer, I initiate that step.
First, I suggest a chat so I can feel out what they need.
Next, I send custom materials that make the client feel SUPER confident that I'm the right choice for them.
First, I suggest a chat so I can feel out what they need.
Next, I send custom materials that make the client feel SUPER confident that I'm the right choice for them.
I DON'T send the client a resume and cover letter. Ever.
That's for full-time job applications and it's not necessary.
I DON'T send the client a link to my website and call it a day.
I DON'T wait for the client to take the next step.
That's for full-time job applications and it's not necessary.
I DON'T send the client a link to my website and call it a day.
I DON'T wait for the client to take the next step.
I take what I learned on our first call and create a custom document I call a RESFOLIO.
It's a combination resume and portfolio.
As in, you’re at the Pizza Hut. You’re at the Taco Bell. You’re at the combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.
It's a combination resume and portfolio.
As in, you’re at the Pizza Hut. You’re at the Taco Bell. You’re at the combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.
The goal of the resfolio is to CONNECT THE DOTS between what the client wants and what you do.
It includes:
Skills and attributes RELATING TO THE PROJECT
Examples of past work RELATING TO THE PROJECT
Details that show you UNDERSTAND THE PROJECT
Here's a real-life example.
It includes:
Skills and attributes RELATING TO THE PROJECT
Examples of past work RELATING TO THE PROJECT
Details that show you UNDERSTAND THE PROJECT
Here's a real-life example.
Page 1: Cover page. I adapted the quote "art is long, life is short" because this was a copy project for an arts client.
(I can't design for shit so I used a Canva template, sorry to all the talented designers out there.)
(I can't design for shit so I used a Canva template, sorry to all the talented designers out there.)
Page 2: Quick bio.
For this arts client, I focused on my arts experience and kept it SHORT.
They don't need my life story!
Again - help them connect the dots and see that YOU are the perfect fit for them.
Include your photo to establish a personal connection.
For this arts client, I focused on my arts experience and kept it SHORT.
They don't need my life story!
Again - help them connect the dots and see that YOU are the perfect fit for them.
Include your photo to establish a personal connection.
Page 3: Clients.
Are these all my clients? NO.
ONLY the clients that relate to this potential new arts client.
This helps them see that I have proven expertise in their industry, and I'm trusted by brands in their field.
They should trust me, too!
Are these all my clients? NO.
ONLY the clients that relate to this potential new arts client.
This helps them see that I have proven expertise in their industry, and I'm trusted by brands in their field.
They should trust me, too!
Page 4-8: Work examples.
This client needed arts event descriptions, so I included a few examples of event descriptions I had written before.
Just a few examples! They can get the gist pretty quickly!
Here's one...
This client needed arts event descriptions, so I included a few examples of event descriptions I had written before.
Just a few examples! They can get the gist pretty quickly!
Here's one...
Last page: Call to action
Every copywriter loves a good CTA!
I tell the client what the next step is. It's different for every project.
By the time the client gets to this page, they should have all the info they need to know IT'S YOU, BABY, IT'S YOU
Every copywriter loves a good CTA!
I tell the client what the next step is. It's different for every project.
By the time the client gets to this page, they should have all the info they need to know IT'S YOU, BABY, IT'S YOU
Keep all of your work samples handy so you can easily drop them into a resfolio like this one.
Find a template design you like, in Word or Canva or whatever works for you.
Once you make a couple of these, it's easy to customize for each new client or project.
CLIENTS
LOVE
IT!
Find a template design you like, in Word or Canva or whatever works for you.
Once you make a couple of these, it's easy to customize for each new client or project.
CLIENTS
LOVE
IT!
One other note...
I don't like to say "applying" for freelance copywriting gigs.
Applying is passive = you are at the mercy of your client, waiting anxiously.
I prefer to think of it as "introducing myself" to a client.
After all, this could be a long term work RELATIONSHIP.
I don't like to say "applying" for freelance copywriting gigs.
Applying is passive = you are at the mercy of your client, waiting anxiously.
I prefer to think of it as "introducing myself" to a client.
After all, this could be a long term work RELATIONSHIP.
That's it for now!
How do you solicit new projects or introduce yourself to a client?
I'm very curious to hear and learn from everyone's unique methods!!
/end
How do you solicit new projects or introduce yourself to a client?
I'm very curious to hear and learn from everyone's unique methods!!
/end
