Your Internet-Reality Dictionary
One of the kings of social media, Chris Brogan, has just published a brilliant article about people in the real world.
He talks about how those of us who live in this web world need to remember that the majority of the people we interact with offline aren’t online. And/but that fact should not deter us from sharing the internet with them.
These two points define my business. Personally, because when I leave you all, my daily achievements online aren’t all that translatable. Professionally, because my clients often look at me with fear, confusion or a blank stare when I mention words like blog, online social media and site traffic.
The key, Chris points out, is to explore the internet with these clients from their La-Z-Boy recliners, in other words, where they’re most comfortable. He gives some great examples that I’m going to expand upon. The point is that we, as internet marketing people, can show these reality-based folk that they already have the tools and resources – we’re just going to repurpose them. Think of this as your Internet-Reality Dictionary.
What you have: Real World — What you could have: Web World
Newsletter Blog
Networking Groups Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
Mailings (via the USPS) Email marketing/communication
Staff writers Bloggers
Industry Experts Bloggers
Radio and TV ads Viral video, vlogs, podcasts
Loud Speaker Email & Blog
Print product surveys Online product surveys
Marketing Department Online Marketing Department
PR Director Director of Community Development
Phone help center Company Wiki
Additions from readers:
Chris Ramsay: Water Cooler Gossip = Facebook, Twitter, IM’s, etc.
Deb: Phone calls = IMs
Research Library = Wikipedia/Google
Typewriter = Laptop
Endless meetings = Thank heaven, no parallel!
Endless meetings = Endless Web Ex and endless Skype – thank heavens for backside chat.
Happy Hour = Tweetup
Product Demo or Seminar = Webinar
________________________
Is it just me or does the internet pile look like the real pile on steroids. Its a no-brainer and it will take your business outreach global, quickly.
Chris asks us to be the people to share the internet and all that it has to offer. You are on, Chris – one of my favorite things to do.
I’d love to add your additions to the dictionary…bring ‘em on!
Filed under Blogging, How To, Networking, The Business | Tags: Chris Brogan, client relations, freelance commercial copywriter, internet marketing, marketing writer, social media | Comments (15)how to become a freelance copywriter: THE OVERVIEW
This is a broadview list. I’ll be breaking each item down with greater detail over the next few weeks, but this is the overview of what you need to do to build a successful freelance copywriting business.
1. Know what a copywriter is. This is not an article about how to become a freelance journalist! A commercial copywriter writes the content for individuals, businesses and companies to support their marketing, advertising and/or promotional needs including: websites, blogs, ads, brochures, marketing packages, annual reports, speeches and on and on.
2. Figure out your niche. Everyone will ask you what it is, so have an answer – even if it’s that you’re a generalist. However, niches can be quite powerful in this business. What are your strengths, where is your expertise?
3. Get the tools you need. Critically, you need a computer, a phone, email and an internet connection amongst other things.
4. Create a portfolio. You will need to showcase your work, your skills and your style. This can be print or electronic (I’d have both…and I do.)
5. Develop marketing materials. You absolutely need a website and a business card. You just do, and I already wrote a bit about this topic.
6. Let the people know you exist. When I started out, I used a highly targeted direct mail campaign and had a 13% return rate (2% is the average). There are several ways to accomplish this and other self-promotion feats.
7. Start somewhere. Even if it’s volunteering your services. Get writing, build a reputation, do good work.
8. Keep learning. If I hadn’t been hungry for new information and allowed my business to grow…who knows where I’d be right now. My openness to expansion (of skills, mind and company) has been key to my success. Read everything you can, follow the advice that resonates with you.
Filed under How To, The Business | Tags: , copywriter, copywriting, freelance commercial copywriter, how to be a copywriter, how to freelance, Julie Roads, marketing writer, start a copywriting business, Writing Roads | Comment (1)
