How to Find Clients as a Freelance Copywriter

If you want to make a living as a freelance advertising copywriter, you can never stop promoting yourself and looking for that next job. Until you build up a large roster of clients with ongoing needs, you’ll have to continually search for prospects. Here are some effective steps you can follow to get your start.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Business card stock for home printers
• Home computer and printer
• Attractive portfolio of your best work
• Professional business attire

1. Arm yourself with effective networking tools. Business cards are an absolute must; fortunately, you can affordably print your own professional looking cards by purchasing perforated business card stock at any office supply store and printing them on your home computer printer. Put together a clean, sleek looking portfolio of your best work to carry with you as you scout for new clients.
2. Go to your local chamber of commerce and ask a receptionist or other available staff member about networking opportunities. Explain that you’re a locally-based freelance advertising copywriter and that you’re seeking opportunities to meet several local business owners at a single event. Most chambers of commerce hold multiple annual events and special mixers throughout the year. These are likely to be among your best opportunities to meet new prospects.
3. Attend the next available chamber of commerce event and be sure to dress for success. Keep a thick stack of business cards on you at all times and make an effort to meet everyone. Carry yourself with confidence, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to strangers and don’t be afraid to be straightforward. Explain to your new contacts that you’re looking for clients that need effective communication strategies and strong, powerful copy for their ads. Be prepared to quickly summarize your realm of experience and the specific services you offer.
4. At the event, give your card to anyone willing to take one and be sure to collect your contacts’ business cards as well. If you strike up a conversation with a contact that seems promising, consider writing a quick note on the back of your card before you hand it over. For instance, if you mention to a contact that you can create, manage and write for customized business blogs and he takes a particular interest in this idea, simply write “professional business blogger” on the back of your card and make sure he sees you do it. It will make your card stand out in a stack of dozens.
5. Use the backs of cards you collect for note taking as well. This will help you remember what you discussed with each contact, and you can mention your conversation if and when you follow up later. Little reminders like this go a long way toward showing your prospective clients that you’re savvy and professional.
6. Follow up with every prospect that expressed interest in you and your services, no matter how insignificant that interest might seem. You can do this through email, a phone call or even a thoughtful letter or postcard. The more effort you put into your follow-up, the more likely it will result in new work for you!

Tips & Warnings

• If you think you might need practice networking, ask a close friend to pose as a potential client. Practice your handshake, eye contact, conversation and short, prepared speeches to build your confidence.
• Plan your follow-up procedure before you go to the event. This will save you precious time and allow you to follow up with contacts the very next business day, which will likely impress your prospects.
• Don’t be pushy or overly-aggressive with a prospect. If they’re clearly not interested in your services, however, don’t be afraid to continue talking with them for a while. Express interest in what they do, and they just might have some work for you when you see them at the next event.