10 Proven Tips For Establishing Your Copywriting Authority
Posted by Rachel Terry on Wed, Aug 01, 2012
You've seen professional copywriters online who seem to have it all: an enviable portfolio, an impressive social media presence, and more job opportunities than they need. Although they seem untouchable, you too can be one of those writers. It takes time and work to establish yourself as a copywriting authority, but it's a goal within reach.
Here are 10 proven tips to get you where you want to go.
1. Settle on a niche. Although you may have written in a variety of industries in the past, settle on just one niche for now and pour your efforts into it. For example, if you have vast home improvement experience, begin focusing your efforts on that industry. You'll soon be seen as an authority in that subject, and authority brings better paying jobs and more word-of-mouth referrals.
2. Become visible in that community. Once you've settled on a niche, find out where your target audience gathers, on- and offline. Join LinkedIn groups that discuss your niche, and join in on the conversations. Subscribe to a trade journal, and read the blogs of the movers and shakers in your industry.
3. Make in-person contacts. It's easy to make contact with people online through industry groups and on blogs, but it's intimidating to walk up to someone and introduce yourself with a handshake. Step out of your comfort zone, however, because local, personal business relationships can be your bread and butter. Attend events and conferences, and drop your business card off at local businesses that could benefit from your copywriting services.
4. Build a website. Businesses with professional websites come across as up-to-date, with-it, and ready to work. Build your website around your chosen niche to attract clients looking for copywriters with your special skills.
5. Brainstorm products that will help your clients. Clients need white papers, newsletters, case studies, and more. Write up examples of each off these products so you can offer examples to clients who aren't sure of what they need. Keep your samples with you when you attend industry conferences.
6. Build a social media presence. Every time your picture and name show up on social media, you reinforce your image. Make sure you post timely, professional messages and tweets that help to establish your authority as a copywriter.
7. Be consistent with your brand building. Establishing yourself as an authority (building your brand) takes time. Continue to make contacts with potential clients, and consistently produce content for your own website, your social media profiles, and your blog. This can take 6 months or more, so don't get discouraged (or bored) along the way.
8. Offer inbound marketing audits. You can offer inbound marketing audits as a paid service or as a complimentary service. If you're just getting started, this may be a way of attracting clients. Examine a client's website and make suggestions about how they can improve their SEO strategies and attract more traffic.
9. Set high standards and explain them to clients. Don't fall prey to keyword-stuffing tactics just because a client wants quick traffic results. To establish your copywriting authority, you need to produce quality content. Set high standards for your writing, and educate your clients about the vast benefits of professional, high-quality writing.
10. Educate your clients about the benefits of social media. Social media is a powerful marketing tool, one that copywriters should never ignore. Help your clients to know how to use social media to establish their own brands. You can also earn more business by writing social media posts for your clients. In addition, link up with your clients on social media to reinforce each other's professional standing.
These tips take time to implement, but as you work your way through them, your brand as a niche copywriter will take hold, and you'll earn more work and more prestige in your industry.