Biggest challenge for copywriters?

[jackforde]

First off, greetings everybody and anybody... and welcome to the Copywriter's Roundtable networking site. I have to admit, I'm pretty new to the whole "social networking" scene myself. So I have no idea if this particular iteration will take hold or not.

If not, no problem. If yes, well then it's here for you... use it as you wish. I won't monitor anything here except -- at least in the beginning -- any videos or photos about to get posted (we wouldn't want, after all, for things to get off track... eh?).

Otherwise, we'll see how this shapes up organically. Network here to meet people, to find work, to show off your portfolio. Whatever you like. It's yours to do with what you will. And it's free... so be sure, also, to pass along the opportunity to friends and encourage them to sign on.

Two more things: If you're not signed up yet for the Copywriter's Roundtable ezine, please do. It's weekly and, I like to think, is usually chock full of good stuff for both experienced copywriters and those just getting started. You can find a simple signup page here: http://www.jackforde.com.

And finally, a question to help start things off and also to give me an idea of what I can do to help out fellow copywriters -- What's your biggest challenge right now, in this profession?

I know for some it's just getting started. How to find clients... how to come up with copy ideas... how to learn more of what you need to know... and so on. But what else? Post it here.

Look forward to hearing from you!

John F.

[Adam Snider]

The biggest problem, for me, is coming up with relevant copy ideas. Once I've got an idea, the actual writing tends to come fairly easily. And, as I'm not currently doing freelance work, I don't have to worry about finding clients (though, I suspect that would be my biggest concern, should I ever go freelance).

Right now, for example, I'm trying to write a press release about one of our products. With the exception of a few that have had press releases written up fairly recently, I can write about whichever form I want. The problem is that, since none of them are brand new products, and none of them have been recently changed, I have to try and find something timely and newsworthy to use as a hook.

This is the problem I face with a lot of my writing work--taking something that may be relatively uninteresting, and finding a way to make it newsworthy and/or interesting.

[Nettie Hartsock]

Jack!

What a great idea to start this! My biggest challenge is always to make sure my copy is inspiring and conversational and engaging. I'm always fine-tuning my writing process and look forward to hearing others' success stories!

Nettie H.

[Chris Lake]

First of all, thanks, Jack, for this forum.

My biggest issue at the moment is not so much landing clients, but landing better clients. I know that since the beginning of 2007, I've treated my career like sitting in a figurative canoe, floating with the current and grabbing hold of whatever flotsam and jetsam comes by. I need to pick up the oar and start paddling for the sights on the river that excite me. Maybe even head for some whitewater--class 2 or 3 for now, and maybe something more extreme by the end of the year.

I'm not an avid blogger, but I'll be hanging around, watching, and jumping into the fray when I can.

Carpe diem,

Chris

[Mandy Minor]

Chris,

When I took the time to sit down and determine my hourly rate I learned that I should be charging three times what I was. I took the leap of faith that charging more would work out and guess what? Not only did I start making more money, I began to attract better clients. I've uploaded the pricing notes I've collected, which include the pricing exercise. Please keep in mind I did not create these resources and am not taking credit for them; heck, some may even be from Jack's newsletter!

Best,
Mandy

[Jeff Simon]

Hi Chris,

I'll echo Mandy's comments about raising your prices, and offer part of a case study. The back half of this particular case study is this same business's primary product is now logistics. He warehouses product. The contract pays for the space. The work is less stress, pays monthly (per the contract), and the profit is a significant multiple of what it used to be.

If I didn't sell this enough . . . RAISE YOUR PRICES!

Cheerfully,
Jeff

[Rajni Shriram]

My question is, even if your copy is good, how do you know that it will pay off in the market place? In other words, does creativity equal effectiveness? And before you answer that, what I am talking about is pretty good creativity.

[Shonda Taylor]

I think my biggest challenge is selling myself. I have confidence in my skills when it comes to writing about the product or service. But I don't know exactly what to say to a prospective client to get them to bite. I definitely don’t possess the “Bly Ability” when it comes to self-promotion.

[jackforde]

These comments are all fantastic so far... would anybody mind if I used some of these comments to build an article or more in future issues of the CR? Lots of things to say in reply to every one of them.

[Umesh]

Hi All,

Thanks Jack, for this platform where we can interact and share experiences.

Recently I've been putting my work diary online through my blog: http://creatronic.blogspot.com.

I've written about how I cracked briefs for small ad campaigns and other print ads, along with samples of work etc.

What I'd like to really do is document the actual technical/creative process of thinking of ideas, crafting copy etc. in full detail but time is really of the essence here. Has anybody done this before?

I've not done much of freelancing for some years now. I would like to know about how to go about getting work in a market like Dubai.

[Mandy Minor]

Wow, this is such a great idea! Thanks for taking the time to develop and share it. I'm sure it will take off - we all need other copywriters to bounce ideas off!

The issues I would like feedback of handling is the "everyone's an expert" problem. My clients tell me they love my work and come to me time and again, yet some insist on editing my work - and not for the better.

How do I expalin, without hurting feelings, that copywriting and using a pen or keyboard are not the same thing? Thanks for any help!

[Umesh]

Thanks Mandy. I think all the members here should blog about their work and creative processes. It would make a great online portfolio too. We should have a separate thread here listing our blogs. Also, our blogs should be linked to each other - a kind of Copywriters blog ring.

"Everyone's a Copy Expert" syndrome is sometimes best dealt with by going with the flow and by helping the client craft his ideas and expectations into the copy. I do that sometimes...but there comes a point when I do put my foot down and make it clear that somethings are not done and won't work. Many understand and don't cross the line. Those who still insist, I don't get personal with my creative output and let them have their way. 'The client knows his business best' is my guideline here. In extreme cases, I've cut off with clients who were irrational in their demands and were not forthcoming on payments.

[Mandy Minor]

Thanks for your insight Umesh. I will keep you in mind as I continue to learn the lesson "don't take it personally." : )