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.

[Patricia Skinner]

Hello everyone, this is my first post as a member of Copywriter's Roundtable:

I agree with Chris Lake: we need to keep finding better clients in order to raise our own standards and expand our own business. This is a natural graduation if we're good: the bigger and better clients will seek us out. But does anyone have any ideas for speeding up the process?

[Jeffela]

Yello, all... thanks to everyone for piping up passing along the info - as John said, beginners and old farts alike can benefit from mixing it up here...

Anyhoo, I guess my biggest challenge is trying to stay fresh and "large" with my headlines. I do not have the fortune of being freelance - I work for a financial publication. Much of the industry is lost on my lobes cuz it gets so confusing with the different investments and when they talk about gains and percentages and oh yeah, my personal favourite - "promo math." I don't much like math unless I'm counting sheep...

But I've been here 9 months and I think some of this stuff is sinking in alright. I just worry is all. Ooh... and I also have a bit of trouble organising my leads. Seems like I put B before A and 8 before 5... course if 6 turned out to be 9... I guess I wouldn't mind! ;o)

And I'm rambling at this point so I'll catch up with you guys... Shalom, y'all!

[Carolyn Grantham]

For me, it's figuring out how extensive my expertise should be. I'm mostly working with Web copy, and prospective employers assume this means I can also code, design, build information architecture, manage SEM accounts, etc etc ... I have a fairly broad general knowledge of these areas as well as being able to write, but I'm not sure whether I should be going deeper into any of them.

I guess my question is: What will the expectations be for Web copywriters in the future (which could be five minutes from now)? Do we need to be all-rounders, or can we assume clients will figure out that a generalist in many areas won't excel at all of them?

[Janet M. Atwell]

My biggest challenge I think is learning to write in a less personal manner. I am forever wanting to relay personal experiences in my work that, although they fit the subject, are not relevant to to what the client wants in some ways.

Of course finding clients right now is a big issue for me.

Also, my Website was hacked recently and rebuilding it has become something of a hassle. I am working diligently on spreading the word about myself and my work and that leaves little time to work on the site. I have also been stumped as to just how I want it to look and feel. I know what I want but I am not sure that what I want is best for my business.

I have been lucky in that I have a great friend in Damian Dreissen and he has been a great help and inspiration. Any suggestions are welcome and of course work is always welcome.

[Jim Lawrence]

My biggest challenge is just learning how to get started as a copy writer. I'm only just beginning to investigate copy writing, and have a lot to learn. My writing skills are good (or so I have been told by many), and I think I could be successful once I learn the ropes and get to know the right people in the industry.

I am hoping this network will help me to connect with seasoned professionals who would be willing to share their expertise with a rookie. My interests, at least initially, are learning about opportunities to write copy for ad agencies, something along the lines of direct mail, catalogs, etc. I'm not all that excited about writing books - I'd rather work on more short-term projects.

Maybe I'll start a "Rookies" group for us newbies....

[Karen Callahan]

I suppose my biggest challenges have been similar to Carolyn's. Trying to learn it all to serve my internet clients leaves me spending a lot of time studying internet books on html etc... which eats into the time I spend refining my writing skills. On the flip side of that though I have learned so much I am sure I won't regret it long-term, it just cuts into my revenue stream.

And I suppose the other challenge is always trying to strike the balance between completing work and marketing for new clients.

[Miami Muse]

I find that it's a challenge for me to write fresh, compelling and relevant content when needed. Not at 3am two days later, during yet another bout of insomnia. Which incidentally, is when I do some of my best work.

[Annie]

My biggest challenge seems similar to many others - mixing writing for clients with finding new clients. It's so much easier to help someone else market their services than it is to market my own!

Designing websites and such isn't a big problem for me as I'm also a graphic designer although I am NOT web designer, technically. I can design sites with the help of software like Dreamweaver as I don't really know much HTML or CSS, but my expertise is in logo creation and that type of thing really - traditional graphic design.

Anyway, marketing myself remains my biggest challenge.

[Dan]

One of my biggest challenges is finding copywriters who have a background in web copywriting. Web copywriters needs to have a whole range of skills. Sure, a way with words is key, but having experience of SEO writing can be a big decider when a client is considering using your services over another. And it's not only limited to SEO skills...

[Kristy Mcnillan]

It will be relevant topic and how it can relate to what's happening around. Copywriting isn't just writing about the topic but also consider what are the need of people or readers and how they can relate with what there is on the copy. If your copy doesn't get their attention it will be consider as nothing so make a copy not only for you or for the company but also to the readers as they deserve that.