What writing clients want from you

It’s easier than you think… [The Writer’ s Life]( April 23, 2024 "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." – Zig Ziglar Hi {NAME}! Positioning yourself as a professional writer is much easier than you might think … Yes, even if you're just starting out. It starts with knowing WHAT clients want in a professional writer. (Spoiler: It's not samples.) So today, I'm going to break down what they're looking for … And THEN I'm going to help you get up and running as a professional by next Friday. [More details on that here!]( 😉 But first, you need to understand why professional writers are in such high demand … When you're just starting your freelance writing career, it's natural to assume that it's hard to make money as a writer. But this assumption is completely wrong. AWAI has been teaching people how to make good money as professional writers for over 27 years, and all those years, the demand for writers has consistently grown. BUT in recent years, it has EXPLODED … The truth is there are countless opportunities available to make an excellent income as a freelance writer. Take a look at our [Copywriting Pricing Guide]( and you'll see there are at least 80 different in-demand writing projects that marketers use on a regular basis … From ads and blog posts to case studies and emails, you'll find projects with professional fees ranging anywhere from $500 to $10,000+ (and in some cases, royalties on top of the initial fee). Companies recognize the value these projects bring to their businesses, so they expect to pay professional writers top fees to complete them. Without copy and content, businesses would cease to exist. Companies need a constant supply of fresh emails, blog posts, articles, sales pages, social media posts, and other key writing projects to keep their marketing efforts working. But all smart businesspeople know copy produced by a professional writer is much more likely to have a higher return on the investment than content rushed off by someone much cheaper. This is why many companies actively want to work with professional writers who know their craft and can deliver top-notch results with their writing. What Clients Look for in Professional Writers Not knowing exactly what clients are looking for can feel a bit intimidating when you're a new writer. But here's the thing … The most sought-after qualities in a writer are the same ones expected of professionals in most other industries. 1. Proof of Expertise If you have a formal degree or other certification, it's very easy to prove your expertise in a particular field. And this is true for professional writing as well. AWAI, as the premier company for training aspiring writers, offers various courses and certifications in a wide range of writing specialties, from emails and case studies to blog posts and direct-response sales letters. To get an idea of the types of courses available, you can check out some of our [writing programs](. But while having something like a certification helps prove your expertise, your life experience also carries a lot of weight. If you've worked in a specific industry before writing, you can use that experience as part of your credentials. For example, if you have a background in installing solar panels … Solar panel companies would love to work with you! You already understand the industry, you know the buyers, and you're familiar with how the process works. Your hobbies and lifestyle are also important. For instance, if you have children, you know intimately what it's like to be a parent. So, you could specialize in writing for companies that produce baby supplies, teaching tools, or other children's products. When talking to a potential client, you simply lead with the expertise you do have … Which is usually way more than you think. 😉 (We'll help you with this in our upcoming [5-day Launch Party](, so you'll feel confident with your writing niche!) 2. Proof in Ability A potential client wants to know whether you can do the job. They're looking for proof of your ability to write whatever it is they need written. This doesn't mean you need a mountain of published writing samples to show them. That being said … you CAN create a [portfolio of writing samples](, even if you're just starting out. But keep in mind that any example of your writing can provide proof of your writing skills. A well-written LinkedIn profile will highlight your writing ability, as will your writer's website. You can also share any writing you've done in a previous career, for an organization you volunteer with, or as a hobby. Some potential clients may even ask you to write something original specifically for them as part of a job application. And you can always offer to do a simple blog post or project as a "trial run" to see if you both like working together. For example, I like to position it this way … "I believe every company has a unique style and voice. How about we start with a small project, so I can show you what I can do for you? I have three ideas for a new blog post — which would you like me to write first?" 3. Dependability Being dependable has nothing to do with your writing ability. But it is the easiest thing for you to control … and help you stand out as a high-quality performer. An excellent way to show your dependability before working with a potential client is in the way you follow up with them … For example, if you tell them you'll deliver a proposal by a certain day, make sure you send it to them by that date. Or — better yet — submit it earlier. And if a company contacts you for more details about your services, be sure to respond to them promptly with all the information they need. Taking steps like these will show a potential client you can be counted on if they choose to work with you. 4. Professional Behavior and Communication This is another one that may seem obvious … but I can tell you, from reviewing dozens of emails from contractors, salespeople, and freelancers on a regular basis, it's something often overlooked. You're likely already familiar with professional communications in some way. Maybe you're a high school student who's applied to a college or university. You could be a parent looking for a daycare for your child. Or you might have worked in customer service. These are all times when you've needed to be professional in the way you communicate with others. And it's no different when you're approaching potential writing clients. Always be courteous and polite. And remember that the person you're dealing with is likely very busy, so be respectful of their time and keep your communications friendly but to the point. This applies to ALL your professional communications, including social media, email, phone, or in-person interactions. So there you have it … four ways to be seen as a professional writer, even if you have zero writing experience. For your best start, I want you to consider walking through a proven system that will have you up and running as a professional writer … In just 5 days. [All you have to do is click here and say "Yes!"]( And my team and I will take you by the hand and lead you through our proven Writer's Launch Party. Each day, you'll do the simple exercise we give you. And attend an optional training session with some of our coaches. And by next Friday, you'll be officially launched. We've been doing this for the past three years, and the results have been AMAZING! [>> Go here to see for yourself!]( To your success, Rebecca Matter President AWAI YOU - a Professional Writer in Just 5 Days! Our proven launch system speeds you past any roadblocks and gets you up and running as a writer … With the confidence, skills, and polish to take on your first clients and get paid … In just five days … GUARANTEED! [See How We'll Do It]( Turn $1 Into $2,500 as a Writer Using This Blueprint This blueprint will show you how you can start making $2,500 per month as a writer — even if you're just starting out. And if you decide to give it a shot, you'll gain access to every resource you'll need to execute that blueprint for just a dollar. All the roadmaps … All the articles … All the how-to videos … All the training webinars … The member forum, the job board, the tutorials, the tools … PLUS, three more valuable resources … It's all there — everything you need to get started making money as a writer. [Check it out for yourself for free right now.]( What's Hot at AWAI … 🙌 Launch your writing business in just 5 days with our help! [Check this out!]( 😎 [Here are some of the benefits of being a solopreneur.]( 😉 [And if you're still not convinced … here are a few more benefits of being a solopreneur!]( 🤩 ["Talent and opportunity" launched this once jobless writer into a new career.]( First big pitch … [Post about first big pitch] Congrats, Marigold! We couldn't be more excited for you!! Have your own story to share? Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! [YOU — a Professional Writer in Just 5 Days! Live Q& A]Join freelance copywriter Bonnie Fanning and AWAI Director of Training Jade Trueblood TODAY at 3 p.m. ET for a live Q&A focused on how AWAI's Writer's Launch Party will have you up and running as a professional writer in five days. You'll learn how it works, why it's so successful at launching writing careers, steps you should take if you're new to paid writing, and much more. [Join Us Here]( Featured Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Copywriter-79230 – Swoon Contractor, New York, NY Write compelling copy that is consistent with the brand voice. Partner with Merchants and Marketing to ascertain key messages. Partner with the Creative team and Graphic Design on creative projects. Manage copy content from concept through final execution. --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Copywriter – C3 AI Full-time, Redwood City, CA Write compelling copy for a variety of creative deliverables including but not limited to: Web pages, digital advertising, email marketing, PPT presentation slides, wireframes, mockups, print collateral/print displays, and social. --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Copywriter – 3Search Contractor, London, UK Creating copy for digital content, long-form and short-form, for all channels such as social, blog, web and email. --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. For questions or requests: [contact us online](. --------------------------------------------------------------- ©2024 American Writers & Artists Institute Do you know of someone who would benefit from reading The Writer's Life? 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