Using proof to land more writing gigs

7 simple ways to prove your value to writing clients [The Writer’ s Life]( May 17, 2023 "Don't be afraid to show who you are." – Omarion Hi {NAME}, "Prove it." That sentiment is echoed more and more online in this tumultuous "misinformation" era. But the reality is, proof has ALWAYS been an important element of persuasion. Any claim made in copy needs to have enough proof to satisfy the reader. It was the driving force behind our [Certifications]( … We knew this piece of proof would help companies recognize the value of trained AWAI writers faster … which would help them get hired faster. Businesses NEED help from skilled writers more than ever … To attract new prospects, build relationships, move them to purchase, and then keep them happy long into the future. And the faster they can identify someone who can help them achieve their goals, the better! So today, I want to share seven simple ways to prove your value to prospective clients. Prove to them that you have what it takes and that hiring you is a "good" decision, and landing projects will come easier than you could ever imagine. Let's look at seven different ways to do it … Proof Piece #1: Your LinkedIn Profile Your LinkedIn profile is often the first piece of proof a client will come across. It's the ultimate sample that proves you can write to a specific audience (in this case, your ideal clients). It also helps the client see your writing style. And if written properly, proves you understand their pain points and positions you as a solution. Your LinkedIn profile also gives you the opportunity to talk about any experience you have in the industry and training you've received. Remember, AWAI is the gold standard for training writers, and is well-known in the industry. So be sure to make note of trainings you've taken through AWAI and [add the seal for the Certifications you've received](! (Want help with your LinkedIn profile? Check out our [Create Your Own LinkedIn Profile in a Day: Your First Step Toward Attracting Valuable Clients.]() Proof Piece #2: Samples Whether you want to write articles, emails, marketing funnels, collateral pieces, long-form sales letters, or anything else, a portfolio of quality samples that showcase your writing skills is one of the strongest proof pieces you can have. A solid portfolio shows you have the skills to take on the specific writing assignments you're hoping to get hired to write. But often writers think, "I need samples to land clients, but I need clients to get samples." Not true … A sample is just that … a sample of your writing. What clients really want to see above all else is that you have interesting ideas, the style of your writing, and your ability to string words together. You can easily put together three or four samples by either writing them with the intention to suit your targeted niche, or using assignments you've done when completing various AWAI programs. (Several AWAI programs offer the opportunity for your writing to be reviewed, so you can get professional feedback and know your samples are polished and portfolio-ready.) Watch this Inside AWAI webinar for more suggestions: [How to Create a Winning Portfolio of Samples If You're Just Starting a Freelance Writing Career (Even If You've Never Had Any Clients!](). Proof Piece #3: Case Studies Where samples are an example of your writing style, case studies are documents that highlight the value you have brought to your clients. Case studies are short stories that describe how a company or organization solved a particular challenge with a product or service — and what the results of solving that challenge were. Typically one or two pages, or around 800-1,200 words, case studies are basically a "before-and-after" story. Content marketers use them all the time — and you can too. [Creating a case study for your own business is easy.]( What you want to do is outline a problem a marketer was having, and how your skills helped them solve that problem. For example … Did they need traffic to their website? Showcase how you wrote space ads that caught prospects' attention. Was their competition getting more followers on social media? Outline some of the steps you took to engage prospects and drive more sales. Once you've drafted a case study, you can post it as a page on your website and include the option to download it as a PDF. ([See examples here.]() B2B Expert Steve Slaunwhite has successfully used this strategy for years. He outlines his Portfolio One Sheet [here](. Case studies are a great way to shine a spotlight on your capabilities and your ability to solve problems for your clients. You'll prove your value as a copywriter — and as an advisor and team member. Proof Piece #4: Certifications/Badges Things like Certifications and Badges from our [live Certification & Mastery training programs]( give potential clients a bit more confidence, knowing that someone else has tested and vouched for a person's understanding of the skill they're looking to hire for. Just make sure there is a clear explanation of what the Badge implies. That way, potential clients can understand its value and have a realistic expectation when hiring you. Proving you are skilled in the [most in-demand writing specialties]( businesses need today makes a huge difference. So once you've collected any reputable Badges, Certifications, or Verifications, be sure to display them on your website and LinkedIn profile front and center so they're easy to see. Proof Piece #5: Participation Online Potential clients are always plugged in to their audience, whether it's in blog comments, social media groups, online content fulfillment, or forums. They're watching what people are saying and will notice you if you're helpful at providing information that's beneficial to users. They'll see firsthand that you know what you're talking about. Demonstrating your skill set by participating with their audience is not only a great way to prove your value, but also a great way to get their attention. They'll know who you are when you do reach out (if they don't reach out to you first!) … Just ask AWAI Members Jim Wright, Mindy McHorse, Heather Robson, Steve Maurer, and dozens of other AWAI Members who were "discovered" online and now write for us! Proof Piece #6: Testimonials Peppering your marketing materials with positive feedback from other clients is another way to prove you're the one they should work with. Now, you may be thinking, "but I haven't worked with any clients to get testimonials from!" I understand. One workaround is to get a few complimentary remarks from other colleagues, prior bosses, or fellow volunteers you've worked with. Have them focus their testimonial on your work ethic, dedication, or problem-solving attitude. Then, as you do start to build up relationships with copywriting clients, you can substitute new testimonials for those original ones. Of course, you should also fill up your [LinkedIn profile]( with recommendations and endorsements from colleagues and clients. Another option when you're getting started is to do some work for a lower fee in exchange for a testimonial you can publish. Proof Piece #7: A Well-Written Letter/Email to Clients The final way to prove your value is in your initial communication with potential clients … Whether you reach out to them by mailing a letter or sending an email, it's critical that you demonstrate professionalism, writing clarity, and the ability to lead them to action. And remember the 'Copywriting 101' principle, it's all about what's in it for them … Focus on how you can help them with their ongoing writing projects and goals. And try to use specifics whenever possible … For example, if you notice things they don't have that could have a positive impact, such as customer testimonials or case studies on their website, show them the potential value and then offer to interview their best customers using your copywriting skills to ensure the messages are effective. So, there you have it … Seven ways you can "prove" to potential clients you've got what it takes. You don't need to have them all … but if you have at least a few of them in place, you'll have plenty of proof to land the clients you want all year long. Being skilled in the most in-demand writing specialties businesses need today makes a huge difference. You can PROVE with confidence you've got what it takes. That's why I want to make sure you've heard about our [All-Access Certification Flex Pass]( — it allows you to take any of our popular Certifications you want, any time you want, for life! This is an amazing opportunity to get the knowledge and training you need to meet the wide demands in today's digital marketplace, and at a huge discount. You will be the "go-to" writer your clients turn to again and again. And you can watch your skills, earnings, and professional standing soar with every proof-laden Badge you collect! [>> You can get all the details on the Flex Pass here.]( To your success, Rebecca Matter President AWAI P.S. We know our Certifications work. We know the enormous impact collecting Badges can have on your skills and confidence — and on your ability to PROVE to prospective clients you've got what it takes. [Check out this special deal on our All-Access Certification Flex Pass today — the doors will be closing soon.]( Last Chance: Free Access to AMAZING Perks Through Writing Discover how to get everything for FREE, from weekend getaways to five-star meals to home improvement … Using ONLY your writing skills! The benefits that come with this kind of writing are limitless. You'll learn why this is and how to get these bonuses yourself in our special report, 130 Amazing Perks and Freebies for Barefoot Writers — yours FREE when you subscribe to Barefoot Writer. (Hurry — discount expires tonight!) [Save Now — Click Before Midnight]( What's Hot at AWAI … 👉 Access Closing SOON: [Our most extensive Mastery & Certification Badges lineup EVER!]( 🤑 Are you uncomfortable talking about money? [Watching this could help!]( 🤔 [What do you value most? Does your career support those values?]( 🤩 [New Jersey man turns writing sideline into a full-time income.]( 👀 Looking for the perfect niche for new writers? This might be the one for you. [Watch this interview today.]( 😃 [Why you learn faster with a group …]( Y-E-S to a new J-O-B [Social media post about getting a job] Congrats, Annette! Don't worry, your secret is safe with us and we bet Ilise is proud as well. 😄 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! Free Training: A New Model for Making Money as a Writer in 2023 and Beyond Friday, May 19 at 12 p.m. ET 👇 [Access Instructions Here]( Your ALL-ACCESS Key — Just $1! Get instant access to this exclusive B2B writing community and ALL their private resources, including … All the success roadmaps … All the writing templates … All the articles … All the how-to videos … All 150+ training webinars … The Forum, the Job Board, the tutorials, the tools … And much more! [Go Here for More Details]( Featured Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: --------------------------------------------------------------- Associate Copywriter — Rue Gilt Groupe Full-time, Boston, MA Work collaboratively and constructively with other members on the team, including Senior Copywriters, Marketing Managers, Merchants, Art Directors, Designers, Production, and Brand Operations. --------------------------------------------------------------- Part-Time Copywriter — Mojenta Part-time, San Diego, CA Write copy (web, social media, email marketing, blogs, e-books, etc.) for a variety of clients in the telecom, IT, and/or cloud industries. --------------------------------------------------------------- Freelance Writer — IAPWE Part-time, Manhattan, NY Our organization is seeking content writers to create articles and blog posts on a variety of topics. --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? 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