So many writing projects to choose from

A simple way forward is to start at the top [The Writer’ s Life]( July 11, 2023 "The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways." – Robert Greene Hi {NAME}, For your fastest start as a writer, we often suggest you FOCUS … Follow One Course Until Successful. Starting with a single, easy-to-learn skill will give you the best momentum in the shortest amount of time. That focus will help you learn a skill, gain experience, and help give you an easier time attracting and landing clients … You'll know exactly who you're servicing with your writing and what problem you solve for them. And of course from there, things naturally evolve … Whether you decide to learn the skill needed to write something else they need help with, or they simply ask, "We also need x written. Can you do that too?" (Side note — say yes! We have every training program you could possibly need to take on any project.) It might be a case study, a lead magnet, a video script, or a white paper. There's a wide variety of copywriting and content projects they might need written. So, whatever "x" is to your client, your answer can be, "Yes, I can do that for you." And that's how your business will naturally grow. To help you better understand how all of today's in-demand projects fit together, Pam Foster created a Copywriting-Content Continuum with four stages that she outlines in today's article. It will help you understand the spectrum of copy projects you could be writing for good money as you branch out. This week, we're digging into Stage 1 … attracting new prospects to a company. Without prospects, a business can't sell … and without sales, a business can't survive. When you're a writer who can deliver this never-ending need for new prospects (also called leads), you're a rainmaker … making you invaluable! But what's more, this role sets you up for other writing projects all the way across the Continuum … Because when you're capable of generating leads, it's assumed you're the best writer to keep the conversation going … to keep the leads engaged and prepare them for the sale. Of course, where YOU decide to start getting paid to write is entirely up to you … And as Pam will show you in today's issue, ALL paths lead to more assignments. If you've yet to "get in the game," I strongly encourage you to join our popular Barefoot Writer Club … Along with the training you need to get started, you'll have ongoing support as you navigate all the options you have to make great money as a writer. [>> Go here now to get all the details and grab $363 worth of additional bonuses.]( To your success, Rebecca Matter President AWAI Now Accepting New Members Ready to claim the ultimate "YES" writing career? - Yes! Take charge of your projects. (Goodbye, bosses!) - Yes! Schedule your day as you see fit. - Yes! Work from the comfort of home. - Yes! Give yourself a raise every month. - Yes! Take a vacation whenever you please. - Yes! Be there for the moments that matter. Thousands of others have already done it. Now it's your turn. [Claim Your Freedom Now]( Freelance Writing Opportunities for All Stages of the Customer Journey By Pam Foster [female freelance writer working on laptop] In the marketing world, there's a common phrase to indicate the customer acquisition and retention process. It's called the customer journey (or sometimes the buyer journey). SurveyMonkey.com defines the customer journey as this: " … the complete sum of experiences that customers go through when interacting with your company and brand. Instead of looking at just a part of a transaction or experience, the customer journey documents the full experience of being a customer." While this journey involves many factors unrelated to copywriting — such as customer service, shipping and returns, product quality, etc. — clear, solution-focused, and inviting communications are essential along the way! As a freelance writer, you can help your clients foster satisfying customer interactions through all stages of the customer journey, with messages that resonate and keep them happy. And you can make a great living as a result. To see what I mean, let's break down the above definition to walk you through the four main stages of "being a customer." Take a look at this handy AWAI Copywriting-Content Continuum graphic to get an idea of all the projects clients need to make the journey as smooth and delightful as possible — moving prospects from awareness to buyer to a happy customer. [AWAI Copywriting Content Continuum graphic] [Download a printable version here!]( As you can see, the "journey" begins way before a person becomes a customer. So how do each of these stages work, exactly? Let's take a closer look … Stage 1: Content that Builds Traffic/Awareness/Leads Most companies don't enjoy "top of mind" awareness with their potential customers unless they're well-known brands such as FedEx, Pepsi, Salesforce, etc. Therefore, most companies need to connect with prospects by publishing appealing content that's 100% relevant to what they're searching for. For instance, if a prospect is searching on Google for "affordable wedding ideas," and your client is a company that sells wedding décor, invitations, bridal party gifts, etc. — you could publish a super-helpful blog post for them, such as "10 Affordable and Charming Wedding Ideas for Any Budget." This will attract prospects and bring awareness to the client's offerings. There are two main ways businesses use writing to attract prospects: - Content: Helpful and uniquely informative blog posts, free reports, case studies, videos, newsletters, web pages, podcasts, press releases, and more … - Paid Advertising: Online ads placed in Google search results, websites, social media, e-newsletters, and other media. Traditional media ads (radio, TV, magazines, etc.) are also part of this mix. This may be your biggest area of opportunity because most of these methods never end! Companies need to continuously publish amazing content and test different ads to bring in more and more prospects. Generate leads for your clients and you can be their hero while earning a steady income. Stage 2: Copy Linking to a Direct Sales Page This is the stage where prospects are now aware of what the client does, but they haven't bought anything yet. Perhaps they gave your client their email address in exchange for a free report, free newsletter, or other no-obligation connection. Whatever it is, the client will need your help to make sure that the requested item is just as great as the first content that attracted those prospects. In addition, you'll need to make sure you're directing those prospects toward products and services they may love so they BUY something. Using that wedding client again, let's say you helped your client with a campaign to sign up prospects for a free "Affordable Wedding Ideas" e-newsletter sent out once a week. Each e-newsletter (you'll be writing) includes free tips and stories, but also a special discount or other offer on a great wedding product. Prospects like that offer and click to the next stage. Stage 3: Direct-Sales Copy (Buy/Order Now) At this stage, prospects have seen a product, service, or other offers they like … and they want to see if it's truly for them. They might even have their credit card in their hand at this point, just about ready to buy. But first, prospects need to be convinced, without hesitation, that this is the right solution for them. This stage involves sales letters (online and direct mail), product sales pages (think of e-commerce or catalog sites), ads, and more … leading to an immediate purchase. As a freelance writer, you can make sales happen at this point with unique, benefit-rich copywriting that's irresistible to prospects. The copy is helping the prospect picture himself enjoying the promise and benefits of that product … with proof that it's real … and with a satisfaction guarantee. Imagine what you can do for clients in this stage: bring in the big bucks! Once a prospect becomes a customer, they move to the next stage … Stage 4: Retention Copy and Content The customer journey isn't complete when a sale is made. Your client will need to help those customers understand how to use whatever they purchased. Plus, they need to keep those customers informed and enjoying all the benefits that were promised. And those happy customers will likely enjoy OTHER products or services your client offers. This means there's an ongoing need to communicate with customers in delightful ways, to retain them. You can help your client do just that through exclusive "insider" e-newsletters, emails, social media groups, webinars, and much more. This is just a partial glimpse into all the marketing materials you can be writing for a single client throughout the customer journey. If you want to be prepared for whatever materials your clients need written, you should check out AWAI's All-Access Certification Flex Pass, which gives you full access to the Mastery & Certification Training programs AWAI offers — at a special rate. [Check it out today!]( Now's the ideal time, because you'll also be one of the first to access the most anticipated (and valuable) LIVE Mastery & Certification Training yet. You'll have the opportunity to become the writer every business turns to when they need to find new customers to GROW their business. [Discover more about this exciting, high-paying "Stage 1" skill here.]( What's Hot at AWAI … 🤷 ♀️ Do you know what your next step should be? [First, watch this and get the answer.]( 😉 [Then check out our Certification bundle which allows you to take ANY Certification … talk about diversification options!]( 👀 Did you watch yesterday's Monday's Morning Jumpstart on three essentials for business growth? [Catch it here!]( 🤓 [How to impress and win over web writing clients with Certifications.]( 🤩 [Corporate escapee propels himself into the writer's life.]( 😄 "The best decision I ever made for my career." [Find out what it was here.]( From Teacher to Writer to "Rainmaker" [For trained teacher Rachael Kraft, AWAI’ s Copywriting Success & Getting Clients Bootcamp was a game changer in helping her transition to a new career as a graphic designer and writer] For trained teacher Rachael Kraft, AWAI's Copywriting Success & Getting Clients Bootcamp was a game changer in helping her transition to a new career as a graphic designer and writer. Describing her first Bootcamp, she said, "When I saw people going up on stage and getting $1,000 checks — and even $10,000 checks — I thought, 'I want to be up there. I want to do that.'" So she amped up her copywriting training, and her second time at the event, Rachael won a Copy Challenge and her own trip to the stage for a $1,000 check. She won another $250 spec at her third Bootcamp, and yet another $1,000 spec at her fifth. And at her fourth Bootcamp, she was hired by a client to craft sales copy. Another win! Then she discovered she could write lead magnets — specialized copy that was fast and easy to learn, and needed by virtually every business on earth. Today, Rachael is one of the most sought-after lead-generation experts in our industry … earning the roughly $5,000 each that a typical "rainmaker" campaign commands on average. If you'd like to find out more about how a "rainmaker" can earn thousands of dollars writing just four simple and fun copy projects, [go here](. If you're not yet signed up for this year's Bootcamp, don't miss your chance to grab a seat. [You'll find all the details here!]( 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! "Fail to plan, and you plan to fail." With so many options … so many opportunities open to you … so many paths you can follow — no statement rings truer when it comes to your career as a well-paid writer! Success is so much easier when you have a proven, step-by-step plan to follow. But you don't want just "any" plan. You want the Perfect Plan … Which is exactly what we'll help you create LIVE at our first-ever "Perfect Plan" Workshop happening this Friday (July 14) at 11 a.m. Eastern Time! Join AWAI Executive Director Katie Yeakle and her special guests as they help you build the ultimate personalized step-by-step plan for kick-starting and growing your writing business! DON'T MISS IT! [RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE!]( Full Access for Just $1!!! This free blueprint shows you how to make $2,500 to $8,000 a month as a writer. And for just a buck, you'll gain access to every resource you'll need to execute that blueprint. 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 … All of it! [Check It Out Now]( Featured Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: Contract Copywriter — LaSalle Network Contractor, Chicago, IL Write long-form copy for external materials for parents, guardians, and large-scale donors. --------------------------------------------------------------- Copywriter — Clevertech Part-time, Remote Write clear, attractive copy with a distinct voice. We want our content to be exciting, attractive, and "in the now." The goal would be to grow our audience. --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Copywriter, Creative — O.H. Partners Full-time, Phoenix, AZ The Senior Copywriter is responsible for taking a creative brief and generating original copy ideas that grab the attention of the target audience. --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. 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